Tag: MLB

Japan’s Babe Ruth Is Coming Stateside

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Netherlands v Japan - International Friendly

World, meet Shohei Ohtani.

Known as Japan’s Babe Ruth, he’s the talk of the international town. At 23 years old, Ohtani has his sights set on playing for a Major League Baseball team in 2018. And as of Tuesday, that will become a reality. MLB and the Major League Baseball Player’s Association agreed on a new posting system that will allow Ohtani to leave Japan and sign with a MLB team.

Ohtani has played in the Nippon Professional Baseball Pacific League since 2013. He was the #1 overall pick in the 2012 draft by the Hokkaido Nippon Fighters. As a two-way player (pitcher and hitter), Ohtani has drawn comparisons to Babe Ruth. This has made him an extremely hot commodity, as his unique skill set could help fill multiple needs for 1 lucky team this offseason.

Who?

Ohtani was born in the Iwate Prefecture in Northern Japan. Ohtani is listed at 6’4″, 213 pounds. He is a left-handed batter and a right-handed pitcher. Ohtani made his professional debut at the age of 18, appearing in right field for the Nippon Fighters. In his rookie season, Ohtani became the 1st Japanese player to start games as a pitcher, hitter, and fielder.

What?

Shohei Ohtani is being tabbed as the next Babe Ruth. Allow that to sink in….

Babe Ruth is the best baseball player that ever lived. And it’s not even close. His impact on a baseball game as one of the most dominant hitters ever, and as a talented pitcher is unparalleled. Check out Babe Ruth’s stats here.

While Ohtani has been displaying talents on both sides of the ball since his rookie season, MLB teams would be hoping Ohtani can duplicate his 2016 season:

.322 batting avg., 22 home runs, 67 r.b.i.s, and 7 s.b.’s

10-4, 1.86 e.r.a., and 174 strikeouts (140 innings pitched) – Including a pitch clocked at 102.5 m.p.h.

Check out his career stats here.

Where?

Now that Ohtani can pursue his MLB career, the question is, where will he end up??

Due to his age (23), MLB teams are limited to signing him to a minor league contract. However, teams are allowed to offer whatever funds they have in their international bonus pool. As of right now, 6 teams have at least 1 million dollars in their bonus pool:

  • Texas Rangers ($3.535 Million)
  • New York Yankees ($3.5 Million)
  • Minnesota Twins ($3.245 Million)
  • Pittsburgh Pirates ($2.27 Million)
  • Miami Marlins ($1.74 Million)
  • Seattle Mariners ($1.57 Million)

Yes, as a Yankees’ fan, I’d love for Ohtani to don pinstripes. Then, he could truly follow in Babe Ruth’s footsteps. However, I’m surprised Ohtani is testing the MLB waters now. See, if Ohtani waits until he turns 25, he’d be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent. That means he’d be able to sign as big of a contract as possible. (Maybe it has something to do with the right ankle surgery he had last month).

While it may not be the brightest financial decision in the world, you have to respect Ohtani’s confidence. He has continually expressed his desire to play in MLB regardless of the financial ramifications.

Talk about betting on yourself!! 

Unfortunately, the Nippon Fighters will lose their star player. But don’t cry too many tears, as they’ll receive a $20 million payment for posting Ohtani.

No matter where he ends up, Shohei Ohtani’s future looks bright.

Stay tuned to see how the top story of the MLB offseason develops.

 

What MLB team will Shohei Ohtani play for?? 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. – 8:00 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!!

 

Roy Halladay, Gone Too Soon

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

roy-halladay

It is a sad day in the sports community. Harry Leroy Halladay III, aka Roy “Doc” Halladay, passed away Tuesday afternoon, at the age of 40, in a plane crash. It’s being reported he was the lone passenger on his single-engine, two-seater plane that crashed into the Gulf of Mexico at approximately noon on Tuesday. As a child, Halladay dreamed of flying a plane because his father was a corporate pilot. Halladay’s dream came true upon retiring from Major League Baseball, as his contract prohibited piloting a plane.

The outpouring of love has been tremendous from countless people from many walks of life. The baseball community recognizes Halladay as one of the best pitchers of his generation. His personal community acknowledges the work he did with those in need through his foundation and charity work. And his family mourns the loss of a loving husband and father of two.

