That’s what the young MLB postseason has brought home from the toy store.
Starting with not one, but two, game 163s, both the National League West and Central divisions were decided in winner-take-all fashion Monday night. The winners, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers, were rewarded with an actual (five game) series. The losers, the Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies, had the pleasure of enduring the stress of win-or-go-home Tuesday night. After an impressive 95-67 season, the Chicago Cubs had the displeasure of losing consecutive games, and will watch the postseason like the rest of us — from their couch.
A ruthless diatribe on the inane nature of the one-game-playoff (in MLB) will not be found here today, for one man can only belabor the same point so many times….
The Rockies, behind Kyle Freeland, the best pitcher you’ve never heard of, took down the Cubs 2-1 F/13. The Rockies now have the privilege of traveling to Milwaukee to take on the Brewers in the National League Division Series.
This series should be a good time, as the Rockies have won 10-of-their-last-12, and the Brewers have won 10-of-their-last-11.
But….that’s enough talk about the league that will inevitably finish in 2nd place….
Tonight, the 100-win New York Yankees will face-off against the bullpen-gaming Oakland Athletics. Man, what has happened to MLB?! It’s win-or-go-home at Yankee Stadium, as Luis Severino will take the bump for the pinstripes. For the Athletics, Liam Hendriks will get the “start”. I’m not saying this because I’m a Yankee fan, but if they can’t knock this clown around, they don’t deserve to play the Boston Red Sox.
I mean..I dare you to name 10 players on the Athletics’ roster….Oh no, take your time. I’ll wait….
Gary Sanchez, despite the uninformed public’s opinion, will be behind the plate (where he belongs). And the Yankees will waste a roster spot for this game by carrying three catchers.
We can dissect, debate, think, and rethink the potential outcome of this game until the cows come home. But at the end of the day, there’s no reason the Yankees should lose. And IF they figure out how to lose, don’t call the fire department….
Let the streets burn.
Score Prediction: Yankees 6, Athletics 3.
Boom!
Leave your incorrect predictions in the comment section below.
While New York’s MLB teams are having polar opposite seasons, both seem ready to hit the panic button….
The New York Yankees
The Yankees have the 3rd best record in MLB (63-35). They’re in the midst of a spectacular season, on pace to win 104 games, and head to the postseason for the one billionth time. However, Yankee fans, alongside local writers and talk show hosts, are leaning toward the panic button — again. That’s my cue….
Allow me to say the same thing I said when the Yankees were 9-9 (on April 20th):
Yes, I’m aware they’re 13-13 since June 22nd. Yes, I’m also aware they’re 6 games back of the Red Sox in the AL East. And YES, I’m aware if they don’t win the division they’ll have to settle for a (ridiculous) one-game playoff. But let’s stop pretending the Yankees are falling off a cliff. Offensively speaking, they either lead, or are in the top-five, of the following statistical categories:
Lead: home runs (162) and slugging percentage (.462)
Top-Five: runs (511), total bases (1555), r.b.i. (493), and on base percentage (.332)
And while everyone is freaking out, clamoring for a new starting pitcher, their pitching staff ranks in the top-five of the following categories:
Now, I’m not saying everything is perfect. The Red Sox ARE 40 GAMES OVER .500 (71-31)!!!! And while I trust Luis Severino, and the Yankees, in a home, one-game playoff against the Seattle Mariners, ANYTHING can happen.
Have I mentioned how much I despise this wild card, playoff format?!
Hell, if Severino pitches like he did Monday night, the Yankees’ postseason will be over before it starts. Which brings me to Mr. Gary Sanchez, the laziest man in show business. The Yankees lost 7-6 to the Tampa Bay Rays Monday night. While Sanchez wasn’t the sole reason the Yankees lost, he certainly DID NOT help their cause:
Gary Sanchez is the most talented, offensive catcher in baseball. Despite his despicable .188 batting average this season, he’s in scoring position every time he steps in the batter’s box. However, effort, energy, and hustle are not things you’re born with. They are not predetermined. ANYONE can hustle!! So, for Gary Sanchez to lollygag after a baseball, that bounced off his own foot, down the 3rd baseline, and allow a runner to score from 2nd base, is inexcusable. For Gary Sanchez to not run out a ground out, because he THOUGHT the play was going to 2nd base, is reprehensible. Side Note: It did go to 2nd base. And he was still thrown out at 1st.
