Tag: AL East

Red Sox Clinch Playoff Berth (Boo!)

~ 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!!

 

If Only These Thursday Night Games Didn’t Suck

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

tnf

I must start today by sending my thoughts and prayers to anyone dealing with the effects of the earthquake that hit Mexico yesterday. This earthquake shook central Mexico, bringing devastation to Mexico City, as well as millions of people in surrounding areas. Sports is my passion, but it is not as important as family, and health, and happiness. Sports can also serve as an outlet, so hopefully I’m helping someone get through their day.

Mediocrity is Coming

“Are you ready for some football?!” I mean, crappy football? Thursday is almost here, which means we have a nearly unwatchable matchup on the horizon.

Door opens….

San Francisco enters.

Thursday Night Football has been kind enough to present the Los Angeles Rams vs. the San Francisco 49ers. How gracious?! The Rams are the superior team, however, it is a road, divisional game (never easy). I’ll be going to bed early tomorrow evening. But for those willing to watch simply because the NFL is on TV, enjoy watching an ugly, low-scoring affair. Tune into NFL Network @ 8:25 P.M. EST to endure the torture.

The Race for Nothing

Did you know there was a time when MLB didn’t have a Wild Card?? And do you remember when there was only 1 Wild Card?? Until 2012, when MLB implemented a 2nd Wild Card, teams would be eliminated from playoff contention way before September 20th (that’s today’s date for those who are paying attention). Regardless, MLB teams haven’t left much to race for this season. The Astros, Dodgers, Nationals, and Indians all clinched their divisions approximately 474 days ago. And all the Wild Cards are decided except two, the AL and NL 2nd Wild Card.

With 12 games remaining, can the Angels make up their 1.5 game deficit from the Twins?? And can the Brewers continue to take advantage of the Rockies downward spiral, and overcome a 1 game deficit??

I think both the Twins and Rockies get caught.

While this IS exciting, and this IS why MLB instituted the 2nd Wild Card, I’m not losing any sleep to watch Rockies and Brewers’ games. Sorry.

Yes, Golf Still Exists

And last, but not lea….Ahh, who am I kidding?? Of course golf is least. But I like it. So I’m talking about it.

Thursday marks the beginning of the final golf tournament of the FedEx Playoffs. The Tour Championship will be played from September 21st – September 24th and will determine the winner of the FedEx Cup. 30 of the world’s best golfers will battle it out for the right to be crowned champion. Mathematically, all 30 golfers remain in contention to win the FedEx Cup. Click here to see the scenario for each golfer to win.

While technically everyone CAN win, I’m not betting against Jordan Spieth (current leader). As long as Mr. Spieth is healthy and rolling them in, he’ll be my pick to win every week. Could golf possibly get more exciting?! IT’S PLAYOFF TIME BABY!!

 

Are you as excited about golf as I am?? How many minutes of Thursday Night Football will you watch?? Do you like, love, or hate the 2 Wild Card format in MLB??

Kindly answer my questions in the comment section below. Thanks!

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!!

 

 

 

Cheaters Never Prosper….

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 4 Comments

the-red-sox-used-an-apple-watch-to-steal-signs-from-the-yankees_1

You are a cheater!! I hope I didn’t send half of my audience running to a mirror in tears. No, I’m referring to the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox, wanting to be like big brother (New England Patriots), were caught stealing signs from the dugout. Reportedly, they used electronic communication from the dugout to steal opponents’ signs and relay them to players (Apple Watch style). This claim was brought to light when, who else but the New York Yankees, filed a formal complaint against their arch rival on July 18th. Major League Baseball’s investigation is under way and should be concluded before the end of the regular season.

Rob Manfred, MLB’s commissioner, summed it up in a way only MLB could. He said, “We actually do not have a rule against sign-stealing. It has been a part of the game for a very, very long time. To the extent that there was a violation of the rule here, it was a violation by one team that involved the use of electronic equipment. It’s the electronic equipment that creates the violation.”

So in layman’s terms, we’re okay with the cheating, we’re just not okay with how you cheated. SAY WHAT?!?! That’s like saying, I don’t mind that you robbed my store, I just wish you would have left the gun at home. If you had done it with a knife, I would have been a lot happier.

Am I missing something here????    

While this nonsense was being reported, we had actual baseball games going on. The Yankees were looking to cut into the Red Sox’ 2.5 game lead in the AL East. Up until about 10:00 P.M. EST, a 1.5 game lead with 24 to play seemed like a certainty. And then Robert Osuna happened. And then — Dellin Betances happened.

