Tag: New York Yankees

Tanaka Shows Emotion For The 1st Time..Ever — Shuts Out Astros In Game 5

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

tanaka game 5

2, 2, 1, 4, and 0. No, that’s not my ATM pin number, it’s the number of runs scored by the Houston Astros in the ALCS. While the storyline continues to revolve around Aaron Judge and the Yankees’ potent offense, the pitching staff continues to be overshadowed.

Yes, the bats needed to wake up, as they were limited to 1 run each of the first 2 games, but they wouldn’t be leading the ALCS 3 games to 2 without stellar pitching. Everyone knows how dominant their bullpen is, however, they’ve sported the best starting rotation so far this postseason. The only team who has performed near the level of the Yankees is the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Heading into this season, the Yankees’ starting rotation was littered with question marks. How would Luis Severino perform in his 1st full season as a starter?? How much does CC Sabathia have left in the tank?? Can Michael Pineda stay healthy for an entire season?? Who will be the 5th starter??

The Yankees overachieved this season, so the majority of these questions were answered in the affirmative, however, they did falter at times. Pineda was shut down for the year in early July. Jordan Montgomery, who filled the 5th starter role to perfection, ran into an innings limit. And the 1 part of the rotation the Yankees assumed would be the foundation, Masahiro Tanaka, turned out to be the least consistent piece of the puzzle.

Come October, throw everything out the window. Except for my TV. Don’t throw that out the window. Postseason baseball breathes new life into the air. Some rise to the occasion, some succumb to the pressure. The Yankees have risen.

Last night, in a crucial Game 5, Masahiro Tanaka, pitched an absolute gem.

CAN I GET A SHUTOUT HERRREEEEE?!?!

Tanaka’s Day: 7 innings, 3 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, and 8 strikeouts

The Astros have picked a bad time to go ice cold. 9 runs in 5 games is not going to cut it. Again, this is a testament to the Yankees’ pitching because the Astros are a powerful offense.

Here are the Astros’ offensive rankings in the regular season:

Hits (1,581) – 1st

Runs (896) – 1st

Home Runs (238) – 2nd

Batting Avg. (.282) – 1st

RBI’s (854) – 1st 

Luis Severino will look to keep those powerful bats at bay for 1 more game. Despite being pulled early from his last start, after getting struck with a ball, Severino will take the hill Friday night against Justin Verlander. Verlander mowed down the Yankees in Game 2, so the Yankees will be out for revenge. Hopefully they jump on Verlander early. He’s a rare breed that gets stronger as a game goes on.

Catch all the action tomorrow on FS1 @ 8:08 P.M. EST. When the Yankees win, they’ll return to their 1st World Series since 2009.

LET’S GO YANKEES!!

Score Prediction: Yankees 5, Astros 3 

Who do you think will win Game 6?? 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!!

 

 

 

Yanks Yank Game 4 From Astros

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

yankees-astros-2017-american-league-championship-series

Now that was a baseball game!! Game 4 of the ALCS between the New York Yankees and Houston Astros has been the best game of the postseason — so far.

Like I said yesterday, hits are contagious. Until the bottom of the 7th inning, a lonely single by Todd Frazier was the Yankees’ only hit. And then, THIS happened. Aaron Judge launched a majestic, 427-foot home run to straight away center field. Not only was this home run a thing of beauty, it was crucial. It got the Yankees on the board, bringing the score to 4-1. It got the crowd going. And most importantly, it forced A.J. Hinch to pull Lance McCullers Jr. McCullers, who 24 hours earlier didn’t know he would start Game 4, was spectacular. The Yankee fan in me wants to thank Astros Manager, A.J. Hinch, for his quick trigger. Letting the horrid Astros’ bullpen loose was the beginning of their end….

Chris Devenski was the 1st victim. He surrendered a triple, a sacrifice fly, and a walk. Devenski was promptly pulled for Joe Musgrove, who got out of the 7th inning unscathed. Little did he know, the 7th inning was just the appetizer. The main course was set for the bottom of the 8th inning. A combination of Musgrove, Ken Giles (the Astros’ closer), and Luke Gregerson allowed the Yankees to bat around, bringing 10 batters to the plate. What started with an innocent single by Todd Frazier, ended with a 2-rbi double by Gary Sanchez. And just like that, the 2-run Yankees’ deficit turned into a 2-run surplus.

