World Series Game 5: Rays vs. Phillies

It would seem that I have been on vacation... or maybe I am just a little lazy. Probably the latter. This is a tough series for me. Both teams have really been a bit of a surprise in my mind. The Rays haven't won more than 70 games up until this season and here they are in the big show. The Phillies... well, who predicts the Phillies to really do anything anymore. If I pick the Rays, it could be one of the signs of the end of the world... and if I predict the Phillies to win this thing... well, maybe that could be an apocalyptic sign as well. Can the World Series end in a tie?

I guess at this point, the Phillies pretty much have this one in the bag, considering they are up 3 games to one. I was really thinking the series would have gone the other way, with the Rays winning in 6. The only way the Rays can win it now is winning the final three games. It's not likely to happen, but I think they can win game five and take it back to Tampa. If they can push a game 6, they do have a much better chance. I don't think they would pull it off, but stranger things. After, the Rays are in the World Series against the Phillies... and who would have thought that...
Forecast: Phillies drop game five and a game six is forced. Phillies take game six, though, to wrap it up in Tampa.

Home Plate

ALCS Game 2: Boston at Tampa Bay

Imagine if these two guys were throwing snowballs... that could hurt. BoSox took game 1. Now, for game 2.
Scouting Report:

Red Sox: Coming off a right oblique injury that pushed him back a few days against the Angels, Beckett wasn't particularly sharp in his Game 3 start in the ALDS, throwing 106 pitches over five innings and giving up nine hits and four runs. He'll have five days of rest for this start. Despite the struggles of his last start, Beckett's postseason track record (6-2, 2.09 ERA in 11 outings) speaks for itself. Beckett has made four career starts at Tropicana Field, going 1-2 with a 1.93 ERA. Beckett is no stranger to the Rays, having faced them five times in 2008. He was 2-1 with a 2.06 ERA in those outings.

Rays: Kazmir recorded the win that gave the Rays a 2-0 series lead over Chicago in the ALDS. The youngest member of the Rays rotation, Kazmir gave a gutsy performance, wriggling out of a 37-pitch first inning with two runs allowed. Two pitches into the game, Kazmir hit White Sox leadoff man Orlando Cabrera with a pitch and the southpaw followed with a walk to Nick Swisher. Chicago's Jermaine Dye added a single to load the bases, creating a daunting situation early. Kazmir said he was simply struggling with his location, and was economical enough in the following frames to exit with the lead after 5 1/3 innings. When he has command of his slider, Kazmir can be devastating. He is a career 6-7 against the Red Sox, with 3.62 ERA.

Forecast: I'm going with the Rays on this one. Mainly that it is in there house and I like Kazmir. Score: 5-4.

Home Plate

Free Agent Starting Pitchers 2009

Starting pitchers:

• Kris Benson (33)

He hasn’t pitched since the 2006 season. Not a hot item (so he could come cheep). Started 30 games in 2006 for Baltimore and had an 11-12 record with a 4.82 ERA. Has a 4.34 career ERA and a 68-73 career record. He may be looking for just a one-year deal to rebound and test the market again next year.

• A.J. Burnett (32)

Note: He can opt out after ’08 season. And I think he should. He went 18-10 with a 4.07 ERA… Burnett would probably benefit in trying the free agent market. He went 221.1 innings in 2008. He will probably be looking for a five-year deal with options for more.

• Paul Byrd (38)

Byrd went 11-12 with the Boston Red Sox and posted a 4.60 ERA. He went 180 innings and averaged more than a HR per start. Still, his team did make the playoffs, so he could have a higher than normal price for a pitcher of his caliber. But then there is the fact of him being 38 years of age.

• Roger Clemens (46)

Roger is probably the longest shot in signing somewhere. He didn’t pitch in 2008 and only pitched partial seasons the previous two. Still, in 2007, he went 6-6 in 18 games and had a 4.18 ERA, which, most teams would be happy with those results.

• Matt Clement (33)

He hasn’t pitched since 2006 in the majors, and only 12 starts in 2006. He had a 6.61 ERA and 5-5 record for Boston, throwing 65.1 innings. I wouldn’t expect to see him sign anywhere this off-season. He could still end up with a preseason invite somewhere...

• Bartolo Colon (36)

Colon went 4-2 this season, starting 7 games and going 39 innings. He hasn’t pitched a full season since 2005 with the Angels. Since then, he has gone 11-15 while pitching 194.2 innings over the last three seasons. Still, I would be surprised if he didn’t get a chance somewhere. He has two seasons where he has collected 20 wins (2002, 2005).

• Ryan Dempster (32)

Dempster helped his team go to the playoffs this season, throwing a 2.86 ERA and posting a 17-6 record. Expect him to demand some $$$. He pitched 4.2 innings of playoff baseball, taking the loss, but the fact that he got there should still demand some change. He was also an All-Star this season, pitching an inning and striking out everyone he saw.

