Tag: Jose Altuve

It’s OK To Hate The Houston Astros

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

My brain hurts.

Normally, I’d call that Tuesday, but I’ll blame 2004 for today’s headache. ON THIS DATE, 16 years ago, I was roaming the halls of my dorm at UMass with a broom (I had “borrowed”) from a random janitor’s closet. The New York Yankees held a 3-0 lead over the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS, I was decked out in my A-Rod jersey, and I was constantly 2.5 seconds away from an ass-kicking from any one of the 20,000 Mass-Hole, Red Sox fans that inhabited said University.

Despite the imminent danger I was putting myself in, I was overjoyed that the Yankees would be playing in another World Series.

Being able to rub it in the faces of so many Sawks fans was icing on the cake.

Then, Dave Roberts happened, and David Ortiz happened, and the rest is…you know the saying.

Sooo, Friday night, with a 7-4 victory, the Houston Astros joined the 2004 Boston Red Sox as the only teams in Major League Baseball history to force a game 7 after trailing 0-3 in a postseason series. I’m not going to waste time, or mince my words…

I HATE THE HOUSTON ASTROS!!

And I’m here to tell you it’s okay for you to hate them too. Don’t feel bad. They deserve your vitriol. You can’t just cheat your way to a championship, put on a sad, puppy-dog face, and expect everyone to feel bad for you. Then, when people remind you that you’re an asshole, act like the victim.

And while I’d gladly headbutt Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, or any other Houston Astros’ player within a head’s length, 99.9% of this diatribe is directed at Carlos Correa.

See, some people are just born with a punchable face. *Yes, 36-year old man, living in his mother’s basement, I’m aware punchable isn’t a word. Now, shut up, and keep reading.* Enter Carlos Correa. As talented as they come, wildly underachieving so far in his six-year career, there’s just something about Correa’s face you want to see in front of a Mike Tyson, in his prime, right-uppercut.

As a Yankees’ fan, it should be sacrilegious to root for the division rival Tampa Bay Rays, but I have been for the better part of a week now. And Saturday night will be no different (there may be some scotch involved this time though).

Do you hate the Houston Astros as much as I do?? Are you even watching the MLB Postseason?? If not, who do you hate?!

Tell me in the comment section below.

“Rob Manfred Is A MORON!!!!” (DTS Podcast – #94

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

MLB Commissioner, Rob Manfred’s, annual Spring Training press conference turned into a slow-motion trainwreck.

The more he opened his big, fat mouth, the worse it got.

Oh, and Carlos Correa is the biggest liar of them all.

So much for sincerity!

Thank you Cody Bellinger. Let’s hope you never get caught cheating either….

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: Dave Talks Sports

Follow me on Twitter: @DaveEttinger2

Like my Facebook Page: facebook.com/DaveTalksSports

“WORST. PRESS CONFERENCE. EVER!! (DTS PODCAST – #93)

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment
The Houston Astros held an “apology” press conference.
A “damage control” tour if you will courtesy of their new PR Firm.
They should be promptly fired because this was the worst press conference in the history
of press conferences.

 

 

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: Dave Talks Sports

Follow me on Twitter: @DaveEttinger2

Like my Facebook Page: facebook.com/DaveTalksSports

“SHAME On You YANKEES!!!! (DTS Podcast – #69)

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

You might be giving the Yankees a pass today, but I’m certainly not!!

They should have beaten the Astros in the ALCS.

They should be playing in the World Series.

But, they are not.

Because they played like poop.

Period.

See ya!

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: Dave Talks Sports

Follow me on Twitter: @DaveEttinger2

Like my Facebook Page: facebook.com/DaveTalksSports

“Baker Mayfield….You Can Also SHUT THE HELL UP!!!!” (DaveTalksSports Podcast – Ep. #43)

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Baker..if you said it, then you said it, and you said it, so you said it. Got it?

Matt Nagy may be overly obsessed with the #43 (which is coincidentally the # of this podcast episode….

Justin Verlander is really good at baseball.

The New York Mets deserve A LOT of credit.

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports

Follow me on Twitter: @DaveEttinger2

Like my Facebook Page: facebook.com/DaveTalksSports

What’s Your Name Again??

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Who are you??

I’m sorry, I’ve never heard of you before. Can I see some identification please??

