Does anyone care to make predictions on who will win the World Series this coming year? Still too early to tell, but I thought it fun to promote team spirit!
Personally, I am just happy to have the season starting again. As far as the final winner. . .anyone but the "Skankies" or better known to you non-MLB people. . .the NY Yankees.
Regards, USSoleMan_92
Posted by Salvy_Mic (Member # 13384) on :
The Dodgers. That is all.
Posted by National (Member # 8568) on :
I have given that questions a lot of thought. Even though I live in New York City, I'm a Braves fan. It would be pretty childish to be bias and pick your favorite team even though they won't make it that far. I think the Braves will make enough noise in the National League East to disrupt another team's chance at making the postseason. But not enough noise to win the world title this year.
I try my best not being biased, especially if you've read the other articles I've posted in the sports section on this forum.
To answer your question, The American League will be represented by the New York Yankees. The National League will have the Chicago Cubs. It is nice to see two heavily traditional franchises face each other in the Fall Classic, but even though that's sentimental, I didn't pick both team because of it. I think both really have the best chance of going that far. Since there are a million games to go, things can change drastically.
I am being a bit biased by not picking the Mets because they are an embarrassment to New York. Their fans are meek, and their spirits are always shortchanged. I don't mind the Yankees, though. You can't talk about New York without mentioning the Yanks. They are THE corporate agency of baseball and they live the lavish nightlife. That's what living in the Big City is all about.
For now, my picks are the Yankees and Cubs. When the playoffs get here, I will have a MUCH better assessment as to who will take it all.
BTW, the Rays are here to stay.
Posted by blackHxC88 (Member # 15094) on :
quote:Originally posted by Salvy_Mic: The Dodgers. That is all.
Posted by Salvy_Mic (Member # 13384) on :
quote:Originally posted by blackHxC88:
quote:Originally posted by Salvy_Mic: The Dodgers. That is all.
3-0. Scoreboard dude.
Posted by blackHxC88 (Member # 15094) on :
quote:Originally posted by Salvy_Mic:
quote:Originally posted by blackHxC88:
quote:Originally posted by Salvy_Mic: The Dodgers. That is all.
3-0. Scoreboard dude.
not a cubs, or baseball fan. just thought the image was funny Posted by Foot Toons (Member # 1962) on :
I have never been in this position before because my team has ALWAYS sucked but here goes.......
GO TAMPA BAY RAYS!!!!!!!
DEFENDING AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPS!!!
Posted by USSoleMan_92 (Member # 29124) on :
Well, with the recent dopping news surrounding Manny, I guess we can eliminate the Dodgers from contention!!!
I understand that these players want to increase their game and be a superstar, but do they ever think about the young fans who idolize these players, these fake wanna-bes?! Like most, I enjoy watching MLB, but I really despise the commissioner and others who support such a loose drug policy. 50 game suspension!? GAH!
Recently, they had a poll on ESPN about MLB. Which do you think is WORSE. . . A team who steals signs from the pitcher / catcher OR a player, like Manny or A-Rod. . .(and the list goes on and on. . .) OR those who use illegal substances to boost game performance?
What do you guys / gals think?
Regards, USSoleMan_92
Posted by Salvy_Mic (Member # 13384) on :
The Dodgers shall never be counted out!
Never!!!!!!!!!!!!
Besides, look at it this way, he's banned for a bannable substance that's neither a steroid nor HGH. Just like guys get suspensions for stuff like marijuana and stuff. Despite what it does look like, it doesn't necessarily mean he was on the 'roids. He's just been an idiot, which can also be code for Manny being Manny. Let him serve his time, come back, and play ball. Fuck it. I'm not gonna hate on him, especially if Giants fans are gonna still love Barry Bonds.
Posted by Michael P (Member # 1922) on :
some team that spent a lot of money
Posted by feet lover/chris (Member # 2048) on :
GO JAYS!!
Posted by Salvy_Mic (Member # 13384) on :
It is as this time that I would like to remind everyone that the Dodgers are 34-15, and at this moment, the best team in all of Major League Baseball. And this is without Manny, or having hit too many homers.
Go Blue.
Posted by National (Member # 8568) on :
All seems great with the Dodgers. It's a whole different vibe when you're in LA. But I'm sticking with the predictions I made before the season started. American League -- Yankees, National League -- Cubs. That curse set in 1945 cannot last forever. I don't see the Cardinals going into the world series. LA better stay competitive against teams outside its division because the rest of the NL West will spoil them and help inflate their win-loss record to stay at the Major League best.
The Dodgers would like Manny back to help score more runs per game. The Cubs can say the same about Aramis Ramirez. We'll see when push comes to shove.
[ May 31, 2009, 03:05 AM: Message edited by: National ]
Posted by footlover298 (Member # 33779) on :
I love the Red Sox. But the Yankees are closing in, so it won't be easy at all. I would love to see another Sox-Yanks ALCS. For the NL, I think the Phillies will be back. So it might be sox and phillies.
Posted by Salvy_Mic (Member # 13384) on :
What's this, there's only one team in baseball so far with 60 wins? And they have the best run differential in the majors? You mean, it's the Dodgers?
Of course it is. Go Blue.
Posted by A&F_FootDude_05 (Member # 2999) on :
I really think the Rangers are doin it
Posted by National (Member # 8568) on :
quote:Originally posted by A&F_FootDude_05: I really think the Rangers are doin it
WHAT!?
You mean these Rangers are going to make the World Series? This year?
They are 2.5 games out of first in the AL West, in great position to win that division. But making it to the Promise Land is hurdle they cannot handle.
----
quote:Originally posted by Salvy_Mic: What's this, there's only one team in baseball so far with 60 wins? And they have the best run differential in the majors? You mean, it's the Dodgers?
Of course it is. Go Blue.
Let's not forget about New York. No, I'm not talking about the second-class citizen Mets. I'm talking about what really represents New York -- First class citizen Yankees. 44-22 since Alex Rodriguez returned to the lineup (May 8), making it the best record in baseball since that time. Three wins behind the Dodgers for the best record in baseball. Incredible since the Yanks play in the toughest division in baseball where you have to win 94 games just to be in FOURTH place. The NL West is too weak.