On the field, Halladay’s work ethic was 2nd to none. Former Philadelphia Phillies’ teammate, Chase Utley, shared the recollection of the day he met Halladay:

“It was 5:45 a.m. on the first day of spring training when I arrived. He was finishing his breakfast but his clothes were soaking wet. I asked if it was raining when he got in. He laughed and said, “No I just finished my workout”.”

Halladay was a consummate professional. And it showed on the mound….

Halladay’s Career (16 Seasons):

203 wins

3.38 era

1.18 whip

2,117 strikeouts 

2 Cy Young Awards, 8 All-Star Selections, 1 Perfect Game, and 1 Postseason No-Hitter

Halladay is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2019.

Halladay’s influence reached farther than the 60 feet, 6 inches of real estate he worked in for 16 years. He was an active member of his community, donating time, money, and energy to the betterment of society. He and his wife would invite children and their families from the Hospital for Sick Children to his personal suite at Rogers Centre to enjoy Toronto Blue Jays’ games. This wasn’t done for notoriety, as press was not allowed in the suite. He also had an annual donation of $100,000 to the Jays Care Foundation written into his contract.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, which had a personal relationship with Halladay, reported the crash. Halladay donated a police dog to the Sheriff’s Office, which they appropriately named “Doc”. You can’t sum up a man in 1 or 2 sentences, but Sheriff, Chris Nocco, did his best:

“You wouldn’t know what Roy did because Roy wouldn’t tell you what he did,” Nocco said. “And that’s the legacy of a great man.”

Halladay is survived by his wife Brandy, and their two sons, Ryan and Braden.

 

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!!

Who Needs Sleep When You Have Thursday?!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

scherzer

I was going to get a good night sleep….until Thursday happened. Thursday night brought us an oxymoron, a moron, and a nail biting elimination game.

A Good Thursday Night Football Game

This term is an oxymoron. But every so often, despite having our viewership locked up, Thursday Night Football provides something worth watching. In a matchup of 4 and 1’s, the Philadelphia Eagles flew into Carolina to take on the Panthers. It was a close, competitive game, but just as I predicted, Cam Newton threw the game away. Not 1, not 2, but 3 interceptions led to a 28-23 victory by the Eagles. I couldn’t be happier for a nicer guy.

On the brighter side of things, Eagles quarterback, Carson Wentz, continued to impress. He posted 3 touchdowns, no interceptions, and added 25 yards on the ground. That’s not too shabby against a stout Panthers’ defense.

Wentz is the real deal.

The Eagles (now 5-1), will have plenty of time to rest, as their next game is a primetime, Monday Night matchup with the Washington Redskins. The Panthers (4-2) will look to bounce back against rookie quarterback, Mitch Trubisky, as they take on the Chicago Bears next week.

Suspend Me Please

She loves me. She loves me not. She loves me. She loves me no….

That’s what Ezekiel Elliot’s status has been like this year. He’s suspended. No, he’s not suspended. Okay he’s suspended, but he can play. Oh wait, now he’s really suspended. Elliot’s 6-game suspension will start next week when the Dallas Cowboys return from their Bye Week. The 5th U.S Circuit Court in New Orleans (Federal appeals court) made this ruling on Thursday.

Elliot and his legal team are exploring their options, primarily their right to appeal the suspension — again. For now, the Cowboys (2-3) will need a game plan while they’re without the services of their star running back. A running back committee of Darren McFadden, Alfred Morris, and Rod Smith has already been discussed.

Stay tuned. Something tells me the final chapter hasn’t been written on this story yet.

An Inning To Forget

When Max Scherzer is in the game, the opposing team doesn’t usually stand a chance. After retiring the 1st 2 batters of the 5th inning in Game 5, that appeared to be the case. The Nationals were winning when Scherzer entered, however, calamity was about to ensue….

  • Infield Single
  • Bloop Single
  • 2-Run Double
  • Intentional Walk
  • Strikeout That Didn’t End The Inning
  • Catcher’s Interference
  • RBI Hit By Pitch

Ummm, wow!! That brought the grand total in the 5th inning to 4 runs scored on 3 hits and 2 errors. Yes, this inning was insane, however, it is a microcosm of the Nationals, postseason persona. The Nationals have won the NL East 4 out of the past 6 years, and have lost in the 1st round of the playoffs each time. On the contrary, the Cubs won their 4th straight elimination game and advanced to their 3rd consecutive NLCS.

The Cubs will travel to La La Land to take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS. Game 1 can be seen on TBS on Saturday @ 8:08 P.M. EST.