If only someone had predicted a final score of 6-4….

Yes.

That’s what they call shameless self-promotion.

While it’s refreshing to see the bats come to life, it shouldn’t overshadow Sonny Gray’s pitching performance. Gray, the forgotten man, hadn’t pitched in 12 days. That is NOT easy. Like Hinch, Joe Girardi had a quick trigger with his starter, pulling Gray after just 85 pitches.

Sonny Gray’s Day: 5 innings, 1 hit, 2 runs (1 earned), 2 walks, and 4 strikeouts

You couldn’t ask for a better performance, in those circumstances, from a guy who hadn’t pitched in nearly 2 weeks. Part of Gray’s success can be tied to Austin Romine getting his 1st start of the postseason at catcher. Gray’s numbers are significantly better with Romine than Gary Sanchez. However, the Romine experiment needn’t last more than 1 day. He’s useless with the bat, and looked rusty with the glove. An ill-timed catcher’s interference didn’t help his cause either. Toss Sanchez back behind the plate, and slot Chase Headley in as the DH. Headley’s bat is finally heatin’ up. Headley, who is historically streaky, looks to be trending in the right direction.

Ride the wave Girardi!! Don’t fight your instincts. I know the robot in you hasn’t taken COMPLETE control of your body — yet.

Game 5 is coming at you today with another awkward 5:08 P.M. EST start. Tune in to FS1 for all the action, as Dallas Keuchel and Masahiro Tanaka will climb the hill. Saying Keuchel owns the Yankees is an understatement. He hasn’t allowed a home run against the Yankees in 217 innings. That trend, gets bucked, today.

Score Prediction: Yankees 3, Astros 2

 

Who do you think will win Game 5?? 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!!

 

 

CC Strikes Again!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

cc sabathia

When in doubt, call CC Sabathia. With the Yankees’ season teetering on the edge, they called upon their stopper. Their hefty (crafty) lefty. This season, CC Sabathia is 9-0, in 12 starts, following a Yankees’ loss. That’s unbelievable!!

CC’s Day: 6 innings, 3 hits, 0 runs, 4 walks, and 5 strikeouts 

I don’t love the 4 walks, but if CC is going to keep this Houston Astros’ lineup scoreless through 6 innings, he can walk as many batters as he’d like. Which brings us to the most crucial part of the game. In the top of the 3rd inning, CC gave up a single and walked 2, loading the bases for clutch youngster, Carlos Correa. CC, got CC, to pop-out to shortstop. Disaster averted.

Monday night’s Game 3 victory by the Yankees was filled with big moments.

In Order.

You’re Welcome.

5.) Starlin Castro reached base on a swinging bunt. With 2 outs in the bottom of the 2nd inning, Castro started what turned out to be a 3-run inning. Stay tuned. There’s more to come on this inning.

4.) The 5-run, bottom of the 4th inning. This inning included a double by Greg Bird. A walk by Todd Frazier. An rbi single by Chase Headley (the Yankees’ 1st hit from their DH this postseason). Brett Gardner getting hit by a pitch. A wild pitch which brought in a run. And a 3-run home run by Aaron Judge!! This gave the Yankees an 8-0 lead, putting the game out of reach. They would go on to win 8-1.

3.) Not 1, but 2 spectacular catches by Aaron Judge. The 1st can be seen here. Judge sacrificed his body, slamming into the right field wall at full speed. Is it possible that catch got him going at the plate?? The 2nd catch was a phenomenal display of athleticism. Check it out here. 

2.) Here’s where CC earned his contract….

The aforementioned pop-out by Carlos Correa. Keeping the Astrosoff the scoreboard was key, but like they say, “Timing is everything.” The Yankees had just taken the lead, and the last thing they wanted to do was cough it right back up. As he did all night, CC clamped down.

1.) Todd Frazier. A ‘Jersey Kid’ who’s livin’ the dream. Frazier stepped to the plate in the bottom of the 2nd inning and hit what can only be described as a ‘Yankee Stadium Home Run’. Watch it first, then we’ll talk.

Have you ever seen a ball, that looked like a bloop-single, land in the bleachers?? I know I know, it’s Yankee Stadium. And yes, I’m a lifelong, die-hard Yankees’ fan. But that was ridiculous. I’m not complaining. It just looked silly. It was, however, just what the doctor ordered for a struggling Yankees’ offense.