I was watching ESPN when they agreed with me when they said that the Dodgers will be the weakest prepared team to get anything done should the playoffs start right around now. Look at their starting pitching. Their starters do not go deep into the games. They have been running guys in and out of their bullpen at a record pace.
Dodgers Reliever Usage 2009 Through July 20
Name -- Games -- Innings Pitched
Ramon Troncoso -- 43 -- 58 1/3 Ronald Belisario -- 43 -- 48 1/3 (On Disabled List) Guillermo Mota -- 40 -- 44 Johnathon Braxton -- 40 -- 42 2/3
These guys are putting more effort than they are bargained for. If they want to finish the season as winners of the NL West, Torre is gonna have to figure out how to get the starters to go deeper into the games so that the bullpen gets the rest they deserve so that when September and October comes, they will be well rested. Otherwise, it's goodbye Tinseltown.
--National
Posted by Salvy_Mic (Member # 13384) on :
I'd rather forget about New York, personally. Besides, they haven't done that well against any of the elite teams in the AL at all, something a friend of mine, an avid Yankee fan, is angsting about. The only team that's given us a real hard time is Houston.
It's really the bullpen I'm worried about. The starters are getting better about going a bit deeper, and that'll help in the long run. Despite any pitching shortcomings, we still have the best pitching in the league regardless. Another arm in the pen, maybe two, and I'm good. We're doing the damn thing at the plate.
Posted by Five For Feet (Member # 33596) on :
I'm a Mets fan........so I'm picking the Dodgers.
Posted by Salvy_Mic (Member # 13384) on :
quote:Originally posted by Five For Feet: I'm a Mets fan........so I'm picking the Dodgers.
You are a great man.
Posted by Five For Feet (Member # 33596) on :
LOL, not really. Just not a "good" Mets fan. Tired of being disappointed.
Posted by Salvy_Mic (Member # 13384) on :
I just cut my finger today and I started bleeding Dodger blue. Posted by National (Member # 8568) on :
The Dictators of Baseball are back in full swing.
Entering today's competition both NY and LA are tied for most wins in the Majors with 67 wins. But The Yankees chances of making the playoffs are 92.97881 percent, second only to the Dodgers who have a 98.73191 percent chance of making the postseason. That's because no team in the NL West is a threat of getting ahead of LA in the standings and it seems quite obvious that they will win that division (unless the Giants or Rockies go wild, which I seriously doubt. Besides, no team with a player who goes by the nickname of Kung-Fu Panda, regardless of how well he's doing, is going to win any division, right Giant fans?). The Yanks are always faced with challenges that begins with Boston and Tampa. Of those three teams, NY has the toughest schedule from here on end, while Tampa has the easiest. The Yanks should see things with greater clarity, especially now that we're on the verge of sweeping Boston in the four-game series. Boston, for not being able to get Texiera, will realize that this is something that will haunt them for a long time to come.
But New York is up for all challenges. They are en route of giving people more reasons to hate them. This is a real threat and The Yanks will are going to win every series that remains in the season and every series in the playoffs.
Time goes slow for people who decide to mess with the wrong group. That group being ....
Now the Pinstripes are going to rub their arrogance in people's faces until they're sick of it. And there are only two things that everyone else in baseball can do about it: Nothing and like it.
[ August 09, 2009, 03:21 AM: Message edited by: National ]
Posted by National (Member # 8568) on :
Every other team in baseball is now put on life support after the Yankees have shown great perseverance, karma, teamwork and all that good stuff against The Red Sox Nation. The Evil Empire of baseball (Yankees) now seek world domination. Boston have now become our little bitches and New York has got the baseball game sewn like a quilt. The Boston Tea Party is officially over and their best chance is now the wild card. The division is ours! The Yankees should win three out of every four games or five out of every seven games from now on. What can the other teams do about it? They should open the doors to our limos, for starters.
The Yanks provide great baseball entertainment, and that four-game sweep over Boston felt like it was the playoffs already.
Right, Megan?
--National
[ August 10, 2009, 02:32 AM: Message edited by: National ]
Posted by whizzbangnyc (Member # 29880) on :
Hey now, there's no reason to be putting down the Yankees! We offloaded Giambi, Pavano, Mussina, and Abreu to get CC, AJ and Texiera. A couple of other teams (including the New York Times...oops I mean the Red Sox) could've gotten any one of those guys and we'd be out of the race. Besides, as a Yankees fan I'm surprised no one's mentioned the one team who has always finished off the Yanks. Those would be the Angels. We've NEVER been able to beat them. They lead the AL West right now. If the Yanks meet them in the postseason, it's over. As for the Dodgers, I'm sorry to say they've got the wrong manager to win the world series. I had to watch Torre for 10+ years and frankly I don't think he'll win another championship. His postseason plan of burning out pitchers and waiting for three run homeruns got tiresome a long time ago.
My prediction (if the Yanks don't see the Angels in the postseason): Yankees beat the Phillies in the WS 4-2
If the Yankees do meet the Angels then: Phillies beat the Angels 4-3 in the WS.
That's my prediction, anyway.
Posted by National (Member # 8568) on :
Don't worry, whizzbang. I'm from NYC, too. I'm not putting down the Yanks. Should the Yanks meet the Angels in the playoffs, the Yanks will take care of them. I have it on good authority that the Yanks will take that series. There's no reason for anyone to pick the Halos to go all the way.
The second half of the season is a brand new season for us. Since the break New York is 18-5. We're practically first in a lot of categories in the Majors, not just the American League. Since LA (Dodgers) has the best record in the NL, they must be doing a lot of things right.
But NY is going to take it all this year.
Posted by whizzbangnyc (Member # 29880) on :
It's interesting and reassuring to hear your point of view National. I think the Dodgers's record reflects playing in a weaker division and having had such a good first half. I don't think they're playing as well now as they were. With the trades for Lee and Martinez to the Phillies organization, they'll be tough in any series. I will say that should the Yanks win it all this year, I'll choose a picture of Phil Hughes as my avatar.
Posted by Salvy_Mic (Member # 13384) on :
Weaker division? Dude, you realize that both the Giants and Rockies have 60+ wins this season, right? The bottom sucks, but the top end of the division competes with anyone except the AL East, and even that's close.
Posted by National (Member # 8568) on :
quote:Originally posted by whizzbangnyc: It's interesting and reassuring to hear your point of view National.
