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And never have I been so excited for them. I'll try not to be biased...no, that's a lie, I'm going to be VERY, VERY biased.

National League
Atlanta vs. DA CUBS!
Oh, how we've waited. But it is, no doubt, the Cubs year. Prior, Wood, and Zambrano are shutting folks down (well, not Zambrano lately, but that's OK.) and we all know good pitching beats good hitting, especially in the playoffs. The Braves' Bats let them steal one game, but that's all.
Cubs in 4

San Francisco vs. Florida
I love the way Florida plays. I love running teams that can bunt and get hits and stretch singles into doubles and doubles into triples. But the Giants are too strong for them, Felipe Alou is a better manager than Jack McKeon, and it HAS to be Dusty Baker vs. his old team in the NLCS. I mean, how right would that be? Florida steals (no pun intended) one, but the Giants don't have too much trouble.
Giants in 4.

American League
New York vs. Minnesota
The Yankees fall off just a little more every year. And for some reason I don't see it stopping now. Not with the holes in the bullpen, and the momentum the Twins have coming into this one. The Twins have woken up, and realize they have a good chance to get back to the ALCS and redeem themselves from last year. I think this will be the closest of the series, and most exciting (for the non-biased, at least) to watch.
Twins in 5
Oakland vs. Boston
Remember the 1990 ALCS anyone? If you're too young to remember, the A's swept the Red Sox, with the Sox scoring one run in all 4 games. Two years before that, the A's swept the Red Sox, although the Sox managed 3 and 6 run games in between their one run games. I feel for the Red Sox, since they know the Cubs pain, but history be not on their side.
A's in 3 (but the Red Sox score more than 3 runs.)

Anyone else care to predict?

--------------------

Hip-Hop QOTW:

"Yeah, where I'ma start it at, look I'ma part of that
Downtown Philly where it's realer than a heart attack
It wasn't really that ill until the start of crack
Now it's a body caught every night on the Almanac"

"Game Theory"
The Roots

I love this time of year...

NL

ChiCubs def. Atlanta...

The Bravos have the bats this year (quite a turnaround) I'll give props to Gary Sheffield for NL MVP (if not for a man named Bonds and/or Pujols). But the Braves have always collapsed in the postseason. I mean, take a look at the history... they've won 12 straight division titles.. that's regular season. But in those 12 straight postseason trips, they've made the World Series 5 times and have only won it once in 96. I mean, the Braves are the like the reverse-Yankees: when the playoffs roll around, they shut it off.
The Cubbies have spectacular pitching... Wood, Prior, Zambrano, Clement... the bullpen is a little leaky, but if Prior and Wood keep throwing complete games, that won't be a problem

Giants def. Marlins...

Going a bit unbias in this... I don't like the Giants. I don't like Barry Bonds. I want something awful to happen to him since he thinks he's better than Babe Ruth. (Look, Babe Ruth will forever be the Home Run King no matter who passes him on the list... no one will think Bonds before Ruth, mark my words).. I get sick and tired of listening to Sportscenter and Baseball Tonight just talk about Bonds, Bonds, Bonds, Bonds, Bonds... AGH! It sickens me.. sheesh. But the fact is that he is a good ball player, he gets big hits or gets a free pass, which could overall help the team... and aside from just Bonds, Jason Schmidt is having an exceptional year on the mound. I hate to give the Giants any credit as a team, but they will defeat the Marlins.
I love how the Marlins just came out of nowhere to grab the attention of the media. I mean, if the Marlins didn't have this huge turnaround, they would be remembered for being thwomped by the BoSox 23-4 or something like that. But since that game, they stepped up and kicked some ass throughout the year. I didn't think Jack McKeon would be the coach next year before. But now, it's hard to see them without him. The Marlins will be back next year and challenge the wildcard. They won't lose a lot of their players this time.

AL

New York def. Minnesota

Minnesota has the best record since the All Star break... true. BUT look at their record... Detroit, Cleveland, Anaheim.. who COULDN'T beat these guys? I think that the Twins have forgotten what it's like to face a tough contender like the Yanks. And if you don't recall what happened in the season series, the Yanks all out KILLED the Twins this year, winning all 7 games they faced against the Twinkies. The Twins haven't had a winning record against the Yankees since 98.
And, with the exception of last year, the Yankees are just THE premiere playoff team of the past 7 years. Since 96 when they won their first series in this run, when the playoffs roll around, the Yanks are right on it. It's like they realize that they're in the playoffs and the switch goes on. However good they were in the regular season, they double their performance seemingly. Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams most specificly. Jeter is a .314 hitter with 11 homers and 28 RBIs career in the postseason (since 96)..Williams has .387 OBP with 17 homers and 56 RBIs career in the postseason (since 95)
Addressing the bullpen issue, this is one of the first times in the last couple seasons that the Yankees will enter the postseason with a bullpen ERA of over 4.00. But I don't see that being an issue if the Yankees' bats are on.

Boston def. Oakland

I'll be the first to tell you that I despise the Red Sox. It's bad enough that I get to walk through the school full of BoSox lovers saying "Haha... we're in teh playoffs" (but i have the best reply in the world: "Yeah? Well, I make the playoffs every year.") but how do I justify letting Boston win this one? Well, I give credit where credit is due and I'll tell you... this is the best team that Boston has had in awhile. David Ortiz is a machine and Nomar is having another great offensive/defensive year (nothing really new). Nomar's numbers are good in the playoffs (though a small sample)... .383 batting average (18 for 47) with 7 homers.
I will give props for Oak-town. Taking charge and beating out the M's for the top spot in the west. But the offense is lagging... only one person is hitting over .300 (Alan Melhuse: .303) Hudson and Zito have impressive numbers... and had they had Mulder in this rotation, I might've given the win to the A's... but since they can't throw just Hudson and Zito this series... they'll get drowned out by the BoSox bats.. and they're lacky offense will be shut down by Pedro and co.

