Tanaka Pitches A Gem — 1 Down, 2 To Go

October 9, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

masahiro

That was as exciting a 1-0 game as you’ll ever see.

With their back against the wall, the Yankees turned to their 155 million dollar man. It’s hard to earn an entire contract in 1 start, but Masahiro Tanaka came pretty close. Tanaka dazzled a sold-out Yankee Stadium, pitching an absolute gem:

7 innings, 3 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, and 7 strikeouts

He outdueled Cleveland Indians’ hurler, Carlos Carrasco. Carrasco was strong through 5 and 2/3 innings but lost his control in the 6th inning (issuing 3 walks). Despite Carrasco keeping the Yankees off the scoreboard, they did have the leadoff hitter on base in the 3rd and 6th inning.

Has the term ‘small-ball’ been wiped out of the baseball dictionary??

*This isn’t revisionist history.

I turned to my friend Michael during the 3rd and 6th inning, and said, “Hey, remember when players used to bunt in this situation?” He completely agreed, especially in a pitcher’s duel, that a bunt would have been the smart play. What happened next, both times???? That’s right, A DOUBLE PLAY!!

The 6th and 7th innings would prove to be crucial in the outcome of this elimination game. With 1 out and 1 on, Francisco Lindor hit a fly ball to deep right field. And as nonchalantly as one could possibly rob a home-run, the seemingly 9-foot tall, Aaron Judge, reached over the wall and brought 2 runs back in the park.

It was like that scene in an animated film when the ordinary man transforms into a 40-foot giant in seconds.

Tanaka, and Lindor, reacted in the only way they could, the ‘tip of their cap’.

Hit the fast forward button to the bottom of the 7th inning. The Yankees were finally able to capitalize, on a Greg Bird, leadoff, moonshot to right field. There’s jacked up, and then there’s JACKED UP….Click here.

I wasn’t in the building, but all accounts from those in attendance drew parallels to the electrifying 1990’s and early 2000’s Yankees. There’s nothing comparable to a stadium, filled to the brim, with 50,291 screaming fans — in the Bronx.

So, the Yankees live to fight another day. Weather permitting, that day will be today. 1st pitch is currently set for 7:08 P.M. EST., but the forecast calls for rain to stop at approximately 8:00 P.M. EST. Take a nap today, for we may be in store for a long evening.

Projected Starters: Luis Severino vs. Trevor Bauer

Their last starts were polar opposites. Bauer ran through the Yankees in Game 1 of the ALDS, allowing just 2 hits in 6 and 2/3 innings. Severino lasted just 1/3 of an inning, getting shelled by the Twins in the AL Wild Card Game.

The ultimate question is: Which Luis Severino will show up to Yankee Stadium tonight??

The Yankees’ season, hangs in the balance….

Prediction: Yankees 6, Indians 4

Who do you think will win tonight?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:10 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

Yankees Forget Their Bats In New York, Shutout By Indians

October 6, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

jay bruce home run

Well that didn’t go as planned.

The New York Yankees fell to the Cleveland Indians 4-0 in Game 1 of the ALDS.

We interrupt this regularly scheduled program, to bring you the inner monologue of a Yankees’ fan:

“3?? 3 GODDAMN HITS?! That’s all you could come up with?? WHAT THE HELL?! Man, I stayed up past 10 o’ clock for this, the least you could have done was score A run. They didn’t even have their best pitcher on the mound!! Now we’re really screwed!!”

Thursday night’s pitching matchup, Sonny Gray vs. Trevor Bauer, was the topic of conversation heading into Game 1. Indians Manager, Terry Francona, opted to start Bauer rather than Corey Kluber, against conventional wisdom. Boy does he look like a genius today. Bauer was lights out!! He made a potent Yankees’ lineup look pedestrian.

Bauer’s Performance: 6 and 2/3 innings, 2 hits, 0 runs, 8 strikeouts, and 1 walk

What you may not realize, is Bauer has been one of the best pitchers in the league following the All-Star Break. Since July 21st, Bauer is 10-1 and brought his era down from 5.59 to 4.19. He has 2 primary pitches, fastball and curveball. His masterful curveball was on full display Thursday night. It starts high, looks like a fastball out of his hand, and drops off the table at the last second. He had the entire Yankees’ lineup befuddled, especially Aaron Judge. Mr. Judge earned himself a ‘Golden Sombrero’ last night (4 strikeouts in 1 game).