• Shawn Estes (36)

It is really tough to say that Estes HAS pitched since the 2005 season. He made a start for the Padres in 2006 (just one) and started eight games for them this year. He hasn’t been awful, but he has a 2-4 record over the last three years and has a 4.71 ERA to boot. It would be likely that some team may take a chance on him, or at least get an invitation to spring training somewhere.

• Josh Fogg (32)

He has a career 5.08 ERA in 219 games (193 are starts). He pitched for the Reds earlier this season, appearing in 22 games and 14 were starts, where he went 2-7 with a 7.58 ERA. I would have to think that his career could be a done deal.

• Freddy Garcia (33)

Garcia started 3 games for the Tigers this, all in September. He went 1-1 with a 4.20 ERA, with his win coming against the Rangers. Last season, he pitched for the Phillies, and that season was an abbreviated season for him, as well. He started 11 games for the Phillies and went 1-5 with a 5.90 ERA. Still, he has a career 4.07 ERA and I would think that someone would give him a chance and not let him go out to pasture.

• Jon Garland (29)

Garland went 14-8 for the AL West Champions this season and posted a 4.90 ERA. He also tossed 196.2 innings this season. He didn’t pitch in the postseason, which is a shame because in 2005, he went 1-0 with a 2.25 in the postseason. Still, he is coming into the peak of his career, he has a record of 106-89 and a 4.47 career ERA… he should command good money.

• Tom Glavine (43)

Glavine went back home. He started 13 games for the Braves, going 2-4 with a 5.54 ERA. He’s won over 300 games (305 to be precise) and you can’t help but wonder if his career is over and out. He won’t be too high priced, but what you do pay him would be to put butts in seats and not so much a win on the scoreboard.

• Mike Hampton (36)

He started 13 games for the Braves this season, going 3-4 with a 4.85 ERA. He threw 78 innings in his partial season with Atlanta. He will probably demand an average contract, at best.

• Mark Hendrickson (35)

He went 7-8 with Florida this season and posted a 5.45 ERA. Being that he’s 35 years old, most teams will look past him for younger, better talent. He might end up being a #5 starter somewhere, if he gets signed at all.

• Livan Hernandez (34)

He had the displeasure of pitching for the Rockies (where the balls fly a mile high and out). He sported a 6.05 ERA with a 13-11 record (so, I guess it could be worse). He’s seen his better days come and go. He’s an average pitcher now, and I think I am being generous. There will be a team that will sign him, in hopes of getting his performance from 2000, but he will fall short.

• Orlando Hernandez (43)

El Duque didn’t pitch in the majors in 2008, but in my opinion, he is an above average pitcher. He pitched for the Mets in 2007, going 9-5 with a 3.72 ERA over 27 games (24 starts). He’s up in age, though. Could he be done? I still like his 2007 numbers and think he may be a late rotation guy for some team out there.

• Jason Jennings (30)

Jennings started the season in the Rangers starting rotation and went through six starts. His ERA was 8.56 and he went 0-5. He has a career 60-70 record with a 5.00 ERA. He would come cheep to anyone, but most likely he will sign a minor league contract with a invite to training camp.

• Randy Johnson (45)

Randy started 30 games this season, completed two. He went 11-10 with a 3.91 ERA. And how old is this guy? He’s won the Cy Young five times, with one in the AL and four in the NL. As long as he is effective, he should pitch. And he’s just five away from win #300… so he will cost a good penny for the history.

• John Lackey (30)

There is a $9M club option for '09 with a $0.5M buyout. He had a 3.75 ERA this season with a 12-5 record for the Angels. He struck out 130 in 163.1 innings, yielding 161 hits and 40 walks, including 26 HRs. That’s a 1.23 WHIP. Opponents hit .260 off him. I think it would be a bad move to not take the option.

• Jon Lieber (39)

Lieber only started one game in 2008, but appeared in a total 26 games. He’s mainly been used as a starter for his career. He went 2-3 this year with a 4.05 ERA. He prefers the NL over the AL, having pitched in the AL one year with the Yankees in 2004. Whether he will be a set up man in the future or return to a starting role is still to be seen. Either way, though, he should be a good pick up.

• Braden Looper (34)

He started 33 games for Saint Louis this season, going 12-14 with a 4.16 ERA. He did eat up some innings, 199 to be exact. He has a 3.93 career ERA. He gave up 216 hits this season… he wouldn’t make for a bad late rotation guy. He could also be a good low cost pitcher for a low budget team.

• Rodrigo Lopez (33)

The Atlanta Braces have a club option for '09, although it would be a bit strange on if they will use that option or not. Lopez hasn’t pitched for anyone in 2008, and last pitched for the Rockies in 2007, starting 14 games and going 5-4 to bring his career record to 65-65. He had a 4.42 ERA in ’07. He will more than likely start ’09 in the minors, if he lands a contract.