Though, if the A's have a chance in winning, it's through the Boston Bullpen. You're talking about the Yankees having a bad bullpen, let's talk about the Boston pen first. Byung-Hyun Kim... what kind of a move to get that guy is that? He has an ERA of 2930934.23 and like 289393 blown saves this season... (not accurate numbers... actual numbers: 8-5 with 16 saves.. 3.22 ERA, 3 blown saves.. seems like a lot more.. if the Sox have ANY sort of sense, they won't stick him on their playoff roster.)

so.... to summarize

NLCS: Chicago Cubs vs. San Fransisco Giants
ALCS: New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox <--- YES! That would be THE series to watch.

(all of my stats are according to mlb.com)

This post has been edited by Sabin on 28th September 2003 03:02

--------------------

"When I turn the page
The corner bends into the perfect dog ear
As if the words knew I'd need them again
But at the time, I didn't see it."

~"This Ain't a Surfin' Movie" - Minus the Bear

Wow, so I had to work on the greatest day in the past decade for the Cubs. Thankfully, my boss let me go out and listen to the ends of both of the games. Wow, did i go crazy. Anyone out in that parking lot probably thought someone was dying. I love it. Alright then:

NLDS:

Chicago Cubs vs. Atlanta Braves

Okay, I'm going to give the Braves the props that they deserve for that offense. But in order to have their awesome offense, their pitching was sacrificed. And like Sabin said, good pitching beats good hitting. Wood has game 1, Zambrano 2, Prior 3. I mean, there is no team in the league that has that kind of spread for a best of 3 series. I'll go ahead and say that the Braves may win that 2nd game, but it's all Cubs otherwise.

Cubs in 4

San Fran Giants vs. Florida Marlins

I gotta admit, I like the Marlins. Dontrelle Willis is the man, and I don't know how anyone could hate the guy. What a turnaround they've had. But still, Bonds and the Giants are just too strong. On the manager of the year debate however, I'm gonna have to say it goes to Jack McKeon. Look at what he's done (taking over the cream of the crap) compared to what Felipe Alou's done (taking over a team that was in the world series last year and were SUPPOSED to be this good). *cough* Well i'm on the subject, why doesn't anyone ever mention Dusty Baker?! He took over a 67 and 95 team, and turned them COMPLETELY around to be the division champs! I mean, how can you even consider Big Moises over the Dirty Chef, let alone the Mcdonald's Key Master? Big BOO whenever I hear analysts saying Alou is going to win it hands down. Oh yeah, sorry.

San Fran in 4


ALDS

New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins

If having momentum means blowing an 8-0 lead to the TIGERS, then I'd like to know what struggling is. I absolutely hate the Yankees. I hate them so much that I don't even want them to lose. I don't care. I just don't want to hear about them. Ever. I HATE it when they start talking about what Steinbrenner's problem of the day is. I just don't want to hear anything about them. Although, I still see them taking down the Twins, so they can setup a great ALCS.

Yanks in 5

Boston Red Sox vs. Oakland A's

Meh, I think the A's are overrated myself. Sure, they're good, but I just don't see them putting a stop to the Red Sox magical season. Plus, I REALLY want to see the Bosox crush the Yankees, they're great archnemesis.

Bosox in 4


Now then, could there be ANYTHING greater than what has potential of happening this year? This could be the best year in Major League Baseball history, the year that saved America's past time. Cubs vs. Giants will be a good series no doubt, Dusty vs. his old team. And Moises gets a chance to really show Felipe what's up. Also, The Yankees vs. Bosox will be HUGE. I would like nothing more in the world then to see the Bosox and Cubs finally break down all their former barriers (the Red Sox ridding themselves of the Curse of the Babe, and the Cubs getting rid of that damn Gypsy Goat Curse or whatever) and have one hell of a world series. The Cubs of course coming out on top.

GO CUBBIES!!!!

--------------------

The clouds ran away, opened up the sky
And one by one I watched every constellation die
And there I was frozen, standing in my backyard
Face to face, eye to eye, staring at the last star
I should've known, walked all the way home
To find that she wasn't here, I'm still all alone

-Atmosphere "Always Coming Back Home to You"

If I could choose the winners, I'd have it be the Cubs vs. the Marlins, and the BoSox vs. the Twins. HOWEVER.

Braves will defeat the Cubs. Their bats are way too hot, and Wood and Zambrano aren't pulling their weight right now. Prior had damn well better get two starts in that series if they want to make it a challenge. Braves in five, just because Prior will get two wins. And the NL Cy Young, but that's a different story.

Florida will defeat the Giants in five. Florida is HOT right now. If they keep playing like they have with all that pressure, they could very well make it into the world series. The Giants' season will once again end with a disappointment.

Boston will defeat Oakland in three. Oakland = playing like crap right now. Boston = playing good enough to beat the A's in three. No Mulder = No wins.

Yankees will defeat Minnesota in three. Minnesota has yet to defeat the Yanks this season. And they won't. I don't care how much momentum Minnesota has right now, the Yanks have more. Moose and Pettitte will dominate in the first two games, and Clemens, playing in his final postseason, will get the support he needs.

Yanks vs. BoSox. Marlins vs. Braves.

--------------------

Hey, put the cellphone down for a while
In the night there is something wild
Can you hear it breathing?
And hey, put the laptop down for a while
In the night there is something wild
I feel it, it's leaving me

Quote (Neal @ 28th September 2003 02:58)

Braves will defeat the Cubs. Their bats are way too hot, and Wood and Zambrano aren't pulling their weight right now. Prior had damn well better get two starts in that series if they want to make it a challenge. Braves in five, just because Prior will get two wins. And the NL Cy Young, but that's a different story.

