NL Playoffs: Same Teams and Circumstances

The NLDS series is shaping up like last years' playoffs. The only difference is the Padres are in the mix, but are close to being eliminated. It shouldn't come as a surprise to Braves fans that their team collaspes in the first round of the playoffs every year. What is their problem? They can't win with the likes of Andruw Jones, Chipper Jones, John Smoltz, and scrappy hitters like Marcus Giles. They have a problem with getting over the hump. Sure rookie, Jeff Francoeur is struggling at the plate, but this is no excuse for losing. The Astros are well on their way to their second consecutive League Championship Series. The veterans, like Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell will expected to step up on offense while Roger Clemens, Andy Petitte, and Roy Oswalt share the pitching load.

Like I've mentioned before, I don't care much for the baseball playoffs this year. Everything is turning out the same in the NL. There is nothing shocking or exciting to me about a team who wins 14 division titles, but blows it in the playoffs. Then the underdog looks to gain momentum or an advantage, but then falls flat on their back during the most pressure filled situations. That happens, it's understandable except when a team constantly fails to capitalize on scoring opportunties, a pitcher is left in too long or players make bonehead plays on the base paths and the field in crucial situations. Well, the St. Louis Cardinals better enjoy their lack of competition for a couple of days because the Padres were an obvious "no threat." Maybe the playing field will be even if one of the Cardinals' starting pitchers happens to get injured or has a freak accident. If the Astros go on to face them the injuries would make the series a more spirited challenge. Go ahead and throw a bench clearing brawl in the mix and then we've got a game worth watching. With several players ejected, managers will really have think on their toes especially when it comes to a near depleted bench and bullpen.

With playoffs focus is off steroids

Today marks the start of the 2005 Playoffs. Sure in my previous post I remarked about awaiting the upcoming basketball season rather than caring much for the baseball playoffs. It's come to my attention once again after watching a debate in Congress, around a week ago between John McCain and idiot Congress members that decision makers want to nit pick about this important issue. State representatives and majority leaders of the Senate and House proposed a policy for three strikes then you're out. Then it turned into 4 strikes, then back to 3 which led to a undecided halt and further arguing. Can't these people make up their damn minds? Anyway, today during a Presidential address President Bush was asked whether he continued to believe Rafael Palmerio is not guilty after finding out he tested positive. Of course, the Commander-In-Chief failed to give a straightforward, correct answer. He said, "Using steriods is wrong. They have no place in baseball and aren't good for baseball. They should be banned." Why does he have such a hard time answering simple questions?

Ignoring this problem isn't going to help it go away. The issue should already be resolved by now. Yes, Rafael Palmerio received his punishment, being refrained from playing the remainder of the season. That's fine, but what about all the high school and college athletes influenced to try performance enhancing drugs? They're still at risk. Supplies are circulating in secret locations and behind closed doors. Establishing a strict penalty for young athletes who use steroids are in order. This is necessary because before long kids at middle schools and even elementary schools will be getting their hands on this stuff. School administrators and coach have more than just guns and weed to watch for now. There was a time when kids only distributed crack and amphetamines in the school yard, not anymore. It's serious business. That's why it bothers concerned protestors to see leaders and lawmakers push this problem to the side like it's a common misdemeanor. Barring the hurricane diasters, this should be a top priority for Congress. Maybe they'll come to their senses and realize their laspe in thinking. Get a fair policy passed and finalize it. The time for talking is over.

Looking forward to basketball season

The way events have turned out for MLB this year it's refreshing to have another popular sport right around the corner. Well, at least if your favorite team hasn't made the playoffs again, further throwing fuel to their flaming history of shame(Chicago Cubs). Don't get me wrong certain teams are fun to root for, but when they take a nose dive straight into the depths of mediority or damnation, whichever is deemed appropriate dreams fade away. That's why if you're a sports fan you can focus your attention on the upcoming basketball season. Forget the baseball playoffs, Yankees and Braves win the pennant, random other teams make an appearnace, fans get hostile over questionable calls, and some idiot interferes with a play on the field. Like this is a real shocker. It's not a big deal to see the same teams oompete for the World Series. Who cares? That's why it's good to look forward to the basketball season.

