With two weeks left in the regular season, the hunt for October is in full swing, and numerous teams are hoping to add at least one more game to their schedule. The second Wild Card allows another team to have a shot at winning it all, which has created additional buzz and excitement, but not all of the buzz has been positive.
"I hate it," Nationals manager Davey Johnson told USA Today a year ago when asked about the Wild Card format.
Not only has Davey Johnson been critical of the Wild Card format, where the two Wild Card teams face off in a one game playoff series, but players have also voiced their displeasure.
"Hopefully, that's one of the things they'll change," Pirates All-Star relief pitcher Mark Melancon told the Boston Globe.
While some managers and players might not be in favor of the current format, I love it. It puts an emphasis on winning your division, while rewarding the division winners with an extra day to prepare and allow them to set their pitching rotation for their first series.
This format also creates additional excitement to the end of the season. Right now in the American League there is six teams within 3 1/2 games of each other for their right to extend their season by just one day. In the National League, the Central is going to come down to the final days of the season with the Cardinals, Pirates and Reds all competing to win the divisional crown.
If it was not for the one game Wild Card playoff series, there would be little importance on winning your division. Instead, it would be a best two out of three series, causing division winner to have to wait an extra two to four days just to play their first playoff game. This would cause teams to play for the Wild Card spots instead of their division, which would eliminate the excitement of division races that come down to the wire like we have this season in the NL Central.
Although some people might not be in favor of the current Wild Card playoff format, it is the best thing for baseball. It creates excitement with multiple teams competing to the end for the possibility to extend their season by just one game. The hunt for October is an exciting time in baseball, and with the current playoff format it adds even more.
Showing posts with label National League. Show all posts
Showing posts with label National League. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Thursday, July 4, 2013
The Pittsburgh Pirates are Here to Stay
Do you believe in miracles? For the first time in 20 seasons, it appears the Pittsburgh Pirates will finally have a winning season, while securing a playoff berth. While luck has been on the Pirates side, their excellent play has to be largely credited to their outstanding pitching staff.
The Buccos' pitching staff does not feature any big name hurlers, but it is filled with veterans and youngsters who have done their job well and up to expectations, giving them the number one ranked pitching staff in all of baseball. The Pirates' pitching staff ranks third in WHIP (1.19), and first in ERA (3.11), batting average allowed (.225), and saves (32).
While pitching has been a key to the Pirates' success, the offense has only done enough to get by. Even though the Pirates have had a below average offense so far, it is nothing to panic about since Andrew McCutchen has yet to get on a hot streak, and the Pirates will most likely acquire another bat at the deadline, like they have in recent years.
Pitching wins championships, and the Buccos have the pitching to remain atop the National League Central for the remainder of the season. The Pittsburgh Pirates are no fluke, and they will finally finish with a record above .500, while making the playoffs.
The Buccos' pitching staff does not feature any big name hurlers, but it is filled with veterans and youngsters who have done their job well and up to expectations, giving them the number one ranked pitching staff in all of baseball. The Pirates' pitching staff ranks third in WHIP (1.19), and first in ERA (3.11), batting average allowed (.225), and saves (32).
While pitching has been a key to the Pirates' success, the offense has only done enough to get by. Even though the Pirates have had a below average offense so far, it is nothing to panic about since Andrew McCutchen has yet to get on a hot streak, and the Pirates will most likely acquire another bat at the deadline, like they have in recent years.
Pitching wins championships, and the Buccos have the pitching to remain atop the National League Central for the remainder of the season. The Pittsburgh Pirates are no fluke, and they will finally finish with a record above .500, while making the playoffs.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
2013 Milwaukee Brewers: 3 Bold Predictions
1. Yovani Gallardo Will Win 20 Games
Ever since Yovani Gallardo became the Brewers' ace in 2009, he has been the most underrated pitcher in baseball. Since 2009 he has averaged almost 32 starts a season with 15 wins, 203 strike-outs, and an ERA ranging from 3.52-3.84. He has also been able to remain healthy throughout his young six year career besides a freak ACL injury in 2008. Yovani Gallardo is just entering the prime of his career and in order for the Brewers to be successful this season, he has to be a consistent pitcher a top the Brewers rotation. This will finally be Gallardo's break out season, and expect him to win 20 games for the very competitive Milwaukee Brewers.
