Phillies Beat Yanks In Game One

The Phillies beat New York in game one of the World Series 6-1. Cliff Lee dominated beating the Yankees powerful lineup allowing just one run. Chase Utley got the momentum with a home run. My prediction for game two: another win for Philly.

AL Playoff Picks

ALDS

Yankees vs. Twins: Yankees in four.
The Twins have no shot at all in this series. Derek Jeter, Mark Teixara and Alex Rodriguez are possibly MVP canidates. Hand Joe Mauer and the Twins a win but nothing else.

Red Sox vs. Angels: Angels in five.
This season the Angels will finally get past the Sox and challenge the Yanks for the AL crown. Torii Hunter, Chone Figgins and Vladimir Guerrero will fuel for constant runs even against Jon Lester and Josh Beckett. The memory of Nick Adenhart will fuel the Angels.

ALCS


Yankees vs. Angels:Yankees in four.
Again the Yankees will dominate. If the Yankees can play like they did in the regular season they could possibly sweep the Yanks. Don't count on it though.

AL Winner:Yankees.

Watch Out For the Rockies

A few years ago the Rockies were the surprise of the season making a World Series run and winning the NL West. This year things don't look alot different. After being 15 and a half games out of first the Rockies are about 3 games out of the division lead of the NL West over the Dodgers.

Troy Tulowitzki, shortstop

Smoltz Designated For Assignment

John Smoltz, hall of fame pitcher for the Boston Red Sox has been designated for assignment by the Red Sox. That means the Sox have 10 days to release, trade or send Smoltz down to the minors. Smoltz got beat up his last start against the New York Yankees as the Sox lost 13-6. This may be the end of Smoltz's storied career.

A Spark for The Yanks

The New York Yankees are now 1-8 against the Red Sox this season of there worst seasons against thier big rivals. John Smoltz fired against the Yanks and had a horrible game. Teixara, Damon and Rodriguez led the Yanks as the final was 13-6. The Yankees are 66-42 and lead the Red Sox(62-45) in the AL East by three and a half games.

Sanchez and Lee Traded

Just before the deadline on Friday the Cleveland Indians traded ace Cliff Lee to the Philedelphia Phillies for some top prospects including catcher Lou Marson. Plus, second basemen Freddy Sanchez, formerly of the Pittsburgh Pirates was traded to the San Franciso Giants. Also, in the trades, Jack Wilson was traded to Seattle for 1B Jeff Clement and SS Ronny Cedeno.

Halladay Going To Phillies?

Roy Halladay, ace of the Toronto Blue Jays has been mentioned many times in trade talks with the Philedelphia Phillies before the trade deadline on Friday. The Jays are asking tons for Roy Halladay(as they should) including pitchers J.A. Happ and Kyle Dreyback, top prospects for the Phillies.

Holliday Going To St. Louis

Matt Holliday, leftfielder for the Oakland A's has a high possibility of being traded to St.Louis for 3B Brett Wallace, outfielder Shane Patterson and another minor league pitcher. Holliday was an all star in Denver with Colorado but has fallen alot. Hopefully coming to St.Louis he'll improve rapidly to get the Cardinals to position themselves in first place in the NL Central race.

Home Run Derby Finished

The 2009 Home Run Derby is over with Prince Fielder the champion. Only a few years earlier Fielder was eliminated in the first round. The disappointment: Adrian Gonzalez with two home runs in the first round. Brandon Inge, all star third basemen hit zero home runs but wasn't expected to do much. Can't wait until next year.

Mid Season Report:Chicago White Sox

Chicago is in the race for the AL Central along with the Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins. They get awesome play from outfielders Carlos Quentin and Jermaine Dye but still need young infielders Chris Getz and Alexei Ramirez to produce to there potential. Through July 13th, 2009 the Sox are 45-43 and in second of the AL Central. The Sox are going to have a tough second half but, may make a run towards October.

Mid Season Report:Chicgao Cubs

After a great year last year the Cubs fell short to the LA Dodgers in the playoffs. Maybe that tipped off their momentum as they have fell rapidly to third in the NL Central with a (going into July 7th) 41-39 record. Hopefully new Milton Bradley, Alfonso Soriano and Derek Lee can ban togteher for a playoff birth.

