Tagged: Giants
An Open Letter To Bud Selig Re: Reinstatement of Pete Rose
The BBWAA Hall of Fame ballots have officially been released. One name that is not among the candidates to be enshrined is Pete Rose, the all-time hits leader.
Some names that will appear on the ballots are names connected with steroid use. There is no forgiveness in baseball, unless your method of cheating was by steroid use. Why? Why is betting on baseball a worse crime? Pete Rose never bet against the Reds so it wasn’t like he “fixed” the games to ensure he would win a bet. He lied about his gambling at first, but finally broke down and admitted his wrong-doing. He regrets his mistake. Players like Sammy Sosa and Rafael Palmeiro denied any wrong doing despite the evidence that proves otherwise. Roger Clemens will deny his actions till the day he dies and even then, will never admit it. Alex Rodriguez denied reports of his usage, but finally revealed the truth after the evidence was leaked to the press. His reward? He gets to keep playing as if he did nothing wrong. Why? Why does a player that tests positive for steroid use gets to get caught 3 times before he faces a lifetime ban? Why are steroid users allowed to be on the Hall of Fame ballot? Are they not cheaters?
Dear Mr. Selig, I don’t understand why Major League baseball has crucified Pete Rose. Sure, he made a mistake. He bet on baseball and that is strictly against the rules. He made a mistake and is truly remorseful. As the Commissioner of MLB, are you afraid to overturn a previous Commissioner’s ruling? Why? Is there no forgiveness in baseball?
In light of the steroid era, haven’t we learned anything? The steroid users have been glorified. In 1998, fans of MLB enjoyed the greatest homerun race ever. Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire slugged it out and the fans went wild. At the time, we thought we were witnessing history, only to discover that it was all smoke and mirors. In hindsight, it was a major disappointment. Then there’s Barry Bonds, who belted 70 homeruns to become the homerun king. Again, it was all an illusion, wasn’t it?
Considering the fact that steroids not only tarnished the game, it destroyed the integrity of America’s past time. So why do players like Palmeiro get rewarded by appearing on the Hall of Fame ballot? I don’t get it. MLB has always taken the stance that baseball is a pure sport, a sport with integrity. Let’s face it, baseball has been stained by steroids. Players looked for an extra edge and found it. They cheated, pure and simple. The problem that I have is that if a player fails a drug test, he gets suspended for 90 days or whatever it is. then, if he tests positive again, it’s a 180 game suspension. The third offense results in a lifetime ban. So why is it, that Pete Rose received baseball’s death penalty for one mistake made after his playing days were over? Pete Rose played the game the way it should be played. He set the example for everyone. He never used steroids or cheated in any way, shape, or form as a player. As a manager, he bet on his team to win. Big deal. Why is his case a greater crime than steroid use? I think there is something wrong with that picture.
Here is my proposal, Mr. Selig. I have an idea that might actually prove to be the right thing to do. I hope that you read this post and seriously consider what I am about to suggest. Why? It is the right thing to do and I am confident that you are a man of integrity. Here’s my idea.
Since Pete Rose bet on baseball while managing the Reds, then he should be banned as a manager. However, since Pete has alot to offer, he should be allowed to coach, mentoring young players and teaching them how to play the game the way it was meant to be played and teaching them about the dangers of cheating. Pete Rose should be allowed to participate in the game of baseball in some capacity. He was the greatest hitter ever. Have some respect and give him his due. Pete Rose has paid the price for his mistake and is sorry. He should be forgiven. Perhaps a little forgiveness would bring back some of the integrity that has been lost in Major League baseball.
In addition, Pete Rose deserves to be in the hall of Fame, period! His numbers speak for themselves. His success came the old-fashion way, he earned it. He worked hard to get where he had gotten. He deserves to be on the ballot to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. It doesn’t mean that the writers will vote him in, although I think he deserves it. He should at least have the opportunity to be on the ballot. It’s time to be a leader, Mr. Selig, and give Pete Rose a reprieve. It has been long enough. Don’t you believe in giving people second chances? Steroid users get second and third chances. Pete Rose needs only one second chance and you are the only one that has the power to forgive. There is no forgiveness in baseball, but maybe there should be.
