RSS
And It Will Be Curse Vs. Curse In The World Series
The lesson learned last year is that once the baseball playoffs begin, everything that happened during the regular season is pulled off the table.
For example, the two clubs, more than any others, that backed into the playoffs last season were the Cardinals and the Tigers. And they met in the World Series.
During the regular season, the Yankees mostly dominated the Tigers. Then the Yanks won Game One of the American League Division Series, too. But the Tigers won the next three - and the champagne flowed at Comerica Park.
That’s why, I don’t care if the Yankees won all six games from the Indians during the regular season. I still feel like The Tribe will win that series. I like their starting pitching better. Period. As for the other ALDS, I haven’t quite figured out how the Angels won all those games this season with so little power throughout their lineup. Seems like if you stop Vladimir Guerrero, you stop the Angels. The Red Sox have the pitching to be able to pull it off - and beat the Indians.
The National League is just nutty. The best team, the Mets, aren’t even in it. Call me goofy, but I see the Cubs winning it. Wouldn’t that be something. A Red Sox-Cubs World Series. Fenway Park and Wrigley Field. The Curse of the Bambino vs. Da Curse of Da Billy Goat. It would be fun.
Random Thoughts
- Brandon Graham is the best edge pass rusher Michigan has ever had. He has played dominant football the last two games and is biggest reason the Wolverines defense has been much better of late.
- Of all the losses by Top 10 teams this past weekend, the one that surprised me the most was Colorado beating Oklahoma. I was beginning to think the Sooners were the best team in the country. Obviously, I was wrong.
- I wrote in my column about Sunday’s victory over the Bears that the Lions’ 3-1 record is built on a house of cards. I am not sure, in retrospect, if that is a fair assessment. It does seem to me that their two home wins, over the Bears and Vikings, were more the result of implosions by the opposition than anything else. But then again, in the past, it was the Lions that were doing the imploding.
For example, the two clubs, more than any others, that backed into the playoffs last season were the Cardinals and the Tigers. And they met in the World Series.
During the regular season, the Yankees mostly dominated the Tigers. Then the Yanks won Game One of the American League Division Series, too. But the Tigers won the next three - and the champagne flowed at Comerica Park.
That’s why, I don’t care if the Yankees won all six games from the Indians during the regular season. I still feel like The Tribe will win that series. I like their starting pitching better. Period. As for the other ALDS, I haven’t quite figured out how the Angels won all those games this season with so little power throughout their lineup. Seems like if you stop Vladimir Guerrero, you stop the Angels. The Red Sox have the pitching to be able to pull it off - and beat the Indians.
The National League is just nutty. The best team, the Mets, aren’t even in it. Call me goofy, but I see the Cubs winning it. Wouldn’t that be something. A Red Sox-Cubs World Series. Fenway Park and Wrigley Field. The Curse of the Bambino vs. Da Curse of Da Billy Goat. It would be fun.
Random Thoughts
- Brandon Graham is the best edge pass rusher Michigan has ever had. He has played dominant football the last two games and is biggest reason the Wolverines defense has been much better of late.
- Of all the losses by Top 10 teams this past weekend, the one that surprised me the most was Colorado beating Oklahoma. I was beginning to think the Sooners were the best team in the country. Obviously, I was wrong.
- I wrote in my column about Sunday’s victory over the Bears that the Lions’ 3-1 record is built on a house of cards. I am not sure, in retrospect, if that is a fair assessment. It does seem to me that their two home wins, over the Bears and Vikings, were more the result of implosions by the opposition than anything else. But then again, in the past, it was the Lions that were doing the imploding.
posted by Pat Caputo at
9:48 AM
20 Comments:
book all I can say is what a weekend. If you didn't enjoy college football this weekend you were not a fan. So many great games. I tell you what with all the upsets yes it was App state michigan loss to, but it really isn't that much of a laugher. I was sitting there watching the huskey/trojan game thinking to myself boy if Washington had just a bit more talent they'd be winning this game. USC showed they were vulnerable. Colorado beating Oklahoma who would of thought. How about S. Florida beating West Virginia. I thought they were tougher then that. Look at Indiana and how they are handling teams. Only thing I got out of this weekend is that LSU to me is the clear cut number 1 team in the land. They are just dominating week after week. Just awesome I am so pumped I can't wait until next Saturday.