That's great to hear. Here's something else: The Boston Red Sox has never won its division after being behind the Yankees by 5 1/2 games at *any* time during *any* season. That's not going to change this year. The only question is: Which NL team will they embarrass when the World Series gets here?
quote:Originally posted by Salvy_Mic: Weaker division? Dude, you realize that both the Giants and Rockies have 60+ wins this season, right? The bottom sucks, but the top end of the division competes with anyone except the AL East.
Well said. But you have to admit that it was a weak division for quite some time there, especially with how the Dodgers got off to that great start and how everyone else there just stayed behind. Going into June 19 the Dodgers were 9 games ahead of the Giants in the NL West, at a time when SF was not in first place of the Wild Card race. That was the largest lead any division leader has had over the second place divisional front-runners by far this season. That much I can say for a fact. What I don't remember for a fact is if the Dodgers had an even bigger lead over the team in second place? If so, then it was a pretty weak division even more.
Now the West is getting interesting with the Giants and Rockies creeping up on them. But I still have no reason to think that the either one will past the Dodgers and stay ahead of them. These Dodgers are not the Mets of 2007 and '08, where they let 50-game leads just slip by them.
So even though things are interesting out west right now, it wasn't for a quite some time when it was all Dodgers, all the time.
--National
[ August 11, 2009, 01:21 AM: Message edited by: National ]
Posted by whizzbangnyc (Member # 29880) on :
quote:Originally posted by Salvy_Mic: Weaker division? Dude, you realize that both the Giants and Rockies have 60+ wins this season, right? The bottom sucks, but the top end of the division competes with anyone except the AL East, and even that's close.
I agree with you regarding the Giants. In a postseason series, any team would have fits facing Lincecum and Cain. In my opinion they're the best 1-2 punch in baseball. Lincecum is the best pitcher in baseball. He'd do tremendous damage to any team. I don't get the same feeling from the Rockies, but they are playing well.
Posted by whizzbangnyc (Member # 29880) on :
quote:Originally posted by National:
quote:Originally posted by whizzbangnyc: It's interesting and reassuring to hear your point of view National.
That's great to hear. Here's something else: The Boston Red Sox has never won its division after being behind the Yankees by 5 1/2 games at *any* time during *any* season. That's not going to change this year. The only question is: Which NL team will they embarrass when the World Series gets here?
--National
After watching the Yanks come from behind tonight to beat the Jays I get the feeling like they are fighting harder to win than in previous years. It shows too. None of them quit, and they're playing really well. I just wish that Chamberlain would get his control back to normal. We'll need him to carry the middle of the rotation. If they embarrass any NL team in the World Series, I hope it's the Dodgers (my apologies to Salvy_Mic), so that they can stick it to Torre for his managerial decisions the past few years with the Yanks and for that stinkin' book he wrote. Make that 2 NL teams. They won't be in the postseason but it'll be fun to watch the Mets sulk for putting everyone in NY through the past 2-3 seasons.
Posted by National (Member # 8568) on :
Lookie here, The Yankees are first to 70 wins!
Well, duh! Certainly you didn't expect another team to reach that plateau before the Yanks, did you? Of course not.
Posted by whizzbangnyc (Member # 29880) on :
quote:Originally posted by National: Lookie here, The Yankees are first to 70 wins!
Well, duh! Certainly you didn't expect another team to reach that plateau before the Yanks, did you? Of course not.
Yes, I am very excited about that! They're playing very well and I'm looking forward to this postseason. Just think where we'd be if Wang was healthy.
By the way, anybody else see that Boston started another brawl? How typical of them.
Posted by Salvy_Mic (Member # 13384) on :
Where the hell did all this Yankees nuthugging from National come from? I swear to God, it's like it came out of nowhere.
Oh, and the Dodgers just put a 9-1 ass-whooping on the Giants in Whack Bell Park. I think the worst of this Dodgers slump is past, and thankfully, the slump that every team goes through during the season came now rather than later. Everything should even out, and even with as badly as the Dodgers had been playing, and as well as the Yankees were playing, it ain't like they've pulled that far ahead of the pack. I mean, hell, we've got 69 wins.
Whatever though, if it goes to Dodgers/Yankees in the WS, I like our chances very much. When our pitching is on form, it's damn near unhittable, and unlike the Yankees, we're able to generate a ton of offense without relying on the home run. This Dodger team reminds a quite a bit of the '96 Yankees, actually. A core of young, talented guys (Kemp, Ethier, Loney, Martin, Billingsley, Kershaw, Broxton) complimented by a contingent of very good veterans (Ramirez, Blake, Furcal, Hudson, Pierre).
War Dodgers!!! Blue Crew in your mo'fuckin' ass!!!!!
Posted by National (Member # 8568) on :
quote:Originally posted by National: Lookie here, The Yankees are first to 70 wins!
Well, duh! Certainly you didn't expect another team to reach that plateau before the Yanks, did you? Of course not.
The reason I said the above was because when the Dodgers were the first to reach 60 wins, you were quick to rub that fact on the face of anyone who opposes the Dodgers. You said:
quote:Originally posted by Salvy_Mic: What's this, there's only one team in baseball so far with 60 wins? And they have the best run differential in the majors? You mean, it's the Dodgers?
Of course it is. Go Blue.
No one said a word about that. But you cry foul when I say that the Yanks are the first to reach 70 wins? And it wasn't like the Dodgers pulled out of the pack either because when they reached 60 wins, the Yankees had the second-best record with 56 wins. Why was it fair for you to boast about the Dodgers, but not fair for me to say that about the Yanks? Can a guy be enthusiastic about a team he thinks will win the World Championship? If the Dodgers are the first to 80 or 90 wins, then you have all the rights to get back at me.
Don't worry, the Dodgers will be just fine. And should NY and LA meet in the World Series, it won't matter if NY wins by relying on three-run shots or if the Dodgers intentionally lose the series. What will matter is that NY wins it. The Yanks average 5.56 runs per game as of today, while we allow 4.72 a game. The Dodgers average 4.93, virtually identical to that 4.72 NY allows, meaning we can take a few hits. It also means that the 4.93 is *more* than enough to hold off whatever bats LA has in their lineup. You've got offense? We do, too.
