In what is a completely disgraceful development, the French Open has rarely found itself on cable television for what is now more than a week of play. ESPN is contracted to show the beginning of the four tennis Grand Slams. I have previously had no issue with this. There multiple networks allow them the scheduling flexibility to play the rounds live and often again during prime hours in the USA, and they have secured the talent to create a very satisfactory telecast, and import the knowledgeable analysis into their highlight programs. However, during this tournament, they have disgraced themselves. The French Open has found itself residing on ESPN3, the new name for ESPN's 360 internet television. I did see early one morning last week that it was to be on ESPN2, but that was the only time. What is even more disgraceful is that not all the matches are even on ESPN3.com. I went to finally take in some matches on Sunday and I was not able to do so. I caught my first action of this French Open this morning at 10am, where I was able to see parts of Rafael Nadal's victory and the beginning of Nicolas Almagros impressive defeat of Fernando Verdasco. For those keeping score, I was not able to watch a single match until the FOURTH ROUND, when two of my favorite players Lletyon Hewitt and Marcos Baghdatis were already elminated. From what I can see, ESPN is being kind enough to show us the quarterfinal matches tomorrow at noon, though I don't see that Wednesday's quarters will be available. I don't typically have many complaints about ESPN sports coverage, but this is a ridiculous showing. It would be one thing if their coveted NBA playoffs were taking place at 9am or Noon, when the matches are taking place, but they are scrapping tennis for constant rerunning of Sportcenter, episodes of Mike and Mike in the morning and sometimes mid-night reruns of previous sporting events. As I have said, I typically am not one to take on ESPN in these types of matters, but if this is how they are to treat tennis, then I don't see why they wouldn't want to save themselves some money and give the contract to a network that will respect it.
Ravenously,
-APT
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
STANLEY CUP FINALS PREVIEW
So it has all come to this. Both the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers are 4 wins away from the Stanley Cup. Each team disposed thier opponents in the Conference Finals much easier than I thought they would, so hopefully we can get a good series out of the Final. Since we've been through the relative strengths and weaknesses of these teams repeatedly, I figured some key matchups that I'm watching for would work as a better preview.
Dustin Byfuglien vs. Chris Pronger
Big Buff has had a great playoff, and a dominating performance against the Sharks in the last round. He will face a lot of Chris Pronger in this series, and it should be a great matchup. Big Buff is shorter but has a lot more meat on his bones than Pronger does, but Pronger has made his living being a tough son of a bitch for the past decade. I expect an epic battle, with lots of hits/punches/cheapshots thrown. I have a hard time picking against Pronger because he has shown many times in the past that he can take on anyone. I think Big Buff will have a good game or two, but this matchup is going to be pretty even in my opinion. No matter what, it will be a joy to watch.
Chicago Secondary Scoring vs. Philly Defense
Chicago has their two young guns in Patty Kane and Johnathon Toews, but a key will be how the secondary scoring of the Hawks performs. I have no doubt that Kane and Toews will get points, but the key for Philly will be to try to shut everyone else down. I expect Marian Hossa, Pat Sharp and Kris Versteeg to provide quality scoring depth, turning the tide of the series. Philly has a talented defense with Pronger, Kimo Timonen and Brayden Coburn, but I think that the Hawks will be able to have enough depth to take this one.
Dave Bolland's Line vs. Philly's First Line
Dave Bolland and his line have provided the shutdown line to put out against other teams top lines. That line shut down the Sedins in the 2nd round and the Marleau-Thornton-Heatley line in the last round. It will be key for Philly, if they want to win, to be able to break through with their first line and score some goals. If not, then Philly will have to rely on its gritty but less skilled forwards to carry the load of offense.
Chicago's Defense vs. Philly's Forecheck
The Flyers have advanced to the Finals by forechecking the hell out of teams, and using their effort and drive to create scoring chances. The Hawks have a better defense than anyone Philly has faced, so it will be interesting to see if they can continue working in the same manner. Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook are arguably the best D-pairing in the NHL, and are extremely efficient at getting the puck out of the zone and start the rush. They have shown a willingness to take the body, but I think that the Flyers are going to be able to do some damage against the bottom two pairs, which are more susceptible to a strong forecheck.
Annti Niemi vs. Michael Leighton
Of course, the Final will depend on the pay of the two goaltenders. Michael Leighton has been playing out of his mind since coming back after Brian Boucher was injured. Whether he will be able to keep that up against the Hawks is one of the biggest question marks of the series. Montreal was pretty much shut down by the Flyers' rough and tumble defense, but Chicago won't be so easily shut down. If Chicago can get a lot of rubber on net, I'm interested to see how Leighton responds. Niemi has been very solid during these playoffs, and I don't see that changing. The Hawks don't generally give up a lot of shots and quality chances, so Niemi is just going to have to make the saves he's supposed, and provide timely saves.
BOLT PICK: Hawks 4-1
Going into the playoffs, I was of the opinion that whoever came out of the West was going to win it all, and that hasn't changed. While the Flyers have played extremely well during these playoffs, they have not had to face an opponent nearly as good as the Hawks. The Hawks are a great team, and just rolled the best time in the regular season in 4 games. I think that Michael Leighton will come down to earth and that the Hawk secondary scoring will wreak havoc on the Flyer defense.
-THE-A-TRAIN-
Dustin Byfuglien vs. Chris Pronger
Big Buff has had a great playoff, and a dominating performance against the Sharks in the last round. He will face a lot of Chris Pronger in this series, and it should be a great matchup. Big Buff is shorter but has a lot more meat on his bones than Pronger does, but Pronger has made his living being a tough son of a bitch for the past decade. I expect an epic battle, with lots of hits/punches/cheapshots thrown. I have a hard time picking against Pronger because he has shown many times in the past that he can take on anyone. I think Big Buff will have a good game or two, but this matchup is going to be pretty even in my opinion. No matter what, it will be a joy to watch.
Chicago Secondary Scoring vs. Philly Defense
Chicago has their two young guns in Patty Kane and Johnathon Toews, but a key will be how the secondary scoring of the Hawks performs. I have no doubt that Kane and Toews will get points, but the key for Philly will be to try to shut everyone else down. I expect Marian Hossa, Pat Sharp and Kris Versteeg to provide quality scoring depth, turning the tide of the series. Philly has a talented defense with Pronger, Kimo Timonen and Brayden Coburn, but I think that the Hawks will be able to have enough depth to take this one.
Dave Bolland's Line vs. Philly's First Line
Dave Bolland and his line have provided the shutdown line to put out against other teams top lines. That line shut down the Sedins in the 2nd round and the Marleau-Thornton-Heatley line in the last round. It will be key for Philly, if they want to win, to be able to break through with their first line and score some goals. If not, then Philly will have to rely on its gritty but less skilled forwards to carry the load of offense.
Chicago's Defense vs. Philly's Forecheck
The Flyers have advanced to the Finals by forechecking the hell out of teams, and using their effort and drive to create scoring chances. The Hawks have a better defense than anyone Philly has faced, so it will be interesting to see if they can continue working in the same manner. Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook are arguably the best D-pairing in the NHL, and are extremely efficient at getting the puck out of the zone and start the rush. They have shown a willingness to take the body, but I think that the Flyers are going to be able to do some damage against the bottom two pairs, which are more susceptible to a strong forecheck.
Annti Niemi vs. Michael Leighton
Of course, the Final will depend on the pay of the two goaltenders. Michael Leighton has been playing out of his mind since coming back after Brian Boucher was injured. Whether he will be able to keep that up against the Hawks is one of the biggest question marks of the series. Montreal was pretty much shut down by the Flyers' rough and tumble defense, but Chicago won't be so easily shut down. If Chicago can get a lot of rubber on net, I'm interested to see how Leighton responds. Niemi has been very solid during these playoffs, and I don't see that changing. The Hawks don't generally give up a lot of shots and quality chances, so Niemi is just going to have to make the saves he's supposed, and provide timely saves.
BOLT PICK: Hawks 4-1
Going into the playoffs, I was of the opinion that whoever came out of the West was going to win it all, and that hasn't changed. While the Flyers have played extremely well during these playoffs, they have not had to face an opponent nearly as good as the Hawks. The Hawks are a great team, and just rolled the best time in the regular season in 4 games. I think that Michael Leighton will come down to earth and that the Hawk secondary scoring will wreak havoc on the Flyer defense.
-THE-A-TRAIN-
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Hottest Little Potatoes
HLP BATTERS
Jason Bay, NYM: 10/19, 9 R, 2 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 BB, 2 K, SB
Ben Zobrist, TB: 14/27, 6 R, 2 2B, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 6 BB, 5 K, 3 SB
Nelson Cruz, Tex: 10/21, 5 R, 4 2B, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 4 BB, 2 K, SB
HLP PITCHERS
Brett Cecil, Tor: 14.2 IP, 7 K, 2 W, 1.32 ERA, 0.88 WHIP
Zach Duke, Pit: 13.0 IP, 10 K, W, 0.69 ERA, 1.15 WHIP
Clay Buchholz, Bos: 14.0 IP, 15 K, 2 W, 1.93 ERA, 0.93 WHIP
- Jason Bay has finally given the Met fans what they've been looking for. He hit 2 HR in the decisive game against the hated Yankees, and started off the series against the hated Phillies with another 2 RBI. His RBIs were down over this hot streak, but he was inciting rallies, scoring 9 runs.
- Ben Zobrist has been giving America's best baseball team a little bit of everything. He struggled a bit early, after a stellar 2009, but is contributing everywhere, hitting for avg, extra bases, taking walks, and stealing bases.
- There was not a sad eye in Arlington, upon the return of Nelson Cruz. Texas has the potential to make some major noise in the AL West. As much as their pitching has improved, it will still be their bats that will do the shouting. Those bats are something else, when you add Nelson Cruz. All he did last week was drive in 10 runs.
- Brett Cecil continues a run of brilliant pitching for the surprise Toronto Blue Jays. It seems just about everyone in the rotation has flirted with a no-hitter already this season. The young bats are taking balls out and the Blue Jays are staying in what is an epic AL East race. Doc who?
- Zach Duke gets extra props, because he needed to get his 2 wins for the Pirates. Sometimes you need a 0.69 ERA to do it. That kind of ERA is going to get you a lot of HLP points. Just as soon as Duke caught fire you heard the rumors among baseball fans that their team might be interested in going after Duke. The Pirates would be insane to get rid of him, but the Pirates have been insane before.
- Clay Buchholz barely edges out the Johan for the last HLP spot. He does it with an extra win, and slightly tougher competition. Buck went up against the Twins and Rays and put up a sub-2 ERA in his 2 W, while striking out 1+ batters per inning. The youth is rising to the front of this Boston staff, in Buchholz and Jon Lester.
-APT
More (Fake) Mail?!
Being we still have very few readers, we still get pretty much no mail. Therefore, here is another bag of fake mail that allows me to write about various unrelated things in one post:
First one from Jerry, who says he's from New York but is actually from New Jersey:
So...the word is in, the Super Bowl is coming to New York!! I don't know what took so long. I bet you're stoked. See you in 3 1/2 years!
I've got to agree with you, Jerry. I have no idea why it took so long. I understand that the Super Bowl is as much a business as any sporting event in the World. But I don't see how business can be bad in New York City. Although the game is at the Meadowlands, the party is in NYC, and no one can complain about a party in NYC, no matter the season. Arthur Blank of the Falcons said it best when asked if he thought people would come to New York in February, if a they had the Super Bowl: "They already go." As for the cold weather, I hear complaints that it puts teams at a disadvantage, but a number of the teams in this league, build their roster knowing that they are going to have cold weather games. These teams are constantly held at a disadvantage in Super Bowls, as high octane teams are given perfect weather conditions 95% of the time. I think it'll be great for football and New York to have the game there. And, to tell you the truth, I hope it snows. It'll be great. (I will take some exception if the Pro Bowl is still held the week before at the Super Bowl Location. I don't agree with the timing of the game, but I'll deal with it. However, maybe it'd still be better off in Hawaii, especially for a cold weather Super Bowl location. The all stars don't deserve to have to spend a game in trying weather.)
-APT
From Cal in Ohio:
Big Ten expansion is the biggest story in College Sports right now, but I haven't heard you say a thing about it. I know it's more business then sports, but you can't possibly ignore such a substantial impending event.
Cal, you're right. I can't ignore these expansion talks. I'm probably better off just giving you my opinion on college conference expansion. I'm all for the expansion of conferences. I think it's a great idea to give schools a chance to play on the big stage. However, I'm not for all these conferences picking teams out of other big conferences for their benefit. I want expansion to give MORE teams a chance to succeed, not create 4 huge conferences, ultimately letting less teams compete. I agree that all the big 6 should have an even number of teams. I think that would be helpful for the post season. But how about we use it for inclusion, like this:
Every team with 12.
Big 10 adds ND
Pac 10 adds Boise State and Utah
Big East adds Army, Navy, East Carolina and Ball State
Or if every team wants to 14, even.
same as above, then
ACC adds UCF and Troy
Big 10 adds Air Force, Colorado State
Big 12 adds TCU, UTEP
Big East adds Richmond, Appalachian State
Pac 10 adds BYU and Fresno State
SEC adds Southern Miss, SMU
I'm not saying these conferences are ideal. I'm just saying that if you want to expand, that's great. But we can create a more competitive, fair game. I don't think molding these super-conferences is a benefit to the game in any way.
-APT
Phrank in Philly:
So, APT, ya boy Jaro Halak didn't have sh*t on my Flyers? What happened? Who ya got in the SC Finals?
Thanks for the question Phrank. I hope I accurately portrayed a Philadelphia Phan with your question. If you look at the post I put up after game 2, there were match-up problems in this series for the Canadiens. The Pens and Caps, being more skill oriented and smaller defensively, were susceptible to what the Habs could offer. The Flyers used their size to punish the small forwards of Montreal, throwing them out of rhythm for most of the series. And the power forwards for Philly were not disrupted by the influence of Gill, Saban, Hamrlik, etc. Let's not forget, the Flyers added some hot goaltending of their own, Leighton shutting out the Habs 3 times!
As for the Finals, I think it will be an interesting match-up. The scoring forwards for Chicago are a lot bigger than Gionta and Cammy. Patty Kane, Toews, Marian Hossa and company are not easy to knock off the puck, so it should be a good physical fight in the Flyers end. It'll be interesting to see how the Hawks transition threat that their young defensemen provide affects how intense the Flyers can fight deep down in the Chicago end. The Chicago D is much more adept offensively and that could cause problems on quick breakouts against the Philadelphia grinders. The goalies are both hot but both unproven, so it's tough to say how they'll affect the series. I think team-wise the Blackhawks are a little better, but I'm going to give the goaltending edge, from what I've seen, to the Flyers. Combine that with a little bit more experience, and what do you say to a 7-gamer in the Finals. Let's say Philly in 7.
-APT
This one comes special deliver from Alan in Phoenix.
Hey APT. Sorry it took me so long to take your advice about playing zone against LA. Seems it's pretty effective. Just wanted to say thanks.