Pete Rose was my favorite player when I was a youngster. He inspired me to play baseball. He inspired me to hustle. He inspired me to dive head first into whatever base I was trying to reach. He inspired me to aspire to becoming a big leaguer some day. Pete Rose was awesome. My very first MLB game was at Riverfront Stadium and Pete Rose was playing third base. He was the reason I wanted to see the Cubs and the Reds play. Rose captivated my imagination and made me realize that a player had to work hard and give 100% all the time. He inspired a strong work ethic in me. Watching Pete Rose chase Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak was unbelievable. Every game was exciting. That was what made baseball so great. He chased the 3,000 hit milestone. Then, the incredible 4,000 hit milestone. He finally broke Ty Cobb’s record for most hits all-time. It was amazing. Pete Rose kept me interested in baseball, no, more like obsessed. Pete Rose deserves some credit. He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. Have a heart and reinstate his eligibility status. It’s the right thing to do. If it wasn’t for Pete Rose, I would not be the diehard baseball fan that I am today. I hope that somehow you read this, Mr. Selig. I have the utmost respect for you and your integrity and I trust that you will consider doing the right thing. Thank you, Scot Blust.
Is Lance Berkman The Answer At First For The Cubs?
The free agent dominoes are about to fall. Victor Martinez has signed with Detroit and Aubrey Huff has re-signed with the Giants. The Cubs still need a first baseman and have talked to Lance Berkman‘s agent. So is Lance Berkman a good fit for the Cubs? Let’s consider it.
There is an upside and a downside to Lance Berkman.
First, let’s examine the downside.
Berkman made 14.5 million dollars last season. For a player coming off of orthroscopic surgery and having a disappointing season following his return, Berkman cannot expect to be signed to a big contract this year. He is 35. Berkman realizes that he is viewed as a declining player, but blames his poor 2010 performance on his knee surgery. Last season, between the Astros and the Yankees, in 122 games, Berkman batted .248 with 14 HR’s and 58 RBI’s. Berkman wants the baseball world to know, that the injury-plagued season of 2010 does not reflect his abilities. He believes, after getting healthy, that he can return to form. He also understands that he will need to prove himself.
The upside to Lance Berkman is his bat. When healthy, Berkman has been one of the best hitters in baseball. In his 12 year career, Berkman has hit .296 with a .409 on-base per centage. His career fielding per centage at first base is .995.
Lance Berkman is a switch-hitter, which is an advantage.
Due to his disappointing season this past year, the Cubs could get a discount. Berkman knows he will need to prove himself so he is likely to accept a short-term deal on a smaller contract. Financially, the Cubs could afford to take a chance on him for the 2011 season.
The Oakland A’s have had interest in Berkman, but want to use him as a DH, which is something that Berkman is shying away from. He wants to play first base. He prefers to remain in the National League where he feels more comfortable. With the Yankees, Berkman struggled against the AL pitching because he wasn’t familiar with them, which makes a difference.
I can only conclude that if Lance Berkman is healthy and can regain his hitting prowess, and will agree to a short-term deal for less money, then he may very well be the best fit for the Cubs at this time. With the knee in question, which affects his hitting, the Cubs will have to decide if Berkman is worth the risk. Any deal would need to be contingent on passing a physical examination to prove that he will be healthy. If he is, he’ll be back in business.
Personally, I would rather take such a risk with Adrian Gonzalez, who had shoulder surgery recently. If a deal with the San Diego Padres can’t get done to bring Gonzalez to Chicago at this time, then Lance Berkman may be a short-term solution. Stay tuned!
A Tribute To Sparky Anderson
A legend has passed away today. Sparky Anderson will be remembered for his World Series Championships in Cincinnatti and Detroit, but I will never forget my very first MLB game in 1977 between the Cubs and the Reds. Sparky was managing The Big Red Machine and I got to see the legend with my own eyes. I was only 9 at the time, but even then, I knew that I was witnessing a part of history, a legend.
As a nine year old, I was all about baseball. I lived and breathed it. I collected baseball cards and made trades like a GM would, using my keen insight and intuition to determine what players would hold their value and who I could afford to part with. Back then, I could rattle off every stat for every player at any given time. There wasn’t much about baseball that I didn’t know at that age. I only wish I could have played the game as well as I would have liked, becoming a professional baseball player was my dream, but that’s another story. Anyway, I was really into the Reds at the time. The Big Red Machine was the ultimate team, in my opinion. Sparky Anderson was the Manager, arguably the best in his time. There was something special about him, you could just tell. He was like the grandfather everyone wished they had. I remember having his baseball card and refusing to part with it. It didn’t matter that I had duplicates, because I knew that I had something special. I had Sparky Anderson. Well, my child’s intuition was correct in that assumption. Sparky turned out to be a Hall Of Famer and deservedly so. When I saw Sparky in person while attending the game between the Cubs and the Reds at Riverfront Stadium, I was in awe.
