Step One:
Win a Best of Five Series
Win a Best of Five Series
Buck Showalter,
what can you say? The man knows how to manage young talent and get the best out
of all his players. In 2010, Buck inherited this Orioles team when they had a
32 - 73 record. Fans of the historic franchise were planning walkouts in Camden
Yards and on April 12, 2010 before the Buck showed his face the team set a club
record for the lowest paid attendance in Camden Yards history, only 9,129
attended the game versus the Tampa Bay Rays. They started that season 2-16
which was the worst start in MLB history. It was a sad state of affairs in the
land of orange and black, but what amazing things can happen in just two
years. After ending their 14th straight season under .500 in 2011, Buck's
O's put all the pieces together this year to win and win big. They went from
69-93 to 93-69 in one year. Perfect example of Gonzo situation. Going 15-15 in
extra inning games this season makes it know they are a team that will not give
up. Separated by one or two games with the Yankees down the stretch for
all of September keep the Yankees on their toes as well, with no breathing
room. However, the Yankees prevailed and took honors of the AL East Division
title and Baltimore needed to go down to Texas for a playoff game against Yu
Darvish. Odds were against them again, but with the two time AL Champions
falling and failing from the season ending takeover in the West by Oakland even
Yu Darvish wasn't enough to save the Rangers high hopes of a third straight
appearance in the World Series.
Ahhhh, the MLB playoffs are here and the schedule is as messed up as ever. The good thing is that any of the teams in this years playoffs (starting now, that we are down to the usual 8 teams) are extremely competitive and the games are going to be intense. It is any city's year here in 2012 with all eight teams having a solid chance in getting that shiny expensive ring. It's not going to be a breeze for any club by any means.
AN AL EAST BATTLE:
Even though the Yankees had the better record and won their division they must travel to Baltimore for the first two games of the best of five. I know, it's the oddest thing ever stated, but to quote James Hetfield, "It's sad but true". The good news for Yankee fans is that they play extremely well in Camden Yards. Other good news is that Cano's bat has woken up at the right time and CC is back on the mound. Mark Teixeira is back, whether that is good or not I'm not completely sure, but I know I'd want him in my lineup for the playoffs anytime. The Yankees have played real well the past two weeks and I think they benefit from not starting their playoff run until Sunday.
Ahhhh, the MLB playoffs are here and the schedule is as messed up as ever. The good thing is that any of the teams in this years playoffs (starting now, that we are down to the usual 8 teams) are extremely competitive and the games are going to be intense. It is any city's year here in 2012 with all eight teams having a solid chance in getting that shiny expensive ring. It's not going to be a breeze for any club by any means.
AN AL EAST BATTLE:
Even though the Yankees had the better record and won their division they must travel to Baltimore for the first two games of the best of five. I know, it's the oddest thing ever stated, but to quote James Hetfield, "It's sad but true". The good news for Yankee fans is that they play extremely well in Camden Yards. Other good news is that Cano's bat has woken up at the right time and CC is back on the mound. Mark Teixeira is back, whether that is good or not I'm not completely sure, but I know I'd want him in my lineup for the playoffs anytime. The Yankees have played real well the past two weeks and I think they benefit from not starting their playoff run until Sunday.
Now one game into
the series I see the rest has helped. CC pitched real well going into the 8th
and striking out seven. The Yankees only hit one HR in a game that ended 7-2,
but honestly it was a hard fought battle with it being tied 2-2 through 8
innings.
Andy Pettitte is
pitching in game two and just gave up his first hit in the 3rd
inning. It’s 1-0 Yankees and if they can steal two in Baltimore your Bronx
Bombers will be well on their way to the AL Championship…
Oh dang, he just
gave up another hit.
Hopefully this
will be a good series or as good as 97.2% of Game One and more historic Yankee
games will be witnessed by these eyes.
Stay tuned for more…
(It’s loaded bases for Baltimore in the 3rd with 2 outs…INTENSE!!!