ALDS: Derek Jeter 1, Tigers 0
As Game 1 ended last night I received a message from my friend Megan wanting a favor: “if you write anything, will you please call Derek Jeter ‘pretty?’ ”
Well, he was pretty much everything but ugly, going 5-for-5 with a homer and two two-baggers. The Yankee captain lived up to his expectations once again.
As I watched the Cardinals-Padres earlier in the day, I was thinking “Anything is possible with Pujols” as he belted a home run out of PETCO Park. But the same applies to Jeter.
Although, to prove he’s not perfect, he did get caught stealing. But then again, it was a hit-and-run with an unhittable pitch, so it wasn’t entirely Derek’s fault…okay, I’m done trying to point out flaws.
If the Yankees stay true to their Tuesday night form, it’s looking good. I just laugh at how ridiculously dangerous that lineup us…Damon, Jeter, Abreu, Sheffield, Giambi, Rodriguez, Matsui, Posada, Cano….THAT’S AN ALLSTAR TEAM.
Chien-Ming Wang wasn’t lights out, pitching 6 2/3, giving up three runs. But if that’s the bar every starter had to meet, I would bet the farm on the Bronx Bombers with the above lineup.
If the heavyweights in the bullpen can elevate their play, there’s no reason the Yankees can’t reach the World Series.
Two things: one, I would have given Tigers starting pitcher Nate Robertson more of a chance (and more respect) if he had worn Rec-Specs instead of that Oakley jazz. Two, Derek Jeter is indeed pretty.
Subway Series odds: 15 to 1
After Tuesday, odds of the Yankees doing their part: 3.5 to 1
Zito, Zito, Where art thou?
In the voice of the snide antagonist from the 1992 film Sidekicks: “Barry Warry, why aren’t you a Met?”
With the Mets’ ailing pitching staff receiving as much publicity as a Paris Hilton broken nail, a sturdy arm like Barry Zito’s would certainly let Willie Randolph sleep easier at night.
The news that Orlando Hernandez might miss Wednesday’s Game 1 start was the last thing anyone affiliated with the Mets wanted to hear after Pedro’s playoff departure.
Zito was dominant for the Athletics on Tuesday afternoon, out dueling Johan Santana to give Oakland a 1-0 lead in the other ALDS. Santana hadn’t lost in the Metrodome since August….of 2005 (14 months for those still counting).
And to think the Mets almost added Zito to the fold this season…ohhh the possibilities.
The news about El Duque’s calf is big for one reason: the 2005 Chicago White Sox. It’s no secret that staff was the crux of bringing a world title to the Windy City. Without El Duque, the Mets are in trouble, like Danny Almonte being 47 years old in the LLWS trouble.
Can they get past the Dodgers without El Duque? Yeah, but they’re going to need some heafty bats that didn’t exist at the end of September. But I don’t like their chances in a seven-game series.
Odds of Mets holding up their end of the deal (without El Duque): His age, plus 4, to 1…he’s that important.