Strikeouts ARE contagious, but so ARE hits.

The questions is, can the Yankees’ bats keep it going against Lance McCullers Jr.??

Check out Game 4 action EARLY Tuesday evening on FS1. First pitch is set for 5:08 P.M. EST. Sonny Gray, off 1,407 days rest (or 12), will get the ball for the Yankees.

Prediction: Yankees 6, Astros 4

 

Who do you think will win Game 4?? 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!!

 

 

 

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!!

 

 

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!!

Severino Overpowers Indians — 2 Down, 1 To Go

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

severino

We learned a lot about Luis Severino Monday night. After a pitching performance to forget in the AL Wild Card Game, Severino put his best foot forward in Game 4 of the ALDS. Game 4 was the 2nd elimination game for the Yankees in as many days. Win, and force a Game 5. Lose, and go home.

“Why don’t you just go home? That’s your home! Are you too good for your home?!”

Severino: 7 innings, 4 hits, 3 runs, 1 walk, and 9 strikeouts

Severino’s fastball was live, touching 100 mph a handful of times. His changeup regularly registered at or above 90 mph (which is insane). And his slider was sharp and consistent. Severino’s two blemishes came in the form of the long ball. Carlos Santana, who is giving everyone fits, tagged him for a 2-run home run in the 4th inning, and Roberto Perez hit a solo home run in the 5th inning. The other two hits were harmless singles by Jay Bruce and Michael Brantley.

On the other hand, the Yankees’ lineup did what they couldn’t do in Game 1. They got to Trevor Bauer, forcing him from the game after just 2 and 2/3 innings. Bauer was pitching on 3 days rest, and it showed. The Yankees put up 4 runs in the 2nd inning. What started with an error by the 3rd baseman, Giovany Urshela, ended with a 4-run, 2-out rally.

ALERT THE AUTHORITIES!! There was an Aaron Judge sighting during this rally. Judge recorded his 1st hit of the series, cracking a 2-run double to left field. Believe it or not, the key to Judge’s at-bat in the 2nd inning was being fed a steady diet of curveballs. I know Judge has been struck out 174,000 times on curveballs, but hear me out. Bauer, who has gone to his masterful curveball 36% of the time in this series, threw Judge 4 curveballs in a row. While the first 2 dropped in for strikes, the next 2 were in the dirt. This allowed Judge to adjust his eye level and drive a ball later in the at-bat.

While Girardi and his bullpen have been a topic of conversation throughout this series, he pushed the right buttons Monday night. Girardi brought in Dellin Betances in the 8th inning, but promptly yanked him after Betances walked the first 2 batters. Without the 103-mph services of Aroldis Chapman, Tommy Kahnle came in. Kahnle was lights out!! 2 innings, 0 hits, 5 strikeouts, on just 22 pitches. 7-3 lead protected. WOW!! Talk about slamming a door.

When 1 door closes, another opens (or something like that). The Yankees will walk through that door, in Cleveland. It all comes down to Wednesday. Game 5. All-or-nothing. The dangerous, Houston Astros await the victor in the ALCS.

Catch all the action on FS1, Wednesday night, @ 7:00 P.M. EST.

Projected Starters: Corey Kluber vs. CC Sabathia

The Yankees lineup tagged Kluber for 6 runs in Game 2. That won’t happen again. The same way Yankees’ fans knew Severino wasn’t going to get shelled in consecutive outings, Indians’ fans know their ace. As for the Yankees, I trust CC, but it’s all hands on deck.

While my heart is rooting for the Yankees 100%, my mind doesn’t love their chances in Game 5.

Prediction: Indians 4, Yankees 3 (10 innings)

I’d pay good money to be wrong on this one….

Who do you think will win Game 5?? 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!!

 

 

 

 

Tanaka Pitches A Gem — 1 Down, 2 To Go

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

masahiro

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

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

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

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

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

*This isn’t revisionist history.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Projected Starters: Luis Severino vs. Trevor Bauer 

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

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

The Yankees’ season, hangs in the balance….

Prediction: Yankees 6, Indians 4

 

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

 

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

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

You Couldn’t Manage A Worse Game If You Tried!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

girardi idiot

The ALDS between the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians has not been for the faint of heart. For Yankees’ fans, the past 72 hours have been an emotional roller coaster. Roller coasters usually make me throw up. We’ll start our ride on Friday night, in Cleveland, for Game 2 of the ALDS.