No problem, Mr. Gentry. Just don't show your hand too early in later game. Mix in the zone, but don't put it out there all day, especially against the Lakers second unit.
-APT
(Celebrity impersonated)
Lastly, we have Rochelle in New Rochelle:
Hey APT! What kind of piece of crap blog is this that you can't get any real reader emails.
Rochelle makes a point. Help me answer her. Write the blog. (link to the right)
-APT
First one from Jerry, who says he's from New York but is actually from New Jersey:
So...the word is in, the Super Bowl is coming to New York!! I don't know what took so long. I bet you're stoked. See you in 3 1/2 years!
I've got to agree with you, Jerry. I have no idea why it took so long. I understand that the Super Bowl is as much a business as any sporting event in the World. But I don't see how business can be bad in New York City. Although the game is at the Meadowlands, the party is in NYC, and no one can complain about a party in NYC, no matter the season. Arthur Blank of the Falcons said it best when asked if he thought people would come to New York in February, if a they had the Super Bowl: "They already go." As for the cold weather, I hear complaints that it puts teams at a disadvantage, but a number of the teams in this league, build their roster knowing that they are going to have cold weather games. These teams are constantly held at a disadvantage in Super Bowls, as high octane teams are given perfect weather conditions 95% of the time. I think it'll be great for football and New York to have the game there. And, to tell you the truth, I hope it snows. It'll be great. (I will take some exception if the Pro Bowl is still held the week before at the Super Bowl Location. I don't agree with the timing of the game, but I'll deal with it. However, maybe it'd still be better off in Hawaii, especially for a cold weather Super Bowl location. The all stars don't deserve to have to spend a game in trying weather.)
-APT
From Cal in Ohio:
Big Ten expansion is the biggest story in College Sports right now, but I haven't heard you say a thing about it. I know it's more business then sports, but you can't possibly ignore such a substantial impending event.
Cal, you're right. I can't ignore these expansion talks. I'm probably better off just giving you my opinion on college conference expansion. I'm all for the expansion of conferences. I think it's a great idea to give schools a chance to play on the big stage. However, I'm not for all these conferences picking teams out of other big conferences for their benefit. I want expansion to give MORE teams a chance to succeed, not create 4 huge conferences, ultimately letting less teams compete. I agree that all the big 6 should have an even number of teams. I think that would be helpful for the post season. But how about we use it for inclusion, like this:
Every team with 12.
Big 10 adds ND
Pac 10 adds Boise State and Utah
Big East adds Army, Navy, East Carolina and Ball State
Or if every team wants to 14, even.
same as above, then
ACC adds UCF and Troy
Big 10 adds Air Force, Colorado State
Big 12 adds TCU, UTEP
Big East adds Richmond, Appalachian State
Pac 10 adds BYU and Fresno State
SEC adds Southern Miss, SMU
I'm not saying these conferences are ideal. I'm just saying that if you want to expand, that's great. But we can create a more competitive, fair game. I don't think molding these super-conferences is a benefit to the game in any way.
-APT
Phrank in Philly:
So, APT, ya boy Jaro Halak didn't have sh*t on my Flyers? What happened? Who ya got in the SC Finals?
Thanks for the question Phrank. I hope I accurately portrayed a Philadelphia Phan with your question. If you look at the post I put up after game 2, there were match-up problems in this series for the Canadiens. The Pens and Caps, being more skill oriented and smaller defensively, were susceptible to what the Habs could offer. The Flyers used their size to punish the small forwards of Montreal, throwing them out of rhythm for most of the series. And the power forwards for Philly were not disrupted by the influence of Gill, Saban, Hamrlik, etc. Let's not forget, the Flyers added some hot goaltending of their own, Leighton shutting out the Habs 3 times!
As for the Finals, I think it will be an interesting match-up. The scoring forwards for Chicago are a lot bigger than Gionta and Cammy. Patty Kane, Toews, Marian Hossa and company are not easy to knock off the puck, so it should be a good physical fight in the Flyers end. It'll be interesting to see how the Hawks transition threat that their young defensemen provide affects how intense the Flyers can fight deep down in the Chicago end. The Chicago D is much more adept offensively and that could cause problems on quick breakouts against the Philadelphia grinders. The goalies are both hot but both unproven, so it's tough to say how they'll affect the series. I think team-wise the Blackhawks are a little better, but I'm going to give the goaltending edge, from what I've seen, to the Flyers. Combine that with a little bit more experience, and what do you say to a 7-gamer in the Finals. Let's say Philly in 7.
-APT
This one comes special deliver from Alan in Phoenix.
Hey APT. Sorry it took me so long to take your advice about playing zone against LA. Seems it's pretty effective. Just wanted to say thanks.
No problem, Mr. Gentry. Just don't show your hand too early in later game. Mix in the zone, but don't put it out there all day, especially against the Lakers second unit.
-APT
(Celebrity impersonated)
Lastly, we have Rochelle in New Rochelle:
Hey APT! What kind of piece of crap blog is this that you can't get any real reader emails.
Rochelle makes a point. Help me answer her. Write the blog. (link to the right)
-APT
Thursday, May 20, 2010
The End of Trevor Hoffman plus MLB Sprites
We talk about it all the time in sports. When is it over? It's been seen recently in terms of Ken Griffey Jr. and Shaquille O'Neal, constantly in Brett Favre, and even a more positive side in Niklas Lidstrom. Every season we see Hall of Fame careers coming to a close and we watch as the players decide if it's worth one more shot. Trevor Hoffman is probably rethinking his 2010 decision right now. No one really can blame him for thinking he had another year in him. In 2009, his first season with the Milwaukee Brewers, Hoffman was 37 for 41 in save chances, touting a 1.83 ERA and 0.91 WHIP. Opponents hit a paltry .183 and he was striking out 8 per 9 innings. It wasn't as though he was facing all new hitters. Hoffman has been in the National League since he first threw a pitch with Florida in 1993. 596 saves later, he's looking for answers, and coming up short.
"I'm not getting things done. I'm not getting outs. There's not a whole lot to analyze about it. If there was an answer at this point in time, I think we would have found it." (a quote from Hoffman pulled from Buster Olney's blog)
If Hoffman himself sounds that defeated, how can the Brewers be asked to see anything more positive. As it stands now, Hoffman is a measly 5 of 10 in save chances, scarred with a 13.15 ERA, at a point where we're are a little too deep into the season to excuse double-digit ERAs. NL batters have touched him for a .356 average, helping him build a 2.15 WHIP, and he's only striking out 5 1/2 per 9. One could look at a 42 year old reliever and assume he just doesn't have the mustard that he used to get batters out with, but Hoffman hasn't been throwing hard for years, and really never threw that hard to begin with. Hoffman gets buy on changing speeds, making an 86 mph fastball tough to find after a 77 mph change up. Unpredictability and command are what got Hoffman to 596, so everyone is having trouble figuring out why it can't take him smoothly past 600.
I don't have the answer, and if Hoffman and the Brewers' array of analysts don't either, than I doubt I'm supposed to. All I know is, the Brewers are having enough trouble assembling starting pitching performances that give them a chance to save games, that they can't afford much leash for Hoffman. I'm sure they're looking everywhere for options. Todd Coffey and Charlie Villanueva have seen save opportunities in the past, but neither are breathing down Hoffman's neck. I'm admittedly unfamiliar with the Brewers minor league system, especially since they traded Matt LaPorta and brought up Alcedes Escobar. Perhaps there is an answer down there. Hoffman and his coaches will continue to tinker, but if they can't come up with something soon, we are going to see a very sorry end to a storybook career.
- What do we think of "Hansome" Hanley Ramirez sassing up his coach after getting pulled from a game for lack of hustle. Well there are a couple things to think about the situation. All I know is someone is dead wrong. In all likelihood it's Hanley. He claims that he was running as hard as he was able, after fouling a ball off his shin earlier. However, looking at how hard Hanley was running to make the play in the first place, his argument seems to be, well, shit. But, let's just give Hansome the benefit of this minute piece of doubt. In that case, either Hanley or the Marlins' trainers should be harshly reprimanded for allowing him to play in that condition. If that's as hard as he can run after that ball, then he is a detriment to the team and should be on the bench, regardless of pride or dedication or whatever else. But back to the realistic option, I don't know what Hanley could have been thinking. Runs were scoring as he loafed out to the ball, and then he has the audacity to sass up after being benched. There is selfishness, and it is something that I don't condone, but of which I understand the line of thinking. However, this is just utter disregard for the existence of other people. Selfishness, at least, inherently recognizes the opinions and feelings of others in its diminution of them. However, in this case, Hanley attacks his coach for not understanding what it's like to play in the majors, when it certainly seems like Hanley is the one that doesn't know what being on a Major League Baseball TEAM consists of. His actions are inexcusable, but regardless, it seems that this issue is now behind the Marlins. That being said, if the Red Sox (or anyone else) is considering going after that bat they need, this is definitely the time to package together a "Hansome" offer.
- Fredi Gonzalez sure has had a rough time in Florida. Gonzalez, since his debut in 2007, has a record right around .500 with a team that is in constant rebuilding, including two second place finishes. Rumors were flying around about his being fired in the past, and I'm sure you'll hear a few of them around if the Marlins plan on keeping Hanley. Evan Roberts of WFAN-New York made a great connection, that have to strongly agree will end up being the case, when he said "Fredi Gonzalez will be the next manager of the Atlanta Braves". Bobby Cox has already announced his end-of-the-year retirement, and Gonzalez came up through the Braves' ranks before taking the Florida job.
- Brandon Webb is changing his arm slot as he continues to try to come back from surgery. We have to ask, at this point, if we are ever going to see Webb the way we left him. I can't help but think this is just an unfortunately early conclusion to what could have been a stellar career.
- The Tampa Bay Rays are on fire to start this season. They are 30-11, sitting on top of the AL East 5 & 6 games ahead of two teams, in the Yankees and the Blue Jays, who are off to great starts themselves. Everybody knew the Rays were for real when the went to the World Series in 2008. Not many were shouting "fluke". But, I don't know if anybody knew they were this good. Even if someone through out a stray thought that the Rays could win 30 of their first 41 games, would they have included with that prediction that the Rays would have released Pat Burrell, due to lack of production, and that Bossman Jr, Carlos Pena and Dioner Navarro would all be batting under .225, with Pena and Dioner on the interstate? The Rays are putting up these numbers, and they are not even hitting yet! This is a start we haven't seen since the record-setting 2001 Mariners. BUT, when your team ERA is 2.83 in the American League, you are going to have some success. The Rays have been a fun team to watch for a long time now. I quiver a bit at what might become of them as new contracts come calling for their stars. But I hope to have some fun watching them succeed first.
- Andre Ethier fell to a broken pinkie finger this week. The Dodgers aren't quite noticing yet, as they continue their tear, rising through the NL West. Ethier departed while leading the NL in all three triple-crown categories (Batting .392 (a lead of .059) 11 HR and 38 RBI). Raul Ibanez was in a similar situation last season when he went on the DL, Ibanez ended up out a while, and a Pujos triple-crown was the talk by the time he came back. Raul was not nearly as effective after the injury. Hopefully Ethier will be back soon. Though I don't beleive he'd be keeping those numbers up all year, we still could have been looking at a special season.
- Speaking of triple-crown categories, Christian Guzman has come out of nowhere to take second to Ethier in BA. Guzman is batting .426 in the month of May, raising his average to .333. Guzman was supposed to find a lot of time on the bench this season, with Ian Desmond moving into the Short Stop role, but Guzman has become the starting 2nd baseman in Washington.
- Ubaldo Jimenez: 8-1, 58 K, 0.99 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, .171 BAA...WOW!
- The Mets pitching is shambles. Oliver Perez was being Oliver Perez, and the the Mets understandably had enough, so they decided (or after finding out that he wouldn't go to Buffalo) to put him in the pen. That would have been all well and good. RA Dickey had a strong start, and being a knuckleballer, is dependable for innings. Hisanori Takahashi looks like he might be able to contribued as a legitimate starter. So, as much as Ollie's paycheck hurts, the situation isn't that bad. But then, in his next start, Jon Niese strains the hamstring he just had surgery on, and is now on the DL, forcing Takahashi and Dickey BOTH into the rotation. And now, 5 pitches into his start last night, John Maine was pulled and it is not at all clear what's going on. Though, we know John Maine is pissed. The Mets turned some heads by not really addressing their need for starting pitching in the off season. Admittedly, they put out a rotation that within the last few years would have been regarded as solid. However, coming into this year it was considered questionable. They could have gotten away with it, if the guys were able to stay healthy. But now all hell is breaking lose in NY.
- Good for David Ortiz!
We'll get another set of Sprites out next week. There's plenty to write about.
-APT
BOLT: Game 2
I only watched the latter 3/5 of this game, but a few things stick out.
1. When Marv Leavy informs me with 8:00 left in the 3rd quarter that Amare Stoudamire just pulled down his SECOND rebound, the Suns are not going to win this game. (He did finish with 6)
2. A forgotten element of the Lakers that I didn't point out in my previous post that makes them so hard to defend: Of the 8 people in regular rotation for LA, SEVEN of them can bring the ball up the floor. Of the starting 5, only Andrew Bynum can't be trusted with the ball on the floor, and their 3 off the bench are 2 point guards and Lamar Odom. This creates an incredibly dangerous transition threat, no matter what causes the transition.
3. The Suns tried straight doubling Kobe instead of playing a zone and he ate them up. Kobe found his friends Pau and Ron time and time again, with the most assists (13) in a Laker playoff game since Magic.
4. On the brightside for the Suns, although Channing Frye continues to waste space, Jared Dudley found his shot. Duds shot 5-5 from 3Pt range for his 15 points and just made the Suns better when he was on the floor, contributing 5 reb, 4 asts and 3 stl. Dudley was the only Sun with a positive +/- (+2). (Andrew Bynum was the only Laker with a negative +/- (-2))
5. Paul Gasol is a star. Unfortunately, it's impossible for the Suns defense to treat him as such, being they don't have the defensive prowess inside and already have their hands more than full with Kobe.
I previously had this going to the Lakers in 6, but now I'm thinking 5.
-APT
1. When Marv Leavy informs me with 8:00 left in the 3rd quarter that Amare Stoudamire just pulled down his SECOND rebound, the Suns are not going to win this game. (He did finish with 6)
2. A forgotten element of the Lakers that I didn't point out in my previous post that makes them so hard to defend: Of the 8 people in regular rotation for LA, SEVEN of them can bring the ball up the floor. Of the starting 5, only Andrew Bynum can't be trusted with the ball on the floor, and their 3 off the bench are 2 point guards and Lamar Odom. This creates an incredibly dangerous transition threat, no matter what causes the transition.
3. The Suns tried straight doubling Kobe instead of playing a zone and he ate them up. Kobe found his friends Pau and Ron time and time again, with the most assists (13) in a Laker playoff game since Magic.