The Lions win we have to give it to them. This is a game that they would of lost. The fact they did it in the 4th QTR is even more impressive. When was the last time you seen the LIons have a competitve 4th QTR with the game on the line. Like u said it is usually them imploding. Again to me the true test will be this Sunday. They have to come out and compete against the Skins. If they come out and get rolled over then it is the same old lions. If they come out and lose a tight one or play competively then for them to come out 4-1 or almost 3-2 (with a loss that could of gone either way) then you have to be impressed. Cause the same old lions will come out next week and get smoked.
Playoffs starting is it me or are others pulling for the underdog Rockies to make it. What a shocking story there? If anybody says that the Rockies would be in this position at the beginning of the year is full of it haha. I tell you the team I wouldn't underestimate is the Tribe. Those guys just got it done. They didn't win pretty all the time but they found a way. I think they can be a dark horse and if COlorado gets in watch out. They are hot at the right time.
On to the Tigers. I am excited! When was the last time we were excited about the team going into the off season back to back seasons. I think we need to get a couple of bats. IF you upgrade left field and short I think we can let pudge and inge slide a bit. Personally I still think we need to get another arm. If anything for debth purposes. Coming back next year I can live with a V. Wilson, Rayburn, Thames, Perez/Santiago type bench.
Book,
It would be fun to see the Cubs and Red Sox in the World Series, but I think they burst the Bambino curse two years ago - Not sure what the rules of curses are - I will ask my Italian wife.
I would have resorted to voo-doo dolls if I thought it would help us catch Cleveland or New York - seems more like they used the voo-doo dolls on us - maybe using Sheffield, Rodgers and Pudge bobble-heads.
I would rather see Philly ride this magic their on right now to the end. I hope they don't run out of gas. I don't know enough about them yet to know who is their spark plugs.
As an observer of this Lions season, I am very much enjoying this "hey-they-might-be-good" and "how-did-I-let-them-fool-me" conversations. There is more flip-flopping than a political campaign happening on this "issue".
It's like dating an ugly girl who cooks really great. Ya want to like her .. but geesh ...
I didn't watch the Lions this week. Mike Weir and Tiger Woods played off in the Singles pairing at the Presidents cup. Weirsy "let" Tiger catch him after being 3 up - and pass him. Then Weir caught him back and won it on the 18th.
It was a thing of beauty and the stuff Canadian sports-lore wishes it were full of.
If only he didn't live in Utah.
maddog52,
It is rare that I am home on a fall Saturday, but I was this weekend and got to watch football from noon until midnight - and it was great. The best game I saw because I have the game plan package was Cal and Oregon, What a mailbiter that one was. You have to give the Lions credit. Last season, they won three games all season and were 0-4 and their season was pretty much over by this time.
Caputo
Fred Brill,
True about the curse of the Bambino, but only to a degree. Whenever the Red Sox hear the Yankees coming, they will feel the curse. Mike Weir is good, but he is no Dave Barr.
Caputo
OK, so the Lions win, take advantage of weaker teams, and they still are the 'same old Lions'? Same Old Lions would've lost those 3 wins and be 0-4. How about we quit raggin on them and give them a chance? or am I just being a naive 18 year old?
Book,
You forgot to show a sign you were kidding about the "David Barr" reference.
?
Bring on the playoffs.
Pat,
I really enjoyed listening to your dolcid tones on crystal clear FM 97.1 last evening.
To me, this is the best thing to happen to my radio experience since WJR brought David Newman aboard after the last format change at XYT.
Congratulations! Now your show can actually be heard.
Now if we can just get caller David to call back in when you talk baseball.
Allan
Axl Rose's Son,
I don't think you're being naive at all. It is very difficult to find much wrong with an NFL team that has started the season 3-1, is relatively healthy and feeling pretty confident. The Lions still have much to prove, but so far, so good.