The good points about watching pro and college basketball are: the games don't last 3 hours or more, basketball players sweat much harder to earn their salary, coaches scream at their players when they screw up then bench them a moments later, long suspensions are served to players who get involved in fights in the stands, drug use or possession is only an issue off the court, and when Shaq misses free throws fans enjoy a cool breeze in their direction. So there are several positive aspects in basketball. With the expansion team, the Charlotte Bobcats returning for their second year and the hot, top draft picks entering the league excitement is building. These rookies will be balling and displaying their talent in the spotlight. Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony may not be the centers of attention, but they'll still put on spectacular shows. They may even string together a couple triple-double performances. I'm definitely anticipating a great year of basketball rather than be absorbed into the usual, depressing circumstances of the baseball playoffs.

Fighting Phil's hit streak

Battling for the wildcard, the Phillies have consistent support from infielder JImmy Rollins. His 33 game hit streak is growing and helping keep his team alive in the hunt. He's nearing the record of the Marlins' Luis Castillo, who set a mark by hitting in 35 consecutive games in 1998. I hope Rollins finishes the season with his hitting streak still in tact. Most streaks are ended before the end of the season. If the Phillies make the playoffs maybe the second basemen's source of reliable offense will continue. This has got to be an influence on his teammates. If they can't be motivated to play to a higher degree nothing can stir their confidence. As far as reaching the near impossible record owned by Joe Dimmaggio it's going to be a steep mountain for Rollins to climb. His main focus I'm sure is enabling his team to reach the postseason. Why not? I would rather by playing in the first round of the playoffs with a chance for advance to the championship series or World Series than continue a hitting streak that will probably be broken. I wish Rollins good luck in his quest, whatever it may be at this point.

Alex Rodriguez gets a face full of mitt. Photo-Damian Strohmeyer 

AL East clash: a brawl for the pennant

Look at what's unfolding, the Yankees and the Red Sox race for the division. Not again? With the heat and tension mounting in the AL East these two rival teams that despise one another with a passion are going at it coming down to the wire. At 92-64, both teams are in a deadlock tie. Finally, this powerful, rich and overrated New York franchise has to work to earn a playoff spot. Desperation looks to be sinking in for a team that's got too comfortable with winning. George Steinbeiner must be sweating like hell right now. The Red Sox Nation is stronger than ever and they're ready for a fight. Oh yeah, they're bringing it. David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Johnny Damon, and the rest of the gang are willing to open up a can of whoop-ass if necessary. Even if you're not a Red Sox's fan, you've got to admitt this team has heart and soul to go along with tenacity like no other team. The Red Sox are fearless, poised and ready for any challenge.

The main ingredient on this Red Sox's team is David Ortiz. This guy has provided so many big hits(some game winners)while displaying leadership. His presence alone in the lineup is an advantage for the Sox. With him and Ramirez hitting back to back in the lineup AL starting pitchers must feel under pressure. Second guessing then becomes a problem. Is it smart to pitch to Ortiz now? Do I intentionally walk Ortiz then risk giving up a homer to Manny? Should I load the bases to pitch to a tough hitter that will most likely make me pay? These are difficult decisions opponents have to make. The tandem of Ortiz-Ramirez has combined for over 200 RBI in 2005 already, the best in all of baseball. With Boston and New York playing one last time in the regular season, it's going to be an all-out war for first place in the East. There is no doubt the Boston fans will be rooting on in anticipation for a celebration involving cases of beer and New England's finest CHOW-DER!

