Posts Tagged ‘MLB’
New York Yankees & Boston Red Sox facing off again
07 August 2009
0 Comments
The New York Yankees and The Boston Red Soxs are at it again. What more needs to be said about the rivalry between these 2 star teams? This rivalry has been going on for over 75 years. The Yankees have pretty much owned this rivalry; the last few years the Red Sox have been the winning team. This was no difference this year; the Red Sox are 8-0 against the Yankees this season. Pitching is a big key in this series, like it always is.
Thursday on the mound for the Red Sox was their newly acquired pitcher Jon Smoltz. Smoltz has been knocked around a bit this season; the velocity has been there for him. The location is what has been the problem for Smoltz, he’s missing spots and it’s costing him a ton of runs. The Yankees send Joba Chamberlain to the mount to counteract the potent Red Sox offense. Joba pitched extremely well in his last start; Smoltz is a different story. In Smoltzs last 4 starts he is 1-3 giving up 24 earned runs in 20 innings. Tonight it seemed like he didn’t have it again either, the Yankee’s lineup, which has no hole from 1-9, took roughed him up a bit. Yankee great Thurman Munson died recently, so catch Jorge Posada tribute him by wearing # 15 on his catching mask during the game. Posada had a fantastic game, a game that Munson would have been proud of. Posada had 3 hits and 3 RBIs in the game. It wasn’t just Posada that helped the Yankees end their drought against the Red Sox. Melky Cabrera nailed a three-run homerun in the win. Teixeira and Damon also added some runs to the 13-6 win on Thursday. Chamberlain had some command problems; he issued 7 walks but lasted enough to win his 4th straight start. Jason Bay, who leads the Red Sox in homeruns was out for this game, this could have had an impact on the run production for the Sox. Red Sox trainers are not sure when Bay will return to the lineup. With the victory the Yankees lead the Red Sox by 3 ½ games. Red Sox slugger David Ortiz was heavily booed at the New Yankee Stadium, which was expected by the harsh Yankee fans. Ortiz was just announced to have been 1 of the 104 players to have used some sort of illegal drug in 2003.
MLB Home Run Derby finals set with Cruz and Fielder
13 July 2009
0 Comments
What a great night with some of the best sluggers in baseball going at it tonight in the 2009 Home Run Derby. Round 1 must have seemed to last forever for Nelson Cruz and Prince Fielder who both belted out 11 homers in the opening round. That’s because there was a three way hit off with Albert Pujols, Carlos Pena and Joe Mauer who all hit 5 homers in the first round. With nothing too exciting happening, Albert Pujols, the hometown favorite was able to get a little help from a fan who leaned over and helped one of his hits over the fence. Not that he was not awesome, but we don’t think he would have made it out of the round without that help.
With the second round just ending, it’s between Fielder and Cruz who are both looking strong. We are putting our money on Prince Fielder as he seemed to come alive in round two and we think it will continue into the finals.
There’s still time to get in at one of the online sportsbooks and the lines are pretty even at this point.
Manny Ramirez returns after 50 game suspension
04 July 2009
0 Comments
Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Manny Ramirez returned Friday, July 3rd after a 50 game suspension for the use of a drug that was banned by the MLB. This game was played in San Diego, California, not too far from Dodger Stadium. The opposing pitcher was Chad Gaudin. His first game back was what some had expected. Manny went 0-3 with a walk. His first plate appearance had a bit of mixed feelings too it. Boo’s and cheer’s from all different fans spread across the stadium. This was a road game, even though it was so close to home; the criticism from the fans was expected. In a press conference before the game, Ramirez stated that he had anxiety and was worried about the game. Manager Joe Torre took Ramirez out before the game was finished stating “that’s enough for his first game back.”
As many thought Ramirez was rusty after his suspension. Even though the rust showed in his game, Ramirez himself exclaimed that he was happy to get some at bats in. After this was all said and done, Ramirez seemed to be in a more calming and a more “Manny” like mood. The Dodgers went on to win the game 6-3.
After being held hitless in his first game back, Manny didn’t know when he was going to be back in the baseball swing and receive his timing back. Manny did not waste much time. The first inning of the game, Ramirez jacked a solo homerun off pitcher Josh Geer. This was his 7th homerun of the year and 534th of his amazing career. This homerun tied Jimmie Foxx for 16th on the all time list. This was only his 5th plate appearance since his comeback from his steroids allegations. Manny didn’t speak to the reporters after the 7-4 loss to the Padres. Ramirez was down in the count before he drove a change up into the left field seats. Torre commented after the game stating “I think this is the best medicine for him after having to go through what he went through.” Even though this was his only hit out of 3 attempts on Saturday, this gave a calming vibe to all that love Manny. Their slugger is starting to get his rhythm again.
The Dodgers were 21-8 when Ramirez was suspended, without him they went 29-21. The Dodgers, the team with the best record in the MLB even without their star, are glad that he has returned and are ready to keep there pace and head straight for the playoffs. Manny’s return comes just in time to think about placing that sports wager at the best online sportsbooks. Last lines we checked, this news had not helped LAs line against San Diego.