Mike D’antoni, not Phil Jackson, hired in Hollywood

Mike D’Antoni was hired this morning as the next Lakers coach

What just happened? I thought it was going to be “Phil Jackson and the Lakers” part 3. This morning the Lakers announced that Mike D’Antoni would become the next coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

The jury is still out on how I feel about this new signing. But as a Lakers fan, I have to assume that the Lakers brass made the right decision. There were many rumors over the weekend about the head coaching vacancy being “Phil Jackson’s to turn down.” Maybe it was the fact that Phil was asking for too much control of the team, but was this the right decision?

While many disagree with the hiring, I think it could be the boost that this Lakers team needs. D’Antoni features a explosive offensive attack, something that can boost the Lakers, because this offense has the talent to dominate the Western Conference. I think Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant’s familiarity with Coach D’Antoni will pay dividends.

But there are drawbacks. D’Antoni is a proven winner in the Regular Season, but hasn’t been past the Conference Finals. Getting elminited there during his peak while coaching the Suns. Another huge flaw, is that he doesn’t preach defense. But with all the talent on this squad, they can possibly get away with an average defense, with Dwight Howard protecting the paint.

It is still early in the season and the change to D’Antoni’s system should be seamless. But will it be enough to put the Lakers over the top in the Western Conference? The first game is tomorrow night against the San Antonio Spurs, a good immediate test for the Lake Show.

2012
11/12
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Mike Brown FIRED!

Later Mike Brown.

Today it was announced that Mike Brown was fired as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Surprised? I sure am not. There was much speculation last season with the tumultuous relationship between Mike Brown and Kobe Bryant on whether or not he would be a long term option in LA. He didn’t do himself any favors this season by guiding the Lakers to a 1-4 start, along with a winless preseason.

But wait, the Lakers made some huge roster moves this offseason so there is always the possibility that the team has not gelled together yet. Brown also changed the offense, trying to get the team to buy into this “Princeton Offense,” which emphasizes constant motion, passing, back-door cuts, picks on and off the ball, and disciplined teamwork. Well apparently Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Steve Nash & Company never got the memo. An 0-8 preseason, followed by a 1-4 start to the regular season ultimately spelled his demise.

Was this the stare that got Mike Brown fired?

As a Lakers fan, this season has been very frustrating to watch. Well, at least what I have seen so far. I missed the 1st 2 games due to Hurricane Sandy, and was forced to watch the Lakers/Clippers matchup on my laptop because the cable wasn’t back. From what I saw in the first 3 games, I was not impressed.

I generally thought the Princeton Offense would never be a fit for the Lakers, primarily because it would change roles of the majority of the Lakers players, roles which won them all sorts of accolades, including multiple MVP’s, All-Star appearances, Defensive Player of the Year and even NBA Titles. While I think Mike Brown is a good guy and not a terrible coach, he just wasn’t the man for the job. He crashed and burned in Cleveland with Lebron James, did the same with the Lakers.

Here’s an excerpt from an article written by Chris Bernucca via Chris Sheridan:

“At its roots, the Princeton offense uses several basic tenets. It de-emphasizes the notion of true positions such as point guard and small forward. It opens the area beneath the basket by using a high post player who should be a good passer. It relies on constant movement, off-the-ball screens and back cuts, ideally breaking down defenses with patience and precision. Think about the overwhelming personnel on the Lakers and ask yourself if this sounds like a good fit.

“It de-emphasizes the notion of true positions such as point guard. Nash has won two MVP awards – one more than Bryant, by the way – as a true point guard. At 38, he remains one of the most effective playmakers in the game because his dominance of the basketball is belied by his selfless willingness to surrender it at the ideal time.

“Nash also is one of the best pure shooters in the game, making him virtually unguardable in the pick-and-roll. And with the Lakers, he can have twice the fun in Howard and Pau Gasol, both of whom are strong pick-and-roll big men in their own ways. But Jordan’s offense calls for an overt sharing of the ball, which minimizes Nash’s effectiveness.

“It opens the area beneath the basket by using a high post player who should be a good passer. Gasol is an ideal fit for this role; he is among the most intelligent and best-passing 7-footers in NBA history. He also is a threat to knock down an elbow jumper.