Lack of ethics in baseball

In the past players used to be honest and morally conscious. A certain level of candor and honor represented baseball players' actions. They played the game with full heart and spirit. Times have changed. Superstars today do whatever they please whether it's stupid, illegal, or justifiable. Then they get defensive when the media questions their decisions or background history. It's awful to be put under pressure or criticized, but for God sakes these guys are playing professional baseball! They're not doctors or rescue workers trying to save lives. Why would athletes making 8-20 million a year get so upset over normal everyday questions like, how does your performance effect this team or why is an infected syringe laying on the floor board of your car? Certain star players sure are comfortable with lying though. They're so good at this they don't even break a sweat. Simply amazing! Admitting faults or bad judgment is okay. Look at it this way, at least fans and most of the sports world won't hate you forever. That's a bright spot.

After returning to the Giants, everyone again is on Barry Bonds' case for his secret activities and uncooperative behavior. I can see how anyone in his position would get sick and tired of the same type of never ending questioning. He's on his way to breaking the homerun record and all reporters want to talk about is steroids. How dare they challenge him! He doesn't have time to discuss the steroids issue anymore. That's why he's been at home for over 5 months, recuperating from his major surgery (I guess using illegal substances was a bad idea after all. Bonds is at his old trick again I see: trying to pull the wool over peoples' eyes and failing miserably). Even with Bonds hitting 4 homeruns in 4 games in his late season arrival he'll never escape the web of deception he's created for himself without telling the whole truth. The day baseball has no corruption or absence of immoral values maybe everyone will be happy. Let's not hold our breath though.

Ruth sporting vintage jersey in his glory days. 

Vintage uniforms, a thing of the past

Different baseball player uniforms have their own sense of style and appeal. Players in the the early to mid 1900's didn't care that their uniforms were too tight or bland. Playing baseball was all that mattered. Today, the new age of ball players are just spoiled with the luxury of designer fabrics and high quality cotton. To top it off they get paid enormous salaries. They truly have it made. Doing the era of Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Joe Dimaggio, and Jackie Robinson players were glad to have any clothes to wear that fit them. Well, times change and so does designs. Uniforms have not always had team logos stitched on the outside. Bold, black numbers used to only appear on the back of jerseys. During the period when Walter Young and Cy Young played uniforms were all one color. It wasn't a big deal then since money was tight and baseball had not evolved into a multi-million dollar game. Players today have jerseys to fit their comfort, baggy pants legs, larger size jerseys, wider hats, etc. Also it didn't take long for the word to get out about collectors making money from players' jerseys. They are sold all over the country. Profits of anything from $100-$1,000 are made. Hall of Famers' jerseys are displayed in locked cases in Cooperstown. Each style of uniform, in a way defined each era of baseball.

Players from the past: their downfall in baseball

Looking through old team programs sold at ball parks 15 to 20 years ago, baseball jerseys, and baseball cards show once reputable names such as Daryl Strawberry, Bo Jackson, Bret Saberhagen, Doc Gooden, Jose Canseco, Darren Dalton, and Joe Carter. They've all experienced their share of glory in the game. Where are they now? That's right, nobody really cares. These players once brought joy to the game, now some are resented and hated with a passion. It's doesn't take long for players to go from being fan favorites to the worst disregarded, uninspiring, irrevelant men in sports. That's not to say that guys like Joe Carter weren't likeable during their career, it's just that the majority of fans today don't hold them in high esteem or ranked them in the top 20 of favorite ball players. Fans get too wrapped up in games sometimes and take out their frustrations on certain players. Aftering witnessing continous bone head plays or displays of pathetic hitting performances fans get heated. Before long this turns into a rage of hosility that builds each game. This is when players are ridiculed over and over in the stands, receive death threats in the mail, and are on the verge of their baseball career collasping.

Bouncing back from criticism and hatred isn't easy and only some of the best athletes can do it. It's seems to be a a pattern in the major leagues with players taking a downward spiral in their elusive careers. A lot of star players from the past used illegal drugs as a crutch, maybe for pain relief, confidence builder, or performance enhancer and ball players still are being caught red-handed breaking the rules. This actually shouldn't come as a surprise when guys who are slim and tall transform into wide-necked, bulky shouldered and tree-trunk-legged oxes and start hitting homeruns in bunches. People sooner or later know something is up. They're impressed only but for so long until they find out that players cheated to gain an advantage over the competition. Names of the game from years past can sit back and watch how baseball remains the same in some aspects and say, "Hey, I got for busted for that too and a few years later my career went down the drain."

