tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Subway Series, Lightning and MLB

Game 3 of the Subway Series will begin today at 1 and it stands 1-1.  Quite frankly, the first two games have been a microcosm of the entire Yankee season up to this point.  First, they received quality pitching.  Freddy Garcia only allowed 2 runs over 7 innings and lost 2-1 and AJ Burnett survived a rough start and went 6.1 allowing 3 runs and won 7-3.  Both pitchers deserved to win.

I have been very critical of Brian Cashman but I must give him credit for his stance on the underachieveing over-paid Rafael Soriano.  It's obvious that Cashman knew what he had in Joba Chamberlain and David Robertson.  Joba seems to have found his way back and pitched superbly last night and what can you say about David Robertson.  This kid has been awesome.  Must be ice water running through his veins as Joe Girardi has the utmost confidence in bringing him in when the Yanks are in a tight spot.  Last night, Robertson did it again as Boone Logan couldn't get an out, leaving the game with Met runners on 1st and 3rd.  In comes Robertson who gets Carlos Beltran to strike out and Jason Bay to pop out.  No need for Soriano.  Chamberlain, Robertson and Mo.  Maybe Robertson is the closer in waiting.

While the pitching has been good, the offense is another story.  Yes, they did win last night 7-3.  But as for most of the season, the runs came courtesy of the long ball.  They are 1 for the series with runners in scoring position.  The most glaring was Friday night in the bottom of the 6th.  With the score tied 1-1, the Yanks had runners at 1st and 2nd with no outs and the 2-3-4 hitters up.  Result: No runs scored.  Top of 7th, Garcia gives up a solo homer and Yanks lose 2-1.

Not sure what the problem is but unless the Yankees can get better at scoring with runners in scoring position, if they make the playoffs they will have an early exit.  Starters today: Ivan Nova against Mike Pelfrey.

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As bad as the Yanks have been playing, they find themselves tied for first place in the AL East with Tampa Bay and Boston 1/2 game out.  This will be a dogfight for the rest of the season.  The big surprise in the American League is the Cleveland Indians.  The Indians have the best record in baseball doing it with young players such as Asdrubal Cabrera and Mickey Brantley.  Travis Hafner has bounced back nicely (though recently injured again) and they are getting good pitching.  Will it keep up?  Who knows but they lead Detroit by 7 games, the White Sox by 9 and the defending AL Central champ Twins by 13 1/2 games.  The AL West is currently the worst division in baseball as Texas leads the division with a .500 record.  Seattle is in last place, 1 1/2 games out of first.  Hard to say who is going to be the AL representative for the World Series.  It's really up in the air but whoever is hot in late September will probably be playing late in October.

In the National League, everyone's World Series pick, the Philadelphia Phillies have the best record in the NL and lead the NL East by 1 1/2 games over Florida.  The Marlins have played good baseball and are going to stick around all year.  And don't count out the Braves who are only 3 1/2 games out.  The NL Central has all the makings of a fun summer as St. Louis leads the division by 1 1/2 games over the Reds with Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and the Cubs all still within striking distance.  This will go down to wire.  In the NL West, the defending champion Giants have a 2 1/2 game lead over the Rockies.  I think the Giants will run away with this division as they have superior pitching and would love to see a playoff series between them and the Phillies.  Somehow I'm not so sure it is a given that the Phils will be representing the National League in the World Series.

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The Boston Bruins found themselves up 3-0 after the first period with the chance of taking a commanding lead in their Eastern Conference Final series.  However, the Tampa Bay Lightning stormed back with 5 goals and have evened the series 2-2.  I still think that the Lightning have the firepower to win this series.  The concern though is in net.  Dwayne Roloson has been pulled the last two games.  If he can't find his game, Guy Bouchard will have to make a tough decision.  He won't have much time and one thing for certain: Tim Thomas will be tough in the Bruin net.

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Thanks to those who participated in my first blog poll.  I will have more to follow.  Please spread the word about the blog.  The more participation the more fun for everyone!!!