“The Lakers also have Howard, generally regarded as the most dominant low-post player in the game. The offense moves him away from where he is most lethal – providing unexpected relief to opposing defenses – and puts him at the high post, where his effectiveness is somewhat limited to the initiation of the pick-and-roll. And while years of facing double-teams has made Howard an acceptable passer, no one would ever confuse him for a good passer, which also makes things easier for opposing defenses.

It relies on constant movement, off-the-ball screens and back cuts. Does constant movement sound like a good idea for a lineup with four players 32 or older? Should Bryant only be getting the ball after a precision back cut? Should clearly defined positional players such as Nash and Howard be screening away for Metta World Peace, who stops the ball as often as he moves it?

Where do the Lakers go from here? Do they try and hire one of the big names off the Free Agent coaching board? Names like Mike D’Antonio, Rick Adelman, and Jerry Sloan are a few that are out there. But the real question is, will the Lakers reach out to Phil Jackson for Round 3 with the Zen Master? The triangle offense would do wonders with this team and a veteran coach would be perfect for this veteran squad. If that fails, the other man who could run the triangle, Brian Shaw, was allowed to leave by Lakers management before last season. Who knows. All I know is that something needs to happen soon. I’m not looking for any repeats of 2004 when the Lakers assembled a great veteran squad only to lose in the Finals to the Pistons. Get it together fellas!

2012
11/09
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Hurricane Sandy, the Aftermath

A photograph of Manhattan during the blackout courtesy of New York Magazine

Wow. What a week it was last week. I mean let’s just say I was one of those people who COMPLETELY overlooked all of the Hurricane Sandy hype. Alright, maybe hype is the wrong word to use, but nonetheless I was not buying it. Maybe it was me being the California kid at heart or that Hurricane Irene from the summer before did absolutely nothing, but I was not scared.

I spent Sunday, my last ful day with power, enjoying some of the NFL games, the lull of the World Series (more on that later) and primarily wondering what would actually happen. Mayor Bloomberg had prepared the city for a major disaster, and I for one am very happy he did. He shut down the subways and bus lines, also all lines of transportation in and out of manhattan.

Well Monday night, the madness came. While watching movies on Netflix, go figure, the lights started to flicker on and off. Around 8:30 pm, the lights finally went off. Followed by a few rumblings, later followed by a boom. I’m not sure which actually came first, primarily because once the power went out, things started to change. The first night was not too bad, but worst was ahead.

High winds, heavy rain, trees being ripped from their roots, and complete destruction was ahead. Oh not to mention, lower Manhattan became the dark zone. Something straight out of the movie ‘I Am Legend’ which coincidentally was based in Manhattan. But that was the tip of the proverbial iceberg. No cell service for about a mile, no running water, and also no heat. Initial reports said a few days with no power, but my thoughts were that we would be missing power, heat and cell service indefinitely. On a bigger scale, it would mean that I would miss the World Series aftermath, the start of the NBA season and possibly the Presidential election.

I didn’t miss much with the World Series. It was short, uneventful, and definitely something I was not upset I missed. Not so much the fact that the Giants won again, very disappointing for Athletics Nation, but the fact that the Detroit Tigers did not put up much of a fight. Once Pablo Sandoval went all Ruth/Jackson/Pujols with his 3 home run performance in Game 1, the series was all but over. But due to Hurricane Sandy, I was not able to really get immersed, especially with every commercial break during the actual World Series cutting to some preview of the devastation that was coming.

Baseball wasn’t the only sport affected by the Hurricane. The NBA season tipped of Tuesday night, the first full day of no power in Lower Manhattan, and was to be followed Wednesday with the New York Knicks traveling to Brooklyn to face their new crosstown rivals. Well thanks to Hurricane Sandy, there would be none of that. The devastation was too much for the city to handle at the time. But come Friday, the defending champions the Miami Heat would be coming to town. Luckily, the Knicks were playing for more than themselves that night. They came out and manhandled the Heat, led by Carmelo Anthony. It was a good sign for the city, one that needed to come back from all the devastation the week before.

Mayor Bloomberg even went as far as to cancel the NYC Marathon. At first he had stated the Marathon would go on as planned, but that was before the full extent of the damage to the city had been assessed. But after much scrutiny, he decided to cancel the Marathon, citing it would take many of the cities resources away from the relief effort.

Not only did Hurricane Sandy ruin a whole week at minimum for many people living on the East Coast, but it also has affected the sports world, along with the political race. Something to think about for the future, LISTEN to the weather! First the Hurricane, then Nor’easter that came yesterday. It was one hell of a 10 days. Let’s just hope I never have to go through it again!