4. On the brightside for the Suns, although Channing Frye continues to waste space, Jared Dudley found his shot. Duds shot 5-5 from 3Pt range for his 15 points and just made the Suns better when he was on the floor, contributing 5 reb, 4 asts and 3 stl. Dudley was the only Sun with a positive +/- (+2). (Andrew Bynum was the only Laker with a negative +/- (-2))
5. Paul Gasol is a star. Unfortunately, it's impossible for the Suns defense to treat him as such, being they don't have the defensive prowess inside and already have their hands more than full with Kobe.
I previously had this going to the Lakers in 6, but now I'm thinking 5.
-APT
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
BOLT: Celtics Go Up 2-0 On The Road
This was a GREAT basketball game. It came down to three moments.
1. Jameer Nelson taking a defended 3 early in the shot clock with the Magic down 3. Nelson showed what his better move was the next time down the floor,w hen he drove strong for 2 off a good shot fake. If those back-to-back possessions are both productive, the game is back in the hands of the Magic.
2. Vince Carter's missed Free Throws. Not much to say about this. You have to hit your free throws late in important games. Carter is an 80+% shooter, and missed both free throws. That left the score 3 apart and gave the Celtics the ball with under a minute left.
3. Great defense by the Celtics on the final inbound play. For the second straight inbound play, the Celtics almost forced J.J. Reddick into a 5 second turnover. The second time, Reddick had to find Jameer Nelson coming toward him at half court. The vertically challenged Nelson had to move quickly to clear a shooting lane, coming up short with a running jumper from great distance. If the Celtics allow a bigger player or a player moving toward the basket to receive the ball, a different result could have been waiting.
-APT
1. Jameer Nelson taking a defended 3 early in the shot clock with the Magic down 3. Nelson showed what his better move was the next time down the floor,w hen he drove strong for 2 off a good shot fake. If those back-to-back possessions are both productive, the game is back in the hands of the Magic.
2. Vince Carter's missed Free Throws. Not much to say about this. You have to hit your free throws late in important games. Carter is an 80+% shooter, and missed both free throws. That left the score 3 apart and gave the Celtics the ball with under a minute left.
3. Great defense by the Celtics on the final inbound play. For the second straight inbound play, the Celtics almost forced J.J. Reddick into a 5 second turnover. The second time, Reddick had to find Jameer Nelson coming toward him at half court. The vertically challenged Nelson had to move quickly to clear a shooting lane, coming up short with a running jumper from great distance. If the Celtics allow a bigger player or a player moving toward the basket to receive the ball, a different result could have been waiting.
-APT
Flyers Take A Big Lead
I just finished watching the Philadelphia Flyers secure a 2-0 advantage at home over the Montreal Canadiens in the Eastern Conference Finals, which certainly hasn't been the story of the NHL playoffs. Protecting home ice in the NHL just doesn't seem to be the same as home court in the NBA. The Canadiens, though they return to the Belle Centre, which has been an incredible place to play this post season, are in big trouble in this series. Here are the 3 major points that stuck out in watching this game:
Rebounds
The first 2 points can actually be talked about under the same heading. There are two aspects to the way rebounds are affecting the play in this series and there are two ends of the ice at which it is happening. Jaroslav Halak has been spectacular so far in the NHL playoffs. You rarely ever find him out of position. He has been magnificent in his ability to square up to shot after shot. The one blip I have seen in his game (and possibly mentioned earlier this post season) is that he surrenders a lot of rebounds. Many times Halak is able to guide these rebounds to a safe area, but there are plenty of case where he cannot. This puts a lot of pressure on the defense. The Montreal defensemen would be wise to pop in their D3: The Mighty Ducks DVD and skip ahead to the part about clearing out the garbage in front of the net. Against their previous two opponents, the D was able to control the crease. This series has not gone the same way. The reason being...
Size
The Flyers are bigger than the Canadiens and they are bigger at both ends of the ice. the Montreal Defense is struggling to clear out Halak's rebounds, because the power forwards of the Philadelphia Flyers are out muscling them in front. Outside of Hal Gill, the Canadien's are not that big as far as defensive units go. Roman Hamrlik is 6'2" but is getting too old to play the physical style necessary to fight this Flyer team. The Flyer front-liners are battling for position and winning, and it is creating chances for the Flyers to capitalize on a stud goaltenders one weakness. Granted, Halak has given up soft goals as well in this series, but I think these are coming from the fact that Jaro is clearly overwhelmed. He wasn't overwhelmed when facing 50 shots a game from the snipers that Pittsburgh and Washington offered. However, he is rattled by the physical control the Flyers are exerting.
The Flyer's defense is big, too. The scoring for Montreal comes mainly from Mike Cammalleri and Brian Gionta. On a good day, the two forwards are just over 11' tall between the two of them. These small forwards are struggling to find room on the ice among the Flyers big defensemen. Chris Pronger is a giant out there, at 6'5". The physical play and the long reach is hampering Montreal's ability to find any rhythm offensively. The Philly D is also doing what the Montreal D can't. They are taking care of their own crease. Mike Leighton has not been giving up many rebounds, but what few fall out, the men in orange are disposing of accordingly. Take away shooting lanes and clear out rebounds, and BOOM, the opposition has ZERO goals in the first two games. If the Canadiens don't find away to fight through the physicality of the larger Flyers, they going to have a lot of trouble keeping scores tight in this series.
Special Teams
The Montreal Canadiens are 0-8 on the power play so far in this series, and easy to calculate 0%. Meanwhile, the Flyers have scored 4 of their 9 goals on the power play, including the first goal in each game. The Canadien power play looked sloppy in Game 2. They did not have a consistent net presence (which speaks to the size issue) and were looking to settle for shots from the circle, but the shooting lanes were not there. The Flyers have used their dominance in front of the net to turn their power plays into production. The Inhabitants need to use the man advantage to find those lanes that have been missing during Full Strength play. They need to at least feign a threat in front of the net so that they can move the Flyer defensemen around when they cycle from the net to the boards or to the rear. That's the only chance they have of opening lanes among the big bodies. Hal Gill is going to have to be huge both figuratively and literally for the Habs in front of the net on the Flyer power play. In fact, the Flyers have been known to use Chris Pronger to establish net presence when up a man. Perhaps the Canadiens could try something similar with Gill. Though he hasn't the hands to be a major scoring threat, he can definitely change the atmosphere in front of Mike Leighton. Leighton has been way to comfortable for the first 120 minutes of this series.
The Canadiens better hope a change of scenery can change the course of this series, or else they may be spending longer at home then they originally thought they would when the planned tonight's flight.
-APT
Rebounds
The first 2 points can actually be talked about under the same heading. There are two aspects to the way rebounds are affecting the play in this series and there are two ends of the ice at which it is happening. Jaroslav Halak has been spectacular so far in the NHL playoffs. You rarely ever find him out of position. He has been magnificent in his ability to square up to shot after shot. The one blip I have seen in his game (and possibly mentioned earlier this post season) is that he surrenders a lot of rebounds. Many times Halak is able to guide these rebounds to a safe area, but there are plenty of case where he cannot. This puts a lot of pressure on the defense. The Montreal defensemen would be wise to pop in their D3: The Mighty Ducks DVD and skip ahead to the part about clearing out the garbage in front of the net. Against their previous two opponents, the D was able to control the crease. This series has not gone the same way. The reason being...
Size
The Flyers are bigger than the Canadiens and they are bigger at both ends of the ice. the Montreal Defense is struggling to clear out Halak's rebounds, because the power forwards of the Philadelphia Flyers are out muscling them in front. Outside of Hal Gill, the Canadien's are not that big as far as defensive units go. Roman Hamrlik is 6'2" but is getting too old to play the physical style necessary to fight this Flyer team. The Flyer front-liners are battling for position and winning, and it is creating chances for the Flyers to capitalize on a stud goaltenders one weakness. Granted, Halak has given up soft goals as well in this series, but I think these are coming from the fact that Jaro is clearly overwhelmed. He wasn't overwhelmed when facing 50 shots a game from the snipers that Pittsburgh and Washington offered. However, he is rattled by the physical control the Flyers are exerting.
The Flyer's defense is big, too. The scoring for Montreal comes mainly from Mike Cammalleri and Brian Gionta. On a good day, the two forwards are just over 11' tall between the two of them. These small forwards are struggling to find room on the ice among the Flyers big defensemen. Chris Pronger is a giant out there, at 6'5". The physical play and the long reach is hampering Montreal's ability to find any rhythm offensively. The Philly D is also doing what the Montreal D can't. They are taking care of their own crease. Mike Leighton has not been giving up many rebounds, but what few fall out, the men in orange are disposing of accordingly. Take away shooting lanes and clear out rebounds, and BOOM, the opposition has ZERO goals in the first two games. If the Canadiens don't find away to fight through the physicality of the larger Flyers, they going to have a lot of trouble keeping scores tight in this series.
Special Teams
The Montreal Canadiens are 0-8 on the power play so far in this series, and easy to calculate 0%. Meanwhile, the Flyers have scored 4 of their 9 goals on the power play, including the first goal in each game. The Canadien power play looked sloppy in Game 2. They did not have a consistent net presence (which speaks to the size issue) and were looking to settle for shots from the circle, but the shooting lanes were not there. The Flyers have used their dominance in front of the net to turn their power plays into production. The Inhabitants need to use the man advantage to find those lanes that have been missing during Full Strength play. They need to at least feign a threat in front of the net so that they can move the Flyer defensemen around when they cycle from the net to the boards or to the rear. That's the only chance they have of opening lanes among the big bodies. Hal Gill is going to have to be huge both figuratively and literally for the Habs in front of the net on the Flyer power play. In fact, the Flyers have been known to use Chris Pronger to establish net presence when up a man. Perhaps the Canadiens could try something similar with Gill. Though he hasn't the hands to be a major scoring threat, he can definitely change the atmosphere in front of Mike Leighton. Leighton has been way to comfortable for the first 120 minutes of this series.
The Canadiens better hope a change of scenery can change the course of this series, or else they may be spending longer at home then they originally thought they would when the planned tonight's flight.
-APT
Everyday Sports with Pierre Escargot, the NBA Lottery, the NJ Nets and Lebronious
Enterlude: The BOMB is a Nets fan, thus "you" is the Nets.
Bomb: i mean it was far from a guarantee that they would land one of the top 2 picks, so i cant be too upset with #3
APT: so you're okay with the system
just upset with the result?
Bomb: yeah, im fine with the system
and this is exactly why i like the system
teams shouldnt automatically be rewarded for losing
like in the nfl
APT: fair
and i mean
brooke lopez and demarcus cousins inside?
Bomb: yeah, or derrick favors
APT: devin harris not having to worry about his job
oh true or favors
Bomb: yeah, i mean i really wanted them to get turner
APT: yeah
well maybe you have
harris, joe johnson, cousins/favors, lopez
and terrance williams
would be the first 5?
Bomb: yeah, i can live with that team
although defensively they could be a mess haha
APT: no doubt
Bomb: the new owner is going to be bringing people in, thats for sure
APT: that seems to be the case
my thing is
that there are only so many people to bring in
and now that you are pick 3
you should take an inside guy
so getting david lee or carlos boozer
isn't as tempting
Bomb: yeah, i wouldnt be thrilled with either of those signings anyway
APT: i wouldn't hate on boozer with wall and harris outside
because then defense can be a focus FA wise
Bomb: i wouldnt either, i just wouldnt be super excited, considering how much money they would have to give him
APT: that's true
maybe you'll get lebron
who knows
Bomb: well there no doubt they are going to make a serious play
APT: yeah
Bomb: i would be shocked if they got him though
APT: well i think it will be a big thing
if in the first few days the knicks sign bosh
because if they don't sign a second
lebron would really be risking it to go there
Bomb: yeah
whatever players the knicks sign to play there will basically be on their own
APT: yeah
Bomb: they have a couple decent guys to surround them, but not much
APT: i think if the knicks had the nets or the bulls roster then there wouldn't be as much discussion
but because the knicks suck
it levels the playing field
Bomb: yeah
APT: i think it would be lame if he went to chicago
even though that'd be a great team
Bomb: yeah him and rose? im sweating thinking about it
APT: yeah
i don't know what to think about him playing with wade
i don't know if it would work
or if they'd love it
and make it work
Bomb: yeah, i mean i could see it working at first, but a clash may be inevitable
APT: i would imagine
in big games
when whose ball it is needed to be decided
APT: maybe he'll pull a fast one on everyone and go to the clippers
granted i'd stay out of the west if i were him
Bomb: haha, that would be funny
APT: but baron davis is old enough now to give up the ball
and they'd have blake griffin with a chip on his shoulder
and chris kaman
Bomb: yeah, the clippers have some talent
APT: that might be the second best roster to add him to after chicago
and you have to imagine he'd want to take the headlines away from kobe
that'd be a great time to live out there
and like basketball
they would have to expand the staples center for LAC/LAL games
Bomb: yeah, seriously
Bomb: i mean it was far from a guarantee that they would land one of the top 2 picks, so i cant be too upset with #3
APT: so you're okay with the system
just upset with the result?
Bomb: yeah, im fine with the system
and this is exactly why i like the system
teams shouldnt automatically be rewarded for losing
like in the nfl
APT: fair
and i mean
brooke lopez and demarcus cousins inside?
Bomb: yeah, or derrick favors
APT: devin harris not having to worry about his job
oh true or favors
Bomb: yeah, i mean i really wanted them to get turner
APT: yeah
well maybe you have
harris, joe johnson, cousins/favors, lopez
and terrance williams
would be the first 5?
Bomb: yeah, i can live with that team
although defensively they could be a mess haha
APT: no doubt
Bomb: the new owner is going to be bringing people in, thats for sure
APT: that seems to be the case
my thing is
that there are only so many people to bring in
and now that you are pick 3
you should take an inside guy
so getting david lee or carlos boozer
isn't as tempting
Bomb: yeah, i wouldnt be thrilled with either of those signings anyway
APT: i wouldn't hate on boozer with wall and harris outside
because then defense can be a focus FA wise
Bomb: i wouldnt either, i just wouldnt be super excited, considering how much money they would have to give him
APT: that's true
maybe you'll get lebron
who knows
Bomb: well there no doubt they are going to make a serious play
APT: yeah
Bomb: i would be shocked if they got him though
APT: well i think it will be a big thing
if in the first few days the knicks sign bosh
because if they don't sign a second
lebron would really be risking it to go there
Bomb: yeah
whatever players the knicks sign to play there will basically be on their own
APT: yeah
Bomb: they have a couple decent guys to surround them, but not much
APT: i think if the knicks had the nets or the bulls roster then there wouldn't be as much discussion
but because the knicks suck
it levels the playing field
Bomb: yeah
APT: i think it would be lame if he went to chicago
even though that'd be a great team
Bomb: yeah him and rose? im sweating thinking about it
APT: yeah
i don't know what to think about him playing with wade
i don't know if it would work
or if they'd love it
and make it work
Bomb: yeah, i mean i could see it working at first, but a clash may be inevitable
APT: i would imagine
in big games
when whose ball it is needed to be decided
APT: maybe he'll pull a fast one on everyone and go to the clippers
granted i'd stay out of the west if i were him
Bomb: haha, that would be funny
APT: but baron davis is old enough now to give up the ball
and they'd have blake griffin with a chip on his shoulder
and chris kaman
Bomb: yeah, the clippers have some talent
APT: that might be the second best roster to add him to after chicago
and you have to imagine he'd want to take the headlines away from kobe
that'd be a great time to live out there
and like basketball
they would have to expand the staples center for LAC/LAL games
Bomb: yeah, seriously
The NBA Lottery
There has been a lot of debate over the NBA Lottery system coming into tonight. I suppose the complete disgrace that was the New Jersey Net's season is causing a lot of it. The Nets lost 70 games, and needed a late surge to avoid record levels of ineptitude. The lottery system was created to stop teams from tanking at the end of a season to get a better draft pick. The Nets were obviously not involved in any of that. And so, we thusly look at the legitimacy of the draft lottery:
Is tanking a concern?