But more importantly, the Yankees take on the Astros in Houston tonight for Game 1 of the ALCS. Tune in to FS1 @ 8:08 for all the action.

Projected Starters: Masahiro Tanaka vs. Dallas Keuchel  

Prediction: Yankees 5, Astros 4

Let’s Go Yankees!!

 

Who do you think will win Game 1 of the ALCS?? 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!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!!

 

 

 

Who Needs Football When You Have The Cleveland Indians?!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

indians

Baseball vs. Football. It’s usually a lopsided battle, and doesn’t often carry as much drama as Batman vs. Superman. Football is the most popular sport in the country, and the proof is in the ratings. However, last night, I chose to watch a baseball game rather than a football game. If the matchups on Thursday Night Football continue to be this crappy (they will), I’ll soon be choosing basketball over football.

Thursday Night Football was played on NFL Network. We had the displeasure of watching the Houston Texans take on the Cincinnati Bengals. I can moan and groan about the game for hours, but I think the score tells enough of the story. 13-9. After posting just 3 lowly field goals, the Bengals are still searching for their 1st touchdown of the season. For those who watched, I feel sorry for you.

The play of the game WAS a 49-yard TD run by rookie quarterback, Deshaun Watson. Since you missed it, click here to watch the replay. That was literally the only exciting play of the game. You would have been better off slamming your head against a wall for 3 hours, rather than watch the rest of the game.

If you were like me, you only watched paint dry, I mean the football game, on commercial breaks from the baseball game.

The MUST WATCH baseball game was the Cleveland Indians vs. the Kansas City Royals. The Indians were attempting to win their 22nd consecutive game. Coincidentally, 22 was the total number of points scored in the football game (just sayin). After going down 1-0 in the 2nd inning, the Indians quickly tied the game in the 3rd inning. They would find themselves trailing again (2-1), this time in the bottom of the 9th inning. Down to their final strike, Francisco Lindor drove a ball off the left field wall, driving in Erik Gonzalez from 1st base. The crowd erupted in a way normally reserved for walk-off home runs in Game 7 of the World Series.

To extra innings we go….

Jose Ramirez, Indians 3rd baseman, led off the bottom of the 10th inning with a double. Ramirez stretched a single into a double when he saw Royals’ center fielder, Lorenzo Cain lazily collect the ball. I love when guys hustle like this!! Edwin Encarnacion then walked, putting runners on 1st and 2nd with nobody out. And with the game tied 2-2, former Mets’ slugger, Jay Bruce came up with the walk-off double, ripping the ball down the right field line. Let the celebration begin!!

The Cleveland Indians have now won a record breaking, 22 consecutive games. With 2 more games against the Royals (and their shoddy pitching staff), the Indians could extend this streak through the weekend. Game #23 will be played tonight @ 7:10 P.M. EST. Jason Vargas and Trevor Bauer will climb the bump in this one.

My money is on the Indians. A prediction only a genius could make, right??

 

What did you watch last night?? Crappy football, or entertaining baseball?? 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!!

 

 

Ugly Football/MLB History — Whatever Will We Watch??

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

cleveland indians

It’s a great time to be alive!! The NFL season is in full swing. MLB is nearing the home stretch. NBA is just 1 month away. And, NHL is only 3 weeks from the drop of a puck. Today, NFL games are the ‘talk of the town’.

Thursday Night Football

Yup, it’s Thursday already. The day you wake up and say, man I’m exhausted, I don’t know how I’m going to make it through this day. And then you remember there’s a football game tonight. Awesome!! I’m looking forward to fighting with my eyelids this evening.

Tonight, the Cincinnati Bengals host the Houston Texans. Both teams will look to bounce back from awful performances in Week 1. The Houston Texans got blown out 29-7 by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Texans quarterback, Tom Savage, was unimpressive to say the least. The Texans have been silent on their starting quarterback decision for tonight’s game, but one with a brain would assume it’s going to be Deshaun Watson. If not, Bill O’ Brien should be placed in the hot seat.

The Cincinnati Bengals literally can’t play worse than they did last week. They were the only team to be shutout, as they lost to the Baltimore Ravens 20-0. Is it possible Andy Dalton thinks it’s still Preseason?? Dalton threw 4 interceptions Week 1. Thursday Night Football doesn’t seem to enhance the level of play, due to the short week, so don’t expect an offensive masterpiece to appear in front of your eyes around 8:30 P.M. on NFL Network.