As for Sonny Gray, he wasn’t good. He was wild, walking 4 batters in 3 and 1/3 innings. And he didn’t have an answer for former Mets’ slugger, Jay Bruce. Bruce had himself a day, going 2 for 3 with 3 rbi’s. I’ve always said, the best career move you’ll ever make is leaving the Mets….

There’s never a bad time to take a cheap shot at the Mets is there?

Anyway, the Yankees don’t have time to make fun of the Mets. With Game 2 less than 12 hours away, they need to get focused. Devising a plan to score a run against Corey Kluber wouldn’t be a bad idea either. Facing Kluber, the AL Cy Young Award favorite, is no walk in the park. He is a strikeout machine, who averaged 7 innings per start this season. Check out his amazing stats here.

The Yankees’ countermeasure is CC Sabathia. CC had a great year, considering he’s 97, but I’m not sure he’s the answer here. At this point in his career he’s clearly outmatched by the Indians’ lineup, Corey Kluber, and virtually everyone in the ballpark, but the hope is his age and experience can counteract the countless obstacles staring him in the face.

Maybe this is the optimistic Yankees’ fan in me talking, but sometimes things happen in sports that make no sense. CC Sabathia outdueling Corey Kluber and mowing down a solid Indians’ lineup would be one of those things.

Crazier things have happened.

Sorry heart. Today, brain has prevailed.

Indians 5, Yankees 3

You can catch the action at the odd time of 5:00 P.M. EST on MLB Network.

Who do you think will win Game 2?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

Young Yanks Blast Their Way To The ALDS

October 4, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

yankees wild card

Shock.

Resiliency.

Awe.

Apparently these are the 3 stages of watching the Yankees.

Yankees’ fans across the globe spent the first 20 minutes of Tuesday night’s AL Wild Card Game picking their jaws up from the floor. A leadoff home run by Brian Dozier stunned the capacity crowd at Yankee stadium. Luis Severino, making his postseason debut, quickly returned to the mound, looking to work past the early blunder. Little did he know, the ensuing Joe Mauer pop-out would be the only out he’d record.

Walk.

2-run home run.

Single.

Double.

Not your ideal outing.

Yankees’ manager, Joe Girardi, turned to Chad Green to play the part of savior, with runners on 2nd and 3rd and 1 out. Girardi most likely mumbled, “Good luck pal!” under his breath as he left the mound. Bringing in a relief pitcher in this scenario is like a general stranding his last soldier on an island when there was clearly time to rescue him.

Many are applauding Girardi for pulling Severino so quickly. I’m sorry, I thought applause was meant for exemplary action?? Not only was pulling Severino the only move, it was a move made 1 batter too late.

But Dave, it worked!! Why are you killing Girardi for a decision that worked?? Just because I can make a shot from half-court, doesn’t mean it was a good decision. In a 1-game elimination format, there is no tomorrow. Anyone watching Severino pitch could see he didn’t have it Tuesday night. This is not about feelings or emotions. It’s not about taxing the bullpen. It’s do or die. Win or go play golf. While the Yankees can put up numbers in a hurry, a 5-run deficit is not the same as a 3-run deficit.

While there were many enormous moments in Tuesday night’s game, none was bigger than Green striking out Byron Buxton and Jason Castro to shut the door on the top of the 1st inning.

Chad Green was the MVP of Tuesday night’s game.

Green re-energized the crowd, but Didi Gregorious re-defined energy in the bottom of the 1st inning. The crowd erupted the instant Didi connected with a 3-run home run that soared into the cool, Bronx air. It was an incredible moment that won’t soon be forgotten. Brett Gardner would put the Yankees ahead 4-3 in the bottom of the 2nd inning with a home run of his own. After the Twins evened the score at 4 in the top of the 3rd inning, it was all Yankees the rest of the way.

With the Yankees already up 5-4, Aaron Judge did what Aaron Judge does, he sent a ball into the bleachers. A ball that reached the bleachers in 3.72 seconds!! This put the Yankees up 7-4. And the Twins wanted to make sure Aroldis Chapman didn’t get a save, so they walked in a run, bringing the final score to 8-4.