It definitely is in the NBA. The whole system was introduced in 1985 due to the Houston Rockets and rumors of heavily tanking. The Rockets went on to win the coin flip and get the first pick in the draft. The problem became so pronounced that season that we saw the first version of the draft lottery the very next year. Tanking still rears its head in today's NBA. Many thought the Kings were guilty last season, though they disguised it in the form of "dumping salary".
Why is combating tanking an issue in the NBA and not elsewhere?
There are multiple reasons why tanking is an issue in the NBA and not elsewhere. The #1 reason is because, in the NBA, one player can make an instant impact. The Cleveland Cavaliers were completely transformed with the addition of Lebron James. The same can be said of the Magic and Dwight Howard. In the NBA Draft, more than any other draft, you are completely changing your future with one pick. Basketball puts 5 players on the floor at a time and really only 10 or so players over the course of a game. The ability to affect such a large percentage of that is unrivaled anywhere else. Even if you draft a QB in the first round of the NFL draft, it's not going to result in the same instant success. Troy Aikman was 1-15 in his first season. Peyton Manning was 3-13 in his. A bad football is not ready to change based on the merits of one player. The NBA draft also has a strong hit rate in getting the best man at #1, and the drop-off from 1 to 2 or 1 & 2 to 3 is often larger. The drop off in the NFL has more to do with value in position, the MLB draft seems a crap-shoot most times, the NHL draft often involves waiting for a player in college and seasoning him in the minor leagues. Only in the NBA does this instant gratification so frequently take place, and only in the NBA is it so concentrated at the top.
Is the lottery the answer?
I don't know if the lottery is the answer. It certainly doesn't seem it when you look at it from the outside. Although the NBA involves some of the brightest mathematicians from MIT and other prestigious institutions, looking at numbers from my desk here, it just doesn't seem right. In the 26 years of the NBA lottery, the last place team has only been awarded the 1st pick in the draft FOUR TIMES!!! And if you look at percentages, the last place team has a 25% chance of getting the #1 pick in the draft, but a 35% chance of picking #4. This just doesn't seem right to me.
It seems like we'd fall into a vicious cycle trying to decide on a system for the NBA draft. I expect that tanking was a major issue, when the draft was decided by reverse order of finish, rendering a new system a good idea. However, I imagine that tanking is a very minor issue in the lottery era, rendering the new system unfair. Removing it again would make tanking an issue again. And as much as common consensus can gather in a tanking case, it is damn near impossible to prove its existence.
What's the answer?
My answer would probably a revision of the lottery system. I think the fact that 14 teams have a chance at the #1 pick is taking it too far. A team that narrowly misses a playoff birth doesn't need an opportunity to score the #1 pick. The idea of the draft is to improve teams that need improvement. Here is the idea I just thought of:
I say the NBA heads back to MIT or wherever and challenges their geniuses with this: Develop a formula that would create a cut line based upon record. Optimally this formula would secure the following trends. If the records of the teams in the NBA are widespread from top to bottom, the cut line moves down in win %, allowing these teams, who are obviously in heavy need, to have a better chance to score top players. If the records of the teams in the NBA are more tightly packed, the cut line will move up, allowing more teams the chance to score top players, as it is less necessary for the bottom team to get the top notch player. The formula can be kept secret to NBA owners and coaches, and even if it leaked, it cannot be calculated until the season is completed, there teams won't know what number of wins or place in the standings to shoot for. If a team falls out of contention and starts to tank, they will be moving the cut line down right along with them so that they do not gain the same benefit that they would in a straight system.
Now, mind you, I don't have the formula on hand now to test it, and this is an idea I created 10 minutes ago, but at the least, it definitely goes to show that there is thinking to be done on this topic. I will update you all as I draw this idea out further.
Let me know what ideas you have below.
We can fix this shit.
I sure hope the Nets get lucky.
-APT
Thoughts from Game One
Last night, the Western Conference Finals began, and thus began, for this blogger, one of the most anticipated NBA series in a while. As someone who appreciates good, sincere, enthusiastic basketball, and someone who often needs something to watch as the night grows dark, I've greatly enjoyed watching this year's version of the Phoenix Suns come together. For those who know this blogger's ideals, you also know that I stand squarely behind Kobe Bryant in the everlong debate on the best player in basketball. It's crazy how many times in the past few years that I've heard someone say that the argument is over; and this claim has come in both directions, from debaters in each camp. However, that is another post. Needless to say, watching Kobe Bryant in the playoffs is another great pleasure I take part in. I was really interested to see what the Suns could put together when taking on the powerhouse that is the LA Lakers. The BOMB and I both saw the West coming down to these two, though we each have our own story from here. As I viewed Game 1 (on DVR a couple hours after most did), these are the points that came to mind, and could have a lot to do with how this series will go.
The Lakers just seemed in control the entire time, save the first few minutes of cold shooting. This was a game that was not close, and even though it didn't end close, it wasn't as close as it ended. Everytime the Suns showed a spark, the Lakers were there to smother it, before it ignited anything larger. There is a point to be made about Phil Jackson leaving Kobe Bryant in to start the 4th quarter. This could be looked at as a security measure for Jackson. It was clear, however, that it wasn't. It was simply Jackson's version of Zombieland's Rule #2: The Double Tap. Putting Kobe in to make the kill shot early in the 4th enabled Jackson to rest his players the rest of the quarter as the Suns lie dead. The game got as close as 12, I believe, as the second stringers fought it out, but Alan Gentry new better than to take it as a sign of anything but a negligible sway in the wind pattern. The last thing he wanted was to force Phil to put his #1 back in and disparage the Suns further. Gentry let Steve Nash sit the entire 4th quarter, knowing his chances were better with a rested Nash going to Game 2, then to try to make a run against the Lakers at the end of Game 1. As clear as the domination of Game 1 became, it was never more than a single game of a series. We have to look within the game to determine if this is a sign of what's to come.
Guarding Kobe Bryant
The Suns had no answer defensively for Kobe in this game. He dropped 21 in LA's 31 point 3rd quarter, all but delivering the crushing blow then. The Suns tried a few match-ups to try to get to Bryant, but nothing was working.
Grant Hill began the game on Bryant, and as sound as Hill is fundamentally on defense, he doesn't have the quickness to guard Bryant square-up on the outside. He can limit Kobe's newly emphasized post-presence with his discipline and intuition, but he was helpless on the outside. Hill just isn't quick enough to stay square at the 3-line, and because of this he needs to give Kobe a cushion, which unless Bryant goes cold, is asking for an outside shooting barrage. Hill ended up ineffective and in foul trouble.
Jason Richardson was another option guarding Bryant. Richardson still has the quickness to move with Kobe, and his length and agility can be helpful trying to affect outside shooting, but he doesn't have the defensive pralice of Hill. Richardson is not a stopper, and lacks the discipline and basketball IQ defensively that allow him to take full advantage of his physical tools. He is a little slow reacting to screens and doesn't have the confident mind to deal with Kobe's post game. Richardson probably did the best job of the 3 as, like I said, he has the quickness, and was able to stay out of foul trouble, so he, at least, did not hurt the Sun's offense.
Jared Dudley was the third man to try to take on Bryant. Dudley has a very solid knowledge of the game, he has the size to take on the smaller Bryant inside, the quick hands to disturb the dribble, and the tenacity to move with him outside. However, Bryant made Dudley look like he was still a rookie. Duds was jumping at every little shot fake and shoulder roll that Kobe threw at him. If Dudley is going to guard 24, he is going to need to be confident in his sports sense and film study, to try to avoid biting at the fakes. The result left Dudley piling up fouls as well.
It certainly seems that, save an injury or a tremendous off night, the Suns are going to need to double Kobe. I imagine, the best way to do this would just be to play zone against the Laker offense. This will allow for the option of a constant rotation of the 2nd defender, it will give the Suns less trouble with picking up off of screens and it will effect the entry passes into the post. Yes, this will open up the outside shooting, but the Lakers are not the best 3 point shooting team in the league. That honor belongs to the Suns themselves. The Suns would love if Ron Artest could rediscover his love for jacking 3s. There is some worry that Derek Fisher could heat up, but you are going to have to take your chances. If the zone is overly successful, the Lakers have the option of putting together a line-up that adds Shannon Brown, Jordan Farmar or both to the floor, to improve shooting, but we'll see if it gets to that.
Inside Play
This is what everyone was looking at coming in. The Lakers are HUGE inside, and the Suns don't have the man power to contend with that. Lamar Odom went for 19 pts and 19 reb, playing 31 minutes to Andrew Bynum's 19. Odom obviously can dominate inside, which renders Bynum almost unnecessary, being Odom and his quickness are better suited to contend with the internal defensive rotations needed to defend Phoenix. Pau Gasol added 21 pts of his own, and if you watched him collect baskets, he didn't look troubled doing it. Amare Stoudemire's one block was impressive, but he seems to only be serviceable in a help-defender role. This can be useful against the slashing ability of Kobe Bryant, but he is not able to affect the inside game of Odom and Gasol. Channing Frye can't play if he's not hitting 3's because he is worth too many negative points defensively. The key for the Suns is the improving health of Robin Lopez. He is the one man that may be able to stand up inside. He certainly doesn't have the ability to dominate inside, but he may be able neutralize one postman and at least make it easier. The other key is, again, trying to deny with a zone. With the presence of Kobe Bryant, the Suns are unable to double inside, so keeping the ball out may be the only choice.
The Suns Offense
This is the one area where I'm going to say, "Game 1 is only Game 1".
Grant Hill 1-5
Channing Frye 1-8
Jared Dudley 1-5
These numbers are not going to read like this every game. If the Suns start shooting, it might be the best defense they can come up with. Steve Nash was effective, putting up 13 pts-13 ast in only 28 minutes. The Suns were also effective at the 2-Guard with both Jason Richardson and Leandro Barbosa contributing offensively. However, we all know that Kobe Bryant has the ability to lock down if need be. I believe the Suns will score more in games to come and they are going to have to if they aim to push this series to the brink.
The Power of Flight
Shannon Brown has it.
All in All
I still think this series has some distance to it. We've yet to see the Suns play at home, and Kobe doesn't play every game the way he played Game 1. It just seems like there is too much to overcome for the Suns to pull this one out.
-APT
Monday, May 17, 2010
Hottest Little Potatoes
HLP Batters
Eric Hinske, Atl: 9/17, 2 R, 4 2B, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 2 BB, 3 K
Jose Bautista, Tor: 8/18, 8 R, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 5 BB, 3 K
Miguel Olivo, Col: 9/18, 3 R, 2B, 3 HR, 6 RBI, BB, 2 K
HLP Pitchers
Joel Pineiro, LAA: 15.1 IP, 1-0, 2 BB, 12 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.72 WHIP
Jake Westbrook, Cle: 15.0 IP, 2-0, 3 BB, 10 K, 1.20 ERA, 1.13 WHIP
Jonathan Broxton, LAD: 4.0 IP, 4/4 Sv, BB, 4 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.50 WHIP
- Eric Hinske wrapped himself up in some foil and jumped into the oven, replacing Melky Cabrera in the Bravos' line-up. Hinske doesn't plan on making this a fluke, he went 3/4 tonight against the Metropolitans with a HR.
- A relative unknown, Jose Bautista is currently filling in for Edwin Encarnacion in Toronto. He's hitting only .241, but has chipped in 10 HR and 29 RBI for the Jays. It'll be decision time for the blue birds if Jose continues to swing a scalding, starchy bat like this.
- Miggy Olivo makes his 2nd appearance on HLP. All he's done this season is turn Chris Iannetta into trade bait. Olivo continues to play great defense, while batting .290 with 9 HR and 19 RBI in only 93 at-bats. He trails only Rod Barajas in HR and Barajas, John Buck and Yadier Molina in RBI among catchers; but Olivo has plans to level that out as he continues to get full-time at bats.
- Joel Pineiro finally got a start against a bottom-half offense in the AL, and he turned in a complete game shutout against the A's. He threw in 6.1 shutout innings against the AL leading Rays earlier in the week to secure his singed complex carbohydrate status.
- Jake Westbrook is finally getting going in his return from 2008 Tommy John surgery. Westbrook missed all of 2009, but has rejoined the front of the Cleveland rotation in 2010 to try to help replace what they've traded away. Westbrook through a complete game Sunday against the Orioles, and picked up an earlier win against KC. We'll see if Jake can stay hot against some heartier competition.
- Jonathan Broxton was not to be outdone after seeing Feliz break the relief pitching seal on HLP. Broxton wasn't quite an auto-in this week as, sadly, he was guilty of giving up a hit to Tony Abreu in a save against Arizona. However, he did have a stellar week, and was able to slip by our Honorable Mention due to the fine print.
Honorable Mention: Cliff Lee, Sea: (15.1 IP, BB, 12 K, 1-1, 1.76 ERA, 0.91 WHIP) Lee fell victim to the "You can't be a hot potato if you have a loss: clause that I decided upon last week. Lee did put up terrific numbers, but his Complete Game loss to Tampa Bay left him off this weeks list.
-APT
Stat Lines of the Weekend
THE GOOD- Martin Prado, Atl; Sunday, 5/16 vs. Ari: 4/6, 2 R, 2 HR, 3 RBI
THE BAD- Rashard Lewis, Orl; Sunday, 5/16 vs. Bos: 2-10 FG, 0-6 3FG, 7 Reb, 3 Stl, 2 Blk, 2 TO, -6 +/-, 6 Pts
THE UGLY- Brett Cecil, Tor; Friday, 5/14 vs. Tex: 2.0 IP, 8 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 2 K, HR
THE GREAT- Garret Jones and Andrew McCutchen, Pit; Friday, 5/14 vs. ChC: 10/11, 7 R, 2B, 2 HR, 7 RBI, BB, K
THE PERFECT- Michael Leighton, Phi; Sunday, 5/16 vs. Mon: 28 SA, 0 GA, 28 Sv, 100 Sv%, 0.00 GAA, 60.0 Min, W
THE BAZAAR: On Sunday, Mariano Rivera entered a game against the Minnesota Twins in the 8th inning, with the bases loaded. Rivera proceeded to walk in a run, and then give up a Grand Slam to Jason Kubel. Prior to last night, Mariano Rivera had either walked in a run or given up a Grand Slam THREE times in his SIXTEEN YEAR CAREER.