In the wide world of sports, many athletes fly under the radar. Some ride the bench, so they go unnoticed for good reason. Others, however, are “unknown superstars”. Today, we’ve comprised a list of the best athletes most people didn’t know existed.

Justin Thomas

justin thomas

Casual golf fans, if such a group exists, have heard of Tiger Woods. They’ve also probably heard of Phil Mickelson. But that’s about it. They probably haven’t heard of Justin Thomas. Thomas is currently the 3rd ranked golfer in the world. He’s already won two PGA Tour events this year, after winning five last year (including a Major). Oh, and he’s currently in 1st place in the FedEx Cup Standings. Not bad for a 5’10”, 145 pound, 24-year old man who could blend into a crowd easier than Where’s Waldo.

Whit Merrifield

whit

If you know who Whit Merrifield is, I’ll be impressed. Merrifield currently plays second base for the Kansas City Royals. At 29 years old, he’s looking to duplicate his success from last season. Merrifield was one of only two players to hit at least 15 home runs and steal at least 30 bases. The other; Jose Altuve. Colliding in the same sentence with the reigning AL MVP isn’t what I’d call a bad thing.

Nikita Kucherov

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Pittsburgh Penguins at Tampa Bay Lightning

I’ll give you a hint. His team has the best record in his sport. Give up?? Nikita Kucherov plays in the NHL for the Tampa Bay Lightning. They currently hold the best record in the league at 44-17 (92 points). Kucherov, despite never having entered a conversation in your living room, is leading the NHL in points (82). Yeah, the 24-year old is that good.

Megan Rapinoe

megan-rapinoe-1024

How is that you’ve never heard of one of the best soccer players in this country?! Megan Rapinoe is an international superstar. Rapinoe plays for the Seattle Reign FC in the National Women’s Soccer League and is part of the U.S. Women’s National Team. Rapinoe was a crucial part of their gold medals at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2012 London Olympics. And she scored the lone goal in the U.S.’ victory over Germany yesterday. Shame on you for not knowing Megan Rapinoe!!

David Goffin

david goffin

If you were ranked 7th in the world, in an individual sport, you’d think people would know your name, no?! Well I’m betting most of you wouldn’t recognize David Goffin if you bumped into him on the street. Goffin won 2 single’s titles last year, and has been in the top-25 in the world tennis rankings since October of 2014.

Mario Addison

mario addison

I will be shocked if you know this next one. Who is Mario Addison?? Don’t go to the Google, that’s cheating. Okay, time’s up. Mario Addison is a defensive end the NFL. Addison has spent the past six seasons with the Carolina Panthers and may be the most overshadowed defensive player in the NFL. Addison is one of just seven players to average 10 or more sacks over the past two seasons.

Khris Middleton

khris-middleton

This one you may know, but his talent doesn’t match his name (or face) recognition. His celebrity status if you will. Khris Middleton is an extremely talented small forward for the Milwaukee Bucks. Middleton is one of only nine NBA players averaging at least 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists this season.

 

Had you heard of any of these athletes prior to today?? Don’t lie in my comment section!!

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!!

 

 

Astros Outlast Dodgers In Craziest World Series Game Ever

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

bregman

Clayton Kershaw vs. Dallas Keuchel.

Must have been a 1-0 pitcher’s duel, right??

WRONG!!

Instead, a 7-home run, 13-12, extra inning slugfest. A game, some will call, ‘the craziest game ever played’.

You couldn’t have scripted a more evenly matched game if you tried. Both teams….

  • Had 14 hits
  • Made 1 error
  • Used 7 pitchers
  • Used 11 offensive players
  • Scored 3+ runs in 3 innings

Honestly, I feel bad for the Dodgers. With no rooting interest, all I’ve been hoping for is good baseball. CHECK. But hey, somebody has to lose.

You know who else lost?? ME!! Why the hell does this game need to start at 8:15 P.M. EST on a Sunday?! I understand time zones, but we’re talking about Sunday. This 5 hour and 17 minute marathon, lasted until approximately 1:32 A.M. EST.

This game would see 8 lead changes, or ties, in what can only be described as pure insanity….

1st Inning

The Dodgers jumped out to an early lead, hanging 3 runs on Dallas Keuchel. Clayton Kershaw was cruising, allowing just 1 hit through 3 innings. And then, the bottom of the 4th inning happened.

4th Inning

The Dodgers added another run, bringing their lead to a seemingly insurmountable 4-0. An rbi-double and a 3-run home run later, the game was tied.