While Chad Green stalled the Twins rally at the biggest moment of the game, the entire Yankees’ bullpen was the MVP of this game. David Robertson was phenomenal, providing 3 and 1/3 scoreless innings. He handed the baton to Tommy Kahnle who gave the Yanks 2 and 1/3 scoreless innings of his own. And in the last leg of the relay race, Aroldis Chapman struck out 3 in a scoreless 9th inning.

Game over.

Now, the Yankees head to Cleveland to take on the Indians (AL’s Best Record). Game 1 of the AL Division Series (Best-of-5) will start @ 7:30 P.M. EST on Thursday.

Let’s Go Yankees!!!!

Did you stay awake for last night’s game?? Who will win the ALDS?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

Do Or Die In The Bronx!!

October 3, 2017October 3, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 4 Comments

2017-AL-Wild-Card-preview-Upstart-Minnesota-Twins-New-York-Yankees-set-for-wild-card-game_f

It’s do or die! Win or go home! All or nothing! This one’s for all the marbl….Well, you get it. Tonight, the New York Yankees (91-71) will host the Minnesota Twins (85-77) in the American League Wild Card Game. In this 1-game elimination format, tonight’s winner will take on the Cleveland Indians in the Division Series.

Don’t worry, my prediction is coming. First I must let my inner Lewis Black out….

I HATE THE 1-GAME WILD CARD FORMAT!!!!

I know, I know, hate is a very strong word, but when applicable, I’ll throw it out there. This format pins 2 teams against each other in a 1-game, winner take all format. This works in the NFL for a multitude of reasons, but there’s no place for it in a sport like baseball. In MLB, the regular season consists of 162 games. The majority of teams and players go through slumps as well as hot streaks, but generally regress to the mean.

Baseball is a game of series’. Best-of-3 or 4 in the regular season, best-of-5 or 7 in the postseason. The point is, any team, on any given day, can win a baseball game. The San Francisco Giants had the worst record in MLB this season (64-98), while the Los Angeles Dodgers had the best record (104-58). The Giants beat the Dodgers 8 times!! However, they played each other 19 times (being in the same division), and the better team prevailed over time. I’m not suggesting every postseason series be best-of-7. I live in reality, and I’m aware of the logistics of travel and playing baseball in November, but this has to change. At the bare minimum, give me a best-of-3 series.

Oh yeah, there’s a game to talk about….

The Yankees are better than the Twins in every conceivable way, but all it takes is 1 pitching gem from Ervin Santana, and the Yankees’ season is over. That won’t happen tonight. Seemingly everyone on the Yankees’ roster contributed to their 91-win season, including Luis Severino (who will take the hill tonight), however no one was more vital to the Yankees’ success than Aaron Judge. Judge is the runaway AL Rookie of the Year, and is in a 2-man race for AL MVP (Jose Altuve).

The question asked of Judge, isn’t if he has the skill set, rather, can he handle the pressure??

There will be no bigger test than tonight.

The regular season in New York inherently shines brightly, however, the spotlight shines brightest in October (or November), in the Bronx. We are going to learn a lot about Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, and Luis Severino this evening. Will they fall or take this talented Yankees’ team to new heights??

I know who MLB is rooting for. I’m not a biased Yankees’ fan, but ratings are ratings. No one, outside of Minnesota and Cleveland, would tune in to that ALDS. There’s a reason why the Yankees’ hat travels more than any other.

Luis Severino will parlay his successful regular season into a quality start: 6 innings, 5 hits, 3 earned runs, 7 k’s, and 1 walk. Girardi will then go through his robotic 7th, 8th, and 9th inning moves; Robertson, Betances, Chapman. If, on the odd chance Dave is wrong, and Severino gets in early trouble, Girardi will either bring in another starter, or get the ball to Tommy Kahnle or Chad Green. This game will be a microcosm of Aaron Judge’s season. Expect him to draw a walk, strikeout, and hit a baseball really, really far….

Prediction: Yankees 8, Twins 4

Tune in to ESPN tonight @ 8:00 P.M. EST to catch the action.

Who do you think will win?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

I Could Get Used To Curtain Calls

September 27, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

aaron judge record

We are fans. Fans of ‘our’ teams. Fans of our favorite players. Fans of history. No matter your sports allegiance, being part of history is attainable for anyone. All those who have tuned in, or gone to a Major League Baseball game this season are part of history — whether they know it or not.