2012
11/08
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WOW. This is interesting.

Wow. Please tell me this is not happening again. So the 2012 San Francisco Giants are playoff Cinderella’s again? I can’t help but feel like this is something completely out of a cheesy, baseball romantic-comedy starring Barry Zito, Matt Cain, and Marco Scutaro. I have to say I was pretty hard on the Giants just some 2 October’s ago. Maybe it was the situation I was in as a baseball fan, or maybe because I was living in the HEART of all the madness. Somewhat of my own Orange and Black nightmare, with Panda hats everywhere. Tough because I grew up an Oakland A’s fan, and living in the middle of the it all was something I never imagined. Maybe because I was witnessing the city’s first baseball championship EVER.

Now that I am removed from the situation, having just recently seen the Giants win the World Series, it is a little easier to digest. Somehow I find myself in a peculiar situation. I am throughly impressed with how the Giants have won 6 straight elimination games this postseason. But I am still a little skeptical. I have counted this team out many times this season, and yes their offense is not producing the way they should to win, they are getting timely hits from unlikely hero’s.

Part of me is stil a little bitter with the way the A’s lost in the playoffs, all the magic of an amazing season gets cut short too soon. The A’s first playoff appearance in 6 years, one which was the MOST unexpected ever. After gutting the team in the offseason for prospects and role players, the A’s made the postseason along with the Giants, also winning the West Division in their prospective leagues. When they lost, it was a little tough to watch, especially because it was at the hands of Justin Verlander, AGAIN!

But I’m getting off topic. Enough about Oakland, this isn’t about them. I could tell that something was in the air last night. Something to do with my Facebook feed being littered with posts about the Giants or that they were going to the game. All the pictures on Instagram, with people showing off their Giants shirts or pictures from the 2010 title run. I can’t say I’m surprised that the Giants won, but I know the fans were loud and that could be what sent them over the edge.

Once the game started, there was something special. There was a sea of Orange & Black in AT&T park, and the Giants wasted no time giving them a reason to get louder. Scoring a single run in both the 1st and 2nd innings, the Giants jumped out to a 2-0 lead 2 innings in capped by Matt Cain’s 2 out RBI single. Yes, another Giants pitcher with an RBI. But that was nothing. After getting out of a jam in the top half of the 3rd, the Giants loaded the bases for Hunter Pence. Hunter Pence had been struggling this postseason, but he had become something of a clubhouse leader with his pre-game speeches.

What happened next is something you will hardly ever see in a baseball game. Pence hit a broken bat single up the middle, in which 3 runs scored, aided by John Jay over-running the ball in center field. But at a second look, you see that Pence hit the ball twice. Once with his bat when it broke, and once agan when the barrel was flying off the bat. This gave the ball a weird spin which fooled the shortstop. Seriously, I can’t make this up if I tried.

After the 5 spot the Giants hung in the 3rd, the party was already started. With Marco Scutaro styling in the 4th on a grond ball, to Matt Cain screaming when Bruce Bochy came to pull him out, the Giants were ready. Everyone had an opportunity to shine this game, it was mostly at this point about how stylish they would do it. By the 9th inning, another crazy plot twist was added to the story, RAIN.

What an image from an incredible series

Javier Lopez got the first 2 outs of the inning, but was relieved by Sergio Romo, who got Matt Holliday to pop-up to end to NLCS MVP Marco Scutaro. What a fitting end to the series. Matt Holliday popping up to Marco Scutaro, how’s that for some karma, the rain soaked sellout crowd was able to erupt.

National League Champions once again. Twice in the last 3 years the Giants would be representing the National League in the World Series. WOW. What a way to end the series, knocking off the defending champs, in the rain, with not one fan having left. The Giants pulled off the impossible. Winning their 6th, yes not a typo, elimination game of this postseason. Yes I am impressed.

But remember that I am an A’s fan at heart. Watching this postseason was stressful, especially when the Giants and the A’s were both in the same position just 2 weeks ago. Unfortunately for me, the A’s were knocked out in the first round, but the Giants have pressed on. They came back from 0-2 against the Reds, on the road for the final 3 wins. Then, they came back from 3-1 against the defending champs, unfazed the last 3 games by the deficit and position they were in. Especially the way they won, outscoring the Cardinals 20-1 the last 3 games.