Mid Season Report:Boston Red Sox

In 2004, the "Curse of the Bambino" was broken. After that histrorical moment the Red Sox have been unstoppable. Even without Manny Ramirez, the Red Sox have managed with all stars Jason Bay, Dustin Pedroia (2008 AL MVP) and Jonathan Papelbon. This year they seem to be even better than last year, first in the AL East with a 49-33 record.

Mid Season Report:Baltimore Orioles

When will it happen? The Orioles have been struggling to get anywhere close to the top of the AL East. They have many bright spots just like the Braves including: Matt Wieters, Nick Marakis, Adam Jones and Jeremy Guthrie. They are in the cellar of the AL East with a 36-46 record. It doesn't look like the second half of the Orioles season will be even better.

Matt Wieters will be an all star soon enough.

Mid Season Report:Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves, the injury prone team of '08, have had a decent season so far. The injury bug hasn't hit them just yet but Chipper Jones hasn't been such a star like last year. They have many bright spots, Tommy Hanson and Yunel Escobar. There record: 39-43, fourth in the NL East. But, I think that the Braves can have a pretty good second half, maybe for 85 wins.

Tommy Hanson, pitcher

Mid Season Report:Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona D-Backs are having a pretty disappointing season. Most of the time the elite of the NL West, the D-Backs have lost many confidence. They are 33-49, entering July 6th, and last in the NL West. There only big star this year is Mark Reynolds, the young third basemen. My report: the D-Backs need a miracle to make the playoffs.

New Rookie Continues To Shine

Tommy Hansen, pitcher for the Atlanta Braves have been surprisingly great this year in his rookie season. Entering July 4th he had 20 scoreless innings. That streak was broken by Adam Dunn, who hit his 300th homerun the fourth fastest to get to that margain. Unfortunately, for Hansen and the Braves, the Nats won 5-4.

What About the Nationals

The Washington Nationals have never been necessarily good but this season they've been even worse despite the signing of powerhouse Adam Dunn. The Nats are 12-30 through May 24, 2009. The Nats will try to regroup in interleague play against the Baltimore Orioles, who are 18-25 through May 24. Hopefully the Nats can.

The Blue Jays Surprising

The Toronto Blue Jays have soared in the AL East after many didn't expect much from the 'Jays. Despite loses this off season they have come back into shape. Hopefully, the Red Sox or Yankees won't over power them. It's a tough division, anything could happen.

The Rays Continue To Struggle

The Tampa Bay Rays continue to struggle after last season's surprise finish. I was one of the experts that predicted the Rays to have a fast start and that's not working out well. The only bright spot so far has been first basemen Carlos Pena who continues to be a leader in tough times. Hopefully, strong players Evan Longoria and B.J. Upton can add to the cause.

The Cardinals:Best Record in MLB

The St. Louis Cardinals have the best record in the MLB so far, 17-7 through May 3rd. The Cardinals did lose Chris Carpenter(again) to the DL but they still have strong hitting and their pitching includes Adam Wainwright and Kyle Lohse. I don't think they have enough to win the World Series but it is a stellar improvement from last year.

NL Playoff Predictions

Here are my NL playoff predictions:
Mets over Phillies
The Mets are too skilled. David Wright is a star hitter and fielder and their pitching and bullpen will be amazing. Sorry former champs you can't do it again.Score: NYM,6 PHI, 4

Cubs over Dodgers
Last year the Cubs were disappointed by the Dodgers. Not this year. Experience in the playoffs will collide with star hitters Alfonso Soriano, Derek Lee and Geovany Soto and it will come out with a win.CHI,5 LAD, 2

Mets over Cubs
Again the Mets are too skilled. The pitching will stop the Cubs in their tracks and the O will scare the Cubs out of town. NYM, 7 CHI, 5

The Tigers are Coming Back

The Detroit Tigers were the disappointment of the '08 season after some said they would 95 to 100 games. Well it didn't work out. But, the Tigers are improving rapidly. They were 10-8 on Sunday, April 26th and on top of the AL Central over the Kansas City Royals. Maybe it's a fluke. Or maybe the Tigers are coming back.