But of course, all of that can be meaningless when the playoffs get here because the weirdest turn of events can happen. For example, Philadelphia can meet Anaheim.
----
War Dodgers? Good. That's music to my ears. I'm glad you feel that way because NY declares war, too! The Yankees are like Africa -- people talk about it, but they don't really want to go there. In due time, the Dodgers will regret having went.
Now that we revealed our cards, it's ON!
It's now time for war.
--National
[ August 13, 2009, 07:03 PM: Message edited by: National ]
Posted by bw97 (Member # 31098) on :
Forget LA and NY, I think you should pay attention to Pujols and the Cardinals who I believe took 3 of 4 fro LA two weeks ago and are 4.5 up on the Cubbies.
Posted by Salvy_Mic (Member # 13384) on :
I didn't say it wasn't fair for a Yankee fan to boast, but I didn't figure you for one at all until all this came out just now. I've never seen you mention at all, which is why my bandwagon sensors went up. If you're a real Yankee fan, my apologies. I just doubted it. Especially when you made a post in some other thread about how you call yourself National because you're such an NL afficionado. So you being a Yankee fan didn't register until all this came out the last week or so.
Seriously, at least I've been consistent. Where were you when the Yankees weren't doing much this season?
Dodger fan for life since I was 7. And you?
Posted by whizzbangnyc (Member # 29880) on :
quote:Originally posted by National:
But of course, all of that can be meaningless when the playoffs get here because the weirdest turn of events can happen. For example, Philadelphia can meet Anaheim.
--National
For reasons stated previously, DON'T mention the possibility of Anaheim in the postseason! I've been trying curse their entire team with arthritis and would be perfectly satisfied to see them miss the postseason entirely. Go Yanks!
Posted by National (Member # 8568) on :
Right. I call myself National because the NL is what started professional baseball and how I prefer their style of play and all that good stuff. If I were to change my name on this forum it will NOT have the word American in it so that I don't make reference to the league.
Here's the thing: Normally, I would pick an NL club to win the World Series. Since I feel very strongly that the Yanks will win everything, I'm rooting for them, especially since I was born and raised in NYC. I never hated the Yanks. That's the ONLY American League club I pay extensive attention to and root for. I will root for them to win a world championship UNLESS the team they are facing is the Atlanta Braves. The Braves are my favorite team. There has never been (and will never be) a time where I have rooted for the Yanks over the Braves. If I picked the Braves to make the World Series, I'll pick them to win, regardless of the AL team they're up against. If I pick any NL team OTHER than the Braves to go to the World Series, I will pick that team UNLESS the opposing team is the Yankees.
What about the Mets? Fuck them. I ALWAYS go for the Yanks over the Mets. The only time you'll find me rooting for the Mets is when someone has a gun to my head or a knife to my throat. Other than those, there will never be a circumstance in which I will pick the Mets. There is a member on this forum who I know personally who can testify that what I said about the Mets is accurate because he's a Met fan and even during the last few years where they felt that they were on top of the world, I always remind him of how much I despise them. Even if I were not a Brave fan I'll still hate the Mets. Like I, he, too, is a National Leaguer. However, his second-favorite team is Oakland. If the A's ever find themselves in the World Series, he will root for them UNLESS the team in the other dugout is the Mets.
The question asked was which teams do you think will make the World Series? For very selfish reasons, I would've picked the Braves, but the question did not ask what your favorite team was. I picked the Yanks because I honestly feel they will take it (and being a New Yorker myself certainly played a role in that choice), but for the National League I picked the Cubs. I picked the Cubs not because they are my new favorite team or because I've decided to stop rooting for the Braves. At the time the question was asked, I really felt the Cubs would make it that far this year and that the Braves will finish third in the East. If the Cubs make the playoffs, I will still stick with that choice. Now I'm not sure if the Cubs will make it to the playoffs, as Atlanta is playing better than I thought they would all year. If I picked the Dodgers (or any other NL club that's not the Mets, for that matter) to appear in the Series, I will pick that team regardless of how weak they are compared to the AL club. Again, the exceptions are that if the Yanks are the other team, I'll pick New York OR if the NL team is the Braves, I'll pick them even if they face the Yankees.
The question that started this topic did not ask the people to make their picks based on wishful thinking, but more on who you honestly believe will make it that far (explaining why I didn't pick the Braves before the season started).
Since I'm from NY and since I'm so sure that the Yanks are going win (and since I'm so sure that the Braves won't, as much as it pains me to say that part) I guess it's only natural that I defend them. If I was so sure about another AL team winning the world championship, I'll acknowledge that they'll win BUT they won't have my support.
----
Salvy, sine this thread started, I've always dropped little hints as to give you reasonable doubt why the Dodgers are not who they say they are and why the Yanks can actually pull this off. In return, you've always given me reasonable doubt why the Yanks are not who they say *they* are -- going on that alone, I thought you knew that something was up from the beginning. The thing was I just never came out and became bold or cocky about the Yanks. It wasn't until recently in where my comments were more "out there." But before that the little hints were there.
If I wasn't from NY, I wouldn't have boasted like this about the Yanks. Here's the funny part: I don't like Jeter. Many Yankee fans don't like A-Rod, I don't like Jeter. Professionally, he's great. Personally, I don't want to hang out with him.
----
Here's another time in where I won't root for the Yankees: The All-Star Game. I ALWAYS -- *ALWAYS* -- go for the National League even if I feel they're not going to win. When the game was at the Stadium last year, I rooted NL. Do I root for the Mets in the All-Star Game? Since it's not the entire Met team that's playing, I'll root for the individual. But I NEVER want a Met to do well enough where he wins MVP honors.
----
If I was given the opportunity to watch as many MLB games on TV at once, I'll pick a lot of NL games (except the Mets, unless they're playing the Braves), but the Yankees will be the ONLY American League game I'll choose as part of the package.
----
If you're keeping score, the Yanks are the only AL team that's worth my time. The other 13 AL clubs I could care less about. In the NL, seeing the Braves in the World Series would be nice. Seeing the Mets there would not be nice. So that leaves me with 15 NL clubs I wouldn't mind seeing there because I will watch the World Series regardless of teams that are in it. 15 (of 16) NL clubs that I don't mind making the WS to 13 (of 14) AL clubs that I *DO* mind seeing there = overall National Leaguer.
