Tag: 2008 MLB Playoffs (Page 10 of 10)

      Forget the curse – the Cubs just played poorly

      October 1, 2008 /

      Nobody has written about it yet as far as I can tell, but I know it’s coming. I know somebody out there is ready to write about how the Chicago Cubs are still cursed following their 7-2 loss to the Dodgers in Game 1 of the NLDS on Wednesday night.

      But a curse had nothing to do with it – the Cubs just didn’t play well.

      A curse didn’t affect Ryan Dempster’s control (he walked seven batters), the Cubs’ offense outside of a two-run dinger by Mark DeRosa, or aid James Loney in hitting a grand slam. (Or for that matter, aid Manny Ramirez in hitting a solo shot despite him completely being out on his front foot and the pitch being located at his shoelaces. I’m still shocked that he hit that one out.)

      Forget the Billy Goat and Steve Bartman. If the “Cubbies” can’t figure out a way to carry their regular season success into the postseason, they’ll once again be watching the Fall Classic from their living rooms. There’s no need to hit the panic button yet, but obviously Carlos Zambrano and the Cubs’ offense need to dramatically step up in Game 2 Thursday night.

      MLB

      Manny Ramirez tells Boston media to get a life

      October 1, 2008 /

      Gerry Callahan of the Boston Herald writes that the Red Sox must prove they don’t need OF Manny Ramirez to win. But what Manny wants everyone to know is that not only does he find things easier in L.A., but also that the media members in Boston need to get a life because the Red Sox winning isn’t the end all, be all.

      Manny Ramirez“Baseball in Boston is like a Sunday football game, but played every day,” Ramirez said. “We lose in LA, I go to breakfast and people say, ‘Well, you’ll get them tomorrow.’ In Boston, it’s ‘Hey, what’s going on, the Yankees are coming.’

      “It’s just a different atmosphere. The fans in Boston got your back no matter what, but I’m talking about the people who write all this bull because it means so much to them. If your happiness depends on (the Red Sox) winning, you have to get a life.”

      Being told to get a life by Ramirez is like being told to have some shame by Barney Frank. The first time I interviewed Ramirez, he didn’t know what year he came to the United States or when he moved to New York. When asked his age, he said he was 25. He was almost 27. When he got his cellphone wet, he put it in the microwave to dry. The only surprising thing was that he didn’t try to eat it when it was done.

      You always have to appreciate when an athlete takes a dump on the team that put up with his antics and paid him well for most of his career. Manny is probably right that some (most?) Boston fans live and die by how successful the Red Sox are, but then again that’s the way it is in most cities. You don’t think people in Green Bay want to call in sick on Monday when the Packers lose? Or physically do harm to somebody in the parking lot when the Eagles fall? It’s why they’re called “fanatics.”

      MLB

      White Sox beat Twins, will play Rays in ALDS

      September 30, 2008 /

      On the strength of a masterful pitching performance by John Danks and a towering home run by Jim Thome, the Chicago White Sox are AL Central Division Champions. The Chi Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 1-0 on Tuesday night and will now face the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS.

      Jim ThomeThome broke a scoreless tie leading off the seventh with a booming 461-foot home run to center off of Nick Blackburn, who was just about as masterful as Danks on the mound. Thome pumped his fist as he rounded first base, following one of the biggest home runs among the 541 he has launched during his illustrious career.

      That slim run total was enough for Danks, who allowed two hits over eight innings. Danks matched his longest outing of the year by going eight, striking out four and walking three. Danks threw 103 pitches working on three days’ rest, giving the White Sox a 3-1 record with their starters going on the short break, before giving way to Bobby Jenks.

      The Sox haven’t looked good the past two weeks, but none of that matters now. Danks was absolutely incredible and playing at home on a chilly night in Chicago was the perfect remedy to quiet the Twins’ bats.

      Looking ahead, it’ll be interesting to see if the Rays will show any rust after clinching a postseason berth over a week ago. While the Sox have a disadvantage having to start on the road, they almost have to feel like they’re playing with house money right now. Momentum is a dangerous thing. Game 1 will start at 2:30 PM ET Thursday at Tropicana Field.

      MLB

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