Wood not pulling his weight? His last 4 starts have been solid, the last one outstanding with a no-hitter going through 7 innings. Zambrano makes me hesitate though because once he starts getting mad (Exhibit A: Reds game on Thursday), he starts pitching worse. If he can hold his emotions in check, he's still a great pitcher. He's the youngest on the staff mind you (22, Prior is 23, Wood 26, and Old Man Clement is 29). And Wood would be the one getting 2 starts for the series as he's kicking things off. Wood vs. R. Ortiz in game 1. Zambrano vs. Ramirez/Hampton for game 2. And Prior vs. Maddux (youth vs. experience) for game 3. Clement pitches game 4 vs. Hampton/Ramirez, and a game 1 repeat would be most likely be a repeat if it goes 5 games.

Eric Gagne will win the Cy Young. Had Prior not gotten injured and played more games, then maybe he could pull it out, but you just can't beat perfection. And Eric Gagne was perfect all season.

--------------------

The clouds ran away, opened up the sky
And one by one I watched every constellation die
And there I was frozen, standing in my backyard
Face to face, eye to eye, staring at the last star
I should've known, walked all the way home
To find that she wasn't here, I'm still all alone

-Atmosphere "Always Coming Back Home to You"

I think that the Cy Young Award should be given to a starter. Because a reliever and/or closer is an everyday player. So I think they should be given the everyday player award: the MVP .. but we all know that won't happen because of that guy who doesn't need to be mentioned because you already know who I'm talking about.
Though, I'd like to see Gagne win it over Schmidt and Ortiz... I think those two would win it before Prior would've, to be honest

--------------------

"When I turn the page
The corner bends into the perfect dog ear
As if the words knew I'd need them again
But at the time, I didn't see it."

~"This Ain't a Surfin' Movie" - Minus the Bear

Gagne was perfect in every game except one: the All-Star game! But it's cool to see him play so well, he's from around here, too. I predict Cubs and Bosox in the finals, but I'll get back to you on the winner!

--------------------

Lou: There's a couple of guys fighting down at the aquarium, Chief.
Wiggum: Do they still sell those frozen bananas?
Lou: I think so.
Wiggum: Let's roll.

Quote (Neal @ 28th September 2003 02:58)

Wood and Zambrano aren't pulling their weight right now.

*Ahem*
Wood's last 6 starts:
August 27th vs. St. Louis- 7 innings, 0 earned runs, 4 hits, 11 Ks, no decision
September 2nd vs. St. Louis- 7 innings, 1 earned run, 4 hits, 9 Ks, loss (Cubs got shut out on BS call at left field line)
September 7th vs. Milwaukee- 7 innings, 2 earned runs, 8 hits, 6 Ks, win
September 12th vs. Cincinatti- 6 innings, 1 earned run, 5 hits, 9 Ks, no decision
September 17th vs. New York- 9 innings, 0 earned runs, 4 hits, 11 Ks, win
September 23rd vs. Cincinatti- 7 innings, 0 earned runs, 1 hit, 12 Ks, win

That works out to a 0.837 ERA, and 58 strikeouts vs. 26 hits. I think Wood will pull his weight in the playoffs. The only thing that worries me is that Wood missed Atlanta both series this year.
I think the Cy Young should go to Gagne, too. The man has been amazing, and no one in the National League was all that dominant. I mean, if Prior had pitched all season like he did the last two months, then there would be no question. But as for starters, I mean, Russ Ortiz' ERA is up near 4. But it's makes it a lot easier to win 20 games when your team averages almost 6 runs a game when you pitch. Schmidt's numbers are very similar to Prior's (Schmidt, 17-5, 2.34 ERA, 208 Ks, Prior 18-6, 2.47 ERA, 245 Ks) and Schmidt has been more consistent, but Prior is more feared. It's a toss-up for starter of the year, but I think Gagne should win the Cy Young.

Let's toss award predictions in too, shall we?

NL Cy Young- Eric Gagne. Already analyzed this one.

AL Cy Young- Pedro Martinez. You can make a case for Esteban Loaiza, but when it comes down to it, Pedro is still the best pitcher out there, and should get credit for being dominant when it really counted (4 straight wins, gave up 3 runs total in those games)

NL MVP- Barry Bonds. I thought Albert Pujols deserved it this year, until Steve Stone (Cubs color commentator) finally convinced me that it really isn't the "guy who's having the best year" award, it's the most valuable player to his team. And we've seen what happens to the Giants without Bonds this year. Is he the best player ever? No, not until he wins a world series can he even put it into question. But is he the best player in the game now? Yes.

AL MVP- Derek Jeter. This one's really hard, because the guys who are all putting up MVP numbers are on crappy teams (Alex Rodriguez, Carlos Delgado) and the best guys on the winning teams are all having fairly quiet years. In my mind it's between Jeter, Manny Ramirez, and Miguel Tejada, but I think I'll go with Jeter.

NL Rookie- Scott Podsedniek. Dontrelle Willis was brilliant early on, but kind of fell off the second half (he's 3-4 since the end of July.) Podsedniek has been playing great all season (batting .312 right now) and is probably going to be a priemer center fielder in the National League for awhile.

I don't know enough about the AL to pick a rookie.