----
I started watching baseball later than a lot of people. I started watching it sometime after the '96 All-Star game (I'm 28 now).
--National
[ August 14, 2009, 09:22 PM: Message edited by: National ]
Posted by National (Member # 8568) on :
quote:Originally posted by whizzbangnyc:
quote:Originally posted by National:
But of course, all of that can be meaningless when the playoffs get here because the weirdest turn of events can happen. For example, Philadelphia can meet Anaheim.
--National
For reasons stated previously, DON'T mention the possibility of Anaheim in the postseason! I've been trying curse their entire team with arthritis and would be perfectly satisfied to see them miss the postseason entirely. Go Yanks!
Don't worry, my friend. I have it on good authority that Anaheim won't get past NY in the playoffs.
Posted by Salvy_Mic (Member # 13384) on :
See, if I make a pick about who I think is gonna win a title, unless that team is a team I love (the Dodgers), I don't go out of my way to make it sound like I'm their biggest fan or anything. That's what bothered me. I'll keep upping the Dodgers regardless if they'll go far or not. Fuck the stats. The stats dictated the Yankees would go far in the playoffs in '02, '05, '06, and '07. Clearly, they didn't.
I honestly believe the Dodgers can win this bitch. Seriously, that's not just blind fan devotion, but we've got what it takes. So if we do get eliminated, the first post I make on this thread is a giant Dodger-hugging post, regardless. That's my team.
I just hate seeing these type of hugging posts from a guy who doesn't even support that team as his main team, let alone one who's only trying to stay on course with his pick at the beginning of the season.
And you know what? The unbiased pick from me, all allegiances aside, that I had made at the beginning of the season, though not in this thread, was that I thought the Yankees should win it all. They're coming on strong now. My Dodgers are struggling. I don't care. At this point, I think the Dodgers are gonna win. Fuck an unbiased pick. I'm going with heart here.
Posted by National (Member # 8568) on :
Since Atlanta is my favorite team, the only other team I enjoy watching is the Yankees, especially so since I live in New York City.
You mentioned how the stats weren't correct on the Yankees chances in the years you highlighted. What about all of the other years in which they won the World Series? Clearly, they did.
But overall, I understand what you're trying to say about how stats can oftentimes backfire to conventional wisdom when it comes to postseason play, explaining why these things are called predictions in the first place. To show that I understand how stats can be wrong, I'll provide the link to a thread I posted about how teams can be successful in the playoffs (It's going to take more than five minutes to read the whole thing):
Things can go haywire and, as a result, what seemed like a strong team going into the postseason can fade pretty quickly.
----
You are really positive the Dodgers are going to take it all this year. I'm really certain that the Park Avenue and the Wall Street of professional baseball (The Yankees) will win the World Series this year. Well, somebody is going to get disappointed.
...And it ain't gonna be NY.
-- National
P.S. Like I said, Salvy: Don't worry about the Dodgers' struggles. They'll be just fine. It's in the postseason where things get nerve-wrecking.
Posted by Salvy_Mic (Member # 13384) on :
I didn't need stats to tell me the Yankees would win those three in a row back in the late '90s. Nobody had better pitching than they did, and nobody had more clutch pitchers at the time either. Stats don't mean much of a damn thing, honestly. Stats would have had the Mets winning the whole thing, and after that, Detroit beating St. Louis in '06. And it sure as hell wasn't stats that had Boston beat Colorado the next year. That was talent and experience. Not only that, it's who catches on fire at the right time. Which team is gonna play their best ball in October? With the exception of Jeter, Rivera, and an aging Pettite, the Yankees haven't shown to be much of an October team as of late. And even then, that sort of fire down the stretch can get extinguished by the team that's more experienced and more talented, and most importantly to me, is pitching better.
Anyway, fuck a Park Avenue and Wall Street. Figueroa and Sunset are riding this bitch all the way.
Posted by National (Member # 8568) on :
quote:Originally posted by Salvy_Mic: I didn't need stats to tell me the Yankees would win those three in a row back in the late '90s. Nobody had better pitching than they did, and nobody had more clutch pitchers at the time either.
Nobody had better pitching than they did and nobody had more clutch pitchers at the time either? And how were you able to know that? The stats must've did it. You can't say all of that unless the stats back you up.
At times stats can play a role and, as you said, the stats cannot be carried over into the playoffs following the regular season, showing that it can be meaningless. I acknowledge all of that because at the start of the playoffs, every team is 0-0. In the playoffs you no longer pick on the little teams. Every team is bunched together in ability and every team is competitive. In the playoffs, it's time to see if we can pick on someone our own size. That means anything can happen. In fact if you read the link I provided in my last post, here's a snippet of what I said that served me as a reminder of what you said about talent and experience getting a team all the way to the championship:
"The final section is reserved for testing some commonly held precepts about the playoffs. Finishing the year hot does NOT matter (unless you're the 2007 Colorado Rockies). In fact, there is a slight inverse relationship between W-L record from September 1 onward and the playoff success. This may be because the best teams can afford to rest their starters late in the season, while merely good teams will be scratching and clawing for every victory and many come into the postseason tired. Playing well in 1-run games, meanwhile, has NO particular effect on how a team faces in the postseason.
I also looked at two measures of experience: chronological age and the average number of postseason at-bats or innings pitched for the players on the roster. Although age made no difference, there was a slight relationship between playoff experience and PSP (Playoff Success Points). A good deal of that relationship was the result of the Yankees dynasty not too long ago, a team that was both very experienced (especially in its last couple of years) and very successful. Although I don't think the "experience counts" hypothesis can be dismissed out of hand, the relationship is not statistically significant, especially if it's considered that those who have accumulated a lot of postseason experience *tend* to be better players."
Catching on fire at the right time, talent and experience? Maybe.
However, the entire article shows support of some of the other things you said, so I get it. Here are a couple of more things I said that can serve as a no-brainer:
-- Since 1972, there have been twenty-seven teams that made the postseason in spite of having below-average offenses. Of these, seven won the World Series: the 1985 Royals, 1987 Twins, 1990 Reds, 1995 Braves, 1996 Yankees, 2000 Yankees, and 2005 White Sox. All of these teams (except for the 1987 Twins) had excellent pitching staffs; it's hard to make the playoffs with a below-average offense *unless* you have an excellent pitching staff.