While the Yankees need Sanchez’s bat in the lineup, he MUST be benched for at least one game.
The moral of the story is the Yankees will be fine. It couldn’t hurt to add a starting pitcher along the lines of Chris Archer or J.A. Happ, but I won’t freak out if they stand pat.
**For those who read this far….THANK YOU!! This is also a friendly reminder that I am a rare breed of human. They call me an ‘Objective Yankee Fan’.**
Check back with DaveTalksSports.com tomorrow to catch me tie a pretty little bow around the ineptitude we call the New York Mets.
The New York Mets’ losing ways CONTINUED, and the New York Yankees started a losing streak of their own.
Did one of the Mets’ disappointments sneeze on a Yankee?!
‘The Amazin’s’
The Mets continue to outdo themselves. I guess if you’re going to lose everyday, it would behoove you to find new and inventive ways to land in the loss column. Sunday afternoon was certainly new. The Mets gave up SEVEN SOLO HOME RUNS!!!! First of all, how is that even possible?? Second of all, how is that even possible?!
When the game started with back-to-back home runs by Enrique Hernandez and Max Muncy (who’s turning into a star by the way), the Metropolitans should have known it was going to be a long afternoon. Solo shots in the 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 11th innings would cap off a heart breaking 8-7 loss.
Check out all seven homers, including former Met, Justin Turner’s, decisive 11th inning blast:
Turner, ironically had the day off Sunday, but was brought off the bench in the 8th inning, only to put his former team out of their misery. The Mets have now lost six games in a row, and 13-of-14 at Citi Field. And to add insult to injury (literally), the Mets’ one bright spot this season, Brandon Nimmo, left the game in the 7th inning with a hand injury. Nimmo will have an MRI Monday on his right pinky finger, and the Mets are optimistic he’ll avoid a stint on the disabled list.
The Yankees Do Their Best Mets Impersonation
ONE MONTH.
It had been exactly one month since the Yankees lost consecutive games — and a series. Apparently, the 22nd and 23rd of the month are bad luck for the Yankees. They also went on to lose Sunday (7-6), marking their 1st three-game losing streak of the season. And to overuse the term adding insult to injury, the Yankees have seemingly lost Gary Sanchez to the disabled list as well. Sanchez strained his groin trying to beat out a double-play in the 10th inning.
Allow me stop Yankee fans from reaching for the panic button — again.
The Yankees are 50-25 on the season. And despite losing three games in a row, they still have the BEST RECORD IN MLB!! They’ll be fine.
Throughout a 162-game MLB season, teams will have offensive droughts. Players will get injured. And teams will doubt their general direction. The Yankees should do no such thing. Outside of (possibly) acquiring a good starting pitcher before the trade deadline, the Yankees should stand pat, and enjoy their winning ways.
Plus, nothing helps a struggling offense more than playing in Citizens Bank Park.
Are you a panicking Yankee fan?? Slap yourself in the face, and then explain yourself in the comment section below.
You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you LOVE 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 OF YOUR FRIENDS!!
The New York Yankees took their 2nd consecutive game off of the Seattle Mariners in as many days. Tuesday night was an easy 7-2 victory. Wednesday, however, came in the form of an epic comeback:
(Watch the entire video)
Wednesday’s game was a tale of two halves. Heading into the bottom of the 5th inning, the Yankees trailed 5-0. It was all pinstripes from there on in:
An Aaron Judge 2-r.b.i. single in the 5th. A Didi Gregorius sacrifice fly in the 7th. A monstrous Gary Sanchez 2-run home run in the 8th. And an absolute rocket walk-off home run by Giancarlo Stanton in the 9th.
Go watch Stanton’s home run again. Check out the pure elation exuded immediately following the stratospheric blast!! AWESOME. And of course, an otherwise odd occurrence, the infamous Gatorade bath. Because nothing says job well done like getting drenched in an ant farm’s dream vacation.
Maybe this “Yankee Moment” will finally get spoiled Yankee fans off Stanton’s back. I’m the biggest Yankee fan I know, but sometimes I want to gently place my fist between certain Yankee fans’ eyeballs.