--------------------

Hip-Hop QOTW:

"Yeah, where I'ma start it at, look I'ma part of that
Downtown Philly where it's realer than a heart attack
It wasn't really that ill until the start of crack
Now it's a body caught every night on the Almanac"

"Game Theory"
The Roots

NL MVP - It's hard to go against Bonds on this (sick and tired of him as I am) He's missed more games this year due to various reasons and the Giants seemed to miss him the entire time. I mean, look at these stats this year: .339 average, .528 On Base %, 45 homers, 148 walks, only struck out 57 times, his 89 RBIs are his fewest since 99, but still he's played in his fewest games this year (129) since 99 (when he played 102). You can make a case against him getting it, but it won't do any good.

AL MVP - this is a tough award. You could make a case for Bill Mueller of the BoSox who had a career-year (.327 average [probably will win the AL Batting Title], 19 Homers, 85 RBIs). Also, Manny Ramirez has had a usual good year from the plate (.325 BAV, 37 HRs, 104 RBIs)... Jorge Posada has had a productive year, if you ignore his under .300 BAV (.281), but he does have 30 HRs and 102 RBIs... both career highs. And he comes fully equipped with a .518 OB%. It's going to be interesting who they give this award to.

NL Cy Young - Eric Gagne... watch Sportscenter and then ask me why....

AL Cy Young - First Roy Halladay was "a sure thing to win the Cy"... later, Esteban Loiaza "had the award wrapped up"... It's like no one wants to win this award. I can't pick out a clear cut winner, like the MVP, but I'll give you some good candidates...

Halladay~ 22-7 (leads AL in wins), 3.25 ERA (4th in AL), 204 strikeouts (2nd in AL)
Loaiza~ 20-9 (3rd in AL in wins), 2.96 ERA (3rd in AL), 17 HRA, 199 strikeouts (3rd in AL)
Pedro~ 14-4, 2.22 ERA (best in AL), 206 strikeouts (best in AL)
Pettite~ 21-8 (2nd in AL in wins), 4.02 ERA, 180 strikeouts
Hudson~ 16-7, 2.70 ERA (2nd in AL), 162 strikeouts

I think if Pedro or Hudson don't get it, it's because of their fewer wins, and if Pettite doesn't get it, it's because of his inflated ERA. So, it really leaves us with the two consistant pitchers of Halladay and Loaiza.


AL Rookie of the Year - Angel Berroa of the Royals.. .282 average, 17 HRs, and 73 RBIs... impressive for a rookie... I don't consider Matsui a rookie and I'm still in protest of Ichiro winning it. I think that MLB should put a rule applying that rookies be defined by an age and not being their "first year in our league."

NL Rookie of the Year - I agree with Gears and say it's Scot Podsednik. On a team that has nothing to look at (besides Sexson and even he's overrated), Podsednik has been a gem. Led the team with stolen bases and is fourth in the majors with 43 (caught stealing 10 times)

--------------------

"When I turn the page
The corner bends into the perfect dog ear
As if the words knew I'd need them again
But at the time, I didn't see it."

~"This Ain't a Surfin' Movie" - Minus the Bear

AL Cy Young is going to be very close, but I think Halladay will get it. My vote would also go to him. Roy has been absolutely dominant, and it's not just because of his run support. At least three times he was called to start on three days rest, and in at least three of those times, he won the game and pitched a huge number of innings. That man has endurance and the drive to win. His ERA is a little high, but take into account his average innings per game and it looks a lot better.

NL Cy Young is also going to be very close, but I say Mark Prior. Good lord, did he turn into an awesome pitcher fast. Now that the Cubs have made the playoffs, he looks even better, since he accounted for so many of the wins, and so many down the stretch (IIRC).

It's hard to assign an AL MVP because it's hard to see who's been the most valuable to a team. Nomar and Manny are good candidates, but you have to look at the rest of the team that has been equally good. Jeter was injured for too much of the season and didn't produce as much as other Yankees. Posad is just a big no, regardless of what that Around the Horn loser says. Carlos Delgado would be an excellent pick, except for Vernon Wells and Halladay. I might just have to go with Alex Rodriguez, because without him, Texas would be about twenty games behind the lousy Angels. But that award is such a tossup that it's hard to choose.

Yeah, yeah, Bonds whatever. He'll get it, so I'll try to make a case for someone else. Jim Thome has been huge for the Phillies. Not only has he belted out 47 homers and an obscene amount of RBIs, but he's been amazing defensively. Unfortunately (well, fortunately, since I wanted Marlins to win the Wild Card) the team faded down the stretch, so he probably won't get it.

AL Manager of the Year: Tony Pena. Like anyone else will get it.
NL Manager of the Year: Bobby Cox. I don't like the Braves, but I do remember how awful they started this year, and how they turned it around to get home-field until the World Series (Thanks to Gagne).

AL Rookie of the Year: I too like Berroa.
NL Rookie of the Year: Scot Podsednik sounds good to me. He'll give that franchise some hope, as much as I'd love to see it crumble.

--------------------

Hey, put the cellphone down for a while
In the night there is something wild
Can you hear it breathing?
And hey, put the laptop down for a while
In the night there is something wild
I feel it, it's leaving me

I like Baldelli for the AL Rookie of the Year myself. The man (I can call him that because he's got less that 2 years on me) never rode the bench anywhere, started off the year with at least one hit in almost all his 20 or so games, and is fast enough to cover all of the outfield by himself.

But, of course, the rookie of the year will go to Matsui. Why? Simple: He plays for the Yankees. Michael Jordan could have won RoY honors if he hadn't signed with the White Sox. The man had average numbers for a normal major leaguer, and he played for 10 full years in the Japanese Majors.

Compare him to your average 10-year veteran, and he ranks somewhere between Rey Sanchez and Paul LoDuca.

Now just because he's competing against 20 year olds with minimal experience will he win the award. and once again, we can blame Lord Steinbrenner for the atrocity. Hell, if I can go to the Guam and win twenty games, I bet I could make a guarenteed 10 mill from the Boss...