-- Conversely, twenty team made the postseason with below-average defense. *None* of them won the World Series, and only two (the 1982 Brewers and 1993 Phillies) even played for the championship. Sixteen of those twenty lost the first playoff series in which they played.
Like you said, pitching better is a real hot commodity when it comes to the playoffs.
----
quote:Originally posted by Salvy_Mic: With the exception of Jeter, Rivera, and an aging Pettite, the Yankees haven't shown to be much of an October team as of late.
If you're talking about how the Yankees did in the last several of Octobers, then you're right. But then again, neither have the Dodgers.
If you're talking about how the Yankees are doing during this season, then I don't see the connection. NY is the best in the AL while LA is the best in the NL. Both are showing to be much of October teams as of late.
----
quote:Originally posted by Salvy_Mic: Anyway, fuck a Park Avenue and Wall Street. Figueroa and Sunset are riding this bitch all the way.
We'll see about that.
Posted by Adam X (Member # 2872) on :
Pirates/Indians.
I'm sorry you want World Series predictions not crappy teams in close proximity to me.
Posted by foot_fashion_industry (Member # 33265) on :
quote:Originally posted by whizzbangnyc: My prediction (if the Yanks don't see the Angels in the postseason): Yankees beat the Phillies in the WS 4-2
If the Yankees do meet the Angels then: Phillies beat the Angels 4-3 in the WS.
That's my prediction, anyway.
I think the Yankees will meet Philadelphia in the World Series. New York looks unstoppable, especially the way they showed Boston who's the boss earlier this evening. The Yankees should not put Sergio Mitre in the game unless they are up by 20 runs. That guy is a bum. Better yet, they should just have them sit there and watch the games.
But going back to my prediction, New York and Philly. I want to see that Phanatic go fanatic when they reach the series for the second year in a row. Philadelphia getting Cliff Lee will turn out to be the difference maker for any team in the NL hoping to make the World Series. All Philly has to hope for is that Cole Hamels can straighten himself out (starting with his next start, as he lost on last night). Hamles, Lee, even Martinez, along with their lineup, and they are set to go. That's it.
I know the Phillies will make it to the NLCS. The question is who will face them? Will it be the Dodgers, Rockies or the Cardinals?
I think Boston will win the wild card. If the playoffs started right now, it will be Yankees vs. Tigers, Boston vs. Angels. Yankees will beat Detroit, no question. But the other series is more interesting. Even though Boston OWNS Anaheim in playoffs competition, I don't see Boston having enough to get past them this time. In the ALCS, I see Anaheim against NY. Anaheim can give the Yankees a run for their money, no doubt. But I really feel that New York's time is now. A little base hit here, and a little base hit there will get by the Angels.
So my prediction is Philly against New York.
New York will win in seven games.
[ August 22, 2009, 03:05 AM: Message edited by: foot_fashion_industry ]
Posted by whizzbangnyc (Member # 29880) on :
quote:Originally posted by foot_fashion_industry:
quote:Originally posted by whizzbangnyc: My prediction (if the Yanks don't see the Angels in the postseason): Yankees beat the Phillies in the WS 4-2
If the Yankees do meet the Angels then: Phillies beat the Angels 4-3 in the WS.
That's my prediction, anyway.
I think the Yankees will meet Philadelphia in the World Series. New York looks unstoppable, especially the way they showed Boston who's the boss earlier this evening. The Yankees should not put Sergio Mitre in the game unless they are up by 20 runs. That guy is a bum. Better yet, they should just have them sit there and watch the games.
But going back to my prediction, New York and Philly. I want to see that Phanatic go fanatic when they reach the series for the second year in a row. Philadelphia getting Cliff Lee will turn out to be the difference maker for any team in the NL hoping to make the World Series. All Philly has to hope for is that Cole Hamels can straighten himself out (starting with his next start, as he lost on last night). Hamles, Lee, even Martinez, along with their lineup, and they are set to go. That's it.
I know the Phillies will make it to the NLCS. The question is who will face them? My pick will be the Dodgers, Rockies or the Cardinals?
I think Boston will win the wild card. If the playoffs started right now, it will be Yankees vs. Tigers, Boston vs. Angels. Yankees will beat Detroit, no question. But the other series is more interesting. Even though Boston OWNS Anaheim in playoffs competition, I don't see Boston having enough to get past them this time. In the ALCS, I see Anaheim against NY. Anaheim can give the Yankees a run for their money, no doubt. But I really feel that New York's time is now. A little base hit here, and a little base hit there will get by the Angels.
So my prediction is Philly against New York.
New York will win in seven games.
I would love to see that!!! Sergio Mitre is only there because they need a fifth starter and they can't hand the ball to anyone else. I actually don't think he is that bad as a fifth starter. They probably won't even need him in the playoffs. I'm more upset with Brian Bruney pitching like Stevie Wonder. He's someone the Yanks might need to rely on in the postseason and he was awful. Oh well. Go Yanks!
Posted by domitilo (Member # 1325) on :
Yanks vs Phillies in WS Yanks in six games
Posted by Keyfeet (Member # 27313) on :
im rootin for the yanks, im not too interested in the other teams.
Posted by DwreckSTL (Member # 35442) on :
redbirds all the way!!!
Posted by Salvy_Mic (Member # 13384) on :
Oh yes....12-1 over the Giants feels good.....yes indeed....
Posted by National (Member # 8568) on :
For the Yankees, it's Mission October. While everyone else is scrambling for a playoff spot, New York will pick up some supermodels when we return to The City for a night out in the town, and just wait and see to find out whose ass we're kicking first.
Posted by Salvy_Mic (Member # 13384) on :
I thought you were a Braves fan? Ah, nevermind, I'm too tired. Better not let up though, women weaken legs. It's all about momentum. Whoever carries it goes deep. Gotta do something about your pitching too, have you read ESPN.com lately? They don't have faith in the Yankee staff.
Posted by National (Member # 8568) on :
That's all I've got to say.
Philly is Phucked, though I expect them to put up a TREMENDOUS fight. They will attempt to become the first National League team since the 1975-76 Cincinnati Reds to win back-to-back World Series.