Are the Fish for Real?

Many people are wondering if the Florida Marlins can stay strong as they are previously 10-1. Who knows? I like the infield of Dan Uggla and Hanley Ramirez and maybe even 1B Gaby Sanchez, who will be the next A-Rod (in my mind). Their O is good to but, the Mets and Phillies will overthrow them in the NL East.

In the NL East, the Marlins remain Undefeated

The surprise Florida Marlins beat the New York Mets to remain undefeated at 4-0 once they beat the Mets, 5-4. The Mets left 14 men on base in a tough game for the high expectation Mets team.

Driver Charged with 3 Accounts of Murder In Adenhart Death

Andrew Thomas Gallo was charged with 3 accounts of murder after drunk-driving and hitting Nick Adenhart after he also ran a red light. Gallo is 22 years old and he also hit 2 other men who were riding with Nick Adenhart. Again, Adenhart will be missed.

Los Angeles Angels Pitcher Dead

Los Angeles pitcher Nick Adenhart will be missed.

Adenhart's agent Scott Boras mourns the loss of his client as he wipes his tears.

Los Angeles pitcher Nick Adenhart died yesterday on April 10th, 2009. He died after a drunk driver reportedly ran a red light and hit Adenhart.
The accident happened after Adenhart pitched 6 scoreless innings with LA. His father had came to watch that game.

Playoff Picture

In baseball there is no better time then October (playoffs). Here are my playoff predictions:

Yankees over Rays
The 'Yanks are to powerful with strong hitters Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and Mark Teixara. Mariona Rivera will save the day in it's most crucial spot. Score: NYY,4 Rays,2

Angels over Twins
The Angels will barely win the AL West but with experience in October they will be led by Vladimir Guerrero and Torii Hunter they will shine. Score: LAA,5 MIN,1

Angels over Yankees
Again the Angels will shine and again for the same reasons along with underrated pitching led by Joe Saunders. Score:LAA,7 NYY,5

AL Winner:Los Angeles Angels

Opening Day is Here

Today starts opening day for baseball. Last night started baseball as the Atanta Braves played the Philedelphia Phillies in NL East action last night on Sunday April 5th, 2009. The Braves won 4-1 over the former champs Phillies. Tonight the Minnesota Twins will play the Seattle Mariners in their last home opener. Francisco Liriano will pitch for the Twins as Felix Hernendez will pitch for the Mariners.

My All Star Team:AL

Matt Holliday for team USA will excell in the AL now.

Josh Hamilton will have another break trough season.

AL

1B Justin Morneau

1B Kevin Youkilis

2B Ian Kinsler

2B Dustin Pedroia

SS Derek Jeter

SS Orlando Cabrera

3B Evan Longoria

3B Alex Rodriguez

C Joe Mauer

C Jason Varitek

DH David Ortiz

DH Hideki Matsui

OF Josh Hamilton

OF Carlos Quentin

OF Matt Holliday

OF Carl Crawford

AL East:Toronto Blue Jays

Travis Snider could be an all star someday.

5. Toronto Blue Jays

SS Marco Scutaro

PVR 253

HR 7

AVG .267

2B Aaron Hill

PVR 116

HR 2

AVG .263

RF Alex Rios

PVR 50

HR 15

AVG .291

CF Vernon Wells

PVR 98

HR 20

AVG .300

DH Adam Lind

PVR 193

HR 9

AVG .282

3B Scott Rolen

PVR 186

HR 11

AVG .262

1B Lyle Overbay

PVR 222

HR 15

AVG .270

C Rod Barajas

PVR 264

HR 11

AVG .249

LF Travis Snider

PVR 181

HR 2

AVG .301

Projected Record:70-92

PVR=Player Value Ranking

AL East:Baltimore Orioles

4. Baltimore Orioles

2B Brian Roberts
PVR 34
HR 9
AVG .296

CF Adam Jones
PVR 129
HR 9

Matt Wieters will be a contestant for the

catcher job.