Game 2 – The Most Poorly Managed Game I’ve Ever Seen!!

“Hi Yankees lineup.”

“Hi Kluber Mountain.”

“Good luck!”

The Yankees faced the unenviable task of stepping into the batter’s box against Corey Kluber. Mr. Kluber is the front-runner for the AL Cy Young Award, and has been one of the best pitchers in baseball over the past 4 years. On the hill for the Yankees, 37 year old CC Sabathia. The Yankees surprisingly got to Kluber early and often. Gary Sanchez kicked things off with a 2-run home run in the 1st inning, and Aaron Hicks and Greg Bird followed suit with home runs of their own, blowing the lead open to 8-3 in the 5th inning.

This is the part where riders must keep all arms and legs inside the roller coaster and should hold on to their hats….

CC Sabathia gave the Yankees exactly what the doctor ordered, a gritty, road-start. After giving up 3 early runs, CC settled in, retiring 12 of 13 batters before being pulled by Joe Girardi in the 6th inning. This was the 1st of a multitude of mistakes by Girardi. CC Sabathia was dealing, and had only thrown 77 pitches. Yanking CC was down right STUPID (knowing your bullpen is already taxed)!!

If that was Girardi’s only mistake, the Yankees may have escaped from Cleveland with a victory. Silly me. Girardi brought in Chad Green. Despite retiring the 1st batter, anyone with eyeballs could see Green didn’t have his usual command (he threw 41 pitches on Tuesday). He promptly gave up a double to Yan Gomes, bringing runners to 2nd and 3rd. Then, with a 2-strike count, Lonnie Chisenhall was awarded 1st base after allegedly being hit by a pitch. All replays available, clearly showed the ball glanced off the knob of Chisenhall’s bat, and landed in Gary Sanchez’s glove. Joe Girardi inexplicably DID NOT challenge this call!!

This is the part where I lose my mind….

There is no valid excuse in the world for Girardi to not challenge this play. Forget that every replay known to man showed Chisenhall wasn’t hit. Forget that Chisenhall showed ZERO reaction as if he’d been hit. Forget that Gary Sanchez, your catcher, is adamantly pleading with you to challenge the play. Forget that you “didn’t get” your preferred super slo-mo replay. Forget tha….you got the picture??

The point is, this was the biggest moment, of the most important game, of the year. I don’t care if Girardi was on the toilet and didn’t see the play, there was NO RISK, and he should have challenged the play sight unseen.

And the worst part, was Girardi’s post-game pile of horse manure. I don’t have the heart, or stomach, to go through Girardi lying to my face again, so click here to see the worst post-game press conference in the history of sports.

Anyway, back to the bases loaded jam we go. Girardi wrongly left Green in, who promptly served up a grand slam to Francisco Lindor. AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Just like that, 8-3 became 8-7. Girardi then handed the ball to David Robertson, who threw 52 pitches on Tuesday. After getting 1 and 1/3 scoreless innings from Robertson, Girardi greedily sent Robertson out to the mound in the 8th inning. Enter Jay Bruce….A lead-off, solo shot tied the game at 8. AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

You know what else didn’t help?? The Yankees stranded runners in scoring position in the 9th, 10th, and 11th innings, while going scoreless for a span of 8 innings. You know what else REALLY didn’t help?!?! Ronald Torreyes getting picked off on 2nd base, by the catcher, with 0 outs in the 11th inning. How’d that happen you ask….

Todd Frazier reached 2nd base on a throwing error. Torreyes came in to pinch-run for Frazier. And to the shock and dismay of Yankees’ fans everywhere, Torreyes (who had 1 job), was caught drifting off 2nd base by Yan Gomes. Gomes made a spectacular throw, from home, on his knees to get Torreyes, but WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU GOING?!?! Unbelievable!!

And lastly, Girardi’s final mistake of the evening, leaving Betances in for a 3rd inning (11th, 12th, and 13th). Joe, stop asking players to do things they’ve never done before. In as close to a must-win situation as possible, everyone not scheduled to pitch in Game 3 should have been available. A fresh Luis Severino, Jaime Garcia, or Jordan Montgomery would have been better options than Betances in a 3rd consecutive inning. It wasn’t Betances’ fault, but who doesn’t love a 9-8 loss in 13 innings?!?!