**Damn, I wish Chipper, Bobby Cox & Company will be in there instead of Phila, but what can you do?**
That Philly team has an American League-type lineup that will trade blows with the Yankees.
I expect this to be a classic.
New York in Six.
Before I go, let me sprinkle in a little New York atmosphere into this forum from the likes of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys.
P.S. The World Series MVP: My fellow Dominican, Alex Rodriguez. His career will be coronated with his super-stardom performance against Philadelphia.
--National
Posted by Explosivo57 (Member # 14342) on :
Phillies in 5
Posted by foot_fashion_industry (Member # 33265) on :
My predictions came true. Back in August I predicted NYY versus Philadelphia. Phillies in 5? I don't think so, buddy. New York will take this one. Business as usual.
After that, the Phanatic will become a Yankee fan.
Posted by Salvy_Mic (Member # 13384) on :
Heart says Phillies in 7, logic dictates Yankees in 6. I really don't care.
Posted by Keyfeet (Member # 27313) on :
quote:Originally posted by National: P.S. The World Series MVP: My fellow Dominican, Alex Rodriguez. His career will be coronated with his super-stardom performance against Philadelphia.
you already know who the real MVP is
Posted by National (Member # 8568) on :
Great picture of Kate Hudson, by the way. Kate's the MVP? That's a great argument to make.
Alex Rodriguez Playoff Numbers --
Before Kate Hudson: .244, 4 HRs, 9 RBI in 24 playoff games. Since Kate Hudson: .438, 5 HRs, 12 RBI in NINE playoff games.
I wonder what Kate's doing that Cynthia wasn't? Perhaps Kate is giving him great slurping blowjobs and great foot action. I doubt Cynthia gave A-Rod any of those.
If I never got any of those from some chick I met at a gym (A-Rod met Cynthia at a gym) and then got blowjobs and footplay from a very famous actress, my numbers would look like that, too.
--National
Posted by USSoleMan_92 (Member # 29124) on :
GO PHILLIES!!!!!!
Posted by cpf11112 (Member # 14982) on :
All I can say is REPEAT!!!!!!!
[ October 28, 2009, 03:45 PM: Message edited by: cpf11112 ]
Posted by Salvy_Mic (Member # 13384) on :
I'd like to offer my congratulations to any REAL Yankee fans in here on your team winning the title. They earned it.
Posted by National (Member # 8568) on :
It's well worth reminding everyone that the New York Yankees are the World Champions of Baseball. And yes, Salvy, they did earn it. That was a real classy act on your part to send your congratulations. Am I a REAL Yankee fan? The only grudge I hold against them is beating the Braves in those two World Series in the 1990s. Other than that, I have NO problems with them. They are the real representations of what NY is all about. I can never turn my back on the Braves. For me, that team comes first and foremost. But the Yankees are NY, and I can't turn my back on that, either. It was tremendous joy rooting for the Yanks this year, and it was a great treat rooting for them in the Series.
I was in Times Square, alongside the many New Yorkers, who watched the game on the big screen television. It was a different atmosphere throughout the course of the entire day leading into Game 6 of the series. I was extremely nervous. I don't remember feeling this nervous at any other time throughout the playoffs. Perhaps it was that feeling you get from knowing your city was going to win a world title for you. It was that feeling that knew that there was going to be no game seven.
When that skirt wearing Victorino grounded out to end the series, it was as if we brought in the new year in Times Square. Everyone was celebrating, and it was very loud. I ran all over the streets in joy. I was yelling at the big tv, "Victornino, stop being such a fucking douche already and strike out." He was delaying the celebration that was going to happen anyway.
Baseball shows that a long season worth of dedication and hard work will lead to the promise land. It will lead to immortality. The people in Times Square were cheering, "Twen-ty Se-ven" in the way they cheer "Let's go Yankees!" I'm glad this is over with because I was growing exhausted from this series.
----
Let's go back and see what the others in here had to say.
"cpf11112" said: All I can say is REPEAT!!!!!!!
No, you can't.
"Explosive" said: Phillies in 5. I'll bet that when Philadelphia heard they were facing New York, they were thinking about the Mets. No, sillies! The Mets are a poor representation of New York. You were facing the Yankees. The Blue Collar of Baseball. The Park Avenue and Wall Street of Baseball. The Yankees are VERY different from the Mets.
----
USSoleMan_92 said: "As far as the final winner. . .anyone but the "Skankies" or better known to you non-MLB people. . .the NY Yankees."
I'm sorry. Can you repeat that? I didn't hear you the first time. But calling the Yankees "Skankies" was real adorable. You did yourself in by saying those words. Had you not said that, the Atlanta Braves would've been world champions. It's fitting that the guy who started this topic was going to have to eat his words.
Let's leave everyone with the sounds of New York. An encore from Jay-Z and Alicia Keys:
Life is Good. Especially when you're a native New Yorker, such as myself.
The Yankees rule with an iron fist again.
--National
Posted by Keyfeet (Member # 27313) on :
WHOOOOO!!!! This is soo awesome. Now maybe I can go to other parts of the country, w/o getting any grief for wearing my yankee cap. (Yeah, right)
The yankees were the ONLY team I was rooting for, and I dont know if any other team has won a world championship during their stadium's first year. But the yankees really know how to christen theirs.
And, I might be showing my age here, but the last time the yanks won, i was in high school. So that was my main priority then. Anyway, the celebration at yankee stadium, was incredible, and new york fans are fantastic. they know how to celebrate, without doing stupid things like lighting up cars. I dont know why they do that.
And Matsui, holy crap. 6 rbi's and home run! IMO, he was the only choice for MVP. At the begining of the season, he would have been one my last choices for the MVP b/c of the injury. And also that he was DH, so if they had won it in Philly, A-Rod probably would have gotten it.
But there is a part of me that thinks, with a 3-1 lead, they lost in philly on purpose just so they could win it here. Even though I wish they had won it on Philly territory. B/c I love the hate people have for the yankees. It makes the victory even sweeter for me.
Im pretty dissapointed in cano, but he was a great 2nd baseman. teixeira and swisher didnt hit much, but the hits they hit, were quality. And how old is Andy, 36?! Not on that mound.
All in all, I was only nervious when utley was up, and when they had to take damon out. otherwise it was pretty enjoyable, they never lost or tied the lead, so i could have my beers and enjoy myself. And I didnt even have a hangover.