• Derek Lowe (36)

I like the cut of this boy’s jib. I really am not sure what the heck that means, but I like Derek Lowe. He pitched to a 14-11 record and had a 3.24 ERA. This is a guy I wouldn’t mind the Rangers signing. He is up in age, and the Rangers want to focus on youth… but it would still be nice. Playoffs mean payoffs in the land of professional sports. He won’t come cheep.

• Greg Maddux (43)

Maddux didn’t necessarily do badly for the Dodgers or Padres this year; however, he did have an 8-13 record. He ate up some innings (194 of them) and posted a respectable 4.22 ERA. He is a three time CY Young winner. For nostalgic reasons, he may pitch somewhere, but his age is getting up there…

• Pedro Martinez (37)

Pedro started 20 games for the Mets and went 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA. That’s not the typical Pedro we know, who has a 214-99 career record with a 2.91 career ERA. Will Martinez pitch next year? Yes. With whom? A big market team, most likely. He will command a contract based on career numbers, not 2008 numbers.

• Sergio Mitre (28)

People will not be knocking his door down. He hasn’t pitched in 2008. He has a career record of 10-23 and a 5.36 ERA. In ’07, He started 27 games for Florida and went 5-8 with a 4.65 ERA. It is possible for him to make a return, since he is young, but there are plenty of other young kids waiting for their shot. It’s a long shot for him to start somewhere, unless we are talking about the minors.

• Jamie Moyer (46)

He keeps showing that he has stuff to give. He went 16-7 with a 3.71 ERA for the Phillies this year and has his team in the playoffs. He lost to the Brewers in the NLDS and has another postseason start on Sunday. He made 33 starts, threw 196.1 innings, issued 199 hits and 62 walks for a 1.33 WHIP. Only 20 hits were for HRs. He has pitched for six teams already (Cubs, Rangers, St. Louis, Baltimore, Mariners, and Phillies), and whomever he signs with, he will be more asset than liability.

• Mark Mulder (31)

St. Louis has an $11M club option for '09 with a $1.5M buyout. I’m not sure if they will use the buyout or not, Mulder has been on the DL for majority of the season and has only pitched in three games with one start in 2008. He has a total of 1.2 innings in ’08, with no record, but one blown save. 2007 wasn’t much better, as he pitched 11 innings of work and went 0-3. So, going back to 2006? Still not all too great. He went 6-7 then and had a 7.14 ERA. St. Louis may be looking at him as a “bust” signing. They may cut there losses with him and let him try free agency. I do believe, though, that regardless of his last three years, he will be pitching for someone in 2009, but he is going to have to not demand a high cash flow.

• Mike Mussina (40)

He has five gold gloves. He made 34 starts for the Yankees this season and went 20-9 with a 3.37 ERA. Look for the Yankees to resign him and him to not really test the free agent market. He is 30 games away from win #300. He will demand a great deal of cash to sign, especially to get him for two or three seasons to have “butts in seats” for the milestone.

• Carl Pavano (33)

The Yankees hold a $13M club option for '09 with a $1.95M buyout. He only started seven games for the Yanks this season and went 4-2 with a 5.77 ERA. I can’t see them taking the option, and I can’t see him making $11M off the free agent market. He is going to have to take less money. Batters knocked him for a .306 BA… and averaged one HR every seven innings.

• Brad Penny (31)

The Dodgers have an $8.75M club option for '09 with a $2M buyout. He could be another buyout, though it is difficult to say. He went 6-9 with a 6.27 ERA for the NL West club. He started 17 games this season, batters hit him for a .304 BA and clocked 13 HRs in 94.2 innings. His career numbers are way better, though, and he won 16 games in 2006 and in 2007. When he hits the free agent market, his career will be the selling point.

• Odalis Perez (32)

He started 30 games for the Nationals this season, grabbing only 159.2 innings of work. He had a 4.34 ERA with a 7-12 record. Batters pounded 22 out of the park as he issued a .287 BA to his opponents. He had a 1.48 WHIP as he took a large pay cut to pitch for the Nationals this season. He’ll more than likely stay in the $1M range in his pay for 2009.

• Oliver Perez (27)

Perez started 34 games for the Mets, going 194 innings. He had walk trouble this season, issuing 105 free passes. He still managed to keep a respectable 4.22 ERA and only let his opponents hit .234… He had a winning mark for the Mets, a 10-7 record. He is young and I think he will continue to get better. Look for him to get a good contract, not so much a great one, but a good one.

• Andy Pettitte (37)

He started 33 games this season for the Yankees. He didn’t have his typical “awesome” season that Yankee fans expect from him. He went 14-14 this season with a 4.54 ERA. He is now 85 games away from #300, and I am thinking unless he pitches until he’s 43, he may not see #300. Of course, nowadays, pitching ‘til 43 isn’t so much out of the question… the question really remains is who will sign him and for how long? The Yankees sign him, but more than likely to a two or three year deal. After which, he will be a one-year-deal pitcher for the rest of the way.

