As the summer winds down, and the boys buckle down, here’s a quick look around at these races. These races and chases, for wild cards and first places, give hitters and aces a chance. A chance to go shine, in the light made of lime, right now is the time to go win. Some will win some will lose, some will fade, some refuse, but the final day’s news will leave eight. For those eight, a clean slate, gives a chance to be great, and the fans cannot wait to see WHO? Is it me? Is it you? Will you cheer, will I boo? Will your team make it through, to the end? For now we must wait, speculate and debate, so here is the state of things now…(in the AL)
American League
Let us start in the West, where the drama is less, where LA is the best, and by far. They won’t give an inch, they’ll be first to clinch, as their race for first place is a cinch. The Rangers can hit, they’re the best at it, but they cannot pitch so farewell. Now the A’s were alive, till about mid-July, they’re since 6-25 and they’re out. The M’s won’t sniff first, but they’re racing for worst, as their bubble did burst long ago. But there is one bright spot, that Hernandez kid is hot, and he’s striking out batters, A LOT…
Next comes the Central, where Ozzie is mental, it was supposed to have went to Detroit. But Chicago’s first place, with the Twins giving chase, and just one game of space in between. They have earned that top spot, hitting homeruns a lot, and that pitching they got ain’t so bad. While the Twins can hit too, if they want to go through, that ERA of 4.2 just won’t work. The Tigers disappointed, by many were anointed, the experts all pointed to them. They spent lots of dollars, to bring in some ballers, now talk radio callers are mad. Cleveland is sad, the Royals are bad, and their chances are less than a tad.
Last but not least, we turn to the East, where the one team to beat wear red socks, NOT…That team is the Rays, which as of today, is a half game away from the TOP…Not just the East, that means tops in the League, soon those talks of fatigue have to stop. The Evil Empire, looks more like the Shire, can they possibly require more funds? As for the Red Sox, they sold Manny like stock, but without the dred locks they’re just fine. With a hot Jason Bay, and just one month to play, in the Wild Card they’ll stay ‘till the end. Still in the fray are the surging Blue Jays, Halladay and A.J. have been great….now their hitting’s improved, they’re a team on the move, but if you must know the truth it’s too late. As for the Orioles, we expected some holes, but their team as a whole’s not so bad…They’re on all top-10 lists, pertaining to hits, if only they could pitch they’d be good.
So the Rays and LA are the locks…but will we be packing some Sox? Pack Red ones and White, though the races are tight, they will shine in the light and play on!
SRMgenius
As usual and insightful and thoughtful piece.
With regard to the AL it's there for those who've got the guts to prove their worth by taking it all. The Red Sox and Rays I for one believe will be in it until it's mathematically impossible for the Sox to usurp Maddon's team. The Rays are proving to be resilient and are able to come up with alternative ways to win. And all this is being done whilst the Yankees are languishing and looking for love in all of the wrong places.
The Central looks like a battle that many thought was brewing could very well be over within the next eight to ten games dependent upon the Twins' voracity in making a game of it. No sooner are they on a tear then they come back to earth with a bump.
As to the West it's there for the Angels to lose. And if that should happen then Sciosia ought to be shown the door and be given a swift kick in the a## for good measure.
justan, thank you for the compliment...the whole atmosphere and buzz surrounding the Rays reminds me of when the Marlins won in '97. They ended up the Wild Card behind the Braves, but had the second or third best record in the Majors that year. They are not going to fade...there would have been signs by now. They lost two of their best everyday players and have not faltered one bit. The Twins have no pitching...in the past they have had guys like Santana or Radke to push them over the edge and win big games down the stretch...this year they have nothing...Liriano did fine, but he threw over 100 pitches in just 5 innings of work yesterday...he will need to be more efficient.
SRMgenius
This is the one time of the baseball season that I really like. As it's about make or break for so many teams. And with the Yankees not within an earshot of making the playoffs at all. It makes the scenario all the more pleasurable.
It's approximately 7:15 pm here in the evening. And once again after having visited the sister in law and no sign of her going into labor. My brother , girlfriend and I are off to a local watering hole for a few drinks with my sister and her two grown kids. I'll probably catch up on what's happening in Beijing, before returning to the hospital to check up on my sister-in-law.
Boy am I so thankful that it's a female that has to bare the brunt of the pain when it comes to child baring.
If it were down to us males we'd be crying our eyes out and lamenting the fact that we'd been violated. Thankfully it's the women biologically who've got to bare that burden.
I've two somewhat similar posts with regard to the exploits of Phelps and Bolt. As and when you're ready take time to look and critique each by letting me know what you think as to the merits ? I'll look forward to reading your comments. I've provided you witha direct link to each of the pieces in question. Jusrt click on the link(site) to view.
Tophat, this is definitely the best time for baseball, unfortunately it coincides with the best time of year period...football season. They should seriously consider shifting the seasons so that there is no overlap...I am sure it hurts ratings for baseball.
SRMgenius
As far as trying to facilitate that. I doubt that either side would be willing to do that. They're both making money and at the end of the day. That's indeed what is really all about. Can you imagine the logistical nightmare that it'd create for the likes of Fox ?