AVG .270

RF Nick Markakis
PVR 83
HR 20
AVG .306

1B Aubrey Huff
PVR 57
HR 32
AVG .304

3B Melvin Mora
PVR 97
HR 23
AVG .285

DH Luke Scott
PVR 166
HR 23
AVG .257

C Gregg Zaun
PVR 302
HR 6
AVG .237

LF Felix Pie
PVR 202
HR 1
AVG .241

SS Cesar Izturis
PVR 268
HR 1
AVG .263

Projected Record:74-88

PVR=Player Value Ranking

AL East:Boston Red Sox

" Big Papi" David Ortiz will need to be better this season.

3. Boston Red Sox

CF Jacoby Ellsbury
PVR 51
HR 9
AVG .280

2B Dustin Pedroia
PVR 10
HR 17
AVG .326

DH David Ortiz
PVR 29
HR 23
AVG .264

1B Kevin Youkilis
PVR 22
HR 29
AVG .312

RF J.D. Drew
PVR 102
HR 19
AVG .280

LF Jason Bay
PVR 53
HR 31
AVG .286

3B Mike Lowell
PVR 155
HR 17
AVG .274

SS Jed Lowrie
PVR 181
HR 2
AVG .258

C Jason Varitek
PVR 239
HR 13
AVG .220

Projected Record:88-74

PVR=Player Value Ranking

AL East:Tampa Bay Rays

Evan Longoria is a canidate for AL MVP

2. Tampa Bay Rays

CF B.J. Upton

PVR 64

HR 9

AVG .273

LF Carl Crawford

PVR 88

HR 8

AVG .273

3B Evan Longoria

PVR 14

HR 27

AVG .272

1B Carlos Pena

PVR 58

HR 31

AVG .247

DH Pat Burrell

PVR 108

HR 33

AVG .250

RF Gabe Gross

PVR 220

HR 13

AVG .238

C Dioner Navarro

PVR 198

HR 7

AVG .295

2B Akinori Iwamura

PVR 197

HR 6

AVG .274

SS Jason Bartlett

PVR 214

HR 1

AVG .286

Projected Record:90-72, Wild Card

PVR=Player Value Ranking

Fantasy Picks

Here are some of my fantasy picks:

Pitchers:

Who to draft:Johan Santana,Mets
The only reason Santana wasn't great was because of a weak bullpen. Now with J.J. Putz and Francisco Rodriguez he will get much needed help.

Who not to draft:Kelvim Escobar,Angels
Escobar may not be healthy plus he has a history of injuries.

Outfield:
Who to draft:Josh Hamilton, Rangers
Hamilton had a break out year last year and he'll continue that in '09. Hamilton is a steal in the later rounds.

Who not to draft:Nate McClouth, Pirates
Although McClouth had a great start to '08 he isn't a full time starter with the Pirates. Plus McClouth has no help from the weak Pirate lineup.

Infield:
Who to draft:Ian Kinsler, Rangers
Kinsler can field, hit and play great ball. Again, he'll be a steal in the later rounds just like Josh Hamilton.

Who not to draft:Jason Bartlett, Rays
Bartlett is a decent hitter but this weak spot is his many errors. That many errors will effect his confidence and it will hurt his hitting.

AL East:New York Yankees

CF Brett Gardner.

1. New York Yankees
Lineup:

SS Derek Jeter
PVR 47
HR 11
AVG .300

LF Johnny Damon
PVR 121
HR 17
AVG .303

1B Mark Teixeira
PVR 22
HR 33
AVG .308

3B Alex Rodriguez
PVR 4
HR 35
AVG .302

DH Hideki Matsui
PVR 112
HR 9
AVG .294

C Jorge Posada (injured)
PVR 125
HR 3
AVG .268

2B Robinson Cano
PVR 131
HR 14
AVG .271

RF Xavier Nady
PVR 133
HR 25
AVG .305

CF Brett Gardner
PVR 199
HR 0
AVG .228

Projected Record:97-65

PVR=Player Value Ranking