--------------------

"Not me... I dreamt I was a moron."

Quote (SharkESP @ 29th September 2003 21:05)

Compare him to your average 10-year veteran, and he ranks somewhere between Rey Sanchez and Paul LoDuca.

This direct from mlb.com statistics

Matsui's 2003 statistics: .287 BAV, 16 HRs, 106 RBIs

Rey Sanchez's career highs: .294 BAV (with over 200 ABs) in 1999, 3 HRs (1995), 56 RBIs (1999)

Paul LoDocu's career highs: .320 BAV, 25 HRs, 90 RBIs (all in 2001)


they may have Matsui's number when it comes to average, but neither of them have peaked 100 RBIs in their respective careers. That's Matsui's job: to drive in runners. And he does his job well. He's more reminiscant of a Miguel Tejada-esque player... This is Matsui's first year in the Majors so these numbers will all get better as he plays more.

And let me address the Yankee-bashing going on here. Ok, it's true, Steinbrenner always has an edge in the trading block and free agents because he's a zillionaire. BUT, who here could NOT say that if every owner had that kind of money that he would NOT be doing the same thing. I don't necissarilly think that the Yankees "buy" the players they want, but they probably are swayed a little. Besides, look at the stats... the best players on the Yankees year in and year out are their homegrown players: Derek Jeter, Alfonso Soriano, Andy Pettite, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera. And to think that Matsui will win the award just because he's a Yankee is proposterous. I mean, if you think that way, why hasn't the Yankees won every award every year since George took over the franchise? The Yankees haven't had a Rookie of the Year since 96 with Jeter. I can't remember the last time they won a Cy Young Award. It seems that at least 3 Yankees win Gold Glove awards every year, but that's because of their defensive excellence, not because they wear the pinstripes in the Bronx.

Look, I give you all the right to hate the Yankees all you want, but don't make proposterous, outlandish comments just to spite them.

--------------------

"When I turn the page
The corner bends into the perfect dog ear
As if the words knew I'd need them again
But at the time, I didn't see it."

~"This Ain't a Surfin' Movie" - Minus the Bear

Quote

It seems that at least 3 Yankees win Gold Glove awards every year

And hoo-wee, they might only get two this year after trading away Robbie V. Dang, was that guy good. It'd be fun to do Gold Glove predictions, but it'd be really tough to decide. I'll try to start it off though.


AL Catcher: AJ Pierzynski. I saw so many good plays from this guy over the year.
AL First baseman: Carlos Delgado. Just wow.
AL Second baseman: Brett Boone. Honestly, who else? Soriano has way too many errors, and the only other decent second baseman in the AL is Michael Young for Texas. Boone is quick for his size and awesome at the base.
AL Third baseman: I have no idea. I really have no clue. Damn you, Yankees, for making this so difficult.
AL Shortstop: A-Rod. Next.
AL Leftfielder: Garrett Anderson. Not sure why, he's just been very good at his position. Of course, it is an outfield position.
AL Centerfielder: Torii Hunter. Just awesome.
AL Rightfielder: Ichiro. Yup.

And since I've been watching pretty much all AL this year, I'll let someone else cover the NL...Interestingly enough, I didn't give any Yankees Gold Gloves. Not that they're terrible at fielding or anything...there are just more obvious winners. Also notice I didn't give any Tigers Gold Gloves either, and with GOOD REASON.

This post has been edited by Neal on 30th September 2003 06:21

--------------------

Hey, put the cellphone down for a while
In the night there is something wild
Can you hear it breathing?
And hey, put the laptop down for a while
In the night there is something wild
I feel it, it's leaving me

Quote (Tidu-who @ 28th September 2003 11:39)

Quote (Neal @ 28th September 2003 02:58)

Braves will defeat the Cubs.  Their bats are way too hot, and Wood and Zambrano aren't pulling their weight right now.  Prior had damn well better get two starts in that series if they want to make it a challenge.  Braves in five, just because Prior will get two wins.  And the NL Cy Young, but that's a different story.

Wood not pulling his weight? His last 6 starts have been solid.

Refer to exhibit A : Game 1 vs. the Braves.

AL RoY = Berroa (NOT Matsui, and it's not that he's a Yankee that i have a beef with him, it's the fact that he's NOT a rookie, and i'm sure that's how the majority look at it)
NL RoY = Posednik
NL MVP = Bonds (grrr)
AL MVP = Manny
NL Cy Young = Gagne (unless the commitee has other Priorities)
AL Cy Young = Pedro
AL Manager = Tony Pena
NL Manager = Jack Mckeon (but it should be Baker)


--------------------

The clouds ran away, opened up the sky
And one by one I watched every constellation die
And there I was frozen, standing in my backyard
Face to face, eye to eye, staring at the last star
I should've known, walked all the way home
To find that she wasn't here, I'm still all alone

-Atmosphere "Always Coming Back Home to You"

Quote (Tidu-who @ 28th September 2003 11:39)

Refer to exhibit A : Game 1 vs. the Braves. 

Heck, I'll eat my words. Unfortunately, it wasn't all of the Cubs that looked good...but Wood did! I won't change my predictions, just because that's lame, but I will say that based on the opener, Cubs could definitely be the team to spoil the Braves this year (especially since the Braves just looked plain awful).

Also, Twins could take out the Yankees, but I just don't see the Yanks making a first round exit quite yet.

--------------------

Hey, put the cellphone down for a while
In the night there is something wild
Can you hear it breathing?
And hey, put the laptop down for a while
In the night there is something wild
I feel it, it's leaving me

Quote (Gears @ 28th September 2003 15:11)

Is he the best player ever? No, not until he wins a world series can he even put it into question. But is he the best player in the game now? Yes.