Prediction: Texans 21, Bengals 17

MLB Record Book

The Cleveland Indians swept the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday, making history. They also swept the Orioles, White Sox, Yankees, Royals, and Tigers again on their way to winning 21 consecutive games. This feat ties the 1935 Chicago Cubs for the most consecutive wins in the regular season in MLB history. The Indians have vaulted themselves from decent playoff team, to World Series’ favorite in just 3 short weeks. While I’m not sure they’ll win the World Series, they’ve been extremely impressive during this streak. The most runs they’ve given up in the past 21 games is 6, and they’ve posted 7 shutouts.

Tonight, they’ll go for sole possession of the record against the Kansas City Royals. I have no clue where you can find this game on TV, unless you live in Kansas City or Cleveland, but I’m sure ESPN or MLB Network will give Live Look-Ins to the game if they’re winning. First pitch is set for 7:10 P.M. EST, and Josh Tomlin will take the mound against Jake Junis.

Prediction: Indians 6, Royals 4

 

Do you think the Indians will break the record tonight??

Who do you think will win Thursday Night Football??

Post your predictions 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!!

 

I Don’t Always Sit Through Rain Delays, But When I Do, I Want Them To Be Longer Than The Game

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

lightning

The West coast is silly. Their games and events start at 10:15 P.M., and they don’t end until 1:30 or 2:00 A.M. It is not possible for us normal folk to watch more than 3 innings, or the 1st quarter, or the 1st period of these games. And then, there are the West coast games that are still happening, from the night before (!), when I get to work.

Who Doesn’t Enjoy A Little Lightning Delay??

The San Francisco Giants (the 2nd worst team in baseball), played host to the Los Angeles Dodgers (the best team in baseball), on Monday night. Thanks to a 3 hour and 34 minute rain-delay, Monday night turned into Tuesday morning. The game was originally delayed 42-minutes prior to first-pitch. But then, thanks to the infinite wisdom of the decision makers in San Francisco last night, the game was delayed again, after just 1 batter!! After Curtis Granderson struck out to lead off the game, the heavens opened up again, this time handing us a 2 hour and 52 minute rain and lightning delay.

The total rain delay was longer than the actual game.

When they finally played baseball, the Dodgers proceeded to lose their 11th consecutive game (8-6). The game ended at 5:10 in the morning!! Despite this horrid stretch, they’re still 40 games over .500, and hold the best record in MLB. Anybody else dislike roller coasters??

We’re Going Streaking!!

On the other hand, not all streaks are made the same. The Cleveland Indians are in the midst of a winning streak for the ages. With their 11-0 win over the Detroit Tigers Monday night, the Indians have won 19 consecutive games. They now stand 2 wins shy of tying the MLB record for most consecutive wins. This record belongs to the 1935 Chicago Cubs (they finished with a record of 100-54). The Indians should moonwalk their way to a share of the record with 2 more games against the hapless Detroit Tigers. If the Indians were to break the record, it would take place Thursday night, as they host the Kansas City Royals. I never thought I’d say this, but I’ll be watching. Who knew the Cleveland Indians were Must-Watch-TV?!

Tampa Bay Hosts New York….In New York????

Due to the effects of Hurricane Irma, the Tampa Rays are not able to host the New York Yankees this week. Instead, MLB decided to shift the Rays/Yankees series to a “neutral” site. Anyone care to venture a guess as to where they moved this series??

“Anyone?? Anyone?? Bueller??”

The answer is Citi Field. Yes, as in where the Mets play, in Queens. Listen, I’m a Yankees’ fan, so I’m not flipping park benches over this, but how is this fair to the Tampa Bay Rays?? I fully understand the situation due to the impact of Hurricane Irma, but MLB couldn’t find a stadium outside of the New York area for this series?? I find that hard to believe.

To accommodate fans, ticket prices for this series will be capped at $25, and only the lower deck will be open. Monday was the 1st of the 3-game series, as 15,327 fans promptly booed the “home” Rays. The Yankees went on to win 5-1, and have now won 3 games in a row. Game 2 will be played tonight @ 7:10 P.M., as Blake Snell will take on Sonny Gray.

Hopefully the Yankees can capitalize on these completely logical, rational, reasonable, fair circumstances.

 

What were you watching on Monday?? Baseball?? More Football?? Let me know 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!!