• Sidney Ponson (32)

Do you think anybody but the Yanks will be interested in this trouble in a bag? He started 24 games this season (between the Rangers and the Yanks) and went 8-5 while tossing 135.2 innings of work. He had a 5.04 ERA and batters feasted a .311 BA. He’s not as good as he thinks he is… REALITY CHECK: He should consider himself a serious LUCKY if he gets an offer of any kind.

• Mark Prior (27)

Prior has spent his entire Major League career with the Cubs (statistically speaking). He currently pitches for the Padres; however, he hasn’t thrown a pitch for them in the regular season. His last ML work was in 2006, as he went 9 starts for the Cubs, going 1-6 with a 7.21 ERA. He only threw 43.2 innings. This off-season, he will be selling his career numbers to get any kind of a contract, as those numbers are 42-29 with a 3.51 ERA. Look for him to just sign a one-year deal.

• Kenny Rogers (44)

He had an off year with the Tigers this season, but still started 30 games and tossed 173.2 innings of work. He had a high 5.70 ERA and a 9-13 record, which is not the normal stuff from the Gambler. He’s won 5 gold gloves. I’m not sure of whether he will continue pitching or hang it up… it’s always tough to tell with Kenny.

• Glendon Rusch (34)

He played for the Rockies, so some thing it’s OK for them to have a high ERA. Still, it was 5.15 and he had a 1.42 WHIP. He’s been used more as a relief pitcher than starter this season, starting in only 9 games but pitching in 35. He had a 5-5 record and opponents hit him for a .283 BA. He may command about the same pay as in 2008, which was $850,000. I wish I made $850,000. Heck, I’ll settle for half of that and be perfectly happy.

• C.C. Sabathia (28)

This is the one I have been looking forward to doing. WHY? Well, this is the player the Rangers said they would pursue like a bear searches for honey. Well, they didn’t really say it like that, but they did say they would be MAJOR players in the Sabathia-thon. Sabathia went to the playoffs with the Brewers this season. He made $11 Million, but it should take more to sign him, a good deal more, to sign him this off-season. He went 17-10 with a 2.70 ERA, but got hammered in the playoffs. Still, he pitched a WHOPPING 253 innings, which I would doubt he could do if he pitched in Texas (the whole “Texas Heat” thing). His career numbers are 117-73 with a 3.66 ERA. This season, he also had 10 complete games with 5 shutouts. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him raking in $18-20 Million next season. Question: Would 20+ victories be worth it? Most teams would say yes.

• Curt Schilling (42)

He started 24 games for the Red Sox last season and went 9-8 with a 3.87 ERA. He hit the postseason and went 3-0 with a 3.00 ERA in four playoff starts. He didn’t pitch in 2008.

• Ben Sheets (30)

He started 31 games for the Brewers this season, completing 5 and shutting out 3. He had a record of 13-9 with a 3.09 ERA, as opponents hit .241 off him and connected on 17 HRs in 198.1 innings. He had a low 1.15 WHIP, but didn’t appear in the playoffs. He’s at the top of his career and this will probably be his only “BIG” contract, based on his age and timing.

• John Smoltz (42)

Smoltz only started 5 games and appeared in relief for one. He had a 2.57 ERA with a 3-2 record. He has only pitched for the Braves in his career, which has spanned 21 seasons. He has a 210-147 record and 154 saves, 53 career complete games with 16 shutouts. My personal feeling is that he should try to stay a Brave… just out of tradition, at this point. It would just be wrong to see him in another uniform.

• Tim Wakefield (42)

Boston has a perpetual $4M club option. Wakefield went 10-11, with a complete game and a4.13 ERA. He tossed 181 innings, gave up 25 long balls. Since he is a knuckleballer, he can pitch until he’s 80 and still be effective. He has a 178-157 career record and is slated to throw his first playoff game this postseason on Tuesday. I would expect for Boston to pick up the option…

• Kip Wells (32)

He’s a former Ranger. He played for KC this year… and it wasn’t pretty. He started two games and pitched in 25, going 1-3 in 37.2 innings. His ERA was a monstrosity at 6.21 and he had a 1.83 WHIP. To say that these numbers are ugly would be an understatement. He may get an invitation to spring training as a non-roster invitee, but that might be it for him…

• Randy Wolf (32)

He started 33 games for the Astros with one complete game shutout. Going 190.1 innings, he had a split record at 12-12 and a respectable 4.30 ERA. He did give up 21 shots out, walked 71 and gave up 191 hits, for a 1.38 WHIP. He would be a good signing, although it would be unclear if he should grab a five or six year deal, or end up with a two or three year deal.

Home Plate

Game 6: Cowboys at Cardinals

Since the Cardinals moved from St. Louis to Arizona (calling themselves the Phoenix Cardinals for five years in the process), the Cowboys have dominated them, winning all but 10 of the 33 games they've played against Arizona. For 41 seasons, from 1961 to 2001, the two teams played each other twice a season since they were in the same division. Since being moved to the NFC West in 2002, the Cardinals have played the Cowboys four times, winning only once. Dallas holds the series lead by a large margin, 55-28-1.