2. Ryan Braun Will Win the N.L. MVP Award
Ryan Braun has been the best player in baseball over the last two seasons, and this season he will continue to produce at a high level. Over the past two seasons he has destroyed the ball, averaging 37 home runs, 112 RBIs, and an average well over .300. If it was not for all of the off the field drama, that happened before last season, Ryan Braun would have been the MVP for the second consecutive season. Ryan Braun will have another outstanding season for the Brewers, and if he is able to repeat the success he has had over the past two seasons, he will be the National League MVP.
3. Milwaukee Brewers Will Make the Playoffs
Throughout the last decade the Brewers have struggled to develop young pitching besides, Ben Sheets and Yovani Gallardo. This season the Brewers have decided to go with a younger and inexperience pitching rotation behind Gallardo, and this decision by Doug Melvin, has led to a lot of criticism from baseball fans. This is one of the smartest decisions Melvin has made in his tenure as Brewers GM because instead of over paying for veteran hurlers, they are allowing their highly touted pitching prospects to develop.
Instead of over paying for starting pitching, the Brewers have used the money to revamp their awful bullpen from last season, with the acquisitions of Burke Badenhop, Michael Gonzalez, and Tom Gorzelanny. Their bullpen was so bad last season, that they had 29 blown saves in 73 opportunities, with a 4.66 ERA, which was the worst in the majors. If the Brewers bullpen would have converted half of those blown saves, they would have made the playoffs for a second consecutive season.
With a young, but talented starting rotation, a revamped bullpen, and the best offense in the National League expect the Brewers to surprise everyone and win one of the National League Wild Cards.
Ever since Yovani Gallardo became the Brewers' ace in 2009, he has been the most underrated pitcher in baseball. Since 2009 he has averaged almost 32 starts a season with 15 wins, 203 strike-outs, and an ERA ranging from 3.52-3.84. He has also been able to remain healthy throughout his young six year career besides a freak ACL injury in 2008. Yovani Gallardo is just entering the prime of his career and in order for the Brewers to be successful this season, he has to be a consistent pitcher a top the Brewers rotation. This will finally be Gallardo's break out season, and expect him to win 20 games for the very competitive Milwaukee Brewers.
2. Ryan Braun Will Win the N.L. MVP Award
Ryan Braun has been the best player in baseball over the last two seasons, and this season he will continue to produce at a high level. Over the past two seasons he has destroyed the ball, averaging 37 home runs, 112 RBIs, and an average well over .300. If it was not for all of the off the field drama, that happened before last season, Ryan Braun would have been the MVP for the second consecutive season. Ryan Braun will have another outstanding season for the Brewers, and if he is able to repeat the success he has had over the past two seasons, he will be the National League MVP.
3. Milwaukee Brewers Will Make the Playoffs
Throughout the last decade the Brewers have struggled to develop young pitching besides, Ben Sheets and Yovani Gallardo. This season the Brewers have decided to go with a younger and inexperience pitching rotation behind Gallardo, and this decision by Doug Melvin, has led to a lot of criticism from baseball fans. This is one of the smartest decisions Melvin has made in his tenure as Brewers GM because instead of over paying for veteran hurlers, they are allowing their highly touted pitching prospects to develop.
Instead of over paying for starting pitching, the Brewers have used the money to revamp their awful bullpen from last season, with the acquisitions of Burke Badenhop, Michael Gonzalez, and Tom Gorzelanny. Their bullpen was so bad last season, that they had 29 blown saves in 73 opportunities, with a 4.66 ERA, which was the worst in the majors. If the Brewers bullpen would have converted half of those blown saves, they would have made the playoffs for a second consecutive season.
With a young, but talented starting rotation, a revamped bullpen, and the best offense in the National League expect the Brewers to surprise everyone and win one of the National League Wild Cards.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Why the Milwaukee Brewers Should Sign LaTroy Hawkins
Last winter the Milwaukee Brewers let LaTroy Hawkins leave, as he signed a one year deal with the Los Angeles Angels. The Brewers made an awful decision by letting him go after he was a key pitcher to the Brewers' bullpen success in 2011, when he had a 3-1 record with a 2.42 ERA and 20 holds in 52 appearance.