At the time, I don’t think I fully appreciated his managing prowess as I do now, but intuitively, I knew. It was an honor to be in his presence.
Sparky Anderson exemplified what a Manager should be. He was a kind-hearted man and a fierce competitor. He was wise, intelligent, and a keen strategist. He understood the game of baseball and knew what it takes to win. He was a leader and a motivator. Sparky Anderson was beloved by all, especially me, because Sparky was the kind of coach that I would want. Even though I am a Diehard Cubs Fan, have been since 1978, there will always be a special place in my heart for Sparky. God bless his soul. He will be missed.
The San Francisco Giants Win The World Series!
Congratulations to the San Francisco Giants on winning the World Series.
The Texas Rangers were “freaked out” by Tim Lincecum,
who pitched an outstanding game in the showdown against Cliff Lee. Edgar Renteria hit a 3-run homerun off Lee to lead the Giants to victory.
Hats off to San Francisco! The Giants won with pitching and defense, and most importantly, teamwork. A team built on misfits and rejects, came together to form a team that played as a team.
There were no superstars, only team players. Perhaps, other teams can learn something from the Giants. Mainly, that when you work as a team, you win as a team.
Once again, congratulations to the San Francisco Giants on a fine season and a World Series Championship!
Why Diehard Cubs’ Fans Are Angry!
Mike Quade is now the new Cubs’ Manager, but that’s not why diehard Cub fans are angry. While Q may be deserving, many fans are bitterly disappointed and some are downright outraged by the lack of loyalty and disdain demonstrated by the Cubs toward Ryne Sandberg and Joe Girardi.
After replacing Lou Piniella in August, Mike Quade made a case for himself to be the next Cubs’ Manager as the Cubs finished the season strong. The Cubs went 24-13 under Quade, who made an immediate impression as he proved that he can manage. A new attitude was adopted by the Cub players and Quade influenced the team to get better, and they did. Rather than playing out the season, the Cubs stormed back and compiled the best record in the National League, next to the Philadelphia Phillies, during the last 37 games of the season. The Cubs’ Pitching Staff was vastly improved, Carlos Zambrano was unstoppable, and the bullpen was lights out. The new look Cubs looked like a different team under Mike Quade, who deserves alot of credit for the turnaround. Q made a statement, and seemingly out of nowhere, emerged as the leading candidate for the Cubs’ managerial position.
But that’s not why Cub fans are angry.
As the interview process dragged on, many diehard Cub fans waited eagerly as the drama began to unfold. The Cubs interviewed Freddi Gonzalez, who withdrew his name as the Atlanta Braves announced that he would replace the legendary Bobby Cox following his retirement after the Braves lost to the San Francisco Giants in the NLDS.
Eric Wedge was interviewed but ended up getting a job with the Seattle Mariners. Bob Melvin was also on the list, but many felt that he was not a good fit for the Cubs. Finally, Bob Brenly, the Cubs commentator, withdrew his name from consideration because he felt that he was not a good fit. Brenly was supported by many of the fans, but it appears that he will look elsewhere. No one really knows why.
Ryne Sandberg was a leading candidate as well. After managing 4 years in the Cubs’ farm system, many believed that he was being groomed to take over as the next Cub Manager. The former Cub second baseman and Hall Of Famer, managed the Cubs’ Triple A affiliate, Iowa team to a first place tie this past season. Sandberg won the Pacific Coast League Manager Of The Year Award and proved that he was a legitimate candidate to manage at the big league level. Upon hearing the news that Quade was named Manager, Ryno expressed his disappointment and decided that he will explore other opportunities. He has said, that it is his dream to manage in the Major leagues, if not in Chicago, then somewhere.
Finally, many diehard Cub fans expected Jim Hendry, the Cubs’ GM, and Tom Ricketts, the Cubs’ Owner and Chairman, to wait till after the post-season to talk to New York Yankees’ Manager, Joe Girardi. The Cubs have stated that they wanted to have a manager in place by the November Organizational Meetings in November, but there was no hurry to rush the interview process. That led many to speculate that the Cubs were waiting to interview one last managerial candidate, particularly former Cubs’ Catcher, Joe Girardi, whose New York Yankees were still alive in their quest for another World Series championship. Apparently, Joe Girardi, who many believed to be the most experienced, successful, qualified candidate for the job, was never even considered. Upon hearing the news at a Yankee press conference, Girardi appeared shocked by the news but quickly congratulated Mike Quade on the decision.