Lebron James slam dunks at charity basketball event. 

Playing for a charitable cause

Earlier this month the NBA sponsored a special event in Houston, Texas in support of Hurricane Katrina victims. The charity basketball game raised proceeds to given as donations to those suffering in New Orleans and Mississippi. Basketball players involved in the event included Kevin Garnett, Carmelo Anthony, Lebron James, Steve Francis, Tracy McGrady, and Allen Iverson among many others. Fans came out in response with great support. They knew the money was going for a righteous cause. I think every sports organization should give to the Red Cross or partnership. The players could have just gave directly to the victims if they wanted. Everyone putting their efforts together was noble and generous. Hopefully the event will encourage more wealthy sports figures and groups to do the same. Seeing a different side of athletes doing good things for the less fortunate is more enduring then the ugly side: players being selfish, hot-headed, and causing brawls to break out in the stands. This charity reflects on a good image on the NBA and all of sports.

September baseball: wildcard fever

MLB is coming down to a precious 19 or 20 games left in the season. With reports of Barry Bonds returning on Monday, the substance abuse issue of Palmerio still looming, and players getting injured by running into outfield walls the only thing some teams are concerned about is the wildcard. Instead of players just being "drugged up" they're just plain high off baseball now. This is the most exciting month of the regular season. This is a time where under dog teams rise to triumph under the toughest odds and hopeful newcomers watch as they dreams are crushed after losing pace to make the postseason. Wild card fever is in the air, the heat and tension is rising. Teams are bringing it, oh hell yeah! In the NL the Phillies, Astros, Marlins, and Nationals are within 4 games of each other. The Astros and Marlins will face off in a 4 game series starting Monday. Key players in this crazy wild card race are Dontrelle Willis, Roger Clemens, Lance Berkman, Pat Burrell, Bobby Abreu, and Jose Guillen. Without these players coming through in the clutch their team's unforutante fate may be sealed.

Over in the AL it's nice to see a change in the East. For once in a inconceivable amount of years the Yankees are trailing in the division. The Red Sox own first place and will look to grab the pennant. So it's now a fight against time as the Yankees battle tooth and nail for a wildcard playoff birth. (If those bastards come back and win the division I might just throw my TV out the freaking window!) The Yanks will have to duke it out with the Athletics, who are a more deserving team, the Indians(82-61, having a hell of a year), and Twins. The Blue Jays did have a good chance, but have fell back 9.5 games in the race. I'm pulling for the A's because this team had some outstanding performances this year from starters Zito and Harden. The starting pitchers have been consistent and dominating. It's a shame Baltimore fall apart after mid-season and now are distracted with the Rafael Palmeiro steroid situation. Maybe next year they'll get a shot(good luck confiscating all of Palmeiro's drug supply before next season, it was probably building up until he had to find new places to hide it). All and all it's going to be a thrilling race in both leagues for the wildcard.

P.S. Many wishes of bad luck and misfortune to the Yankees. Go Red Sox and any other AL contending team!

Griffey with a smooth upper cut swing. Photo- Ed Andreleski 

Grif-like again

Ken Griffey Jr. has returned to rare form. He's swing and composure resemble the Griffey of old who take a pitcher yard with the best of them. Slugging .301 with 35 homeruns and 92 RBIs the star-studded centerfielder is back with avengeance in 2005. His stint with the Reds in recent years have been tragic due to frequent season ending injuries. The man has made some unbelievable catches in his day even if he did get injured by doing so. He was put on the DL this week, but is listed as day to day. Now ranked 12th, tied with Mickey Mantle on the all-time homerun list with 536 homeruns Ken has got to feel good about his accomplishments. There is a possibility that he could break Hank Aaron's homerun record. The issue of his health and endurance is a question for this to happen. It would be a mountain to climb, of course for him or any other active player. It's good to see the Griffey of old return to baseball. If he plays his cards right, he'll still have a long, lucrative career. With his astounding statistics and career highlights Ken Griffey Jr. will be a shoe in for the Hall of Fame.