Wednesday morning, the Charlotte Hornets and Brooklyn Nets agreed to a trade:
Hornets Receive:
Timofey Mozgov and two 2nd round picks in tonight’s NBA Draft (40th and 45th picks)
Nets Receive:
Dwight Howard
On the surface this trade seems wildly lopsided. Despite Howard’s poo-poo attitude, he’s still a walking double-double who adds nearly two blocks every night. However, Howard rubs EVERYONE the wrong way, EVERYWHERE he plays. There’s a reason a potential (relax, I said potential) Hall of Fame talent will soon play on his 6th team in 15 seasons.
On the other hand, the Hornets cleared salary cap space for the upcoming season. Howard was due to make nearly $24 million in 2018 opposed to Mozgov’s $16 million.
I still can’t believe someone (the Lakers) signed Timofey freakin’ Mozgov to a 4-year, $64 million contract.
And the Nets will clear salary cap space beyond this year, as Howard’s astronomical contract comes off the books at the end of this season. Slowly, the Nets are becoming the most attractive place to play — in New York.
Are you dumb enough to think A WALK-OFF HOME RUN MAKES Giancarlo Stanton a “Yankee”?!
You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you LOVE 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 OF YOUR FRIENDS!!
Watching professional golf is interesting — to some. Some find it boring. Some think, “ehh, that’s no big deal, I could do that!” And some, or most, avoid it all together.
Whether you like, love, or hate golf, you should appreciate how talented professional golfers are. For anyone who’s played golf, understanding and amazement is in order. And that’s what made Thursday’s opening round at the U.S. Open so much fun to watch.
While I don’t actively root for golfers to play poorly, I enjoy watching them look human, mortal. When a professional golfer, who qualified for the U.S. Open, shoots a 92, I feel better about my golf game. It’s true!!
And yes, that part’s real. Someone shot a 92 Thursday at Shinnecock Hills. That someone would be Scott Gregory (as pictured above). Gregory (23), from England, became the 1st golfer since 2002 to shoot a round in the 90s at the U.S. Open. In Gregory’s defense, Shinnecock was playing REALLY tough Thursday. The four co-leaders, including Dustin Johnson, stand at just -1. Notables like defending champion Brooks Koepka (+5), Bubba Watson (+7), Phil Mickelson (+7), Jordan Spieth (+8), Tiger Woods (+8), Jason Day (+9), and Rory McIlroy (+10) all struggled tremendously.
The top-10 golfers in the world combined to shoot 52-over par Thursday.
Struggled is the understatement of the century. Those scores are putrid. With the field struggling mightily, it’ll be interesting to see where the cut lands, and who will be on the wrong side of it.
I know, I know, it’s just the Tampa Bay Rays, but a win, is a win. The Yankees continued their strong play Thursday with a 4-3 victory, and have now won 11-of-their-last-14 games. And while many expected the big bats of Sanchez and Stanton to carry this Yankee lineup, it’s the youth movement of Gleyber Torres, Miguel Andujar, and Aaron Judge doing the heavy lifting.
Yes, the Yankees need a (good) starting pitcher. But for “experts” to suggest they should include Gleyber Torres in a trade, is not only preposterous, it’s a fireable offense. Imagine if the Yankees traded Derek Jeter in 1996. The entire landscape of my childhood would be different. But more importantly, the five World Series victories from ’96 to ’09 may have never happened. Don’t look at me like I’m crazy! That’s the kind of talent we’re talking about here.
Since Torres’ call-up (April 22nd), he’s been the Yankees’ best hitter. He’s hit 13 home runs with 33 r.b.i, while hitting .295. He has two walk-off hits, and is the sole reason they pulled off another victory Thursday.
(the magic happens at 50 seconds)
Would you trade Gleyber Torres?? If you are insane enough to say yes, please stay away from my comment section. Thanks!
You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you LOVE 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 OF YOUR FRIENDS!!
With five extra inning/overtime games, 9th inning heroics, and a nearly 11:00 P.M. EST tip-off, Tuesday quickly became Wednesday….
LeBron Acting CRAZY!!
Despite trailing by 14 points after the 1st quarter (on the road), LeBron James never gave up. Despite shooting just 1-for-8 from 3-point range, and 1-for-6 from the free throw line, LeBron didn’t put his head down.
Instead, he persevered. He also did the CRAZIEST THING EVER….