I've never understood this line of thinking, and I'll never be convinced that it's correct. Being the best player ever in any sport doesn't mean you win titles. If it did, then Luc freaking Longley would be one of the best centers in the history of basketball. Would Walter Payton have won a superbowl had he been on a different team? Perhaps, but I really doubt it. You can't win without a supporting cast, and you could throw out the "good players make those around them better" argument, but some people just can't cut it. Barry Bonds will definately be in the picture down the road for best baseball player of all time. After he brakes Hank Aarons HR record, and as long as the rest of his stats don't go down the shitter, he'll be fine even without winning a World Series. Wow, that was a longer rant than I expected, sorry for getting so far off topic and/or sounding beligerent.

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What would Zorro do?-Homer Simpson

That's not what he said. He said that in order to even be in consideration for best of all time, he'd have to win a title. Not "if you win a title, then you're the best player ever".

I agree completely. Babe Ruth is the best of all time though. Think about it, do you know how many changes they're made in baseball in order to favor the hitters? It's just not the same game.

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The clouds ran away, opened up the sky
And one by one I watched every constellation die
And there I was frozen, standing in my backyard
Face to face, eye to eye, staring at the last star
I should've known, walked all the way home
To find that she wasn't here, I'm still all alone

-Atmosphere "Always Coming Back Home to You"

Quote (Tidu-who @ 3rd October 2003 17:24)

Babe Ruth is the best of all time though. Think about it, do you know how many changes they're made in baseball in order to favor the hitters? It's just not the same game.

If you think that Barry Bonds will be better than Babe Ruth, think about this. Barry Bonds has never had a 20-game win season as a pitcher.

Ruth had 2 20-game win seasons when he was a pitcher for Boston, came to New York and hit 600+ homeruns. He is The definition of a complete player.
And T-who is right, the game has changed a lot since Ruth played, changes more favoring to a hitter. I mean, if Ruth played in this day in age, he would probably have 800+ homers. Bonds is a good player, no doubt, but Ruth will always be the greatest player ever.

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"When I turn the page
The corner bends into the perfect dog ear
As if the words knew I'd need them again
But at the time, I didn't see it."

~"This Ain't a Surfin' Movie" - Minus the Bear

as for the Babe Ruth question... Whatever happeend to Hank Aaron?

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"Not me... I dreamt I was a moron."

Quote (Sabin @ 29th September 2003 20:30)

Quote (SharkESP @ 29th September 2003 21:05)

Compare him to your average 10-year veteran, and he ranks somewhere between Rey Sanchez and Paul LoDuca.

This direct from mlb.com statistics

Matsui's 2003 statistics: .287 BAV, 16 HRs, 106 RBIs

Rey Sanchez's career highs: .294 BAV (with over 200 ABs) in 1999, 3 HRs (1995), 56 RBIs (1999)

Paul LoDocu's career highs: .320 BAV, 25 HRs, 90 RBIs (all in 2001)


they may have Matsui's number when it comes to average, but neither of them have peaked 100 RBIs in their respective careers. That's Matsui's job: to drive in runners. And he does his job well. He's more reminiscant of a Miguel Tejada-esque player... This is Matsui's first year in the Majors so these numbers will all get better as he plays more.

And let me address the Yankee-bashing going on here. Ok, it's true, Steinbrenner always has an edge in the trading block and free agents because he's a zillionaire. BUT, who here could NOT say that if every owner had that kind of money that he would NOT be doing the same thing. I don't necissarilly think that the Yankees "buy" the players they want, but they probably are swayed a little. Besides, look at the stats... the best players on the Yankees year in and year out are their homegrown players: Derek Jeter, Alfonso Soriano, Andy Pettite, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera. And to think that Matsui will win the award just because he's a Yankee is proposterous. I mean, if you think that way, why hasn't the Yankees won every award every year since George took over the franchise? The Yankees haven't had a Rookie of the Year since 96 with Jeter. I can't remember the last time they won a Cy Young Award. It seems that at least 3 Yankees win Gold Glove awards every year, but that's because of their defensive excellence, not because they wear the pinstripes in the Bronx.

Look, I give you all the right to hate the Yankees all you want, but don't make proposterous, outlandish comments just to spite them.

Actually, I find it sompletely believeable for Matsui to win it because he's a Yankee. Think about it for a moment: New York is the greatest market in the sports world, and the award discisions are going to be largly decided by sports writers. Yankee's boosters are everywhere, and I can attest to this. My local paper gives equal coverage to the Devil Rays as they do to the Triple-A Tampa Yankees.

If Matsui played for the White Sox, he would be about 4th in consideration. If he had an equal season in Detroit, he would never be mentioned outside of Detroit and Lake Parker Park (Where the Tigers go during Spring Training)

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"Not me... I dreamt I was a moron."

Quote (SharkESP @ 3rd October 2003 20:55)

If he had an equal season in Detroit, he would never be mentioned outside of Detroit and Lake Parker Park (Where the Tigers go during Spring Training)

Let me open by saying this: Who got even more media attention than even the New York Yankees this year? The Detroit Tigers... While this was actually negative media (for their nearly breaking the loss record), the Tigers did receive a whole lot of attention. And IF someone like Matsui was on that team, how COULDN'T you notice him or give him props for an end of the season award.