This season, a league-wide record was set. MLB players have combined for the most home runs in a season in MLB history. The running tally is now at 5,953, breaking the previous record of 5,693 (2000). While many players have contributed to this record (517 players hit at least 1 home run), 1 man broke individual records along the way.

“It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s Superm…”.

Naaaa, it’s Aaron James Judge.

On Monday afternoon, Aaron Judge sent 2 balls into the stands in Yankee Stadium, bringing his home run total to 50 on the season. These however, weren’t any old, garden variety home runs. Judge’s 50th home run broke Mark McGwire’s 30-year old rookie record for home runs in a season. Yes my math wizards, bring down the 7, and you’ll arrive at 1987.

Ah 1987. “Full House”. “Lethal Weapon”. Black Monday. Good year.

Judge’s accomplishments are nothing short of amazing. Early in the season, he surpassed Joe DiMaggio’s rookie home run record. And now he’ll look to join the likes of Ichiro Suzuki and Fred Lynn. Ichiro and Lynn are the only 2 players in MLB history to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. Despite being thrust into the spotlight as a rookie, Judge has shown a refreshing sense of humility.

“I’d rather be in a good position in the playoffs and holding up a World Series trophy than an AL MVP trophy,” Judge said.

This speaks volumes to Judge’s character. He’s never looking to self-promote. He’s always about the team. In a generation of mirror huggers, I’d like to say, “Thank you Aaron Judge.”

If only every superstar in New York acted like Aaron Judge.

10, 7, 10, 7, 3, 13. Those would be Judge’s monthly home run totals. Yes, he slumped to an unenviable level in August, but that was the natural regression to be expected from a rookie in New York. If only someone had predicted this….

After a September to remember, Judge has also thrown himself back into the AL MVP race:

Aaron Judge: .283 avg., 50 hr’s, 109 rbi’s, 9 sb’s

Jose Altuve: .348 avg., 24 hr’s, 81 rbi’s, 32 sb’s

Mike Trout: .309, 31 hr’s, 70 rbi’s, 22 sb’s

Jose Altuve will most likely hoist the AL MVP trophy, however, the fact that Mike Trout is still in the conversation is the most amazing thing no one is talking about. Look at Trout’s numbers again. Now, realize he missed 47 GAMES THIS SEASON!!!! That’s 30% of the season!! His current statistics extrapolate to 44 hr’s, 100 rbi’s, and 31 sb’s. Yeah, those sound like MVP numbers to me too.

Despite Trout’s best effort, he and his Angels (78-79) will be watching the postseason from home. Altuve’s Astros (97-60) remain 1 game back of the Cleveland Indians (98-59) for the best record in the American League. Judge’s Yankees have clinched a postseason berth and are 3 games back of the Boston Red Sox with 5 games to play.

Hey, crazier things have happened….

Mets’ fans know what I’m talking about.

Should Aaron Judge win the AL Rookie of the Year and AL MVP?? Tell me in the comment section below.

Red Sox Clinch Playoff Berth (Boo!)

September 21, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

MLB: Boston Red Sox at Tampa Bay Rays

I don’t like you. No seriously, I really don’t like you. You keep winning when we want you to lose. And you continue to have fun while you win. How dare you?! This isn’t supposed to be fun!! This is baseball.

The Boston Red Sox have had a successful season — so far. They currently stand 3 games ahead of the New York Yankees in the American League East division. They clinched a playoff berth on Wednesday night after a combination of a win against the Baltimore Orioles (9-0), and an Angels loss (6-5). Also, Chris Sale (he’s good) became the 1st Red Sox pitcher to record 300 strikeouts in a season since Pedro Martinez (1999).

Even though Dustin Pedroia is still hanging around, the Red Sox have a new look. They’ve transitioned from the Pedro Martinez’ to the David Ortiz’ to the Mookie Betts’ of the world. They’re in the midst of a youth movement. And they’ve created their own version of the ‘Killer B’s’:

Betts (24)
Benintendi (23)
Bogaerts (24)
Bradley Jr. (27)

Only time will tell if this group will be as good as Biggio, Bagwell, Berkman, and Bell. I’m going to say Naaaaa, considering that group has 2 Hall of Famers in it. But these young players have had a great season. What’s most impressive is their resolve this late in the season. While their arch nemesis Yankees have won 14 of their last 18 games, the Red Sox have managed to win 11 of their last 14.

Did I mention I strongly dislike the Red Sox?!