He relied on the band of misfits he calls teammates to drive the LeBrons to victory. Without the efforts of J.R. Smith, Kyle Korver, Jeff Green, and Tristan Thompson, the LeBrons would be staring a 1-0 deficit in the face. Instead, a 113-112 F/OT victory flipped home court advantage upside down.
J.R.: 20 points on 5-for-6 from 3-point range
Korver: 19 points on 5-for-12 from 3-point range
Green: 16 points on 4-for-4 from the field, and 7-for-8 from the free throw line
Thompson: 14 points and 12 rebounds (back-to-back double doubles)
It must have felt nice to not have to play 1-on-5 for 48 minutes — for once. Even crazier than imaginary teammates coming to life, is LeBron’s “bad nights” still turn into triple doubles (26 points, 11 rebounds, 13 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal).
It’s good to be King.
MLB’s Wild Night!!
Not one, but two 9th inning home runs changed the landscape of Tuesday night.
First, down 6-2, down to their last strike, the Cleveland Indians’, Michael Brantley, took Keone Kela’s 0-2 breaking ball up-and-out for a game tying grand slam. That’s the stuff you dream about as an 11-year old in the backyard!! Despite the heroics, the Indians would lose 8-6 F/12.
There were three other extra inning games Tuesday (must have been a full moon).:
The other 9th inning dinger made me jump off my couch (literally jump). Gary Sanchez broke open a 0-0 tie, with a 3-run home run against the Houston Astros:
While I love the home run, my favorite part of the video, BY FAR, is Astros’ closer, Ken Giles, punching himself in the face!! HAHA.
El Gary’s long blast came after Justin Verlander mowed down the Yankees, allowing just 3 hits, and striking out 14, in 8 innings. But hey, a win, is a win.
Mr. Half Court Shot Is Back!!
Stephen Curry hadn’t stepped foot on a basketball court in 39 days. He could have fooled me….
Stephen Curry is the best shooter the NBA has ever seen. His range is limitless, and his ability to create his own shot makes him one of the most dangerous players in the world. Curry finished with 28 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists in just 27 minutes. He led the game with an insane +26 while he was on the floor. Yes, he was the sole reason the Warriors took down the Pelicans 121-116.
The NBA is LUCKY to have him back!!
What was the most exciting part of a wacky Tuesday evening?? Tell me all about it in the comment section below.
You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you LOVE 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!! NO GO TELL ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!
The New York Yankees forgot how to lose. LeBron James tried something new. And the Seattle Seahawks broke the mold. I’ve probably said this thousands of times, but sports, in the Springtime, is filled with never ending excitement. And this past weekend, was no different….
Yankees ALWAYS Carry A Broom (Just In Case)
The Los Angeles Angels weren’t able to remind the Yankees what losing feels like. Despite their best effort, the Angels were smacked in the face with a broom this weekend. The Yankees swept the Angels, in Anaheim, for the first time since 2003. C.C. Sabathia turned back the clock, again, Sunday night. C.C. gave up just one run over 7 innings, lowering his e.r.a. to 1.71. Not bad for a 37 year old who remains 4,800 pounds overweight. The Yankees held on 2-1, behind a 4th inning moonshot by Gary Sanchez.
The Yankees will ride their nine game winning streak into Houston for a four-game set with the Astros. As optimistic as I am, I don’t see another sweep in the near future. This Yankee fan will take three-out-of-four though.
LeBron, In A 1st Round Game 7?!
Yes, the best NBA player in the world needed seven games to get past the Indiana Pacers. The 1st round, for LeBron James, is normally reserved for sweeping. Not this year. LeBron gave EVERYTHING he had in Game 7. Planning to play the entire game, LeBron’s body, midway through the 2nd half, intervened. Leg cramps forced LeBron to miss five minutes of action. In turn, the pile of mediocrity LeBron calls teammates was forced to contribute. Tristan Thompson turned back the clock, providing his 1st double-double since February 9th (15 points and 10 rebounds), and Kevin Love made a cameo appearance, scoring 14 points.
Side note: Remember when Kevin Love was a top-10 NBA player?! Seems like a lifetime ago….
LeBron posted 45 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals (just another day at the office). And the LeBrons now have the privilege of heading to Toronto to take on the #1 seed, Toronto Raptors. Game 1 is slated for Tuesday @ 8:00 P.M. EST on TNT.