LaTroy Hawkins, who will turn 40 years old in December, had a record of 2-3 last season with a 3.64 ERA, one save and six holds in 42 innings. Even though his numbers weren't as good as 2011, the Brewers should strongly consider signing Hawkins. With multiple holes in their bullpen, LaTroy Hawkins would be a good fit because he is a veteran pitcher who has had good success in the National League and as a Brewer.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Josh Hamilton to the Brewers?
There are rumors that the Milwaukee Brewers are seriously considering making an offer to former MVP Award winner Josh Hamilton this off season. This move would improve an offense that is already the best in the National League, and it would make them a favorite to win the N.L. Central Division next season. Even though the Brewers could use a starting pitcher, signing Hamilton would be a smarter move. The Brewers would be getting a superstar player, who produces at a MVP level when healthy, and if the Brewers are able to score more runs a game, then their pitching doesn't have to be as dominant. With the weak starting pitching market, the Brewers only likely options would be to sign a pitcher like Ryan Dempster, who is an average pitcher that doesn't really knock anyone's socks off. The Brewers should really consider signing Hamilton, even though it is a risk because if he is able to stay healthy the Brewers will have the best middle of the order in all of baseball, and a lineup that will have no problems scoring five runs a game.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
The National League Cy Young Award Race
This year in the National League there has been many surprising pitchers. Roy Halladay, one of the best pitchers in the game, has been hurt for most of the season, and Tim Lincecum hasn't look anything like his Cy Young Award winning years. This year there is many pitchers, anywhere from 10 or more, who can win the Cy Young Award, and so far the leading candidate is a 37 year old knuckleball pitcher, R.A. Dickey. Here is how I feel the race is shaping out:
1st - R.A. Dickey - New York Mets: R.A. Dickey has been a huge surprise so far this season. No one ever thought he would ever be this good, and anything close to a Cy Young Award contender. He has been the most dominating pitcher this year going 12-1 with a 2.15 ERA. R.A. Dickey leads the league with a .88 WHIP and three complete games. He is second in the National League in strikeouts with 116, and he has shown great control with his knuckleball. We have never seen a pitcher like R.A. Dickey before who throws mid 80's knuckleball and is so dominate. He is the leading Cy Young Award candidate and if he continues to pitch like this the rest of the season there will be no question that he should win the award.
2nd - Matt Cain - San Fransisco Giants: Matt Cain, who has so far lived up to his huge contract he received this off season, has been a very dominate pitcher this year. He is finally getting some respect he has deserved, since in years past he has been one of the most underrated pitchers in the game. Matt Cain has been very good this year, and he has pitched the best game this year so far, a perfect game, where he struck out 14 batters. Through 16 games this season, Cain is 9-3 with a 2.53 ERA and a .95 WHIP. He is close to the top in strike outs with 114 and innings pitched with 113.2. Matt Cain has become the ace of the Giants staff and has shown why he is one of the best young pitchers in the game today. He should continue stay in the Cy Young race and will challenge R.A. Dickey for the award if he continues to pitch this way.
3rd - A.J. Burnett - Pittsburgh Pirates: A.J. Burnett might be a surprise here at third but if you look at his numbers he has pitched very well. He has been very hot in his last 10 starts going 8-0 with a 2.29 ERA. The ace of the Pirates staff has had only one bad start this season, where he allowed 12 earned runs against the Cardinals on May 2nd. If it wasn't for the one bad start he would of had a 2.05 ERA, which would currently be second best in the league. A.J. Burnett is currently 9-2 with a 3.31 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP, in 13 starts. He could have a good chance at a 20 win season, and if he continues to pitch this well and stay healthy he will be a dark horse in the Cy Young race.
4th - Stephen Strasburg - Washington Nationals: Stephen Strasburg has pitched very well so far, but if he is shut down at his 160 innings limit, which I expect to happen, he will not win the Cy Young Award. As of today, Strasburg is still well in the conversation of being the Cy Young winner, but because of his inning limit, that is why I have him ranked fourth in my Cy Young Award race standings. The young power pitcher through 16 games is 9-3 with a 2.81 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. He is also leading the N.L. with 122 strike outs in 93 innings. He is one of the most over powering pitchers in the game, and he will be able to have a chance at the Cy Young Award. But you can't be the best pitcher when you don't pitch in September.