-APT
NHL Conference Finals Preview
WESTERN CONFERENCE
#1 San Jose Sharks vs. #2 Chicago Blackhawks
The Western Conference has the boring distinction of being chalk in the conference finals, but these two teams certainly earned their way to this spot. The Sharks overcame their demons, dispatching the Avs in the 1st round, and were able to handle the playoff hardened Red Wings rather easily. The Blackhawks overcame a slow start to beat the Predators, and then defeated by pick to win it all, Vancouver, in the 2nd round. I expect this to be a hard fought series that will go to at least 6 games. The x factor in this series, as always, will be the goaltending. Both of these teams have prolific offenses that can fill the net on any given occasion, so whichever team gets better goaltending is sure to win this series. The Sharks have Evgeni Nabakov, who has not been a consistent playoff performer in the past, but can be as good as anyone on any given night. The Hawks have young Finn Anttii Niemi, who has been maddeningly inconsistent throughout the year. He has played fairly well throughout the playoffs, but he will likely be facing a barrage against the Sharks. The Hawks will have to rely on their young, highly skilled defensive corps to defend their young netminder from too many shots. With offenses so evenly matched, I'm going to take the Hawks defensive corps and inconsistent goalie over the Sharks veteran (old) defensive corps and goalie.
BOLT PICK: Hawks 4-2
EASTERN CONFERENCE
#7 Philadelphia Flyers vs. Montreal Canadiens
This series is probably the most difficult to pick of the entire playoffs thusfar. Do you go with the team that just beat the sports three best players, or do you go with the team that just pulled off comeback to end all comebacks? (I would've written these next sentences even before game 1) I expect the Flyers to come out like their heads are on fire after pulling off what they just pulled off. They are on top of the world right now, and they will likely carry that momentum into the first game. Losing the first game of the series is nothing new to these Canadiens, as they have been at their best when coming from behind in series. The pulling of Jaro Halak was unexpected, but I expect Jacques Martin not be stupid and put Halak back in for game 2. I will remind everyone that Halak got pulled in the Washington series, and came back with three of the best games seen in a long time. The problem facing the Canadiens is that their forward crew is pretty small (Gionta 5'7 Gomez 5'11 Cammalleri 5'9 Plekanec 5'10), and the Flyers have a big and rough set of defensemen, led by Chris Pronger. Also, the Flyers are a team that thrives on gritty play and banging home rebounds and playing on the edge, quite different from the Capitals and Penguins, who rely primarily on skill to defeat opponents. With some banged up defense, the Habs are going to have to rely on big Hal Gill, the underrated Jaro Spacek, and young P.K. Subban (who is awesome BTW) to try to keep the front of the net clear for Halak to have clear vision of the puck. I think the key to this series is the Habs ability to get on the PP and convert those opportunities. On the PP, the size disadvantage will be less tangible, and they will be able to sue their speed and skill to create opportunities. This is an extremely difficult pick to make, because you can't ever count either of these teams out in a series. I hope that we get at least 6 games, with fingers crossed for 7. This is pretty much a tossup, but I'm going to have to go with the Habs. I mean come on, Mike Cammalleri could break the playoff goal record (19, Jarri Kurri and Reggie Leach) and he's listed generously at 5'9. Gotta go with the small dude that can snipe. Also, Halak when facing elimination has been tremendous. Either way, I'm predicting a great series.
BOLT PICK: Canadiens 4-3
-THE-A-TRAIN-
#1 San Jose Sharks vs. #2 Chicago Blackhawks
The Western Conference has the boring distinction of being chalk in the conference finals, but these two teams certainly earned their way to this spot. The Sharks overcame their demons, dispatching the Avs in the 1st round, and were able to handle the playoff hardened Red Wings rather easily. The Blackhawks overcame a slow start to beat the Predators, and then defeated by pick to win it all, Vancouver, in the 2nd round. I expect this to be a hard fought series that will go to at least 6 games. The x factor in this series, as always, will be the goaltending. Both of these teams have prolific offenses that can fill the net on any given occasion, so whichever team gets better goaltending is sure to win this series. The Sharks have Evgeni Nabakov, who has not been a consistent playoff performer in the past, but can be as good as anyone on any given night. The Hawks have young Finn Anttii Niemi, who has been maddeningly inconsistent throughout the year. He has played fairly well throughout the playoffs, but he will likely be facing a barrage against the Sharks. The Hawks will have to rely on their young, highly skilled defensive corps to defend their young netminder from too many shots. With offenses so evenly matched, I'm going to take the Hawks defensive corps and inconsistent goalie over the Sharks veteran (old) defensive corps and goalie.
BOLT PICK: Hawks 4-2
EASTERN CONFERENCE
#7 Philadelphia Flyers vs. Montreal Canadiens
This series is probably the most difficult to pick of the entire playoffs thusfar. Do you go with the team that just beat the sports three best players, or do you go with the team that just pulled off comeback to end all comebacks? (I would've written these next sentences even before game 1) I expect the Flyers to come out like their heads are on fire after pulling off what they just pulled off. They are on top of the world right now, and they will likely carry that momentum into the first game. Losing the first game of the series is nothing new to these Canadiens, as they have been at their best when coming from behind in series. The pulling of Jaro Halak was unexpected, but I expect Jacques Martin not be stupid and put Halak back in for game 2. I will remind everyone that Halak got pulled in the Washington series, and came back with three of the best games seen in a long time. The problem facing the Canadiens is that their forward crew is pretty small (Gionta 5'7 Gomez 5'11 Cammalleri 5'9 Plekanec 5'10), and the Flyers have a big and rough set of defensemen, led by Chris Pronger. Also, the Flyers are a team that thrives on gritty play and banging home rebounds and playing on the edge, quite different from the Capitals and Penguins, who rely primarily on skill to defeat opponents. With some banged up defense, the Habs are going to have to rely on big Hal Gill, the underrated Jaro Spacek, and young P.K. Subban (who is awesome BTW) to try to keep the front of the net clear for Halak to have clear vision of the puck. I think the key to this series is the Habs ability to get on the PP and convert those opportunities. On the PP, the size disadvantage will be less tangible, and they will be able to sue their speed and skill to create opportunities. This is an extremely difficult pick to make, because you can't ever count either of these teams out in a series. I hope that we get at least 6 games, with fingers crossed for 7. This is pretty much a tossup, but I'm going to have to go with the Habs. I mean come on, Mike Cammalleri could break the playoff goal record (19, Jarri Kurri and Reggie Leach) and he's listed generously at 5'9. Gotta go with the small dude that can snipe. Also, Halak when facing elimination has been tremendous. Either way, I'm predicting a great series.
BOLT PICK: Canadiens 4-3
-THE-A-TRAIN-
Friday, May 14, 2010
NBA PLAYOFFS – CONFERENCE FINALS PREVIEW (PART 2)
Well, the Celtics took care of business last night and sent Lebron and the Cavs packing much sooner than everyone expected for the second consecutive year. Give the Celtics credit…this team has done its best phoenix impression (the mythical bird, not the team) and risen from the ashes to return to the conference finals. Waiting for them, however, is the same team that knocked them out of the playoffs last year…
#2 Orlando Magic vs #4 Boston Celtics
Honestly, before I watched Game 6 of the Cavs-Celts series last night, I was pretty convinced that I was going to have the Magic advancing rather easily past whichever team emerged from that series. But after watching the Celts last night, I am getting the feeling that I may have been too quick to crown the Magic as the Beasts of the East. The Celtics are playing their best basketball since Kevin Garnett injured his knee last season, and recall that last season they took the Magic to 7 games in the second round without the services of Garnett. The Celtics have what it takes to stop Dwight Howard inside, so the series will probably hinge on whether or not they can force enough Orlando misses from the outside.
While some may say that a (somewhat) rejuvenated Kevin Garnett will swing this series in the favor of Boston, let me remind you that this time around the Magic are sporting a healthy (and red hot) Jameer Nelson. In the playoffs, Nelson is averaging 20.5 PPG on 52% shooting (40% from downtown) to go along with 5.3 assists, 1.6 steals and only 1.4 turnovers per game, making him much more of a threat than Rafer Alston was last season against the Celtics. Also, believe it or not Vince Carter has quietly exceeded Hedo Turkoglu’s production from last season, and while he is past his prime, he is a more than capable secondary piece for this team and is capable of exploding on the offensive end at any time.
I stated in my second round preview that if the Celtics wanted to defeat Cleveland, they needed KG to return to form, and it was his performance in Game 6 that really sparked the Celtics (22 points, 12 boards, 3 assists). While this was hardly vintage KG (the layup he missed in transition during the third quarter that he should have jammed home says it all), the Celtics would be thrilled with this kind of production against the Magic. What I’m sure is worrying Celtics fans more is the declining production of Paul Pierce in the playoffs thus far. Pierce is still stroking it fine from distance (36% in the playoffs), however he is only shooting 40% overall and looked lost several times during the Cleveland series. Obviously they need him to play better if they want to return to the finals.
This series to me is more interesting than the Lakers-Suns series. Are the Celtics really “back”? Are the Magic as good as everyone is giving them credit for? Will Mickael Pietrus take any two-point shots in this series? I’m going to go out on a limb and say no, yes, and I sure hope not (when you’re shooting over 50% from beyond the arc during the playoffs, fire away please).
Prediction: Magic in 6
-The BOMB
#2 Orlando Magic vs #4 Boston Celtics
Honestly, before I watched Game 6 of the Cavs-Celts series last night, I was pretty convinced that I was going to have the Magic advancing rather easily past whichever team emerged from that series. But after watching the Celts last night, I am getting the feeling that I may have been too quick to crown the Magic as the Beasts of the East. The Celtics are playing their best basketball since Kevin Garnett injured his knee last season, and recall that last season they took the Magic to 7 games in the second round without the services of Garnett. The Celtics have what it takes to stop Dwight Howard inside, so the series will probably hinge on whether or not they can force enough Orlando misses from the outside.
While some may say that a (somewhat) rejuvenated Kevin Garnett will swing this series in the favor of Boston, let me remind you that this time around the Magic are sporting a healthy (and red hot) Jameer Nelson. In the playoffs, Nelson is averaging 20.5 PPG on 52% shooting (40% from downtown) to go along with 5.3 assists, 1.6 steals and only 1.4 turnovers per game, making him much more of a threat than Rafer Alston was last season against the Celtics. Also, believe it or not Vince Carter has quietly exceeded Hedo Turkoglu’s production from last season, and while he is past his prime, he is a more than capable secondary piece for this team and is capable of exploding on the offensive end at any time.
I stated in my second round preview that if the Celtics wanted to defeat Cleveland, they needed KG to return to form, and it was his performance in Game 6 that really sparked the Celtics (22 points, 12 boards, 3 assists). While this was hardly vintage KG (the layup he missed in transition during the third quarter that he should have jammed home says it all), the Celtics would be thrilled with this kind of production against the Magic. What I’m sure is worrying Celtics fans more is the declining production of Paul Pierce in the playoffs thus far. Pierce is still stroking it fine from distance (36% in the playoffs), however he is only shooting 40% overall and looked lost several times during the Cleveland series. Obviously they need him to play better if they want to return to the finals.
This series to me is more interesting than the Lakers-Suns series. Are the Celtics really “back”? Are the Magic as good as everyone is giving them credit for? Will Mickael Pietrus take any two-point shots in this series? I’m going to go out on a limb and say no, yes, and I sure hope not (when you’re shooting over 50% from beyond the arc during the playoffs, fire away please).
Prediction: Magic in 6
-The BOMB
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
NBA PLAYOFFS – CONFERENCE FINALS PREVIEW (PART 1)
As many of you are aware, three of the four conference semi-final series ended in a sweep, which definitely caught me by surprise (I predicted that two of the three swept series would go 7 games…at least I got the winning teams right). The only series that isn’t cooperating is the Celtics-Cavaliers series, which Boston can close out Thursday night at home. So I’ll hold off on an Eastern Conference Finals preview until that series is settled. I will say though that even if Cleveland manages to pull this series out, the buzzsaw that is the Orlando Magic is waiting for them and as of right now I don’t think I could seriously pick them to advance to the finals. That analysis is for another day, though.
#1 Los Angeles Lakers vs #3 Phoenix Suns
The Suns finally managed to get past their arch nemesis, the San Antonio Spurs, in the playoffs, and honestly they made it look pretty easy. None of their victories against the Spurs were blowouts, but none of them exactly came down to the final shot, either. The Lakers were equally impressive, however, in dismissing an arguably stronger Utah team (even without Mehmet Okur). Kobe Bryant seems to have regained his swagger at the right time, and Pau Gasol has been playing out of his mind (23.5 PPG on 61% shooting to go along with 14.5 boards and 2.75 blocks per game in the Utah series…holy crap). The Lakers once again look like the team to beat in the West, however the Suns should be able to test them.
If you look back to my first round playoff preview, you will notice that I picked the Suns to beat the Lakers in the conference finals in 6 games. I had good reason for doing this at the time, as Phoenix came into the playoffs as the hottest team in the NBA and the Lakers sputtered down the stretch. My feelings about Phoenix haven’t changed much, however if they want to reach their first NBA Finals since Sir Charles Barkley’s MVP season of 1993, they need to be able to contain the rejuvenated front line of the Lakers. This is what doomed the Jazz, as Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom had their way with them for the entire series pretty much (the three of them combined averaged about 33 rebounds per game in the series), and on paper it looks like the Suns will have a similar problem. They may have an ace up their sleeve though with Robin Lopez expected to play in Game 1 on Monday night. His presence inside should give the Suns a fighting chance since the Lakers are no longer an elite defensive team (especially with Derek Fisher on the floor), meaning the Suns should be able to score on the Lakers and keep these games close.
I get giddy with joy at the thought of a possible Magic-Suns final (three pointers are fun), and while this may actually pan out, I can’t pick against the Lakers after seeing what they did to the Jazz. This isn’t a great matchup for the Suns (LA won the season series 3-1), and I expect the Lakers to find themselves once again in a familiar place: the NBA Finals.
Prediction: Lakers in 6
-The BOMB
#1 Los Angeles Lakers vs #3 Phoenix Suns
The Suns finally managed to get past their arch nemesis, the San Antonio Spurs, in the playoffs, and honestly they made it look pretty easy. None of their victories against the Spurs were blowouts, but none of them exactly came down to the final shot, either. The Lakers were equally impressive, however, in dismissing an arguably stronger Utah team (even without Mehmet Okur). Kobe Bryant seems to have regained his swagger at the right time, and Pau Gasol has been playing out of his mind (23.5 PPG on 61% shooting to go along with 14.5 boards and 2.75 blocks per game in the Utah series…holy crap). The Lakers once again look like the team to beat in the West, however the Suns should be able to test them.