The 1988 season was the Cardinals' first playing in Arizona, having moved from St. Louis after the Cowboys had faced them for their first 28 years while located in St. Louis. Their first home game in Sun Devil Stadium was against the Cowboys, and that did not end on a high note for them. The Cardinals (called the Phoenix Cardinals at the time) may have moved to a different locale and may have been playing in front of a larger crowd, but they still couldn't stop Cowboys running back Herschel Walker, who had 161 all-purpose yards. The game was actually up for grabs, the Cowboys leading only 10-7 going into the fourth quarter. With Walker's help, Dallas engineered a 13-play, 81-yard drive lasting nearly five minutes, ending it with a touchdown on a sneak by Cowboys quarterback Steve Pelluer. The Cardinals weren't done, though, as Phoenix quarterback Neil Lomax threw a touchdown pass to teammate (and future Cowboys tight end) Jay Novacek, closing the margin to three points with just as many minutes left on the clock. But the Cardinals would perish at the feet of Walker, who ran the ball on eight of the final nine plays before the final gun sounded.

The Cardinals and the Cowboys look very much the same... on paper. The Cowboys have scored 151 points to the 147 of the Cardinals. The Cowboys defense has given up 111 compared to the 120 by the Cardinals. Dallas is undefeated on the road and Arizona is undefeated at home.

Tony Romo currently holds the longest streaks with an interception, going back to last season with 8 consecutive games. DeMarcus Ware holds a consecutive game streak, too. He's sacked the QB for 8 straight games.

Cardinals to Watch:

• Kurt Warner: 127-183 for 1472 yards. He has 10 TDs and 4 Ints along with 12 sacks.
• Edgerrin James: 92 carries for 334 yards with 3 TDs
• Tim Hightower: 36 carries for 110 yards with 5 TDs
• Larry Fitzgerald: 31 catches for 467 yards with 4 TDs
• Anquan Boldin: 27 catches for 366 yards with 5 TDs and one lost fumble.
• Travis LaBoy: 17 tackles, 4 sacks and one forced fumble.

Cowboys to Watch:

• Tony Romo: 104-162 for 1368 yards. He has 11 TDs with 5 Ints and 4 sacks.
• Marion Barber: 93 carries for 395 yards with 4 TDs and one lost fumble.
• Felix Jones: 27 carries for 244 yards with 3 TDs; 15 KO returns for 412 yards and 1 TD.
• Jason Witten: 35 catches for 442 yards with 2 TDs
• TO: 19 catches for 331 yards with 5 TDs
• DeMarcus Ware: 26 tackles, 2 for a loss, and 5 sacks.
• Adam Jones: 20 tackles, one forced fumble, and 6 pass deflections.

Forecast: This is going to be a tough game. If Romo plays in this game the way he played last Sunday, it could spell out to be an Arizona victory. Still, the Cowboys find ways to win. And what is weird is how the media is talking about this team as if they are 1-4 and not 4-1. I told my wife the other day that if the Cowboys don't beat their opponent by 30 points every week, they just aren't good enough for the media around here. They're good enough for me, though. And I think they walk into the Cardinals house with the swagger that a 4-1 team should have and walk out 5-1. Score: 34-31, Cowboys.

Note: Cowboys go into fourth quater trailing and win it there.

Home Plate

NLCS Game 2: Dodgers at Phillies

Phillies took game one. The season series between these two teams was split 4-4. This information just makes this series all the more interesting. Starting tomorrow, I will start posting an evaluation of the Free Agent pitching that will be available this off-season.
Scouting Report:

Dodgers: Chad Billingsley showed the baseball world why the Dodgers drafted him in the first round when he tamed the Cubs for six scoreless innings and got the win in Game 2 of the National League Division Series. Billingsley finally wavered in the seventh, but with seven strikeouts and one walk in front of a hostile Wrigley Field crowd, he was pretty convincing as the Dodgers' future ace. That experience should serve him well as a prep for this assignment at Citizens Bank Park, where he had control problems in his only start this year, walking five while allowing three runs in six innings of a 5-0 loss on Aug. 25.

Billingsley's season was a nice one. He went 16-10 with a 3.14 ERA, starting 32 games and pitching a complete game shutout. He tossed 200.2 innings and held his opponents to a .248 BA while yeilding only 14 HRs. He did walk 80 and gave up 188 total hits to get a 1.34 WHIP. He also averaged a strikeout an inning (201 Ks).

Phillies to Watch:

• Pedro Feliz: 4-12 with a double, a HR, and 2 RBIs.
• Pat Burrell: 3-10 with 2 doubles and 2 RBIs
• Jimmy Rollins: 3-9 with a double, a triple, and 2 RBIs.