It’s not that the Red Sox are winning, it’s how they’re winning. Over this stretch, they have won 4 games in extra innings (11, 11, 15, and 19 innings!). If those games had gone the other way, the AL East would be a completely different animal right now. As a Yankees’ fan, I’ve come to terms with not winning the division, but the Yankees are getting hot at the right time.

The Red Sox don’t want a piece of US right now.

Nobody does. When the Yankees’ lineup is firing on all cylinders, it is as dangerous as they come. Once they handle their business in the Wild Card Game against either the Twins or Angels, they can set their sites on the rest of the American League. And, who knows, maybe they’ll meet up with these pesky little Red Sox down the road. Betts and Benintendi are nice players, but my money’s on Judge, Sanchez, and company.

Who has a better young core of players, the Yankees, or the Red Sox??

Answer me in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

What A Wild Wednesday!!

August 17, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

aaron judge 3

Who knew a Wednesday in August could provide so much entertainment?? From idiot doctors to MONSTER home run blasts, Wednesday provided as much fun as one guy can handle.

Misdiagnosis

There’s being bad at your job, and then there’s being BAAAAAAADDDD at your job. As the orthopedists for an NFL team, your only job is to properly diagnose players’ injuries and occasionally perform surgery — that’s it! Apparently, New Orleans Saints’ orthopedists Deryk Jones and Misty Suri couldn’t even do that. Jones and Suri misdiagnosed an injury to Saints’ #1 cornerback Delvin Breaux. Their official diagnosis was Breaux was dealing with a bone bruise, when in fact he FRACTURED HIS FIBULA!!!! WOW!! I mean, just WOW!! That’s like the school nurse sending you back to class with a bag of ice, when you have a bone sticking out of your arm.

Needless to say, Jones and Suri were promptly fired. Now, Jones and Suri are also the team doctors for the New Orleans Pelicans of the NBA, so it’ll be interesting to see what route they take with these 2 geniuses.

That Ball Went Reeeaaalllyyy Far!!

The game was tied at 1. It was the top of the 4th inning. Mets’ pitcher, Robert Gsellman, actually looked like a MLB starter through 3 innings of Game 3 of the Subway Series at CitiField. And then Aaron Judge happened. Aaron Judge hit a home run to left field that may be in orbit at the moment. Judge has struggled since the All-Star Break, but his power remains undeniable. “My logic is undeniable.” $20 bucks to anyone who knows what movie that’s from…..

Anyway, you have to see this blast to fully appreciate it, so click here and enjoy. HOLY CRAP!! Right?? ESPN measured that bad boy at 457 feet, but I’m calling for a re-measure. The best part of the video, depending on your team-allegiance, is Yoenis Cespedes’ reaction. Re-watch the video and you’ll notice Cespedes doesn’t move an inch or even turn around. He simply knew that baseball was destined for space travel.

Not My Kind Of Record

Aaron Judge’s evening wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies. Despite hitting a monstrous home run, and going 2 for 5, Judge landed on the wrong side of the record books. Judge has now struck-out in 33 consecutive games. This is the longest streak, by a non-pitcher, in MLB history. He surpassed strikeout machine, Adam Dunn.

The question is, how many more games in a row will Judge strikeout??

Screw You Trevor Rosenthal

As a Yankees’ fan, I know how important the outcome of Boston Red Sox games are, especially in August. With a Yankees’ W firmly in the books Wednesday evening, my attention turned to the Red Sox game. They trailed the St. Louis Cardinals 4-2 in the bottom of the 9th inning. Here comes Cardinals’ closer, Trevor Rosenthal. A 1-2-3 inning would have been too much to ask for, right?? Instead, Rosenthal thought it would be a better idea to give up 2 runs without recording an out. Yay!! So rather than the Yankees cutting a game off the Red Sox’ lead in the AL East, they remain 4.5 games back. Thanks Mr. Rosenthal. Ya jerk!!

What were you watching on Wednesday night?? Tell me about it in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

Yankees’ Bullpen Falters LATE

August 14, 2017August 14, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees

Screw you ESPN!! You and your bags full of money. You’re the reason I only got 4 hours of sleep last night. Watch out Monday!! I am one sleep-deprived, ornery Yankees’ fan.