If you look back to my first round playoff preview, you will notice that I picked the Suns to beat the Lakers in the conference finals in 6 games. I had good reason for doing this at the time, as Phoenix came into the playoffs as the hottest team in the NBA and the Lakers sputtered down the stretch. My feelings about Phoenix haven’t changed much, however if they want to reach their first NBA Finals since Sir Charles Barkley’s MVP season of 1993, they need to be able to contain the rejuvenated front line of the Lakers. This is what doomed the Jazz, as Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom had their way with them for the entire series pretty much (the three of them combined averaged about 33 rebounds per game in the series), and on paper it looks like the Suns will have a similar problem. They may have an ace up their sleeve though with Robin Lopez expected to play in Game 1 on Monday night. His presence inside should give the Suns a fighting chance since the Lakers are no longer an elite defensive team (especially with Derek Fisher on the floor), meaning the Suns should be able to score on the Lakers and keep these games close.
I get giddy with joy at the thought of a possible Magic-Suns final (three pointers are fun), and while this may actually pan out, I can’t pick against the Lakers after seeing what they did to the Jazz. This isn’t a great matchup for the Suns (LA won the season series 3-1), and I expect the Lakers to find themselves once again in a familiar place: the NBA Finals.
Prediction: Lakers in 6
-The BOMB
Monday, May 10, 2010
MLB Sprites
- Dallas Braden was perfect on Sunday. The Bolt mentioned him as a key figure in the A's season, but we couldn't have foreseen this. His 109 pitch outing is the 19th Perfect Game in MLB History. Braden celebrated the feat on Mothers' Day with his Grandmother, who was in attendance. Sadly, the media and even Braden's Grandmother had to tie up this brilliant piece of baseball history with the travesty that has been "A-Rodrunsacrossthepitchersmound-Gate". As much as I have personally told A-Rod to stick it myself at times (through the TV), I think perhaps the evening should have been more about Braden's accomplishment, baseball history and a tribute to Braden's late mother. Congratulations to Dallas Braden on pitching perfectly, not on sticking it to anyone else.
- Mark Teixeira once again has said good riddance to April. Tex already has 4 HR, 13 RBI and a .342 avg in 9 games this month, after another horrendous April. Just in case anyone was worried....
- Something HAS TO be wrong with Josh Beckett. After a decent 6th start, Beckett threw another bomb in Fenway over the weekend, getting knocked around by the Yankees, or moreso knocking around some Yankees (he hit multiple batters). His ERA after 7 starts is 7.42. Luckily for Boston, John Lester seems to be starting to figure it out, but they aren't going anywhere with out Beckett.
- What's even more impressive about Braden's perfecto is that it came against the team with the best record in the Major League. The Tampa Bay Rays have now fallen victim to consecutive Perfect Games: Braden's, as well as Mark Buerhle's from last season. All the credit to Ubaldo Jimenez for no-hitting the Atlanta Braves, but to go perfect against a team like the Rays is as spectacular a feat as you're likely to see.
- Rumor has it Ken Griffey Jr. missed an opportunity to be used as a pinch hitter, because he had gone back into the club house and fallen asleep. A player close to Griffey noted that he hadn't been sleeping well, so he wasn't surprised at the accident. He suggested Griffey easily could have been awoken if needed. I am very likely to believe this is the case, as what manager would simply let a player sleep if he really did need him to hit. Griffey has been at this game a long time. I think he can wake up and go right to hitting. In all, I don' think it should be too big a deal. (The way they are reacting on TV, I guess this IS a big deal?)
- Starlin Castro has already lived a roller coaster of a Major League career. The young Short Stop prospect of the Cubs hit a home run in his first at-bat over the weekend on his way to a 6 RBI debut. The same Starlin Castro made his Wrigley debut this evening, going 0-2 with 2 walks and a strikeout, and making THREE errors.
- Here is a great article on espn.com by Jim Caple about players methods of breaking in gloves (most notably the use of the microwave). Kids, please make sure an adult is present to supervise, if you plan to microwave your glove.
- Just watched the very end of an 11 inning Rays/Angels game. Joe Maddon tried the always-fun 5 player infield with a runner on 3rd and 2 out in the 11th. Maddon has the luxury of Ben Zobrist on his line-up card. Zobrist moved from Center field to play infield, just to the short stop side of 2nd base. Sadly, we didn't get to see it at work, as Juan Rivera took 1-2 pitch deep into Center Field. Short-right-center fielder Gabe Kapler was able to get out and make the play, but the ball was well deep enough to score Kendry Morales on a sac fly to win the game.
- Steve Strasburg is in AAA now, with his MLB debut within view on the horizon. I don't really have anything to say about Strasburg until I get to watch him pitch. For that experience I am excited.
- The Mariners need a bat. They are one of the many teams that really should be taking a look at Jermaine Dye.
- Jody Gerut hit for the cycle Saturday. It doesn't seem we care too much about cycles these days. I didn't hear much about it. It's really just a fun statistical thing. I, personally, would rather hit 4 HR than one of each. But it's something, so congrats to Jody.
- When Nelson Cruz returns form the DL this week, the Texas Rangers will finally have their entire line-up in tact for a game this season. That frightening line-up is as follows: 2B Ian Kinsler, 3B Michael Young, LF Josh Hamilton, DH Vladimir Guerrero, RF Nelson Cruz, 1B Justin Smoak, C Matt Treanor, SS Elvis Andrus, CF Julio Borbon (in some order).
-APT
- Mark Teixeira once again has said good riddance to April. Tex already has 4 HR, 13 RBI and a .342 avg in 9 games this month, after another horrendous April. Just in case anyone was worried....
- Something HAS TO be wrong with Josh Beckett. After a decent 6th start, Beckett threw another bomb in Fenway over the weekend, getting knocked around by the Yankees, or moreso knocking around some Yankees (he hit multiple batters). His ERA after 7 starts is 7.42. Luckily for Boston, John Lester seems to be starting to figure it out, but they aren't going anywhere with out Beckett.
- What's even more impressive about Braden's perfecto is that it came against the team with the best record in the Major League. The Tampa Bay Rays have now fallen victim to consecutive Perfect Games: Braden's, as well as Mark Buerhle's from last season. All the credit to Ubaldo Jimenez for no-hitting the Atlanta Braves, but to go perfect against a team like the Rays is as spectacular a feat as you're likely to see.
- Rumor has it Ken Griffey Jr. missed an opportunity to be used as a pinch hitter, because he had gone back into the club house and fallen asleep. A player close to Griffey noted that he hadn't been sleeping well, so he wasn't surprised at the accident. He suggested Griffey easily could have been awoken if needed. I am very likely to believe this is the case, as what manager would simply let a player sleep if he really did need him to hit. Griffey has been at this game a long time. I think he can wake up and go right to hitting. In all, I don' think it should be too big a deal. (The way they are reacting on TV, I guess this IS a big deal?)
- Starlin Castro has already lived a roller coaster of a Major League career. The young Short Stop prospect of the Cubs hit a home run in his first at-bat over the weekend on his way to a 6 RBI debut. The same Starlin Castro made his Wrigley debut this evening, going 0-2 with 2 walks and a strikeout, and making THREE errors.
- Here is a great article on espn.com by Jim Caple about players methods of breaking in gloves (most notably the use of the microwave). Kids, please make sure an adult is present to supervise, if you plan to microwave your glove.
- Just watched the very end of an 11 inning Rays/Angels game. Joe Maddon tried the always-fun 5 player infield with a runner on 3rd and 2 out in the 11th. Maddon has the luxury of Ben Zobrist on his line-up card. Zobrist moved from Center field to play infield, just to the short stop side of 2nd base. Sadly, we didn't get to see it at work, as Juan Rivera took 1-2 pitch deep into Center Field. Short-right-center fielder Gabe Kapler was able to get out and make the play, but the ball was well deep enough to score Kendry Morales on a sac fly to win the game.
- Steve Strasburg is in AAA now, with his MLB debut within view on the horizon. I don't really have anything to say about Strasburg until I get to watch him pitch. For that experience I am excited.
- The Mariners need a bat. They are one of the many teams that really should be taking a look at Jermaine Dye.
- Jody Gerut hit for the cycle Saturday. It doesn't seem we care too much about cycles these days. I didn't hear much about it. It's really just a fun statistical thing. I, personally, would rather hit 4 HR than one of each. But it's something, so congrats to Jody.
- When Nelson Cruz returns form the DL this week, the Texas Rangers will finally have their entire line-up in tact for a game this season. That frightening line-up is as follows: 2B Ian Kinsler, 3B Michael Young, LF Josh Hamilton, DH Vladimir Guerrero, RF Nelson Cruz, 1B Justin Smoak, C Matt Treanor, SS Elvis Andrus, CF Julio Borbon (in some order).
-APT
Game 6
I chose to watch the Habs/Pens over the Bruins/Flyers. I figured it'd be more entertaining, and it certainly was. However, I thought the Flyers folding would be the reason, and it turned out to be the opposite. Here's what I saw...
- The crowd in Montreal was absolutely awesome! The Bell Centre was rocking. There was a mid 2nd period shift that led to the goal that tied it at 2-2, and from that point on, no matter where things were going, the Habs fans were incredible. They roared after Montreal goals, a driving force against the opponents, and they were inspiring after a late Pittsburgh goal, willing the minds of their players back on course. Towels were constantly waving. It was the epitome of a playoff atmosphere.
- Mike Cammileri is awesome. He scored his 10th and 11th goals of the playoffs. His first quick snap shot gave the Canadiens a very early 1-0 lead, setting the tone. He later touched a brilliant backhander a cross the crease, inside the post to tie the game at 2 in the second. The goal was aptly described as "artistic". He has been incredible throughout this post-season, joining Pavelski of San Jose as the offensive story.
- The Habs were without two big-time defenseman in Andrei Markov and Hal Gill tonight. However, they were lifted by the return of Jaro Spacek. Spacek was great against Alex Ovechkin in the 1st round, before falling to injury. He returned and was great again tonight. Spacek saved a huge scoring chance with a diving poke check early in the second, and then made the score 3-2 with a goal from the point later in the period. The line of Spacek and Roman Hamrlik was brilliant, start to finish, in their zone and influencing the offensive play. I was surprised to see them on the bench for the final shift, but expect the line to make another significant impact on Wednesday. Perhaps one or two of the Markov/Gill pair will rejoin the Habs as well.
- Sidney Crosby scored his first goal of the series. It was a great display of hand-eye coordination, though more a case of Montreal's defense adjusting early on. Crosby was left all alone in front of the Montreal net. I seriously doubt any coach would create a game plan that allowed for that when executed effectively. But Crosby sat there in a spot typically occupied by big Hal Gill and batted home a flying rebound. The Kid was bottled up for the rest of the contest, with a lot of the work done by Defenseman Josh Georges.
- The Canadiens made the most of their opportunities early on, scoring on their first shot and twice during a big momentum swing in the 2nd period. The only major missed opportunity was a puck that was shanked off the stick of Scott Gomez. A great pass from Brian Gionta, off a rebound, left Gomez merely having to firmly meet the puck to find a wide open net. That would have made it 2-1 at the time.
- Marc Andre Fleury continues to be the second best goaltender in this series. It is often the case that the second best goaltender is the one that goes home after a game seven. Despite being the superior team when the names are written down, the Pens are going to need Fleury to step up, and for the Igloo to be as booming as the Belle Center was tonight.
-APT
- The crowd in Montreal was absolutely awesome! The Bell Centre was rocking. There was a mid 2nd period shift that led to the goal that tied it at 2-2, and from that point on, no matter where things were going, the Habs fans were incredible. They roared after Montreal goals, a driving force against the opponents, and they were inspiring after a late Pittsburgh goal, willing the minds of their players back on course. Towels were constantly waving. It was the epitome of a playoff atmosphere.
- Mike Cammileri is awesome. He scored his 10th and 11th goals of the playoffs. His first quick snap shot gave the Canadiens a very early 1-0 lead, setting the tone. He later touched a brilliant backhander a cross the crease, inside the post to tie the game at 2 in the second. The goal was aptly described as "artistic". He has been incredible throughout this post-season, joining Pavelski of San Jose as the offensive story.
- The Habs were without two big-time defenseman in Andrei Markov and Hal Gill tonight. However, they were lifted by the return of Jaro Spacek. Spacek was great against Alex Ovechkin in the 1st round, before falling to injury. He returned and was great again tonight. Spacek saved a huge scoring chance with a diving poke check early in the second, and then made the score 3-2 with a goal from the point later in the period. The line of Spacek and Roman Hamrlik was brilliant, start to finish, in their zone and influencing the offensive play. I was surprised to see them on the bench for the final shift, but expect the line to make another significant impact on Wednesday. Perhaps one or two of the Markov/Gill pair will rejoin the Habs as well.
- Sidney Crosby scored his first goal of the series. It was a great display of hand-eye coordination, though more a case of Montreal's defense adjusting early on. Crosby was left all alone in front of the Montreal net. I seriously doubt any coach would create a game plan that allowed for that when executed effectively. But Crosby sat there in a spot typically occupied by big Hal Gill and batted home a flying rebound. The Kid was bottled up for the rest of the contest, with a lot of the work done by Defenseman Josh Georges.
- The Canadiens made the most of their opportunities early on, scoring on their first shot and twice during a big momentum swing in the 2nd period. The only major missed opportunity was a puck that was shanked off the stick of Scott Gomez. A great pass from Brian Gionta, off a rebound, left Gomez merely having to firmly meet the puck to find a wide open net. That would have made it 2-1 at the time.
- Marc Andre Fleury continues to be the second best goaltender in this series. It is often the case that the second best goaltender is the one that goes home after a game seven. Despite being the superior team when the names are written down, the Pens are going to need Fleury to step up, and for the Igloo to be as booming as the Belle Center was tonight.
-APT
NFL Sprites
- Albert Haynesworth is certainly a sizeable little baby. He spent the spring trying to whine his way into a trade. Washington did put some effort in on Draft Day One, because no one wants to deal with Haynesworth-sized diapers, but they weren't going to sell themselves short either. Now Haynesworth is refusing to work out with the rest of his team, despite the fact that a coaching change has produced a completely new defensive system. Granted, the system is the reason Albert is pissy in the first place. Word is that the Redskins are willing to let him play end in the 3-4 so he doesn't have to play the clogging nose-tackle position. Adam Schefter made a great point in a mailbag of his that you would think a man being paid $100 million could show some goddamn appreciation and do what his team asks of him. But as I've driven home, we are not dealing with a "man" here; merely an infant.
- Brian Cushing apparently tested positive for performance enhancing drugs back in September. I guess he was able to play the season while appealing. I understand that you need to have an appeals process, but it is quite frustrating, as with something like PEDs you would think that they would have the greatest effect on performance when a test comes back positive. Because of the appeals process the NFL has to let players play with these drugs in their system, with their performance being enhanced. Sure, they may eventually face suspension, but there is just something fish about that idea. The AP is re-voting on the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. I'm pretty confident Jairus Byrd will win the award now that Cushing has tested positive, but I'm curious to see how many votes Cushing will get. Clay Matthews has had my vote from the beginning.
- The Lions have signed former Giant safety C.C. Brown, and I can hear th Giant fan's rejoicing from 200 miles away. Brown was tough to stomach as a replacement for Kenny Phillips last season. He got playing time based on pick-up Aaron Rause's mediocrity. Brown was bearable against the run, but couldn't cover a slug.