The current Phillie roster is 20-69 (.290 BA) with 5 doubles, a triple, 2 HRs (the other coming from Ryan Howard), and 8 RBIs. The Phillies hit him better than what the rest of his opponents (average wise), so this could be a great plus for them...

Phillies: Heading into the National League Division Series, no one was sure which Brett Myers would take the mound for the Phillies: the one who dominated hitters for a 10-start stretch in July and August -- in which he went 7-2 with a 1.56 ERA -- or the Myers who had been beaten badly in his final two starts of the regular season, giving up 14 earned runs in 8 1/3 innings for a 15.12 ERA. Fortunately for Philadelphia, the dominant Myers was on the hill against Milwaukee in Game 2. He held the Brewers to two runs on two hits in seven innings. The Phils will be hoping for more of the same against the Dodgers Friday night. He is 1-1 against L.A. this season with a 1.93 ERA.

Brett Myers didn't have as good a season for the Phillies as Billingsley did for the Dodgers. He went 10-13 with a 4.55 ERA in 30 starts. He did have 2 complete games and one shutout on his way to pitching 190 innings. Opponents hit him for a .267 BA and slapped 29 HRs. He had a 1.38 WHIP and gave out 197 hits and 65 walks.

In the playoffs, he tossed 7 innings giving up 2 runs on two hits and 3 walks. He fanned four, but he was mainly issuing more groundball outs to the flyout (9 to 7). He has a 2.57 ERA in the postseason.

Dodgers to Watch:

• Juan Pierre: 13-40 (.325 BA) with a double and 6 RBIs.
• Jeff Kent: 7-19 (.368 BA) with a double, a triple, a HR, and 3 RBIs.
• Manny Ramirez: 3-19 (.158 BA) with 2 doubles, a HR, and 8 RBIs.
• Matt Kemp: 4-10 with 2 doubles, a HR, and a RBI.

The current roster is 44-171 (.257 BA) with 8 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HRs, and 24 RBIs. Normally, I wouldn't put someone on the watch list if they have a batting average of .158, but I thought the rest of the numbers were interesting. Manny, I guess, can't settle for just a single... he's got to get extra bases or nothing at all.

Forecast: I really like the Dodgers in this one. I really don't think this is going to be a high scoring affair for either team, but the Dodgers have the better numbers. Score: 4-1, Dodgers.

Home Plate

Pre-Season Game 3: Mavs at Bucks

Teh Mavs try to make it 3-0 in the preseason by going to Milwaukee. The Bucks are 0-2 in preseason play. It's obvious the Mavs are going for a faced pace game. They do not hold back on what Jason Kidd can do, and Kidd is making these team better. Much better. The defense may not be as good, but I do not think that it has to be with the faced paced game the Mavericks are now doing.

What does this all mean? What it means is that the Mavericks are going to score over 100 points a game. It could also mean that the Mavericks could be gassed out come playoff time. But for now, the Mavs just need to focus on the now. And the now is going to be very entertaining, except of course you're a Bucks fan. Then it would mean sad times for tonight.

Mavs to Watch:

• Josh Howard: 19.9 points, 7 rebounds
• Jason Kidd: 9.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 9.5 assists
• Dirk Nowitzki: 23.6 points, 8.6 rebounds

Bucks to Watch:

• Michael Redd: 22.7 points
• Mo Williams: 17.2 points, 6.3 assists
• Andrew Bogut: 14.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.73 blocks

Forecast: Mavericks take this one over the Bucks with ease, however the Bucks score a preseason high with 85 points (the Bucks have scored 79 and 71 in their first two). Score: 112-85.

Home Plate

ALCS Game 1: Boston at Tampa Bay

Here is some food for thought: Tampa Bay went 10-8 against the Red Sox this season.

Scouting Report:

Red Sox: Matsuzaka, the 18-game winner during the regular season, will be working on six days of rest. However, Matsuzaka labored through his Game 2 start against the Angels, throwing 108 pitches over five innings and giving up eight hits and three runs. The right-hander was dominant on the road this season, going 9-0 with a 2.37 ERA in 13 starts. Despite being in the Major Leagues for just two seasons, Matsuzaka has pitched eight times against the Rays, going 2-3 with a 2.75 ERA. Five of those starts have come at Tropicana Field, where Matsuzaka is 1-2 with a 3.41 ERA. Dice-K led the Majors this season by holding opponents to a .211 batting average.

Rays to Watch:

• Akinori Iwamura: 9-24 (.375 BA) with a double, a HR, and a RBI
• Carlos Pena: 5-16 (.313 BA) with 2 doubles, a HR, and 4 RBIs

And that is about it for all the good numbers against Dice K. The Rays are 27-120 (.225 BA) with 4 doubles, 4 HRs, and 13 RBIs. Evan Longoria is 1-2 with a RBI... he seems to be the workhorse that the Rays generally depend on. If he has a good series, the Rays should have a good series.