And national, im glad you got to make it over to times square, it was madness over at yankee stadium. Although im not glad baseball is over. now i have to watch the giants (who have not been the same since they lost plaxico), and the team they call the kincks.
The old people are used to yankees winning all the time. I'm not (even though i was a fan when they dominated in the 90's, when i was a kid), this is exciting, and now I get to go my first Yankees parade.
Posted by National (Member # 8568) on :
You were in high school when they last won in 2000? We are similar in age.
Speaking of Andy, he's the second pitcher in MLB history to win two World Series games in which his team cliched the world title. He did it on Wednesday night, and the time before that was Game 4 of the 1999 World Series in where the Yanks swept the Braves (not a series that I enjoyed). The other pitcher to win two World Series-clinching games for his team was Bob Gibson.
Another record that I don't think anyone will ever match or break (should MLB expand the playoff format). Let me explain: Andy became the second pitcher (since they last expanded the playoff format in 1995) to win the clinching games of every round in the playoffs in one year. He did it in the ALDS against the Twins, he was the winning pitcher in Game 6 against the Angels, and, of course, Game 6 of the 2009 World Series. The other guy to do that was Derek Lowe. But this is the difference: In one of those games, Lowe won the game after coming in to relief out of the bullpen. Andy was the first guy to win those games as the starting pitcher.
Had Cano, Mark, and Swisher had their hits, the Yankees would've had it in 4 games.
As soon as Matsui hit that home run, I knew the Yanks were going to go on to dismantle them, no question about it. But going into the game, I was nervous because I thought Andy was not going to be that good on short rest.
Times Square was mini Yankee Stadium. We went nuts when the final out was made. There were a lot of groans when Shane Victorino kept fouling off those pitches. We (the people in Times Square) kept laughing because Shane was delaying the inevitable. We all wanted to pop 'em bottles on top of 'em models. If I were Mariano, I would be laughing at Victorino, not worried about blowing the save.
----
quote:Originally posted by Keyfeet: I dont know if any other team has won a world championship during their stadium's first year. But the yankees really know how to christen theirs.
To answer that part, there have been others. Other than this year, the only teams in the last 85 or 86 years to win a World Series title in its first year in a new stadium was the St. Louis Cardinals in 2006. Before the 1923 Yankees, who claimed the championship in their first year at the old Yankee Stadium, the last team to do it was the 1912 Boston Red Sox.
----
I had a bit of a hangover. After going crazy in the streets of Times Square as if I was on the field of Yankee Stadium with the players and congratulating strangers, I went to the foot fetish party and wound up tender kissing one girl and really sucking face with some hot blond later that night (or morning, for those who want to get technical). Great way to close out the night, I'll say.
----
I'm glad baseball is over. There's no need for anymore drama. My fellow Dominicano, Alex Rodriguez, validated his career. It started out with that fucking slut's (Selena Roberts) story about his steroid use, to him missing out the first month of the season to heal from the surgery, to his presence in the clubhouse providing the spark teammates needed to turn their season into high gear, to his stellar performance in the postseason.
You're right, Key. Had it not been for Matsui (especially in Game 6) A-Rod would've gotten the MVP honors. A-Rod turned it around so much, that in any year before 2009, had he come to the plate, the fans would think automatic double-play candidate. Automatic strike out, automatic fly out (funny, because his career postseason average going into this year was .298). Now, he was so much better that fans WANTED him at the plate. had Mark Texiera not struck out to finish Game 5, a lot of people (including myself) thought that had A-Rod stepped to the plate, the Phillies were going to get finished.
--National
[ November 06, 2009, 02:44 AM: Message edited by: National ]
Posted by Keyfeet (Member # 27313) on :
wow, you really know your facts. you should be a baseball analyst (if you're not one already), but what do you mean a-rod "validated his career?" I personally like a-rod, and i will continue to like him as long as hes on NYY. but you have to remember that there are yankee fans who don't like him and never did, and the ones who like him when he has a season like 2009's. Let me tell you, the second he slips, fans will be all over him.
and yeah, I hugged so many people i didnt know, close to 100 I'd say. and thats one of the five occasions were a man hug is allowed, the others being
a birth of a child an engagement seeing old friends a promotion
Posted by USSoleMan_92 (Member # 29124) on :
Sadly, I admit that I am eating my own words. I congratulate you, the Yankees and Yankee nation who support those bums. I wanted and hoped for a different outcome, however, being a Philadelphia sports fan, I am used to major let downs and disappointments. Should I change teams and jump on the band wagon like everyone else...I think not.
Anyhow, thanks to all for an insightful post! Heres to next year!
Regards, USSoleMan_92
PS. CPF, your wifes toes look way better in red than Yankee's blue!
Posted by National (Member # 8568) on :
I personally like A-Rod, as well. I was always one of the few who have always defended him when I have conversations with people who did not like him. I say "did not" because they are learning to appreciate him now. The only thing remotely negative that I've said about him was that he's overpaid. As a matter of fact, here's the post I started a while ago talking about just that.
But if there's any player (other than Barry Bonds) who deserves to get paid that much is A-Rod.
What I meant by Alex's career being "validated" was that now people can just shut their mouths about him and how he does not perform in the clutch and in the postseason. His 2007 campaign (the year which lived up to his contract) and his postseason performance this year are shown as proof that he can help the team win. Yeah, people will still call him a phony for whatever reasons, but to me he's the coolest guy on the team.
----
Am I a baseball analyst? No, although I get comments like that from time to time. I even thought of becoming a baseball historian because I became fascinated with how the game was played in the 1860s through the 1890s. I stopped studying about those times in baseball history. I should get back to that. I'm also fascinated with baseball stats. That Barry Bonds and Willie Mays articles show how I use stats that are unique to dissect. The stats made those articles that much more fun to read.
----
Any girl will look better with red toenail polish as opposed to blue. But a woman will look better in those Yankees navy blue jerseys than she does in Phillies red.
...BUMS?! When you're the richest team in baseball, like the Yankees, you're anything but broke. If anything, you're World Champions.
----
Yes, it was an insightful post. I'll drink to that.
--National
[ November 07, 2009, 02:57 PM: Message edited by: National ]
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