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On World Series, Handwriting On Wall For Rip, Who Would Win MSU-CMU Rematch
There is even more attention than usual on the starting pitchers in Game 6 of the World Series tonight. It is an intriguing matchup - Pedro Martinez vs. Andy Pettitte. It’s surprising they haven’t met in the postseason before.
But what it says more at this late stage of their respective careers, particularly considering Pettitte will be working on three days rest, is the bullpens will likely decide the issue.
Coming into the series, I thought the Yankees had the clear edge in that area. But their bullpen hasn’t done that well lately, at least getting to Mariano Rivera. Chan Ho Park and Ryan Madison have been very good for the Phillies. Conversely, Phillip Hughes and Phil Coke have not been as steady in the postseason for the Yankees as they had been during the regular season. Brad Lidge is a concern for Philly, though. A big one. Lets put it this way: A one-run lead in the bottom of the ninth won’t exactly fall under the category of "safe" for the Phillies. A one-run lead in the top of the ninth would be much, much less precarious for the Yankees.
Random Thoughts
- Beating Orlando without Richard Hamilton - while guards Rodney Stuckey, Will Bynum and Ben Gordon combined for 63 of their 85 points - only increases the chances the Pistons will trade Hamilton for size or cap space this season
- It’s no-win game for Michigan State Saturday. If the Spartans beat Western Michigan, it will be the expected. If they lose, it’d be two losses to Mid-American Conference teams - and the season becomes an unmitigated failure.
- I think you will see either Michigan or Michigan State in the Little Caesars Bowl. It would be especially interesting if MSU played CMU again. Who would win that game? There was a perception in September State would beat CMU eight times out of 10 - or something like that. I’m not so sure anymore. The Spartans are reeling. Central Michigan’s offense has struggled in road losses at Arizona and Boston College against BCS competition. But Ford Field wouldn’t exactly constitute a road game for the Chips. Familiar territory is more like it.
Honestly, when it comes right down to it, I think Michigan would turn its nose up at the Little Caesars Bowl - even if it meant missing practices.
But what it says more at this late stage of their respective careers, particularly considering Pettitte will be working on three days rest, is the bullpens will likely decide the issue.
Coming into the series, I thought the Yankees had the clear edge in that area. But their bullpen hasn’t done that well lately, at least getting to Mariano Rivera. Chan Ho Park and Ryan Madison have been very good for the Phillies. Conversely, Phillip Hughes and Phil Coke have not been as steady in the postseason for the Yankees as they had been during the regular season. Brad Lidge is a concern for Philly, though. A big one. Lets put it this way: A one-run lead in the bottom of the ninth won’t exactly fall under the category of "safe" for the Phillies. A one-run lead in the top of the ninth would be much, much less precarious for the Yankees.
Random Thoughts
- Beating Orlando without Richard Hamilton - while guards Rodney Stuckey, Will Bynum and Ben Gordon combined for 63 of their 85 points - only increases the chances the Pistons will trade Hamilton for size or cap space this season
- It’s no-win game for Michigan State Saturday. If the Spartans beat Western Michigan, it will be the expected. If they lose, it’d be two losses to Mid-American Conference teams - and the season becomes an unmitigated failure.
- I think you will see either Michigan or Michigan State in the Little Caesars Bowl. It would be especially interesting if MSU played CMU again. Who would win that game? There was a perception in September State would beat CMU eight times out of 10 - or something like that. I’m not so sure anymore. The Spartans are reeling. Central Michigan’s offense has struggled in road losses at Arizona and Boston College against BCS competition. But Ford Field wouldn’t exactly constitute a road game for the Chips. Familiar territory is more like it.
Honestly, when it comes right down to it, I think Michigan would turn its nose up at the Little Caesars Bowl - even if it meant missing practices.
posted by Pat Caputo at
12:48 PM
2 Comments:
After last year there is NO WAY Michigan turns down a bowl game, especially with all the young players who could benefit from the practice. A rejection also denies the few seniors Michigan has to put on the Michigan jersey one last time, an opportunity they would probably be grateful for, even in the Motor City Bowl.
Rob in New Orleans,
I don't know about that. A lot of Michigan's fans, alums and adminstration tend to get snobby. Would be an interesting call. I think they'd accept a bid anywhere but Detroit. Be interesting if Little Caesars Bowl is only option.
Caputo
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