Rays: Shields got the win in Game 1 of the ALDS. He overcame a rocky third inning, in which he yielded a three-run homer to Chicago's Dewayne Wise, to turn in a respectable outing. The right-hander exited after loading the bases with one out in the seventh inning, but the Rays' bullpen held the White Sox in check to preserve the win. Shields has worked 215 innings this season -- matching his total from 2007 exactly -- and has thrown three of the Rays' seven shutouts.

Shields went 2-2 against Boston this season and 20 innings in four starts. He had a 5.85 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP against the BoSox, yeilding 20 hits, two for HRs. In the postseason, Shields has one QS and a 4.26 ERA

BoSox to Watch:

• JD Drew: 5-15 with 2 doubles, a HR, and 2 RBIs.
• David Ortiz: 7-14 with 4 doubles, 2 HRs, and 6 RBIs.
• Julio Lugo: 4-12 with 2 doubles and 2 RBIs.

Something interesting to note is Kevin Youkilis is 0-17 against Shields. The Red Sox roster is 29-110 (.264 BA) with 9 doubles, 3 HRs, and 12 RBIs.

Forecast: I like Boston for this first game. Look for a low secoring affair by the Rays, Boston stomps them in this one with a score of 6-1.

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Game 1: Stars vs. Blue Jackets

The first game of the season. The Stars didn't have a textbook preseason, so we shall see tonight whether they will learn from the preseason or not. Mainly, my concern right now for the Stars is if the feel they have worked out all the kinks. The Stars lost their last three games of the preseason.

Columbus won there last two, scoring 5 goals in each of those games. Defense isn't a strong point for Columbus. In their last three games, Columbus gave up 12 goals (seven in last two).

Overall, Columbus went 4-4 in the preseason, scoring 28 goals and giving up 25. Dallas went 1-5-1 in the preseason, scoring only 17 goals and gave up 24. If the preseason is the measuring stick of how this game will go, Dallas could be in trouble. But, again, it is only preseason, so you can't really measure too much of what a team will or will not do.

Stars to Watch:

• Mike Ribeiro: 27 goals, 56 assists, 83 points (+/- of 21)
• Brendan Morrow: 32 goals, 42 assists, 74 points (+/- of 23)
• Mike Modano: 21 goals, 36 assists, 57 points (+/- of -11)
• Matt Niskanen: 7 goals, 19 assists, 26 points (+/- of 22)
• Marty Turco: 32-21 with a GAA of 2.31 (save% of .909)

Blue Jackets to Watch:

• Rick Nash: 38 goals, 31 assists, 69 points (+/- of 2)
• Jan Hejda: 13 assists (+/- of 20)
• Nikolia Zherdev: 26 goals, 35 assists, 61 points (+/- of -9)
• Rostislav Klesla: 6 goals, 12 assists, 18 points (+/- of 7)
• Pascal Leclaire: 24-17 with a GAA of 2.25 (save% of .919)

Forecast: Columbus has the better goalie, but they don't have the scoring to go with it, at least based on last season's numbers. Preseason says they might be a little better than what happened last year. Still, I think once the Stars start to gel, they will be tough to beat. Are they "gelling" for this game? No. Stars start the season 0-1 with a score of 4-2.

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NLCS Game 1: Dodgers at Phillies

Scouting Report:

Dodgers: The Dodgers can start Lowe in Game 1, bring him back on three days rest for Game 4, then have him on regular rest for a Game 7, if the series lasts that long and they so choose. It's a nice situation to be in, having someone on the staff who's already pitched winning clinchers in a Championship Series and World Series, as Lowe did with the Red Sox in 2004. Lowe again showed that the spotlight is no issue for him when he set the tone for the Division Series by containing the Cubs for a two-run, wind-blown home run over six innings at Wrigley Field last week. He has a very successful history pitching in Wrigley Field and the same is true for the right-hander at Citizens Bank Park, where he's 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA in three career starts, none of those occurring this year. He is 4-1 with two saves and a 3.02 ERA in his career against the Phillies.

Lowe has held the current Phillie roster to 31-151 (.205 BA) with 10 doubles, 4 HRs, and 17 RBIs.

Phillies to Watch:

• Pedro Feliz: 5-23 (.217 BA) with 2 HRs and 2 RBIs.
• Jimmy Rollins: 6-20 with 2 doubles.
• Pat Burrell: 6-19 (.316 BA) with 2 doubles and 2 RBIs.
• Chase Utley: 5-14 (.357 BA) with 3 doubles and a RBI.

Phillies: The 24-year-old, left-handed Hamels pitched a masterpiece against the Brewers in Game 1 of the Division Series, yielding just two hits and a walk while striking out nine in eight innings as the Phillies won, 3-1.

Hamels enters the postseason with a 3.09 ERA with a 14-10 record. He had two starts against, and went 14 innings, posting a 1-0 record. He gave up 10 hits and two walks for a 0.86 WHIP. He gave up only four runs (1 HR) and whiffed 12 to give him a 2.57 ERA against the Dodgers this season.