Now they are off to the World Series. But this has a different feel. Living in NYC, I am able to look at this story in a whole new way. Seeing them win game, after game has a whole new meaning to me. I am a little removed from the mayhem of living in the middle of the city going through a pennant race. Seeing this from the outside, makes me realize certain things about baseball. Makes me realize it can capture the heart of a city, make you live and die by every win and loss. The only thing standing in the way of a 2nd title in 3 years, is Justin Verlander, Prince Fielder and Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera. Now I have no idea what to think, who to root for, and what to expect for this World Sereis. The Giants have become everyone’s favorite story this postseason, I am have not jumped on the bandwagon but I do appreciate how great of a run this is.

Good luck San Francisco, you are up against a monster. Everyone is probably picking Detroit, but don’t let it get to you. Just know I will sit back and enjoy the drama that is about to unfold.

Who says baseball isn’t amazing?

Good luck San Francisco, you are up against a monster. Everyone is probably picking Detroit, but don’t let it get to you. Just know I will sit back and enjoy the drama that is about to unfold.

2012
10/23
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Game 7, Here we come!

WOW!

Wow. Are the Cardinals seriously giving this series away or are the Giants just that good and the proverbial team of destiny?

Game 6 last night in San Francisco proved a hell of a lot. The Giants seem to have all the momentum in the world, even with the Cardinals up 3-1 in the series. But let’s not get to hasty and get ahead of ourselves. Game 7 is tonight and the unfortunate thing is we all know that momentum in a series to these guys is everything.

The scary thing is that we have seen this scenario before. In the NLDS, the Reds were up 2-0 on the Giants and had opportunities to close out the series before spiraling out of control. A Scott Rolen error made all that possible in the game 3 win. That gave the Giants momentum. This series, an error by Lance Lynn gave the Giants life and they haven’t looked back since.

Chris Carpenter didn’t give his team a chance this game. Allowing 5 runs in 4 innings, identical to his game 2 start in which he also took the loss. This season we have seen a completely different side of the Cardinals long standing ace. He has won every decisive game it seems for the Cardinals during his career, but last night could not get it done.

Well, here we are once again. Another series this postseason has gone the distance, actually they all have except the ALCS which ended in a sweep. The Cardinals, who have won 6 straight elimination games are poised and ready. This is familiar territory for them. Last time they went up 3-1 in a series though, they lost in 7 games to the Atlanta Braves in 1996. Will history repeat itself? Or can they use their newfound clutch genes to somehow steal Game 7 in San Francisco?

The Giants on the other hand, who did not face a elimination game en route to their 2010 World Series title, are 5-0 this postseason in elimination games, but have never won an NLCS Game 7 before. Could this be there first? It’s game 7 tonight, everything is on the line.

2012
10/22
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We’re going going, back to back, to Cali Cali

#RallyZito leads the Giants to a big game 5 win to keep their season alive

With the ALCS over, all focus has shifted to the NLCS between the Giants and Cardinals. For game 5, the Giants sent Barry Zito to save their playoff lives and keep the season going. Yes, the same Barry Zito which was left off the 2010 playoff roster for the Giants. The same guy who had his first winning season with the Giants 5 years into his contract.

All that did not matter for Zito. He was out to prove why he earned this playoff start and boy did he pitch the best game of his Giants career. Zito dominated the Cardinals into the 8th inning, even bunting a run home to help his cause during the Giants 4 run 4th inning.

Like in NLDS, the Giants began their rally from a huge error and were able to capitalize off of it to win. This time, it was an error by the pitcher Lance Lynn that started the rally. With runners on first and second, Hunter Pence hit a soft grounder back to Lynn in which he threw to 2nd base. On the throw, the ball hit the base and caromed off into the outfield. This started the rally and the Giants never looked back. Zito pitched 7 2/3 innings of shutout ball, scattering six hits and striking out six.

Now the series shifts back to San Francisco for game 6, and possibly a game 7. The Cardinals feed off the drama. Who knows, they might go to the full distance, and wait until their last out to stage a comeback to win it all. But we are not that far yet, they still can close it out in game 6 with Chris Carpenter on the hill.

 

2012
10/20
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Yankees are Done! Tigers vs. Cardinals rematch on the horizon?

Wow. The Detroit Tigers have swept the New York Yankees out of the playoffs. Somehow, I not surprised at all.