So why are diehard Cub fans bitterly disappointed and angry?
No one can argue that Mike Quade earned his right to manage. The reason that the diehard Cub fans are outraged is the complete lack of loyalty and disdain that Jim Hendry and Tom Ricketts have displayed toward two of the diehard Cub fan favorites, Ryne Sandberg and Joe Girardi. First of all, the fans expected Jim Hendry to wait for Joe Girardi. While Girardi’s contract with the Yankees expires at the end of the season, there was some question as to whether or not he will return to New York for another season. Many believed that he might have interest in coming home to Chicago. He has said in the past, that managing the Cubs was his dream job. He interviewed for the Cubs’ managerial position before, but failed to land the job because of his inexperience managing. Since then, he managed a young Florida Marlin team and has led the New York Yankees to a World Series championship. This time around, Joe Girardi was completeley snubbed by the Cubs. He wasn’t even granted an interview. Sad. The other sad part of the managerial search was the treatment of Ryne Sandberg. Many believed that if Mike Quade did get the job, then Ryno would be promoted to Bench Coach. Instead, Sandberg was snubbed once again. He was never offered the position. Now Ryno has to deal with the disappointing news and will most likely leave the Cubs’ Organization to manage another team somewhere else. Two former Cubs, unwelcomed in their own backyard. This is why Cubs’ Fans are furious.
Tom Ricketts trusted Jim Hendry to make the final decision. Jim Hendry demonstrated a complete and utter lack of loyalty in the managerial search. He has shown disdain toward former Cubs, who have become fan favorites over the years. While it was a great day for Mike Quade, who finally gets the opportunity to manage in the big leagues, it remains a sad day in Wrigleyville. Tom Ricketts has stated publicly, that the Cubs should listen to the diehard Cub fans more. Unfortunately, no one is listening and the diehard Cub fans are extremely angry and disappointed by the PR disaster that Jim Hendry has created. Many fans have expressed their anger by deciding to no longer support the team. Many will stay away from Wrigley. Many have cried for Jim Hendry’s resignation or termination. Many diehard Cubs’ fans have simply given up. I have been a diehard Cubs’ fan for the past 32 years and my hopes and dreams of seeing the Cubs win a World Series has been crushed, not because Mike Quade was named Manager, but because two of my all-time favorite Cubs, Ryne Sandberg and Joe Girardi were treated with a lack of respect and a lack of loyalty. Somebody please tell me why I should remain loyal to the Cubs when there is no loyalty in the Cubs’ Organization. I will have to search my heart before I will watch the Cubs again. My faith and trust in this organization has been shattered. It breaks my heart. Thank you, Tom Ricketts and Jim Hendry, your lack of loyalty has just cost you thousands and thousands of loyal Cub fans everywhere. What were you thinking?
The Braves In The Land Of Giants, Pandas, Poseys, And Freaks!
It’s October and there’s a full moon as Atlanta will brave the journey to the land of Giants on this night. The Braves had better beware because there are dangers lurking just around the corner.
In his final season, future Hall of Fame Manager, Bobby Cox, and the Atlanta Braves squeaked into the post-season winning the Wildcard, but are the Braves prepared to face the most dominant pitching staff of the National League?
San Francisco won the NL West with tremendous pitching. In the month of September, the Giants’ pitching staff touted a dwarfed ERA of 1.78. During the final month of the season, opposing batters’ hit only .182. The Giants will open the series tonight with “The Freak”, Tim Lincecum.
The 26 year old, Cy Young Pitcher, went 16-10 with a 3.43 ERA. He will be making his post-season debut. Lincecum led the National League this year with 231 K’s. Despite struggling in August, He made some adjustments and finished strong in September where he went 5-1 with a 1.94 ERA. Make no mistake, Tim Lincecum is ready for the Braves.
Atlanta will have Derek Lowe on the mound. Lowe has won 5 consecutive starts and has gone 5-1 with a 1.98 ERA in 8 career games at AT&T Park. It should be a good pitching match up. While the Braves’ lineup try to figure out “The Freak”, Derek Lowe will try not to freak out when he faces the Giants’ hitters, like “Kung Fu Panda”, Pablo Sandoval, and Aubrey Huff. The Giants have staked the claim for Rookie Of The Year honors with the emergence of Buster Posey. The Giants’ catcher ranked 1st amongst National League rookies with a .305 batting average, 2nd in slugging per centage (.505), 3rd in on-base per centage (.357), 4th in RBI’S with 67, 5th in multi-hit games (38). Posey finished the year with 18 HR’s in 108 games played. He is the leading candidate for NL Rookie Of the Year as he helped the Giants overcome a 7 1/2 game deficit in mid-season.