- DeSean Jackson is an idiot, but he has proved that several times over. I am admittedly not the biggest fan of Donovan McNabb, but that doesn't mean Jackson should be tossing him shit as he leaves. McNabb is the man who provided Jackson with the opportunity to be a star. 1/2 the QBs in the league don't have the arm to lead Jackson on those routes. I understand you want to show confidence in your new guy, but shut the hell up about a Hall of Fame caliber veteran, when you've been in the league 2 years and haven't proven the ability to catch passes from someone who is not that Hall of Fame caliber veteran. At least TO was already established on a Hall of Fame course himself before stepping to McNabb, not that I forgive TO everything he's done. It does beg one question though, as McNabb takes a ton of shit. Maybe he's not the greatest guy in the locker room. You don't really hear a ton about that part of him. He does seem oversensitive at times and combative at others. But, I'm going to assume it's just the continued idiocy of Jackson.
- Speaking of TO, he still doesn't have a job. The rumors of the McNabb/TO reunion have seemed to die down a touch, however when you look at teams with a chance to win that need a wide receiver, Washington sticks out. Pittsburgh is the other spot that seems to be calling for him. You would think Mike Tomlin can handle a heavy personality, but there has been a lot of trouble in Pitt lately so maybe they are trying to avoid more. Though, say what you want about TO's mouth, he has never brought problems when it comes to effort or behavior off the field. As a citizen of America, he certainly merits some admiration. I would look for a sleeper team like, perhaps, Carolina to come out nowhere, like the Bills did last season.
- I would write about Rex Ryan's plan to win the next Super Bowl, except that I'm so completely unsurprised. I think I'd write something on it if he said anything but that.
- Pacman was signed by the Bengals last week. I don't really have a problem with it. Other than a run-in with a bodyguard that he was forced to have around by the Cowboys, a run-in that, for all we know, could have been instigated by the bodyguard, Pacman was okay enough in Dallas. He definitely didn't do anything that makes another chance seem ridiculous. We'll see what he has left. The Bengals have a solid first 2 corners in Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall, so Pacman just has to play nickel and maybe return punts.
- I didn't really review the draft at all. Maybe we'll do that as training camps pick up and we get to see a little action from these upcoming rookies.
- JaMarcus Russel is now available for all. I honestly have no idea where he'll end up, because after 3 years in the league, he is still a project. I don't know who's in the market for that kind of pick-up. If I have to guess, let's say the Skins pick him up and let McNabb chat with him. Maybe he'll be ready in 3 more years.
- Random May prediction: David Carr, not Alex Smith, leads the 49ers to the playoffs.
-APT
- Brian Cushing apparently tested positive for performance enhancing drugs back in September. I guess he was able to play the season while appealing. I understand that you need to have an appeals process, but it is quite frustrating, as with something like PEDs you would think that they would have the greatest effect on performance when a test comes back positive. Because of the appeals process the NFL has to let players play with these drugs in their system, with their performance being enhanced. Sure, they may eventually face suspension, but there is just something fish about that idea. The AP is re-voting on the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. I'm pretty confident Jairus Byrd will win the award now that Cushing has tested positive, but I'm curious to see how many votes Cushing will get. Clay Matthews has had my vote from the beginning.
- The Lions have signed former Giant safety C.C. Brown, and I can hear th Giant fan's rejoicing from 200 miles away. Brown was tough to stomach as a replacement for Kenny Phillips last season. He got playing time based on pick-up Aaron Rause's mediocrity. Brown was bearable against the run, but couldn't cover a slug.
- DeSean Jackson is an idiot, but he has proved that several times over. I am admittedly not the biggest fan of Donovan McNabb, but that doesn't mean Jackson should be tossing him shit as he leaves. McNabb is the man who provided Jackson with the opportunity to be a star. 1/2 the QBs in the league don't have the arm to lead Jackson on those routes. I understand you want to show confidence in your new guy, but shut the hell up about a Hall of Fame caliber veteran, when you've been in the league 2 years and haven't proven the ability to catch passes from someone who is not that Hall of Fame caliber veteran. At least TO was already established on a Hall of Fame course himself before stepping to McNabb, not that I forgive TO everything he's done. It does beg one question though, as McNabb takes a ton of shit. Maybe he's not the greatest guy in the locker room. You don't really hear a ton about that part of him. He does seem oversensitive at times and combative at others. But, I'm going to assume it's just the continued idiocy of Jackson.
- Speaking of TO, he still doesn't have a job. The rumors of the McNabb/TO reunion have seemed to die down a touch, however when you look at teams with a chance to win that need a wide receiver, Washington sticks out. Pittsburgh is the other spot that seems to be calling for him. You would think Mike Tomlin can handle a heavy personality, but there has been a lot of trouble in Pitt lately so maybe they are trying to avoid more. Though, say what you want about TO's mouth, he has never brought problems when it comes to effort or behavior off the field. As a citizen of America, he certainly merits some admiration. I would look for a sleeper team like, perhaps, Carolina to come out nowhere, like the Bills did last season.
- I would write about Rex Ryan's plan to win the next Super Bowl, except that I'm so completely unsurprised. I think I'd write something on it if he said anything but that.
- Pacman was signed by the Bengals last week. I don't really have a problem with it. Other than a run-in with a bodyguard that he was forced to have around by the Cowboys, a run-in that, for all we know, could have been instigated by the bodyguard, Pacman was okay enough in Dallas. He definitely didn't do anything that makes another chance seem ridiculous. We'll see what he has left. The Bengals have a solid first 2 corners in Jonathan Joseph and Leon Hall, so Pacman just has to play nickel and maybe return punts.
- I didn't really review the draft at all. Maybe we'll do that as training camps pick up and we get to see a little action from these upcoming rookies.
- JaMarcus Russel is now available for all. I honestly have no idea where he'll end up, because after 3 years in the league, he is still a project. I don't know who's in the market for that kind of pick-up. If I have to guess, let's say the Skins pick him up and let McNabb chat with him. Maybe he'll be ready in 3 more years.
- Random May prediction: David Carr, not Alex Smith, leads the 49ers to the playoffs.
-APT
Stat Lines of the Weekend
THE GOOD- Evgeni Nabokov, SJ; Sat 5/8 vs. Det: 34 SA, 1 GA, 33 Sv, .971 Sv%, 60 min, 0 PIM, W (After giving up a 5 G 1st Per. in Thursday's Game 4 Loss)
THE BAD- Joe Johnson, Atl; Sat 5/8 vs. Orl: 36 min, 3-15 FG, 0-3 3FG, 2-3 FT, 5 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Stl, 0 Blk, 2 TO, -14 +/-, 8 Pts.
THE UGLY- Bobby Jenks, CWS; Sun 5/9 vs. Tor: 0.0 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, INF ERA, INF WHIP
(My Personal Additions)
THE GREAT- Rajon Rondo, Bos; Sun 5/9 vs. Cle: 47 min, 9-21 FG, 0-1 3FG, 11-16 FT, 18 Reb, 13 Ast, 2 Stl, 29pts
THE PERFECT- Dallas Braden, Oak; Sun 5/9 vs. TB: 9.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.00 WHIP
THE BIZARRE- Juan Uribe, SF; Sun 5/9 vs. NYM: 0/0, 1 R, 1 RBI, 0 K, 4 BB, HBP, .000 Avg, 1.000 OBP
-APT
THE BAD- Joe Johnson, Atl; Sat 5/8 vs. Orl: 36 min, 3-15 FG, 0-3 3FG, 2-3 FT, 5 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Stl, 0 Blk, 2 TO, -14 +/-, 8 Pts.
THE UGLY- Bobby Jenks, CWS; Sun 5/9 vs. Tor: 0.0 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, INF ERA, INF WHIP
(My Personal Additions)
THE GREAT- Rajon Rondo, Bos; Sun 5/9 vs. Cle: 47 min, 9-21 FG, 0-1 3FG, 11-16 FT, 18 Reb, 13 Ast, 2 Stl, 29pts
THE PERFECT- Dallas Braden, Oak; Sun 5/9 vs. TB: 9.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.00 WHIP
THE BIZARRE- Juan Uribe, SF; Sun 5/9 vs. NYM: 0/0, 1 R, 1 RBI, 0 K, 4 BB, HBP, .000 Avg, 1.000 OBP
-APT
Friday, May 7, 2010
Hottest Little Potatoes
So we come to the May 7th version of Hottest Little Potatoes in Major League Baseball. It comes complete with our first repeat offender, a double dosage of Dodgers (for the love of alliteration), and our first relief pitcher. As this has quickly grown into a not-quite weekly segment on the blog, we've added some structure. Each not-quite week, you'll see 3 batters and 3 pitchers awarded the badge of "Hot Little Potato". At the end of the season, we will award the Mugatu Trophy, for the Hottest Little Potato of the Season, to the player that has made the most appearance on Hottest Little Potatoes. You can look for that among our growing list of end of season awards, some normal (MVP, Cy Young, etc.), some blog-orginals (Mugatu Trophy, Bronze Arms, some still TBD). So be on the look out.
Now on to this week:
HLP Batters
Andre Ethier, LAD: 12/25, 9 R, 2 2B, 5 HR, 13 RBI
Alfonso Soriano, ChC: 10/23, 7 R, 3 2B, 5 HR, 11, RBI
James Loney, LAD: 11/21, 5 R, 3 2B, 2 HR, 12 RBI
HLP Pitchers
Dr. Roy Halladay, Phi: 16 IP, 2 W, 15 K, 0.56 ERA, 0.88 WHIP
Neftali Feliz, Tex: 4 IP, 4-4 Sv, 6 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.00 WHIP
Scott Olsen, Was: 13.1 IP, 1 W, 12 K, 0.68 ERA, 0.83 WHIP
- The aforementioned repeat offender is Los Angeles Dodger Outfielder, Andre Ethier. He appeared on the debut edition of HLP and notched his spot this week with a walk-off Grand Slam last night.
- Our still unnamed LITB fictitious beat reporter (please send in suggestions for a Lightning or Sports related name for this beat reporter), got a chance to speak with one of this weeks potatoes, Alfonso Soriano. Soriano assured the Bolt that his appearance on HLP will in no way affect his ability to drop routine fly balls or generally not give a shit.
- Dodger First Baseman James Loney proves you don't have to hit homeruns to be a Hot Potato (it certainly helps), especially when you bat over .500 for the week.
- Doctor Halladay continues to absolutely dominate the National League. His latest two victims, the Mets and Cardinals are nothing to sneeze at. Well deserved HLP point for the Doctor.
- Neftali Feliz is setting a HLP precedent: If you are a reliever and record 4+ holds or saves in 7 days, while surrendering ZERO baserunners in 4+ IP, then you will be known as a Hot Little Potato.
- Scott Olsen told our beat reporter that he wasn't sure if the Bolt knew there was a still a Washington Nationals Franchise, so he thought it best to take a no-hitter into the 8th inning last night to make sure there was enough press around him for LITB to take notice.
Well, time to go run my hands under some cold water.
- APT
(All statistics are from the last 7 days, unless otherwise noted. All comments to fictitious beat reporters are OF COURSE fictitious)
Thursday, May 6, 2010
MLB Sprites
- I don't know what to think about Milton Bradley. I think part of his problem is that reporters are after him, part is that he obviously does have some sort of emotional problem, and part of it is certainly that he's not the greatest guy. In this case, based on his actions so far, I'm going to reserve judgment. He asked his team for help, which is admirable. I 'm a firm believer in second chances.
- The Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays are hot, and I don't know if they'll be fully extinguished before possibly October. Led by two of the greatest young players in the MLB right now, in Evan Longoria and Matt Garza, the Rays lead the league with a 20-7 record. James Shields seems to be settling back down, with a 3.15 ERA, and the kids in the rotation look like seasoned pros: David Price, Jeff Niemann and Wade Davis currently holding 2.34, 2.76, 2.79 ERAs respectively. Andy Sonnastine seems to have adjusted to his bullpen role and can be a useful piece in a trade if the Rays need to bring someone in come July, and they finally have a stud closer in Rafael Soriano (3 R in 12 Innings). Bossman, Jr. and Pat Burrell still aren't back to where they could be, but the line-up is solid. I can't say that this young pitching staff is going to stay sub-3 ERA-wise all year, as they are more than likely to share ups and downs, but it is a tough argument to posit that the Rays will be fading away.
- I have no problem with Tasing the kid at the Phillies game. It would be nice if it was easy to tell who is dangerous when coming onto the field and who isn't, but truth be told, it's not that easy. If someone refuses to be subdued by modest attempts, and continues to run uncontrolled around the field of play, officers need to what they feel is necessary. Taserings have caused a numbers of deaths, but perhaps it's just hopefuly that I think that when used correctly they can be safe. The truth is, it's an alternative to what used to be tackling the offender, which is not the safest of moves either. Needless to say, people should stay the hell of the baseball field. You have no right to that experience, even if it is "once in a lifetime". Anyone who ever enters the field of play, whether subdued quickly or not should NEVER be allowed to enter a Major League stadium again. That is not what the game is about. If you want to be on the field of play, make some money and buy Jack Nicholson's Laker tickets.
- Bob Uecker is out of the hospital after heart surgery. He is one of my favorite announcers, and you may know him from his brilliant work in the Major League movies. He has a magnificent way of making homerism seem harmless. We wish him well here.
- On a similar, but sadder note, RIP Ernie Harwell. He is a Major League icon and will be missed. Our thoughts to his family.
- Doc Halladay is doing exactly what everyone thought he would: coming to the NL and dominating. Despite one sub-par outing, Halladay is still 6-1 with a 1.61 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 48 K's.
- Some players to watch: Marlon Byrd (OF, Chc), Colby Lewis (P, Tex), David Freese (3B, StL), Anyone on the Padres.
Gotta Go
-APT
- The Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays are hot, and I don't know if they'll be fully extinguished before possibly October. Led by two of the greatest young players in the MLB right now, in Evan Longoria and Matt Garza, the Rays lead the league with a 20-7 record. James Shields seems to be settling back down, with a 3.15 ERA, and the kids in the rotation look like seasoned pros: David Price, Jeff Niemann and Wade Davis currently holding 2.34, 2.76, 2.79 ERAs respectively. Andy Sonnastine seems to have adjusted to his bullpen role and can be a useful piece in a trade if the Rays need to bring someone in come July, and they finally have a stud closer in Rafael Soriano (3 R in 12 Innings). Bossman, Jr. and Pat Burrell still aren't back to where they could be, but the line-up is solid. I can't say that this young pitching staff is going to stay sub-3 ERA-wise all year, as they are more than likely to share ups and downs, but it is a tough argument to posit that the Rays will be fading away.