Anyway, while your statement has some truth, it's not completely it. In your first post, it seemed like you were saying that Matsui did not deserve to win this award, but he's automatically going to get it because he plays in the Bronx. But come on, it's because the Yankees are winning that they get attention. If they were a third place team or so, they wouldn't get half the media attention they get despite how much George Steinbrenner griped to the news.
But there's so many points to naysay your post. Angel Berroa had spectacular numbers for a rookie. He's on Kansas City. Pretty much who's an avid baseball watcher knows who Rocco Baldelli is. He's on Tampa Bay (which has the payroll of a 7-11 conveniant store). Mark Prior plays for Chicago and he's bound to win a Cy Young someday. Barry Zito won the Cy Young last year (Oakland). Scott Podsednik is the hottest upstart player in a loser team like Milwaukee. The Minnesota Twins have won the AL Central Division for two straight years. The Florida Marlins just won again today, are up 2-1 in the Divisional Series, and are the hottest team right now. The Cubs shut down the Braves today to take the 2-1 lead in the other NLDS. [this could lead to an apparent Small-market NLCS] All these teams are small market teams, and they seem to be doing just fine when it comes to awards.
And if Matsui does happen to win the Rookie of the Year award, it's because of his stats. How many rookies actually collect over 100 RBIs a year? Not many. Whether Matsui is considered a rookie is up to the Major League Baseball offices.
And I'll add this just to add on to the pile of facts. In 2001, Ichiro Suzuki came over from playing 10 years in the Japanese league to the Seattle Mariners. He won the Rookie of the Year AND the MVP that year. That was also the year Alfonso Soriano became a starting second baseman for the Yankees. He had excellent numbers for a rookie (.268, 18 HRs, 78 RBIs)... Yet, he did not win the rookie of the year award... He wasn't even second place (SiSi Sabathia of the Cleveland Indians [what do you know, another small market team])
To conclude, if you want to be noticed, yes, go to the Yankees or Red Sox or other large-market team. But that's not always the deciding factor in most awards.

Edit

and let me just say this to you, Shark, before the mods get on you.. don't double post.. there's an edit button that you use if you want to change your post

This post has been edited by Sabin on 4th October 2003 04:32

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"When I turn the page
The corner bends into the perfect dog ear
As if the words knew I'd need them again
But at the time, I didn't see it."

~"This Ain't a Surfin' Movie" - Minus the Bear

good points. I don't necessarily agree with them all, but good points.

And I double posted to adress seperate issues. It's a form of thought organization i use.

oh well. so here's my next burning question. is "El Duro" going to get to pitch game 5 in oakland, or are the Red Sox going to suffer and Die on the green monster this weekend?

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"Not me... I dreamt I was a moron."

Woo Marlins! I'm very happy that my prediction was wrong in that they won even faster than I thought they would. Next up, hopefully the Cubs!

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Hey, put the cellphone down for a while
In the night there is something wild
Can you hear it breathing?
And hey, put the laptop down for a while
In the night there is something wild
I feel it, it's leaving me

Ivan Rodriguez is without a doubt the MVP in that series. Scoring all 4 runs, aggressive baserunning, and hosing Grissom heading to third in Game 2. And then, smashing into Torrealba and getting him todrop the ball... and the final play of the game was awesome. A superb throw by Conine and Pudge wouldn't let go of that ball for whatever came. He didn't even drop the ball while he got dogpiled on top of and kept it in his glove during his tv interview. I bet he still hasn't let go of it.
So the Marlins shock the world and go to the NLCS. Right now, the Cubs and Braves just began but Clement is looking like he's shutting down the Braves' bats already. Wouldn't it be just ducky to see a Cubs-Marlins championship series.

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"When I turn the page
The corner bends into the perfect dog ear
As if the words knew I'd need them again
But at the time, I didn't see it."

~"This Ain't a Surfin' Movie" - Minus the Bear

Does anyone want Dave Veres or Mark Guthrie? Someone take them off our hands please!

How about the craziness happening in the A's- Red Sox game right now? I can't even describe it, if you didn't see it, watch sportscenter to dee it, it's absurd. The thing that annoys me most about it is that all Tejada had to do was just keep running and he would have been safe anyway, instead of trying to officiate himself.

Back to the greatest player debate, I'm not saying whoever wins the most titles is necessarily the best player ever, but you just can't get in the debate without a ring. Just the fact that you brought up Payton illustrates my point. I was born and raised in Chicago and love Payton to death, but if the Lions had won a Super Bowl in the 90's, I'm fairly confident we'd consider Barry Sanders the best running back ever. Marino might have the best numbers of any QB, but when you talk about the best QBs ever, it begins and ends with Unitas, Montana, Elway, and Favre. I'm not necessarily it's fair or even right, but it's the truth. And the baseball battle will most likely always be Ruth vs. Mays, until Bonds finally does win a world series (it's not like he's never had a decent team around him, either.) And as much as I respect Aaron, his record is an outstanding feat of longevity, but he's not the best player of all time, or you could almost make the same argument for Cal Ripken Jr.


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Hip-Hop QOTW:

"Yeah, where I'ma start it at, look I'ma part of that
Downtown Philly where it's realer than a heart attack
It wasn't really that ill until the start of crack
Now it's a body caught every night on the Almanac"

"Game Theory"
The Roots

I want to see the Cubs win it all...just as long as the Yankees or Braves don't win it. But who cares its football season now...screw baseball

This post has been edited by BGrugby on 5th October 2003 03:59

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War is for the participants a test of character; it makes bad men worse and good men better. - Joshua Chamberlain

U sir R a n00b >:-( - Cactuar

At the beginning of this playoff series, if someone told you that the NLCS would be the Chicago Cubs vs. Florida Marlins, you would've thought they were crazy. Especially after the years that both the Giants and Braves both have had this year respectively. Everyone was so caught up with the San Fran/Atlanta NLCS that they both forgot to win the division series. To think about the Cubs one series away from the World Series... it seems like an oxymoronic probability: the Chicago Cubs in the World Series... I'm not saying anything bad about them, but they've been the "lovable losers" for seemingly an eternity. And to see them win... good for them. The Cubs have been waiting 95 years to win another playoff series, and they have the most loyal fans of any other team.
Wow, congratulations Cubbies . This is certainly going to be an excellent NLCS to watch.