Bob Uecker playing catch as if a live game is not taking place. A/P Morry Gash 

Old-time broadcaster with devotion

For a long time Bob Uecker was the voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Now being over 70 years old doesn't stop him from staying involved within the game of baseball. He makes his special appearances at events, spreading his passion and enthusiasm for the game. His attitude was pleasant for the most part while on the air, but when the Dodgers played pitifully he made off color remarks about the team's performance. His voice on radio and television broadcasts was so influential that he received a part in the "Major League" movies, where he played a bitter sports broadcaster for the Cleveland Indians that suffered from alcoholism when the team was losing. Bob has worked near half a century in baseball. The guy has got spunk and an endearing personality. He would have made a great broadcast duo with Harry Carey. They'd have good chemistry together and be good drinking buddies. Also when players screwed up and made real bone-headed plays the two distinct sports broadcasters would lay into them with criticism. That kind of honesty and outspoken comments of disgust with a team are qualities as a fan you're got to admire. Bob Uecker, a broadcast legend in his own right is a part of countless fans' baseball memories.

Andruw Jones leans out to make contact. Photo-Gregory Smith 

Andruw Jones, a legitimate choice for MVP

All this talk about Albert Puljos and Derek Lee receiving MVP honors are excessive. These first basemen are having stellar years yes, but another candidate who's a sweet swinging star outfielder should be given more consideration: Andruw Jones. He's setting career marks with 44 homeruns and has already collected 110 RBIs plus over 130 hits. Besides making miraculous game-saving catches he's kept the Braves a top the eastern division amongst a battling feud consisting of the Nationals, Phillies, Marlins, and Mets. How many players put their body on the line for the good of their team? Okay, besides Craig Biggio who leans into pitches and gets hit. Andruw's full spread dives in center, left-center, and right-centerfield are to be commended and applauded. Most regular everyday players would be on the shelf trying put off those moves, being a non-factor for the good part of the season. Not Jones who is a healthy speedster who also has a great vertical leap. The Atlanta Braves are sure to the win the division again like they normally do. This should be credited to strength of their team, which all-around Andruw is a big part of in 2005. I'd vote for the guy, why the hell not?

Injury prone issues

Trying to be a main contender in baseball, especially coming down the stretch in September for a shot at the playoffs is daunting when top players go down with injury. I'm not talking about once or twice either, more like a string of years in row. This happened with stars like Mike Piazza, Nomar Garciapara, and Ken Griffey Jr.(actually healthy and having a old Grif-like season. Glad to see this). Injuries occur sometimes and are understandable to a certain extent. However, when players rehabilitate and return to their normal condition then get injuried over and over after running to first base trying to leg out a infield hit, breaking their spleen, colliding with another teammate in the outfield due to poor communication, bending over to tie their shoes(Juan Gonzalez),and getting severe back spasms by sneezing too hard(Sammy Sosa). Oh come on, this is pathetic. Players ought to be in better physical shape than that. In the old eras of the game guys would get spiked in the leg while playing on the infield, have blood spurt out for hours and still finish the game. Stopping the bleeding was a sign of weakness and meant you were a pansy. Ty Cobb would be the first to tell you so.

New rules and regulations need to be enforced in baseball to limit this frequent injury problem. When a player gets injuried in 2 or more consecutive seasons their pay should be docked by 40%, lose bonuses in their contract, and be forced to publicly hand out refunds to fans who buy tickets while apologizing for another crummy season. If this doesn't serve the best effect, players will either serve a indefinite suspension or be stuck out in front of the ball park everyday tied to a chair while being pelted with insults and foreign objects from enraged, fed up fans. This method is a bit extreme, but it will have one hell of an impact on players' avoiding injuries in the future.