Caputo
Fred Brill,
The first major event I covered for The Oakland Press was the 1985 US Open at Oakland Hills. Dave Barr finished in a tie for second. He is a good guy and his career is underrated, but he is no Mike Weir, eh.
Caputo
Allan,
I had a lot of fun last night. People have wanted a sports station like this for a long time. I am glad we're giving them one.
Caputo
I understand the move of Guillen to 1B in attempt to keep him healthy, but it's no doubt that it weakens the team. Where are they going to find a caliber of SS that makes this a winning move... without giving up much in return? What SS are out there who are reasonable targets and upgrade the SS/1B situation of '07? Don't mistake that having Guillen's bat at SS has given the Tigers a great advantage over other teams. Wouldn't it be easier to upgrade by finding a 1B that has a 20-25 HR power bat and leave Guillen's bat at SS?
Pat,
cheers to Dave Barr being a good guy, and yeah, he was for a long time synonymous with canukian golf. Like Ann Murray defined Canadian music.
They are both great people that Canadians saw way to much.
PS- hearing you in stereo is great. I don't lose you driving across county though. Cash will sound awesome!
Anonymous,
I agree with you about Guillen. I still think he plays a decent SS despite a few too many errors. And it would be easier and less expensive to get a decent first baseman type. But you answered your own question in the first sentence. More than anything else, this is about keeping Guillen healthy. Playing SS, his legs and back have been ailing him. It's why the move is probably going to be made.
Caputo
Fred Brill,
It is tremendous fun being on FM. It's obvious the signal is much stronger. It's great what the radio station is doing.
Caputo
Pat,
I'm glad that you are still on the radio after the shake up. My only compliant is that they did take Mike & Mike off in the morning. I enjoyed getting a national perspective on things. I thought they were entertaining, too, in an old-time radio kind of way.
Anyway, as far as the baseball playoffs, I actually think the Yankees are going to get to the World Series. Their pitching isn't great, but their lineup is awesome and I think Cleveland's post-season inexperience will show. I think it will be Yanks-BoSox in the ALCS.
As far as the National League, I don't have a good feel for it. Having lived in Chicago for a short while, I would like to see the Cubs make it and win the Series. My only concern is that Hell might actually freeze over if that happened!
Scott (the thinking man),
The Yankees tradition does carry an aura. They haven't won the World Series for awhile. You never know when it is going to be their year. The Red Sox have the best overall team on paper, but didn't play well late in the season. I, like you. have no idea how the National League is going to shake out. I know people get tired sometimes of the New York-Boston-Chicago world we live in (me, too), but I'd still like to see a Yankees or Red Sox vs the Cubs World Series. And I would like to see the Red Sox and Yanks matched up in the ALCS.
Caputo
Book,
Curses are stupid. Yeah they're part of history and all, but c'mon...the way ESPN, Fox, and the rest of the media plays it up is beyond ridiculous. Is that what really makes a great baseball club/town, a curse. It seems besides the yankees all you ever hear about are the cubs and the red sox because of their stupid curses. Well there are 27 other teams in baseball that don't build their fanbase around a "curse," they're fans follow the team because they actually are true baseball fans, save the curses for the harry potter fans.
-John
John,
I can't say there isn't a lot of validity to your point. It does get tiring to hear about curses. Probably the most interesting team and story in the playoffs is the Rockies - and they are too far under the radar. But still, I'd like to see a Yankees/Red Sox vs. Cubs World Series.
Caputo
Book,
I tried calling your 6-8pm show thursday - all busy signals. Like ya knew I was calling - I rarely call - but I wanted to add Maybin to the list of potential Detroit icons. I think his rocky start plus his first hit & homer off Clemens makes him a legend in the wings.
My 2 cents, maybe I was lucky to get busy signals.
Fred Brill,
Maybin is a long way from it in terms of development. Who knows about his leadership skill or charisma. But he has the talent, smarts and work ethic to possibly get there.
Caputo
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home