5th - James McDonald - Pittsburgh Pirates: James McDonald has been a surprise this season. He has finally showed that he can be a top of the rotation pitcher. He has pitched well this season and has a record of 8-3 with a 2.45 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP. His could have even more wins but the Pirates have struggled to score runs, and have been shut out all three times he has lost. If he and the Pirates continue to play well, he will have a slight advantage over guys like Wade Miley, Zack Greinke, and Cole Hamels for the fifth spot.
Pitchers who are still in the race: Zack Greinke, Wade Miley, Cole Hamels, Gio Gonzalez, Lance Lynn, Clayton Kershaw, Johnny Cueto, and Chris Capuano.
The Cy Young Award race is still not over and many of these great pitchers who are not in my top five could easily make a push for the top spot. The Cy Young Award race should come down to the wire and it should be fun to see if some of these pitchers can make a strong push to become the best pitcher in the National League.
Please follow me on Twitter @DanTheMan4295
1st - R.A. Dickey - New York Mets: R.A. Dickey has been a huge surprise so far this season. No one ever thought he would ever be this good, and anything close to a Cy Young Award contender. He has been the most dominating pitcher this year going 12-1 with a 2.15 ERA. R.A. Dickey leads the league with a .88 WHIP and three complete games. He is second in the National League in strikeouts with 116, and he has shown great control with his knuckleball. We have never seen a pitcher like R.A. Dickey before who throws mid 80's knuckleball and is so dominate. He is the leading Cy Young Award candidate and if he continues to pitch like this the rest of the season there will be no question that he should win the award.
2nd - Matt Cain - San Fransisco Giants: Matt Cain, who has so far lived up to his huge contract he received this off season, has been a very dominate pitcher this year. He is finally getting some respect he has deserved, since in years past he has been one of the most underrated pitchers in the game. Matt Cain has been very good this year, and he has pitched the best game this year so far, a perfect game, where he struck out 14 batters. Through 16 games this season, Cain is 9-3 with a 2.53 ERA and a .95 WHIP. He is close to the top in strike outs with 114 and innings pitched with 113.2. Matt Cain has become the ace of the Giants staff and has shown why he is one of the best young pitchers in the game today. He should continue stay in the Cy Young race and will challenge R.A. Dickey for the award if he continues to pitch this way.
3rd - A.J. Burnett - Pittsburgh Pirates: A.J. Burnett might be a surprise here at third but if you look at his numbers he has pitched very well. He has been very hot in his last 10 starts going 8-0 with a 2.29 ERA. The ace of the Pirates staff has had only one bad start this season, where he allowed 12 earned runs against the Cardinals on May 2nd. If it wasn't for the one bad start he would of had a 2.05 ERA, which would currently be second best in the league. A.J. Burnett is currently 9-2 with a 3.31 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP, in 13 starts. He could have a good chance at a 20 win season, and if he continues to pitch this well and stay healthy he will be a dark horse in the Cy Young race.
4th - Stephen Strasburg - Washington Nationals: Stephen Strasburg has pitched very well so far, but if he is shut down at his 160 innings limit, which I expect to happen, he will not win the Cy Young Award. As of today, Strasburg is still well in the conversation of being the Cy Young winner, but because of his inning limit, that is why I have him ranked fourth in my Cy Young Award race standings. The young power pitcher through 16 games is 9-3 with a 2.81 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. He is also leading the N.L. with 122 strike outs in 93 innings. He is one of the most over powering pitchers in the game, and he will be able to have a chance at the Cy Young Award. But you can't be the best pitcher when you don't pitch in September.
5th - James McDonald - Pittsburgh Pirates: James McDonald has been a surprise this season. He has finally showed that he can be a top of the rotation pitcher. He has pitched well this season and has a record of 8-3 with a 2.45 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP. His could have even more wins but the Pirates have struggled to score runs, and have been shut out all three times he has lost. If he and the Pirates continue to play well, he will have a slight advantage over guys like Wade Miley, Zack Greinke, and Cole Hamels for the fifth spot.
Pitchers who are still in the race: Zack Greinke, Wade Miley, Cole Hamels, Gio Gonzalez, Lance Lynn, Clayton Kershaw, Johnny Cueto, and Chris Capuano.
The Cy Young Award race is still not over and many of these great pitchers who are not in my top five could easily make a push for the top spot. The Cy Young Award race should come down to the wire and it should be fun to see if some of these pitchers can make a strong push to become the best pitcher in the National League.
Please follow me on Twitter @DanTheMan4295
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