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"When I turn the page
The corner bends into the perfect dog ear
As if the words knew I'd need them again
But at the time, I didn't see it."

~"This Ain't a Surfin' Movie" - Minus the Bear

I was only 1-4 in the first round, but I got the important one right! Go CUBS!!!

National League

Okay, I know I started this kind of late (Marlins up 5-4 in the top of the 6th. Zambrano is not a good pitcher with a big lead) but I still feel the Cubs are going to get the best of the Marlins, mainly because we get to trot Prior and Wood out there for at least 4 games. The Cubs remind me a lot of the Shilling-Johnson Diamondbacks right now. And if Clement or Zambrano can steal one, maybe we can end it early. I'm not counting on it though. I think it will take 7 games, but Prior and Wood will continue their domination. But Ivan will make things interesting.

Cubs in 7

American League

Someone's on the Red Sox side right now. If Miguel Tejada just runs out the play like he's supposed to, the Red Sox would have been swept. Instead they win one of the most exciting Division series ever, and get to play their arch-rivals. Unfortunately, when your number two pitcher is a knuckleballer, it's going to be hard to win a seven game series. Hate to pick against a Cubs-Red Sox world series, but I think the Yankees won't have problems here.

Yankees in 5.

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Hip-Hop QOTW:

"Yeah, where I'ma start it at, look I'ma part of that
Downtown Philly where it's realer than a heart attack
It wasn't really that ill until the start of crack
Now it's a body caught every night on the Almanac"

"Game Theory"
The Roots

this is a pair of series that's going to bring back baseball since supposedly "baseball is in trouble."

NLCS

Cubs vs. Marlins

Let's look at both DS series. Marlins came right at the Giants... but also, the Giants made a handful of errors that led to big Florida runs. And if that series wasn't proof enough, Ivan Rodriguez is nowhere near washed-up and/or finished. Definitely the MVP of that series, and maybe Florida's personal MVP of the year.
The Cubs pitching was stellar in the series versus the Bravos. It didn't matter that the Braves had the #1 offense in the league... they couldn't hit anything that the Cubbies threw at them. It's going to be a well fought series no doubt. But if the pitching is on, the Cubs will take it. But they'll have to win a game when Kerry and Mark AREN'T pitching. If they can do that, they'll have no problem. Wood and Prior are going to nail it down and send the Cubs to the World Series..... Cubs.... World Series... it still seems like those two dont' belong in the same sentence. But it doesn't matter what sounds right... these Cubs are going to the Center Stage.

Cubbies in 6

ALCS

Yankees vs. BoSox

This is THE marquee matchup. I know the Cubs in the CS is amazing, but all eyes will be on this series. The ALCS pits the biggest rivalry in the game today; two teams who don't like each other... and two of the biggest diehard fan bases in the game (who also hate each other with a passion)...
Let's look into the series. The Yankees pitching was on pace. The Twins snuck in a win against Mussina, though he pitched well in that game. David Wells and Roger Clemens had good outings and Andy Pettite is THE ace of the staff this year. After the game 1 loss, the Yanks found their postseason composure.
You can't ignore the big 3 game rally by the Sox against the A's. But take into account that the A's have lost 9 straight games in which they could've advanced to the next series included 5 straight game 5's. Obviously that might not be everything. Trot Nixon and Dave Ortiz should be Boston's co-MVP.. because they have had the huge hits for this team all year. Wakefield has had a decent year and Pedro is always money.
I'm really scared that the Sox could make a good impact in this series... this isn't the same Yankee team that's won 4 of 5 world series from 96-2000. Their clutch hitters (Tino Martinez, Paul O'Neill, Scott Brosius) are no longer on the team, so it's not an automatic world series bid anymore. The Sox have a good chance of taking it from the Yanks, but the Bronx Bombers have a stronger starting rotation than Boston.. both teams have a weak bullpen... the Yanks won't have to take on Pedro until Game 3.. they have the first two in the house that Ruth built (home sweet home)... the Yanks have the season series, 10-9.... and how about this, if the Red Sox make the HUGE mistake of putting BK Kim in any game against their rivals, it's almost an automatic win for the Yanks (consider all his woes against the Yankees from the last 3 years... boy, he's been smashed by them)
I'm giving the edge to the Yankees in this series. It's not because I'm a Yankees fan and can't say no to them... I analyzed the matchups throughout the season and the stats and they are extremely similar.. but no Pedro until the third game in boston and the Yanks are historically better in the postseason... and take into account those facts I just threw at you, the Bambino's Curse will live on.

Yankees in 7

So the Series will be the battle of two storied and famous franchises...

Old School vs. Older School
Pettite vs. Wood
Mariano vs. Barowski (pfft.. who has the edge in that one ^_~)
Jeter vs. Sammy
Torre vs. Dusty
Bronx vs. Windy City
2000 vs. 1908

New York Yankees vs. Chicago Cubs
a series worth watching

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"When I turn the page
The corner bends into the perfect dog ear
As if the words knew I'd need them again
But at the time, I didn't see it."

~"This Ain't a Surfin' Movie" - Minus the Bear

Haha, picking against both of you. Boston in seven, and Florida in seven. It's going to be two looong series. I'll edit in more elaborations later, but I'm tired.

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Hey, put the cellphone down for a while
In the night there is something wild
Can you hear it breathing?
And hey, put the laptop down for a while
In the night there is something wild
I feel it, it's leaving me