5th Inning

Cody Bellinger and Jose Altuve would swap 3-run home runs, bringing the calamity to 7-7 through 5 innings.

7th Inning

The Dodgers would retake the lead (8-7) on an rbi-triple, by who else, Cody Bellinger. The Astros would strike back with a 3-run inning of their own. George Springer hit a monstrous, 448-foot home run, Altuve had an rbi-double, and Carlos Correa would add a 2-run home run of his own, bringing this home run derby to a score of 11-8.

8th Inning

Each team would add another run in the 8th, bringing us to 12-9 heading to the 9th inning.

You didn’t think the madness would end here did you??

9th inning

A 2-run, Yasiel Puig home run shot life back into the Dodgers, bringing them within 1 run (12-11). Puig’s home run broke the record for most home runs in a postseason series (22). And with 2 strikes, and 2 outs, Chris Taylor would drive in the game tying run!! Insane!!

To Extras we go….

10th inning

After 2 quick outs by super closer, Kenley Jansen, he hit and walked consecutive batters. Enter Alex Bregman. Bregman wasted no time, as he was 1st pitch swinging. A drive up the middle would bring pinch running, Derek Fisher to the plate. And in dramatic fashion, the Houston Astros, took a 3-2 series lead.

These teams will have a much needed day off Monday, as they travel to Los Angeles. Catch game 6 on FOX, Tuesday @ 8:20 P.M. EST. Justin Verlander and Rich Hill will take the mound for a Halloween matchup.

 

Was Game 5 the craziest World Series game in MLB history?? If not, prove me wrong 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!!

Yankees C.C. (Complete Comeback)

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

cc

In CC we trust!!

In a decisive Game 5, the Yankees turned to 37-year old, Carsten Charles Sabathia Jr. Sabathia, now a crafty veteran, channeled his former self. Sabathia, and his left arm, were tremendous, striking out 9 in 4 and 1/3 innings. Notoriously a slow-starter, he wasted no time, striking out the first 2 batters he faced. He kept hitters off balance with his swooping slider and surprised Indians’ hitters with his sneaky fastball.

Do you know what the most impressive part was?? He outdueled AL CY Young favorite, Corey Kluber, twice. For the 2nd straight outing, Kluber was ordinary. After lasting just 2 and 2/3 innings in Game 2, he was destined for just 3 and 2/3 innings on Wednesday. It’s hard to explain. Kluber is one of the best pitchers in the world. But hey, I’m not losing any sleep over it….

Kluber was tagged not once, but twice, by Didi Gregorious. Didi connected on a solo home run in the 1st inning. And struck gold again in the 3rd inning with a 2-run home run. It was DD and CC to the rescue.

Too corny??

Sorry.

Following their crushing defeat in Game 2, winning the ALDS was all the more impressive. These young, “baby-bombers” showed grit and resiliency, punching their way out of a corner. After completing the comeback Wednesday night (5-2), the 2017 Yankees became just the 7th team to comeback from an 0-2 deficit to win a Divisional Series.

If I had told you Aaron Judge would go 1 for 20 in this series, but they’d win, you would have called me names I can’t write on my website. Aaron Judge is an impressive, young man. He’s humble. He’s a great athlete. And he hits baseballs really, really far. But he now holds an unenviable record. Judge’s 16 strikeouts in the ALDS are the most by any player, in any playoff series, in MLB history. No es bueno.

Judge mashes mediocre fastballs (under 94 mph), and has a great eye (127 walks). However, he struggles against fastballs 95 mph or faster and strikeouts far too much (208). Pitchers usually raise his eye level with the ‘high-heat’, and then drop the hammer with a low-and-away breaking ball. If the Yankees are going to have a chance against the Houston Astros in the ALCS, Judge will need to lay off those nasty breaking balls. He should walk down to 1st base over and over again, and set the table for Gary Sanchez in this series. This will force opposing pitchers to serve up inside fastballs to Judge later in the series. Then, my fellow Yankee fans can bust out their telescopes to track Judge Moonshots….

Again, I’m not rooting against my team. I simply call it like I see it.

ALCS Prediction: Astros in 7  

Prove me wrong, again, please….

 

Who do you think will win the ALCS?? In how many games?? 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!!

Do Or Die In The Bronx!!

~ 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.

 

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!!

I Could Get Used To Curtain Calls

~ 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.

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!!