- I have no problem with Tasing the kid at the Phillies game. It would be nice if it was easy to tell who is dangerous when coming onto the field and who isn't, but truth be told, it's not that easy. If someone refuses to be subdued by modest attempts, and continues to run uncontrolled around the field of play, officers need to what they feel is necessary. Taserings have caused a numbers of deaths, but perhaps it's just hopefuly that I think that when used correctly they can be safe. The truth is, it's an alternative to what used to be tackling the offender, which is not the safest of moves either. Needless to say, people should stay the hell of the baseball field. You have no right to that experience, even if it is "once in a lifetime". Anyone who ever enters the field of play, whether subdued quickly or not should NEVER be allowed to enter a Major League stadium again. That is not what the game is about. If you want to be on the field of play, make some money and buy Jack Nicholson's Laker tickets.
- Bob Uecker is out of the hospital after heart surgery. He is one of my favorite announcers, and you may know him from his brilliant work in the Major League movies. He has a magnificent way of making homerism seem harmless. We wish him well here.
- On a similar, but sadder note, RIP Ernie Harwell. He is a Major League icon and will be missed. Our thoughts to his family.
- Doc Halladay is doing exactly what everyone thought he would: coming to the NL and dominating. Despite one sub-par outing, Halladay is still 6-1 with a 1.61 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 48 K's.
- Some players to watch: Marlon Byrd (OF, Chc), Colby Lewis (P, Tex), David Freese (3B, StL), Anyone on the Padres.
Gotta Go
-APT
BOLT: Grant Whybark
Here is the article on ESPN if you haven't seen it.
I have no problem with what Grant Whybark did. I think he had a point that the rule was stupid. I don't see why one golfer should take two qualification spots. The spot should go to the highest finisher who hasn't already qualified. If they allow for a certain number of National Qualifiers, why not use them. He makes another great point that he's not taking anything away from anybody. I guess you could say that if Seth Doran were to achieve success at Nationals, a golfer that did not deserve to be there may have gotten in the way of golfers that did. Though if Doran has that kind of success it only proves the words of Whybark when he says that it was obvious Doran deserved it.
I personally think that we should admire Whybark for his actions. I respect the competitiveness of athletes both in professional sports and in collegiate sports, but that doesn't mean we have to look down on modesty and sportsmanship. Whybark did not break any rules to do what he did and he did not jeopardize the success of any other player, so I'll thank Grant for reminding us that "opponent" and "enemy" are not synonymous.
-APT
I have no problem with what Grant Whybark did. I think he had a point that the rule was stupid. I don't see why one golfer should take two qualification spots. The spot should go to the highest finisher who hasn't already qualified. If they allow for a certain number of National Qualifiers, why not use them. He makes another great point that he's not taking anything away from anybody. I guess you could say that if Seth Doran were to achieve success at Nationals, a golfer that did not deserve to be there may have gotten in the way of golfers that did. Though if Doran has that kind of success it only proves the words of Whybark when he says that it was obvious Doran deserved it.
I personally think that we should admire Whybark for his actions. I respect the competitiveness of athletes both in professional sports and in collegiate sports, but that doesn't mean we have to look down on modesty and sportsmanship. Whybark did not break any rules to do what he did and he did not jeopardize the success of any other player, so I'll thank Grant for reminding us that "opponent" and "enemy" are not synonymous.
-APT
Barry Zito
We've been doling out the DAP these days on Lightning in a Bottle, because, well, we're damn nice guys. It's so hard to come up with things to write about during baseball season that aren't just going to be erased by the time I actually write them. Luckily, pitchers don't have that problem. I have another five days or so before I have to worry about Barry Zito getting bombed. Something has gone on with Barry Zito. It was referred to on PTI today as a "Hot Tub Time Machine Situation" by Mike Wilbon, and being I'm a sucker for a chance to drop "Hot Tub Time Machine" references, despite not seeing the movie, I'm going to have to agree with him.
The reasons aren't quite clear. Some say it has to do with Zito not having to anchor the rotation in San Francisco, but it's been that way for a few years now. Others say it has to do with his release point, which could be true, but if it was that simple, you would think one of the many great film watchers would have picked that up years ago. Due to my east coast location and obsession with the Mets, I have not seen much of Barry Zito pitching this season, but I had been observing his gradual return since last season. Zito didn't have a great 2009, but he certainly showed flashes, including a sub-2 ERA in 6 August starts, before having a rougher September. He has been able to continue that success, and then some, this season with a 1.49 ERA and a sub-1 WHIP, going 5-0 in 6 starts.
It is wonderful to see Zito back in the form of old, as he was one of my favorite pitchers back with the Oakland A's. But where the heck did this come from? As I've said, I have not seen a ton of him pitching so far this season, but there is one thing that I know can make Barry Zito effective, and it seems to be a key aspect of his turnaround. Zito had in the past, and still does have one of the top couple curve balls in the Major Leagues. He offers probably the most vast 12-6 breaks you'll see, with great control over it, so when it is diving sharply, it is a dominant pitch. A major problem the last few years with Zito's curveball has been that hitters can sit there and wait for it. People like to say that a pitch can be so good that you can know it's coming and still not be able to hit it. That may be true if the pitch is in a perfect location, but outside of, perhaps, the Mariano Rivera Cutter (which is a pitch that has a different effect depending on where in the strike zone it is thrown), that is not actually the case. Zito's problem has been ability to locate the fastball. Zito has never had a dominant fastball. But he didn't need one because the fear of his curve ball kept hitters so off balance that if Zito pumped it up to 90 mph, they had absolutely no chance to catch up to it.
It's a strange situation for the Zito fastball. It needs the curve ball in order to be effective. However, the curve ball needs the fastball to be effective. That seems like a vicious cycle, but it isn't necessarily. The whole thing is based on fastball location. Like I said, Zito cannot overpower hitters with the fastball. So to establish his game early on, he needs to hit his spots precisely with the fastball. Much like a Greg Maddux or Tom Glavine, it's not a matter of speed, but of location. If Zito can hit his spot down and away from hitters consistently, it opens up the inside of the plate. Barry has gradually developed a decent cutter, which he can use to come inside on the right-handers after establishing his down and away. If Zito can control two locations with his fastball alone, that puts the pitch securely in the head of the hitters. Once the 1st pitch is in affecting their already minimal thought time over the 60.6" venture from mound to plate, they don't have the mental capacity left to look for the curve ball. It is too good to hit if you're not thinking about it. This leaves hitters guessing at the plate. Once hitters are guessing at the plate, looking for curve balls in hopes of touching them, an 88 mph fastball becomes as effective as a 98 mph fastball.
If Zito can prove that he can hit spots with the fastball, everything seems to fall into place. I hope that it continues to do so, as it is nice to see Zito succeed.
-APT
Back to Tweeting
Hey Folks:
So, I don't know how many noticed, but Lightning in a Bottle was suspended from Twitter for the last month for following too many people. Shady? According to Twitter, yes. But at least I'm finally making good on my promise to at least try to broaden readership. Anyway, I finally decided to ask them to let me back in after a month of waiting for them to say ANYTHING about why we were suspended. So, get back to following us on the Twitter, as well.
See you there!
-APT
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Playoff Sprites
- Watch Lamar Odom tonight. He has struggled in taking over games as a part of the Lakers second team. However, he was a force at the end of Game 1 on both ends of the floor. The single biggest play of the game was an offensive rebound/put-back off a Kobe Bryant miss. He was also the most dynamic defender for the Lakers. His ability to switch inside and alter drives and shots greatly affected Utah's offense, as they went cold at the end of the game. I watched Odom thrive during Bryant's run to the championship last year. Perhaps the light is coming back on again in crunch time this season.
- Miro Satan is making sure that people know he still plays hockey. Miro was pretty much dismissed in his final year with the Islanders, as he was rendered fairly useless within an offense that was rendered fairly useless. Many hockey fans were likely hoping he would simply be acquired by the Devils, long enough to print the jerseys, and then fade off into nothing. However, Satan joined the Bruins halfway through the regular season and contributed 14 points in 38 regular season games. However, anyone who is following the Bruins playoff run (which leaves them up 2-0 in their second round series vs. Philadelphia) knows that he has emerged as a leader. Satan leads the Bruins with 9 points in 8 games, including an OT Winner. It's good to see the 35 year old Satan playing his heart out when it matters.
- I have a hard time believing that Daniel Carcillo of the Flyers was trying to pull out Marc Savard's front teeth last night. However, I don't know Daniel Carcillo. If he was, then Savard is allowed to bite him as hard as he wants. It's also hard to believe that Savard went seeking out Carcillo's fingers for biting in a scrum. However, I don't know Marc Savard. If he did, then Carcillo is allowed to rip his front teeth out.
- Props to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Milwaukee Bucks. Young teams putting up a fight is always a great thing to see, especially in the NBA playoffs, where favorites often breeze on through. It was disappointing to see the Bucks drop the last two, although after losing Game 6 convincingly at home, I many thought, as I did, that the Hawks would handle Game 7 easily, which they did. Either way, the Thunder took on the most talented team in the NBA and left them at least mildly frightened after a few games. The only problem with that is that by frightening them, they were asking for it. The Bucks went up against East Sleeper Favorite Atlanta without star big man Andrew Bogut and gave them all they could hope for.
- Props to the Boston Celtics. Old teams putting up a fight is always a great thing to see. The Celtics should have won Game 1, but they let it slip away after a scoring surge by Mo Williams and a great 4th quarter by Lebronious. However, the Celtics went to town in the second half of Game 2. Rajon Rondo has had 3 magnificent halves in the 2 games of the series, and Lebron was kept from shooting in many big moments of Game 2. The Celtics are turning some heads, and perhaps they have a chance to make noise in this series. I personally picked the Cavs to take this one in 7, and I stand by that.
- San Jose has come out firing against Detroit. Many expected the Sharks to struggle right from the get-go in this series against the experienced Wings. If you go by playoff history, this was a no doubt sweep for Detroit, but San Jose is refusing to be a 40 win doormat. Joe Pavelski leads the Sharks with 9 goals (14 points) and is a joy to watch play the game. The series is far from over, as the Sharks now head to the Motor City, where it is likely to be raucous, but things are certainly looking up.
- Jaroslav Halak (needed to be mentioned yet again)
- Steve Nash is the best point guard in the NBA. Whether you want to modify that sentence with "still" or "once again", it needs to be stated. CP3 has been troubled by injury and lack of success the last couple of years, falling out of this blogger's favor as best PG. Nash, on the other hand, is proving that his drop-off had little to do with him and everything to do with the force-feeding of a half-court system to a team that had the personnel to play otherwise. Alan Gentry brought the old style back and now Nash is as good as he's ever been. He does have defensive drawbacks against quick guards, but he makes up for it plenty with his ability to create scoring. He can create it by himself, which he proved, scoring 33 against the Spurs last night, and we all know that he can elicit scoring from his teammates. People talk about Lebron and Kobe, and who is able to elevate the play of their team, to make the people around them better. No one does that with more success than Nash. I've joked on this blog that a team of Nash and me and 3 of my friends could drop 100 against the T-Wolves (I think it was them), and I was only half kidding. Just ask Louis Amundson, Jared Dudley, Channing Frye and Robin Lopez (though he's currently injured) If I had to start a team right now, I'd pick either Deron Williams or Derek Rose to play PG because of the age factor. But if I needed a PG tonight, I would pick Nash hands down.
- Stay tune for more playoff updates. I'll try to keep them coming fast and furious.
-APT
- Miro Satan is making sure that people know he still plays hockey. Miro was pretty much dismissed in his final year with the Islanders, as he was rendered fairly useless within an offense that was rendered fairly useless. Many hockey fans were likely hoping he would simply be acquired by the Devils, long enough to print the jerseys, and then fade off into nothing. However, Satan joined the Bruins halfway through the regular season and contributed 14 points in 38 regular season games. However, anyone who is following the Bruins playoff run (which leaves them up 2-0 in their second round series vs. Philadelphia) knows that he has emerged as a leader. Satan leads the Bruins with 9 points in 8 games, including an OT Winner. It's good to see the 35 year old Satan playing his heart out when it matters.
- I have a hard time believing that Daniel Carcillo of the Flyers was trying to pull out Marc Savard's front teeth last night. However, I don't know Daniel Carcillo. If he was, then Savard is allowed to bite him as hard as he wants. It's also hard to believe that Savard went seeking out Carcillo's fingers for biting in a scrum. However, I don't know Marc Savard. If he did, then Carcillo is allowed to rip his front teeth out.
- Props to the Oklahoma City Thunder and Milwaukee Bucks. Young teams putting up a fight is always a great thing to see, especially in the NBA playoffs, where favorites often breeze on through. It was disappointing to see the Bucks drop the last two, although after losing Game 6 convincingly at home, I many thought, as I did, that the Hawks would handle Game 7 easily, which they did. Either way, the Thunder took on the most talented team in the NBA and left them at least mildly frightened after a few games. The only problem with that is that by frightening them, they were asking for it. The Bucks went up against East Sleeper Favorite Atlanta without star big man Andrew Bogut and gave them all they could hope for.
- Props to the Boston Celtics. Old teams putting up a fight is always a great thing to see. The Celtics should have won Game 1, but they let it slip away after a scoring surge by Mo Williams and a great 4th quarter by Lebronious. However, the Celtics went to town in the second half of Game 2. Rajon Rondo has had 3 magnificent halves in the 2 games of the series, and Lebron was kept from shooting in many big moments of Game 2. The Celtics are turning some heads, and perhaps they have a chance to make noise in this series. I personally picked the Cavs to take this one in 7, and I stand by that.
- San Jose has come out firing against Detroit. Many expected the Sharks to struggle right from the get-go in this series against the experienced Wings. If you go by playoff history, this was a no doubt sweep for Detroit, but San Jose is refusing to be a 40 win doormat. Joe Pavelski leads the Sharks with 9 goals (14 points) and is a joy to watch play the game. The series is far from over, as the Sharks now head to the Motor City, where it is likely to be raucous, but things are certainly looking up.
- Jaroslav Halak (needed to be mentioned yet again)
- Steve Nash is the best point guard in the NBA. Whether you want to modify that sentence with "still" or "once again", it needs to be stated. CP3 has been troubled by injury and lack of success the last couple of years, falling out of this blogger's favor as best PG. Nash, on the other hand, is proving that his drop-off had little to do with him and everything to do with the force-feeding of a half-court system to a team that had the personnel to play otherwise. Alan Gentry brought the old style back and now Nash is as good as he's ever been. He does have defensive drawbacks against quick guards, but he makes up for it plenty with his ability to create scoring. He can create it by himself, which he proved, scoring 33 against the Spurs last night, and we all know that he can elicit scoring from his teammates. People talk about Lebron and Kobe, and who is able to elevate the play of their team, to make the people around them better. No one does that with more success than Nash. I've joked on this blog that a team of Nash and me and 3 of my friends could drop 100 against the T-Wolves (I think it was them), and I was only half kidding. Just ask Louis Amundson, Jared Dudley, Channing Frye and Robin Lopez (though he's currently injured) If I had to start a team right now, I'd pick either Deron Williams or Derek Rose to play PG because of the age factor. But if I needed a PG tonight, I would pick Nash hands down.
- Stay tune for more playoff updates. I'll try to keep them coming fast and furious.
-APT
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