Monday, April 9, 2012

It's Aceves as 1-2-3!

Finally! Forget that 0-6 start from a year ago, we ain't touchin' those dreadful doldrums this year!

Fact of the matter remains this team is 1-3 yet could just as easily be 3-1. Lester was outstanding against the Tigers on Opening Day but got no run support; the bullpen should've been able to hold yesterday's game (not once, but twice); and today, finally, a close game goes the way of the Red Sox. Bobby V. has been doing an outstanding job managing within the game; I was a huge fan of his decision to pinch-run Darnell McDonald for Ortiz tonight in the 9th. Obviously Arencibia dropped the throw at the plate (where he likely would've had McDonald), but you figure with Ortiz's slower wheels, he has more time to position himself and make the play anyways?

And oh yeah how about some love for Dustin Pedroia? Solo shot in the 6th when no one else on the team could've hit a beach ball, not to mention getting the rally started in the 9th. The only guy on this team who gives a damn on a night in, night out basis.

David Ortiz, the notorious slow starter, won't be pulling that act again this year. He's 7 for 15 to start the year,  hitting safely in all four games. And give it another week or so, but I think I should start drafting the "Why Ryan Sweeney is better than J.D. Drew" blog right about now.

Listen make no mistake about it the Red Sox' bullpen is still an Achilles' Heel on this team, and you'll continue to see frustration like Games 1 and 3 against the Tigers until it as addressed. But for tonight, relax. Or Laser Show, relax.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Quick MLB Picks 2012

Way too much going on with school work to deliver an elaborate set of MLB predictions right now unfortunately so we're gonna have to settle for the quick picks for now. Just good to have it in writing so I can reflect on how kick-ass (or how piss-poor) I did in October. I'll try an crank out a Power Rankings this weekend if it's possible but no promises.

AL East: Yankees
AL Central: Tigers
AL West: Angels
AL Wild-Card 1: Rangers
AL Wild-Card 2: Blue Jays

NL East: Phillies
NL Central: Cardinals
NL West: Giants
NL Wild-Card 1: Reds
NL Wild-Card 2: Marlins

ALCS: Yankees over Tigers
NLCS: Phillies over Reds

World Series: Yankees over Phillies

AL MVP: Robinson Cano, Yankees
AL Cy Young: James Shields, Rays
AL Rookie of the Year: Mike Trout, Angels
AL Manager of the Year: John Farrell, Blue Jays

NL MVP: Matt Kemp, Dodgers
NL Cy Young: Cole Hamels, Phillies
NL Rookie of the Year: Bryce Harper, Nationals
NL Manager of the Year: Ozzie Guillen, Marlins