THIS WAS THE MOST POORLY MANAGED GAME I’VE EVER SEEN — EVER!!!!

Now, rather then being tied 1-1, heading back to New York, the Yankees found themselves down 2-0 heading into Sunday Night’s Game 3.

Stay tuned for a recap of Sunday Night’s Game 3 and a preview of Monday Night’s Game 4.

Have you ever seen a more poorly managed baseball game in your life?? If so, please enlighten 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!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yankees Forget Their Bats In New York, Shutout By Indians

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

jay bruce home run

Well that didn’t go as planned.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crazier things have happened.

Sorry heart. Today, brain has prevailed.

Indians 5, Yankees 3   

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

 

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

 

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!!

 

Pick A Sport, Any Sport

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

yankees-at-indians

This is the best time of the year in sports. Football, Baseball, Hockey, and Basketball. It’s like Christmas in October….

NL Wild Card Game

Another Wild Card Game, another 3-run lead in the 1st inning. Thanks to Paul Goldschmidt’s 3-run home run, the Arizona Diamondbacks jumped out to an early lead Wednesday night.

Paul Goldschmidt is the 2nd best baseball player in the world.

They led by as many as 6 runs, before the Colorado Rockies came storming back with a 4-run 4th inning. The Rockies ‘kept hanging around’, as they trailed just 6-5 in the 7th inning. And then, Diamondbacks’ relief pitcher Archie Bradley did something unexpected. He hit a 2-run triple, providing insurance, with his bat. The Diamondbacks would go on to win 11-8, advancing to the NL Division Series. Now, they have the great pleasure of taking on the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB Best Record). Yay!

The Dodgers had a phenomenal season, but don’t sleep on the Diamondbacks. They CAN win this series, and they will….

Diamondbacks in 5

You heard it here first.

WNBA Finals

In case you didn’t notice, there was a decisive Game 5 played last night in the WNBA Finals. The Los Angeles Sparks took on the Minnesota Lynx. The Minnesota Lynx may be the quietest dynasty in the history of sports. New England who?? Alabama who?? The Lynx have now won 4 championships in the last 7 years. They were led by Sylvia Fowles and Maya Moore. Fowles became the 1st player in WNBA history to win the MVP in the regular season and finals.

NHL Drops The Puck

Speaking of things you didn’t notice, the NHL season started last night, with 8 teams in action. The Toronto Maple Leafs stormed out of the gate, dominating the Winnipeg Jets to the tune of 7-2. Interestingly, the Maple Leafs and Arizona Diamondbacks simultaneously took 6-0 leads.

There was 1 overtime thriller last night, between the St. Louis Blues and the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Blues nearly blew this one, as the Penguins came back from a 4-2 deficit in the 3rd period. The Blues would ultimately take down Sidney Crosby and the defending champs 5-4 (F/OT).

The New York Rangers open their season at home, tonight, against the Colorado Avalanche.

The Islanders open their season Friday night at the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Let’s Go Islanders!!

Thursday Night Football 

And then, there was football. Those who stay up to watch horrid matchup after horrid matchup on Thursday Night Football, are finally being rewarded. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the New England Patriots tonight. Expect New England, who I hate, to bounce back after last week’s home-loss to the Carolina Panthers. I’d say they’re going to blowout the Bucs, but a defense this bad doesn’t do blowouts. Expect Jameis Winston and the Bucs to put up impressive offensive numbers, but fall short of victory.

Patriots 31, Buccaneers 24

AL Division Series

New York Yankees vs. Cleveland Indians. That’s what I’ll be watching tonight. The Yankees have announced that Sonny Gray will get the ball in Game 1 against Trevor Bauer, and CC Sabathia will pitch Game 2. In a surprise move, the Indians will opt to hold their ace, Corey Kluber, until Game 2. Indians’ manager, Terry Francona, said he wants Kluber to pitch on normal rest. If this series goes the distance, Kluber will be available to start Game 5.

Game 1 is the game for the Yankees to steal. While Bauer had a nice year, the Yankees’ lineup will be pleased not to see Kluber on the bump. The Yankees will carry the momentum from a fantastic Wild Card Game into tonight….

Yankees 5, Indians 4

 

What will you be watching tonight?? Will the Yankees win Game 1 of the ALDS?? 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!!