The Boston Red Sox played host to the Toronto Blue Jays Tuesday night. After 7 scoreless innings thrown by Marco Estrada, the Blue Jays’ bullpen carried a 2-0 lead to the bottom of the 9th inning. Blue Jays’ closer, Robert Osuna, came in to shut the door on the game. Not so much. Instead, he got the ball rolling on a devastating, 19 inning loss for the Blue Jays. Because nothing says blown save like a walk, a double, and 2 ground outs that both score runs. Yankees fans everywhere give you the finger….

From 1 blown save to the next. After Osuna coughed up the lead in Boston, Dellin Betances thought it would be a good idea to give up a walk-off home run to Manny Machado (his 2nd of the game). If you haven’t seen the meatball served up by Betances, click here. There are hanging curveballs, and then there’s that.

And today, the Yankees wake up 3.5 games back in the AL East with 0 games left against the Red Sox. Nice scheduling MLB!! The scary part is they are only 3 games ahead of the Twins in the AL Wild Card. In fact, the Angels, Twins, Royals, Mariners, Orioles, Rangers, and Rays are all within 5.5 games of the Yankees. Yikes!!

Who said baseball was boring??

How do you feel about the Red Sox stealing signs?? Are they cheaters?? What should their punishment be?? Tell 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!!

 

Yankees’ Bullpen Falters LATE

~ 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.

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!!

 

 

Yankees’ Sellin’ Days Are Over!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

frazier

Are we buyers or sellers?? Should we live for the moment or build toward the future?? Oh yeah, it’s that time of year again in Major League Baseball. The time when General Managers make decisions that determine their employment status. Every season there are teams who are clearly out of the playoff race (sellers) and teams clearly in the playoff race (buyers). Door opens..grey area enters. And then there are teams who are trying to figure out what to do with their lives. Many thought the New York Yankees fell into this unenviable area. Many would be wrong about that.

Tuesday night, the Yankees definitively become buyers in this year’s trade market, as they acquired 3 players from the Chicago White Sox. At 38-53, the White Sox hold the worst record in the American League. Selling off players who aren’t part of their long-term future is the right decision. The question is, are the Yankees making the right decision by trading prospects for players who can contribute now?? As with anything, only time will tell.

The Yankees acquired Todd Frazier, David Robertson, and Tommy Kahnle for Blake Rutherford, Ian Clarkin, Tito Polo, and Tyler Clippard. Todd Frazier is a third baseman with solid power and deceptive speed. He also possesses the ability to play first base. This all sounds great, but there must be a catch…. Oh, well, see the thing is, is ummmm..he’s hitting .207. .207?!?! Yup. No typo there. Now, Frazier’s career batting average is .247, so I’m sure he’ll slowly move that in the right direction, but expect Frazier to bring solid pop to an already dangerous lineup. He’s an expiring contract, so he’s a 2-month rental.

David Robertson, former Yankees’ closer, and Tommy Kahnle will provide much needed bullpen support. What was seen as the Yankees’ greatest strength at the start of the season, has become their biggest weakness. Robertson will most likely slide into the 7th inning role, while Kahnle will be a 6th inning, Swiss-Army Knife type reliever for the Yankees. Both relief pitchers are strikeout machines with live arms. Robertson is under contract through 2018, and Kahnle is under contract until 2021 (I really like that part of this deal by the way).

Now let’s meet the prospects the Yankees packed up and shipped out. Blake Rutherford was their #3 prospect. He’s a 20-year old outfielder (the Yankees have plenty of those), currently hitting .281 in Single-A. He’s the biggest prize in this deal for the White Sox, and his development over the next 5 years will determine the victor here. Ian Clarkin is a left-handed starting pitcher (22 years old) who is having a nice season at High-A Ball. And Tito Polo (love the name) is a 22-year old, speedy outfielder in Double-A. It’s extremely difficult to evaluate a trade involving 3 players, all 22 or younger, but I think this is a good trade for the Yankees.

They part ways with 1 very solid prospect in exchange for 2 proven bullpen arms and 1 infield power hitter. And I haven’t even mentioned the best part of the trade yet….

They rid themselves of Tyler Clippard!! Tyler Clippard, who’s been traded more times in his career than I’ve done laundry in my life, will play for his 6th MLB team. And for good reason..HE SUCKS!!

Following this trade, the Yankees must continue their buying ways, by bringing in a starting pitcher. To truly give themselves a fighting chance this year, they need a solid starting pitcher to fill out the rotation. Luis Cessa has shown he’s not ready for the big show, and I wouldn’t bring up Chance Adams (Yankees’ best pitching prospect) now. With the Yankees looking to make an October push, they should allow Adams to hone his skills at Triple-A, while they bring in an experienced starter.

 

What do you think of the Yankees’ trade?? Like it, love it, or hate it?? Tell 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. – 7:00 P.M EST.

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!!