This playoffs seemed to be in jeopardy when Baltimore took them 5 games, threatening to knock the Yankees out of the first round in back to back seasons. But somehow someway the Yankees were able to get by Baltimore and move into the second round. Unfortunately for them, Detroit was not messing around.

Other than the comeback which we all saw in the 9th inning of game 1, the Yankees did not put up much of a fight this series. Other than Nick Swisher’s RBI double in the 6th inning of last night’s game, the Yankees scored all of their runs in the 9th inning. Not a good precedent for any team in the playoffs, let alone the Yankees. But hats off to the Tigers, they have proven to everyone that their average regular season means nothing, because in the playoffs, they have shown up. Whether it is the Cardinals or the Giants in the World Series, they are going to have a hard time.

Hey, I’m impressed myself. (via MLB.com)

Over in the NLCS, the Cardinals won game 4 to push their series lead to 3-1 and put the Giants on the brink. This is familiar territory for the Giants, as they were pushed to the brink by the Reds, only to win 3 straight on the road. Well they are in familiar territory this series, the only difference is they are facing a hot Cardinals team who is not ready to relinquish this lead.

In a game started by Tim Lincecum and Adam Wainwright, we expected it to be close, maybe a pitchers duel through the first few innings. But in the 5th inning, the Cardinals began to break through. Scoring 2 runs in the 5th, 6th and 7th innings, they were able to put the game out of reach and ensure the 3-1 lead in the series.

Can the Cardinals close out the Giants in 5? Or will the series go back to the Bay Area? We know not to count out this Giants team, but at the same time, the Cardinals are hot. Game 5 is tonight. If necessary we will have game 6 on sunday, assuming the Giants get it together.

3-1 Series lead for the Cardinals. Can the Cards close it out? (via MLB.com)

 

2012
10/19
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RAIN DELAY??

Seriously, can you ever predicted that a RAIN DELAY would postpone 2 games during primetime. WOW. No words, just no words.

I mean, the St. Louis Cardinals vs. San Francisco Giants game 3 was a victim to the rain delay first. They managed to play the majority of the game before Mother Nature took over.

The game was a pitchers duel. At first glance that is. But When you calculate in the rain delay, you get a misguided feel of how the game went down. The Giants opened the scoring in the 3rd, getting a run on Pablo Sandoval’s RIB groundout. The Giants could have scored more in the frame, but a double play ended up saving Kyle Lohse. In the bottom half of the inning, the Cardinals took that momentum from the double play and parlayed that into a 2 run lead with a home run from Matt Carpenter.

My bad, forgot to tell you that the hottest hitter in this playoffs, also setting career postseason records in the process, got hurt and left the game. So this was Matt Carpenter’s first at-bat since coming into the game. Down 1-0 to the Giants and ace Matt Cain, Carpenter took Cain deep to right to put the Cards up 2-1. Really. Is there some kind of magic the Cardinals have that they are taking. I don’t get it.

Back to the game. In the 7th inning, Mother Nature came, and right smack dab in the middle of a rally by the Cardinals. First came the bases loaded RBI groundout by reserve Shane Robinson, then Matt Cain was taken out of game for reliever Javier Lopez. Then came the downpour and game 3 was delayed. After a little wait, it was time for the Yankees and Tigers. Wait for it, wait for it. DELAYED. This is unfortunate. 2 game in primetime delayed for rain. The weather here in New York was nice! What gives?

End result, Yankees live for another day, not because they won, but because Mother Nature saved them.

The Giants and Cardinals played the end of the 7th inning, mid-rally from the Cardinals. Javier Lopez was finally able to throw his first pitch, and he got out of the jam quickly. After 2 innings of not mustering a hit against closer Jason Motte, the Giants fell 3-1 to the Cardinals. Game 4 today, right after the ALCS game 4. Let’s GOOOO!!!!

2012
10/18
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Verlander Strikes Again!

Once again, Justin Verlander came in and imposed his will on a game this playoffs. Unfortunately it was not one of his signature strikeout performances, but Verlander dominated over the 8 1/3 innings.

The 2012 Playoffs are turning into the Justin Verlander show!

It was a cold night in Detroit, cold not because its fastly becoming fall, but because the pitching version of Mr. October was on the mound for the Tigers. Verlander dominated the game throughout, not by his typical standards. He struck out just 3 batters, walked none, and took a shutout into the 9th inning. He was able to weasel his way out of trouble for the majority of the game, racking up 115 pitches going into the 9th inning.