Listen, I’m an ESPN child. I grew up on a balanced diet of Sportscenter and top 10’s, and if ESPN offered me a job I’d drop everything and run to Bristol, CT, but they’re killin’ me here!! Sunday Night Baseball is not a smart idea. Starting a baseball game at 8:00 P.M (which is really 8:15), on a Sunday, is not fair to anyone who works — anywhere. But nobody wants to hear my sob story, right??

What do you say we talk about the game?? Ya know, since I stayed up to watch the whole freakin’ thing….

Sunday night’s Yankees/Red Sox Game was a rubber match of a 3-game series. A series I thought the Yankees would win. Not because I’m a Yankees’ fan, but because the Yankees tend to step-up their game when the Red Sox come to town. Unfortunately, Dave was wrong.

The Yankees put forth a lackluster performance throughout this crucial, weekend-series with the Boston Red Sox. Forget the rivalry, these games were really important. And without a 5-run, 8th inning on Friday night, the city of Boston would be carrying brooms around this morning.

The Yankees had a chance to do something rare Sunday night — win a game Chris Sale started. Sale is the Red Sox ace who is currently in the Cy Young and MVP race.

We’re going to fast forward to the 9th inning because there are only so many Sale strikeouts a Yankees’ fan can watch (he had 12 of them). Aroldis Chapman took the hill with a 2-1 lead. 103 m.p.h. looks really nice on the radar gun (ESPN will make sure you find it), but when MLB hitters know it’s coming, it’s not that impressive. Give me 98 with movement over 103 right down the middle any day. Rafael Devers, the youngest of the Red Sox young guns, proved that theory. With 1 out in the 9th inning, Devers tied the game with a solo home run. Devers took a Chapman fastball the opposite way, just clearing the fence in left-center field. To see the heart-breaking home run click here.

Just like that, the game was blown. By the way, half of Chapman’s blown saves this season are against the Red Sox, the last coming on July 14th.

To the 10th inning we go….

This is when my (100 pound) eyelids started fighting with my brain. The Yankees can bolster their bullpen all they want, they will continue to shoot themselves in the foot. Before Andrew Benintendi drove in the go ahead run, Chapman and Tommy Kahnle thought it would be a good idea to walk the bases loaded. I couldn’t have planned it any better myself!!

And then came a visit to the mound from Craig Kimbrel (aka the best closer in baseball). An Aaron Hicks groundout, an Aaron Judge strikeout (man I’m tired of hearin’ that one), and a weak fly ball from Gary Sanchez was all it took. 1-2-3. Goodnight Yankees. Goodnight moon. Goodnight Dave.

But hey, at least the Mets are comin’ to town. Nothing cures a losing streak like playing the Mets….

Will the Yankees make the playoffs?? Do Sunday Night Baseball games anger you as much as they anger me?? Please tell me in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

Happy Birthday Mike Trout!!

August 8, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

mike trout 2

Doesn’t it seem like athletes always do something special on their birthday?? Well, the world’s best baseball player certainly followed that trend. Monday night, Mike Trout celebrated his 26th birthday. Yes, Mike Trout, the 2-time MVP, is only 26. And what better way to celebrate than collect your 1000th career hit, right??

Trout stepped to the plate to lead off the bottom of the 4th inning and promptly ripped a double down the left-field line (as pictured above). And just like that, Trout became one of the youngest players to reach 1000 hits. That distinction belongs to Ty Cobb (24 years, 145 days). Trout’s evening didn’t stop there. In the bottom of the 6th inning, Trout smashed a home-run off the left-field foul pole. Despite his historic evening, the Los Angeles Angels fell to the Baltimore Orioles 6-2.

While the Angels are 3 games under .500 (55-58), they stand just 3 games back of the 2nd Wild Card in the American League. Remember when there was only 1 Wild Card?? Better yet, do you remember when there was NO Wild Card?! Such a simpler time….

Anyway, it’s likely the Angels would be in a far better position to make the playoffs if Trout hadn’t gotten injured earlier in the season. Trout has missed 45 of the Angels’ 113 games this year thanks to a torn ligament in his thumb and a minor hamstring issue.

The craziest thing is Mike Trout still has a chance to win the AL MVP. There are only 3 players in the running for AL MVP:

1.) Jose Altuve – .364/16 hr/63 rbi/24 sb

2.) Aaron Judge – .299/35 hr/78 rbi/6 sb

3.) Mike Trout – .346/23 hr/52 rbi/ 13 sb

Jose Altuve is the most underrated player in MLB. Standing just 5’6″ tall, Altuve is a 5-tool player. He is the best player, on the best team, in the American League. If the season ended today, Altuve would undoubtedly be the AL MVP.