The Giants are 63-19 when scoring first this season and 69-12 when they score 4 or more runs in a game. In addition, San Fran is 61-4 when leading after the 5th inning, attributable to a fantastic bullpen. As a team, the Giants have 37 come from behind wins.
Atlanta lost Chipper Jones earlier in the year, but added players like first baseman, Derek Lee and Rick Ankiel. The Braves have had a road record of 35-46 in 2010 and have struggled as of late. However, in Bobby Cox’s final season, the Braves will be trying to send their skipper out on top. It should be a good series. The Braves will need to find an answer to the Giants’ pitching staff if they are going to have a chance. We’ll see how it goes. Rock on!
Doc Halladay Tosses No Hitter!
In his post-season debut, Roy Halladay, becomes the first pitcher since Don Larsen’s perfect game in 1956, to throw a no hitter in the post-season. Behind Halladay’s masterful performance, The Philadelphia Phillies win Game 1 of the NLDS against the Reds 4-0.
In my previous post, The Secret To Beating The Phillies, I outlined what the Reds needed to do to win against Philadelphia. The Reds failed by all accounts. The Phillies scored first. Volquez failed to deliver a quality start. The Phillies scored more than 3 runs, and of course, Doc Halladay went more than six innings. All factors that are indicative of Philly success. I advised the Reds to jump on the first pitch. They did not. Halladay was consistently ahead in the count and the Reds’ hitters appeared to be intimidated. Of course, what could they do? Doc Halladay was unhittable!
Congratulations, Roy Halladay! I tip my cap! Thanks for the memories! It was an awesome game to watch!
Maybe the Reds should read my previous post and take notes. They will need all the help they can get playing against the Philadelphia Phillies and The Big 3!
The Secret To Beating The Phillies!
The defending National League Champions, Philadelphia Phillies, play host to the Reds as the NLDS starts tonight. Here are the keys to winning against the team that most pick to win it all!
The Phillies boast the best starting rotation in the playoffs. It is arguably one of the best ever. Between Cy Young winner, Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels, the Reds will have their hands full. Going up against a pitching staff that is probably the most intimidating in all of baseball, the Reds are going to need a game plan.
Here are the keys to beating the Big 3, and the Philadelphia Phillies!
- ATTACK FIRST PITCH! The Phillies’ starters are work horses. They pitch deep into games which means they are efficient with their pitches. This means that the Big 3 don’t get behind in the count very often.
The Reds will want to jump on first pitch strikes. Otherwise, a hitter will fall behind and be at the pitcher’s mercy. Not a good place to be. Therefore, forget about working the count. The Reds have a better chance at making solid contact early in the count. - The Reds’ Starters will need to keep the game as close as possible to allow the bullpen a chance to save it. A quality start is a must.
- Hold the Phillies to 3 runs or fewer. Philly is 24-51 when they score less than 3 runs. In games where they score more than 3 runs, the Phillies are 73-13.
- Establish lead by the sixth inning! The Phillies are 11-44 when trailing after six. They are 10-11 when the game is tied after six. If the Phils have the lead, you’re doomed! Philadelphia is 76-9 when leading after six!
- Score first! The Phils are 64-12 when scoring first and 33-52 when the other teams gets on the board first.
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Late innings are crucial to be tied or have the lead. This is where the Reds can turn the corner. The Phils are vulnerable in the later innings without the lead. With a lead, expect Brad Lidge to turn out the lights. The Phils have only lost a couple times after leading in the eighth all year. They are 81-5 after eighth inning leads. - Knock out the Starter before the seventh inning. When the Phillies’ starters work more than 6 innings, the Phillies are 66-27. When they pitch just six, they are 15-12. When they pitch less than six, the record is 16-25.
- If the Reds can keep the game close while knocking the Big 3 out prior to the seventh inning, while holding the Phillies to 3 runs or less, and letting the game be won between the bullpens. The Reds will have a chance. Otherwise, it will be a short series!
Which Race Is Wilder, The Wildcard Or The Wild, Wild West?
It’s coming down to the wire. Three teams battling for two playoff spots, only two will survive, but after it is all said and done, who will still be standing when the smoke all clears?