Public Service Announcement: Allow this game to be a lesson to degenerate gamblers everywhere. If you bet on Cleveland to win (-5.5), you’ve probably broken something in your house, or skipped town. Victor Oladipo hit a MEANINGLESS three-pointer as time expired, bringing the score from 105-98, to 105-101.
A Dream Come True
Shaquem Griffin’s life’s work culminated in a phone call from Seattle Seahawks’ general manager, John Schneider.
“That was the phone call I was waiting my entire life,” Griffin said. “I literally broke down after that. I couldn’t breathe. I didn’t know how to talk, I mean, I was just lost for words.”
Griffin, a linebacker from Central Florida, was drafted 141st overall by the Seattle Seahawks (5th round). Griffin, who lost his left hand at the age of four due to a rare condition, became the 1st player with one hand, to be drafted in the NFL. He’ll also join the short list of siblings on the same team, as his brother, Shaquill, was drafted by the Seahawks in 2017.
Griffin is an inspiration for all. No matter the obstacle, you can succeed. No matter the adversity, you can fulfill your dreams. All it takes is a relentless work ethic and positive attitude. That, and approximately 8 million squats, pushups, deadlifts, burpees, wind sprints, tire flips, and pull-ups. You get the idea.
What was your favorite part of the weekend?? Tell me all about it in the comment section below.
You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you LOVE 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!! NO GO TELL ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!
Nearly one month into the season, MLB is having a hard time with that one. Tuesday’s weather caused another setback in an already tumultuous season — and set a MLB record. Despite the rain, wind, ice, freezing temperatures, occasional snow, and holey roofs, MLB’s first month has provided fans with plenty to cheer, or boo.
Rain On My Parade
Despite singing the “Rain, rain, go away” song, the Pirates, Tigers, Orioles and Rays weren’t allowed to play baseball on Tuesday. Inclement weather caused MLB’s 27th and 28th postponement of the season. 28 weather related postponements are the most since the commissioner’s office starting tracking them in 1986 (good year).
The Pirates and Tigers will play a doubleheader Wednesday, starting at 4:05 P.M. EST. The Rays and Orioles will make up their game during a doubleheader on May 12th.
Matt Harvey Stinks
Matt Harvey’s season isn’t going as planned. After four horrific starts, Harvey was banished (kicking and screaming) to the bullpen. Players usually over perform during a contract year. Harvey, apparently, didn’t receive that memo. Tuesday night, in St. Louis, Harvey made his season debut from the bullpen. He was asked to pitch the 5th and 6th inning in a tie game (4-4).
HOLD UP!!
Paging Mickey Callaway!! Was Matt Harvey’s 1st bullpen appearance during a tie game, on the road?!?! What’s the opposite of smart????
He was, uh, less than stellar (shocking). He coughed up 1 run, on 2 hits, 1 walk, and 2 strikeouts (on a whopping 35 pitches). I’d say it can’t get worse, but I’d be lying….
El Gary
Just click, watch until 1:46, and enjoy:
A monumental blast from Gary Sanchez, his 2nd of the game. Sanchez has been, well, Gary Sanchez over his past three games:
4 for 11 (.364), 2 home runs, and 5 rbi
Sanchez will likely be the designated hitter Wednesday, as Austin Romine is expected to catch Sonny Gray.
Oh, and all those who panicked a week ago, check the AL East standings now. All it takes is a four game winning streak from the Yankees to coincide with a three game losing streak by the Red Sox, and a seven-and-a-half game division lead becomes four in a hurry.
The Best Player No One Knows
How is it possible the best player in a major sport is virtually unknown?! Mike Trout has been the best player in MLB for at least six years.
90% of the population wouldn’t recognize Mike Trout if they bumped into him on the street.
Through 24 games, Mike Trout has 10 home runs. Reread. Reprocess. Re-understand.
10 home runs through 24 games puts Trout on pace for 67 home runs. Oh, and he’s hitting .308 with 5 stolen bases. Oh, and he’s also the best defensive outfielder in MLB. Oh, and he’s also 26.
The 10% thank you Mike Trout. Please keep up the unbelievable work!!
What is the biggest takeaway from the first month of MLB?? Post your brilliant thoughts 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. – 8:00 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!!
Dave Talks Sports 