For the time being however I believe that both sides are prepared to live with it all.
True. They have a solid system I guess...advertise the nationally televised games during the NFL games on Fox...
No station is doing it like NBC right now though...Olympics, MNF, and I have to admit...the little tune they play for the basketball games brings back the memories of NBA on NBC, and I miss it...Those were the days, Knicks-Bulls, Lakers-Celtics, Bulls-Pistons....::sigh::
Great post man, I enjoyed the rhymes. The Rays are on top and the pitching is the reason, so here is to wishing for another miracle season.(i know it's bad, but i just couldn't help myself)
SRMgenius
In all honesty I'm not overly enamored with the coverage by NBC. Now that I'm in London and with the coverage that's being provided by the BBC. You don't get much of the sappy feelgood c#ap that's being served up. Furthermore it also helps that the presenters themselves are quite versed in a wide range of sports. With the likes of Costas and Lampley . Those two tools try to impose themselves on the audience rather than just presenting the program without their opinions being intertwined into everything. If I wanted to view that then I'd watch a political broadcast.
justan' aka tophatal ............
Last edited by justanotherfan on August 21st at 12:26 PM.
Don't get me wrong, I am not saying their coverage of the Olympics is great, in fact, they often say the most ignorant things that Americans should be embarrassed about, and the way they focus on someone who has just experienced heartbreak, like that American woman who lost the hurdles because she hit the second to last one as she was pulling away for the gold...but the fact is, they took NFL from ABC, and they got the Olympics...if they were to get the NBA back, they'd have a virtual broadcasting monopoly.
SRMgenius
Well with the way that things are now going for NBC . All they've got are aging shows that appeal to an older demographic. Hell once they lose the likes of the medical drama ER. All that they'll be left with in terms great programming is Law & Order. And even that show has reach it saturation point and is beginning to show its age. I here that they're banking on bringing back Knight Rider. How friggin' bad do things have to get that you scrape the bottom the barrel for your programming ? Isn't there any real creativity left in Hollywood. Or do they prefer their audiences to be brain dead or indeed vegetables ?
Whoa, I didn't say anything about television, in that, we agree my friend lol...I have to admit, I will watch the first couple of episodes of Knight Rider, though I expect it will suck...Also, I have to defend one of my favorite shows--Heroes. That is a pretty cool show...and this next season looks pretty tight.
SRMgenius
Knight Rider s##ked as did Baywatch. As a matter of fact I can't stand that ignoremus Hasselhoff. As to Heroes I'd concur with that fact. And one of the reasons I watch it is 'cause I wouldn't mind knockin' boots with either Ali Larter or Hayden Panettiere.
Fo' shizzle my dizzle offcourse I'd knock the boots of both of 'em ! That's just the way I roll y'all.
justan' aka tophatal ...........
Last edited by justanotherfan on August 21st at 5:33 PM.
SRMgenius
I know the saying goes that even fat and skinny girls neen lovin' too. But I like my women racked stacked and with an athletic bod. And a damn brain in order that we can hold a decent conversation helps too. As for the ethnicity I'm fine as I've dated a variety of 'em prior to my marriage and after my divorce. I think of myself as something akin to a new world ambassador of sorts when it comes to the females. Give them the respect due and it's OK from there.
Never seen Heroes, but either one of those two could save me. Hopefully, they'll wear something akin to a Wonder Woman outfit in the process...you know, skin tight, skimpy and shiny.
BleedPRPL&GLD
Are you actually looking to be saved or just looking for some plain bondage and sado masochism by way of carnal pleasure ?
'cause if you are then I know that one if not both of those females might willingly oblige your request.
SRMgenius
BleedPRPRL&GLD
Don't get me wrong I loves me some real dirty girls. Ones such as Eliza Dushku, Shannon Elizabeth, Ali Larter and another as part of this quartet below. Feast your eyes and enjoy.
BleedPRPL&GLD
I'm enjoying myself here in London. It's roughly 5 pm in the evening and my brother and I have been to the hospital again where he's still awaiting on tjhe birth of his twin daughters. As to his wife she seems to be in good condition considering her circumstances. She'll be squeezing out two human beings that'll weigh roughly 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 lbs repectively through an orifice that ought to be expanding to the size of melon.
One the birth has taken place we'll be hitting one of two of the local pubs in the area to down a few pints of Guinness and half a bottle good old Scotch whiskey. Don't worry however I'll also be toasting yourself and SRM as worthy comrades that I've come across within this forum.
tophatal
Congratulations on being an uncle to new twins, best of luck to both parents and children, I'll be toasting you and the rest with some homemade strawberry margaritas tonight...cheers brother.
SRMgenius
BleedPPRL&GLD
The sad part in all of this is by the next week my brother'll be retrurning to Iraq for another tour of duty. That being said at least he'll have had time to spend with his twins as well as his other kids.
If I had it within to go over and replace him , I would. But that isn't about to happen anytime soon. Besides I've a home , friends , a job , comrades within this forum to return to.
I know that he'll remain safe upon his return. As he's never been one to take chances . As he and his fellow comrades do the right thing by watching over one another while they're out there.