Aaron Judge is having a historical season. He is running away with the AL Rookie of the Year Award, and despite his current slump is still entrenched in the race for the AL MVP. The next 52 games will test Judge’s ability to handle adversity, in the Fall, in New York.

Mike Trout remains the best baseball player in the world. Trout’s impressive stat-line through 68 games speaks to his unparalleled talent level. Trout, when healthy, will always be in the MVP race, however, it’ll be interesting to see how the MVP voters judge (see what I did there?) Trout if he continues this pace down the stretch.

To see Mike Trout’s incredible career stats, click here.

Trout’s next milestone is rapidly approaching, as he is just 9 home runs shy of 200. We shouldn’t have to wait until his 27th birthday for that.

Can Mike Trout still win the AL MVP?? Who do you think will win the AL MVP?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

A Thursday For The Ages

July 28, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

brett gardner

Beware of Flying Helmets

“See ya!!” No 2 words have ever been more recognizable in the world of baseball. Just after 11:00 p.m. on Thursday night, Yankees’ announcer Michael Kay’s voice carried through a humid, Summer night alongside a Brett Gardner long-drive. In the bottom of the 11th inning, Gardner took an Andrew Kittredge breaking-ball deep to right field. And the celebration was on!! A dramatic, walk-off victory (6-5) over the division rival, Tampa Bay Rays is reason to celebrate. Someone, however, should teach the Yankees to exercise caution when jumping up and down on home plate.

In the midst of the raucous celebration, rookie sensation, Aaron Judge, took some friendly fire. Judge caught a helmet right in the kisser, which resulted in a chipped tooth. You can check out the video of the celebration here. It appears that Gardner’s helmet grew legs and jumped off Austin Romine’s back directly into Aaron Judge’s mouth. Judge can be seen immediately grabbing his Michael Strahan-esque smile as he head straight for the locker room. Judge should be fine, but it’s the condition of his signature, gap-toothed smile I’m worried about.

Oh Football

It is insane Colin Kaepernick doesn’t have a job in the NFL. Now, before you jump down my throat, listen closely. You don’t have to agree with Kaepernick’s actions over the past year. Hell, you don’t even have to like him. But, you can’t deny that Kaepernick is qualified to play in the NFL. Forget the fact that he’s better than a portion of the STARTING quarterbacks in the league, but at the start of training camp, most teams carry 4 or 5 quarterbacks. So you’re telling he’s not better than ALL 160 quarterbacks entering NFL training camps?! If you believe that, you’re not being honest with yourself.

Now, just as Kaepernick has the RIGHT to kneel during the National Anthem, NFL owners have the RIGHT not to hire him. This would be all well and good, except for the fact that NFL owners are the biggest hypocrites in the world (thanks to public perception of course). NFL owners have no problem employing murderers, rapists, wife-beaters, dog killers and drug addicts, but ohhhhh nooooo, there is no way we are hiring this protester.

Again, I understand both sides of the debate here, but isn’t it wild how selectively forgiving our society is??

In other football news, Odell Beckham Jr. thought Day 1 of training camp was a good time to tell the world he wants to be the highest paid player in the NFL. Good for you buddy. Now shut up, and go do your job!!

At least Beckham showed up to training camp, unlike fellow NFL star LeVeon Bell. Bell, one of the NFL’s top rushers, is holding out for a lucrative, long-term contract. Yeah, this should end well….

The Rich Get Richer

This is scary. As dominant as the Golden State Warriors were last season, they’ve somehow improved. It’s true. They spent this offseason re-signing every important role player (Shaun Livingston and Andre Iguodala), and they brought in new reserves in the form of Nick Young and Omri Caspri. As if that wasn’t enough, they spent Thursday re-signing Javale McGee to a veteran’s minimum contract (1-year, $2.1 million). So let’s grab that remote from Adam Sandler’s blockbuster-flop, Click, and fast forward through another NBA season. Barring a major injury to 1 or 2 of the Warriors’ core players, they will, without a doubt, be hoisting the trophy next June.

Why watch if you already know the outcome??

What was the most exciting story from Thursday?? Tell me all about it in the comment section below.

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