But to lead off the inning, Verlander showed a little vunerability in his matchup with Eduardo Nunez. But pesky as he is, Nunez was able to work the count, and when Verlander hung a curveball on the 9th pitch of the at-bat, Nunez slammed it over the left-field fence giving the Yankees a glimmer of hope. It prevented the Yankees from becoming the first team to be shut out in consecutive playoff games since the 1991 Pirates.

After Brett Gardner followed with a pesky at-bat of his own, ending with a weak tap out to the pitcher, Verlander’s night was done at 132 pitches.

Although Verlander threw a no-hitter, won 24 games, won the MVP and Cy Young awards, this year he might come away with the ultimate prize, the World Series trophy. He has not allowed more than 2 runs this whole postseason, both on solo home runs.

Yankees are down 3-0 in the series with C.C. Sabathia on the mound tonight. Unless this is 2004 and the Yankees can turn into the Red Sox, they are done. No way they can come back from this deficit. They are an old team, missing their best hitter, while their highest paid player is sitting on bench. Might as well write this team’s death certificate for this playoffs.

Game 3 of the NLCS is tonight. Matt Cain to face Kyle Lohse Big moment in this series, with the Cardinals going home for 3 straight games. Whoever can take 2 out of 3 or better in St. Louis should have the clear advantage. My guess, Cards take 2 in St. Louis, then close out game 6 in San Francisco. Tune in to see if I’m right!

 

2012
10/17
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Giants are back!

Alright, alright, alright. I might have to say the San Francisco Giants has started to impress me a little bit. They have a well built lineup, each hitter complementing the next, and even when they are changing the lineup, they still can find a way to win.

Last night was a great game to watch for anyone rooting for the Orange & Black. In the top of the 1st inning, with 2 on and one out, Allen Craig grounded a ball to short. Brandon Crawford fielded the ball and threw to second baseman Marco Scutaro, who was ready to turn two and get out of the inning. But Matt Holliday had other plans. His takeout=dirty slide of Scutaro not only was completely off the bag, but also injured Scutaro in the process. Scutaro ended up staying in the game and later it would pay dividends. But primarily this showed some heart. Tough, hard-nosed playoff baseball is everything to these guys and they will no matter what try to stay in the game.

A play like that can have some serious momentum, and the sellout crowd was ready to erupt. In the bottom of the inning, Angel Pagan became the second player to hit 2 lead-off homeruns in one postseason, to put the Giants up 1-0. After Chris Carpenter tied the score in the top of the 2nd with an RBI double, the Giants had their opportunity in the 4th. They tacked on 4 runs, highlighted by Marco Scutaro’s 3 run single which was aided by Matt Holliday’s error which allowed Angel Pagan to score from first.

Later in the game, Marco Scutaro was replaced by Ryan Theriot, citing a hip injury from the game’s earlier incident. In the bottom of the 8th, back to the umpires the attention went. Brandon Crawford lined a deep drive to the right center field, somehow John Jay was able to make the back-handed diving catch in the gap. Gregor Blanco had left on contact, not thinking that Jay had any chance of catching that hit. But as he came back to slide into first base, the throw had arrived at the same time, and he had to dive out of the way as he slid in. At immediate glance the umpires called him safe, and then after a crew meeting, they kept the call and the Giants were given another chance. They eventually tacked on 2 runs in the inning and would go on to win the game 7-1.

Now the series turns to St. Louis, and the Giants have some momentum. It is gonna be a great game, with Matt Cain and Kyle Lohse squaring off. This is an important moment in the series, the Cardinals will look to win 3 straight games and not let this series go back to San Francisco. I’m really excited for Tim Lincecum in game 4. Should be interesting to see him start a game this series.

Giants up 1-1 with the series shifting to St. Louis

Tonight we have game 3 of the ALCS between the Detroit Tigers and the New York Yankees. With Justin Verlander on the mound, it is hard to see why the Tigers will not go up 3-0 in this series. For the most part, especially if you exclude Valverde, the Yankees have not put up much of a fight against the Tigers pitching. Look for that trend to continue, especially with Verlander pitching at home. I will say this now, do not be surprised if the Tigers go on to win the World Series. They are clearly built to play in short series, and Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera are tough outs to get late in a game. They took down a hot Oakland Athletics team and are up 2-0 on the New York Yankees with their ace on the mound. Look for the Tigers momentum continue to roll.

2012
10/16
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