Heading into the season finale’ with San Francisco, it appeared like the San Diego Padres were finished before it started. The Chicago Cubs stole three of four games from the Padres and the Giants had a three game lead in the NL West prior to this weekend. The Giants needed to win only once to clinch the division. San Diego needed a sweep of the Giants to capture the NL West. It seemed highly unlikely that that would happen, especially since the series is in San Francisco. The Giants boast one of the best, if not the best, pitching staffs in all of baseball. The Padres’ pitching staff isn’t too shabby itself and San Diego came to play.
San Diego, so everyone thought, had a better shot at winning the wildcard race, however the chances of that seemed small as well. The Atlanta Braves had a two game lead on San Diego. The Braves played host to the Philadelphia Phillies. I expected Charlie Manuel to rest his starters to get ready for the postseason but that would not be the case. Instead, Charlie wants his team to stay sharp and remain in playoff mode and the Fightin’ Phils have done just that. The Phillies have beaten Atlanta the first two games and now it is Bobby Cox and the Braves who are doing the sweating as the Padres have shocked San Francisco by winning their first two games with the Giants. The combination of Padres’ wins and Braves’ losses has propelled San Diego into a TIE with Atlanta for the wildcard.
This is where it gets very confusing. Sunday will bring the last day of the regular season but it may be far from over as tiebreakers could appear upon the horizon. Let me try and get this straight.
IF… The Giants win on Sunday, then San Francisco will win the West. Then if the Braves beat the Phillies, Atlanta will win the wildcard and San Diego is out.
IF.. The Braves lose too, then San Diego will travel to Atlanta for a showdown for the wildcard.
IF… The Padres sweep the Giants, then San Diego wins the West and San Francisco wins the wildcard IF the Braves get swept by Philadelphia.
IF the Padres AND the Braves both WIN, then there will be a three-team tie-breaker. The Padres would force one more game against the Giants to determine the NL West and the loser would travel to Atlanta for a tie-breaker for the wildcard spot.
A three team playoff would be the first ever in Major league history. How wild would that be?
IF… you’re confused by all the scenarios, don’t be. Let me simplify it. IF whatever team wins, then that team will survive at least another day. If a team loses, then their fate will rest on another team. However, losing on Sunday doesn’t necessarily spell the end, but it might.
Never mind, this really does get confusing. All we can really do, is sit back and watch on Sunday and see what happens. Watch the drama unfold. We can expect a dramatic finish to what has been, probably one of the wildest playoff races in baseball history!
Amid the noise and confusion, one thing is certain in this scenario. October has arrived and with it comes the drama and excitement of playoff baseball. It’s do or die now as these teams fight for the right to play on unto the postseason.
Get your game face on, boys. It’s showtime! …And it looks like it’s going to be a wild ride!
Cubs Rain On Padres’ Parade: Payback For 1984!
Every time the Cubs play in San Diego, the Padres’ pay tribute to the 1984 team that pulled the rug out from beneath the Cubs. Last night, the Padres paraded the throwback uniforms reminiscent of 1984 in hopes of keeping their playoff hopes alive.
That was their first mistake!
They say, what goes around, comes around. This time it was the Cubs turn to crush the other teams’ postseason dreams. With the win last night, the Cubs took 3 of 4 games from San Diego and virtually stripped the Padres from contention. Although San Diego could pull off a miracle and sweep the Giants to force a one game playoff, it is doubtful. The Padres have a better chance at the wildcard race in which they find themselves 2 games back of the Braves. Atlanta will play Philadelphia but the Phillies will most likely rest their starters so they are ready for the playoffs, so it is unlikely that the Braves will have the same fight on their hand that they normally would.
Bottom Line: The San Diego Padres will be fighting for their lives in San Francisco, and even then, it may be too late.
The Cubbies outpitched an outstanding San Diego staff, handing Heath Bell his first blown save in 38 straight save opportunities. The Cubs’ pitching staff has been remarkable down the stretch. The combination of Cashner, Marshall, and Marmol has worked like a charm. Tom Gorzellany pitched six shutout innings and deserves credit for keeping the Cubs in the ballgame. It was another team effort and a job well done all the way around.
The younger players may not care too much about what happened in 1984 but that horrible image of the ball bouncing through Leon Durham’s legs in Game 5 of the NLCS still burns in my brain. Last night’s game was sweet, sweet revenge. I have been saying that it’s payback time for 1984 and indeed, the Padres have been paid in full! Now, San Diego can feel my pain of the past 26 years. Maybe next time, San Diego will reconsider throwing 1984 in the Cubs’ face.
A Diehard Cubs Fan Speaks Out 