Hamels has one postseason start with eight innings of shutout baseball. He lasted 8 innings and gave up 2 hits and a walk while fanning 9.

Dodgers to Watch:

• Andruw Jones: 4-13 (.308 BA) with a HR and RBI.
• Juan Pierre: 2-6 with a double.

The Dodger roster is currently 15-75 (.200 BA) with 3 doubles and 2 RBIs.

Forecast: I like Hamels in this one. He's got the numbers over the Dodgers. And he is at home. Phillies take game 1 with a score of 3-1.

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Game 28: FC Dallas vs. Toronto FC

Toronto FC has a record of 8-7-12 (that's 8 wins, 7 ties, and 12 loses) through 27 games. Dallas is 8-10-9 through 27 games.

Toronto is 1-2-2 in their last 5 games, but with three games left on the season, it would appear that they are already done. They are in last place in their Conference. Dallas has the same record over the last five games, but is fourth in their conference. Dallas is, however, locked in a tie with Colorado and has a playoff spot on the line in their last three games. Dallas is better at home and Toronto can't seem to buy a win on the road.

Toronto Players to Watch:

• Daniele Dichio: 6 goals, 2 assists in 20 games
• Chad Barrett: 9 goals in 26 games
• Rohan Ricketts: 2 goals, 4 assists in 24 games

Dallas Players to Watch:

• Kenny Cooper: 16 goals, 3 assists in 27 games
• Dominic Oduro: 5 goals, 2 assists in 23 games
• Jeff Cunningham: 8 goals, 2 assists in 24 games

Dallas is ranked seventh in the MLS in the power rankings, Toronto ranks 13 out of the 14 teams.

Forecast: I'm still not a big fan, but the playoffs are drawing near, so I will try to make myself interested in the sport again. Anyway, I like Dallas in this one, simply because of Cooper. Toronto doesn't really have any scoring threats. I would have to say Cooper scores in this one and FC Dallas takes it by a 2-1 margin.

What if: MLS made the field smaller, say the size of a basketball court, or maybe a little bigger, and cut the players on the field in half should they do it... wouldn't that be a bit more interesting?

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Pre-Season Game 2: Mavs vs. Bulls

The starters don't even play half the game and the end up killing in the preseason opener. The starters are going to get more and more playing time as the preseason wears on. That really goes without saying.

This game is the first preseason game for the Bulls.

Bulls to Watch:

• Ben Gordon: 18.6 points
• Luol Deng: 17 points, 6.3 rebounds
• Drew Gooden: 14 points, 9.3 rebounds
• Kirk Hinrich: 11.5 points, 6 assists

I'm not pretty sure how this will all pan out, since these numbers were from last season and this is their first preseason game, so the Mavs have a slight upperhand will already having played one game.

Mavs to Watch:

• Josh Howard: 19.9 points, 7 rebounds
• Jason Kidd: 9.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 9.5 assists
• Dirk Nowitzki: 23.6 points, 8.6 rebounds

Beating the Washington Wizards really isn't too much to brag about. But I liked how the team worked together. The question this season that everyone is asking here in Dallas is this: can a team whose been ousted in the first round for two consecutive seasons go to the finals on the back of Dirk, Josh, and Kidd? Well, it is preseason, so it is always possible when you look at a team in the preseason... for the most part.

What will it take? A strong supporting cast (Mavericks do have a good bench). It will also take MVP caliber years from Josh and Dirk and a typically awesome season from Jason Kidd.

Will it happen? I think the Mavericks have a strong shot at it. I do believe they will survive the first round of playoffs.

Deeper? Well, I can't say right now.

Forecast: I kind of get nastalgic when it comes to the Bulls. The first NBA game that I ever watched was with Michael Jordan facing Magic Johnson in the NBA Finals. It was on TV, by the way. I wasn't actually there. And then the first NBA game for me to watch in the stands was the Bulls going up against the Mavericks. Jordan was there, too. And the Mavs were very much in "suck-land", but they pushed the Bulls into overtime before being bested by the Bulls. And that is a game I just will not forget... for three reasons. 1) It was my first NBA game to go to, and 2) I went with my Dad, and 3) I got to see Michael Jordan play.

This game, well, doesn't have Jordan, I won't be visiting Chicago to see, and neither will my Dad. And I really think, even in preseason, that the Mavs will get the best of Chicago. Score: 98-91, Mavericks.

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The Championship Series

I like the Rays over Boston in 6. I know I said in a previous post that Boston or the Angels would be in the Series, but I have CHANGED my mind. Over in the National League, I like the Dodgers in five games. If it should play out that way, I like the Dodgers in the Series.

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Game 5: Cowboys vs. Bengals

Dallas had a heart-breaking lose last week. And it really boiled down to one simple fact: they were out-coached. Does that mean that the Cowboys are still not the best team? I don't think so. I still believe the Cowboys are the team to beat. Denver is the only team to have scored more points that Dallas right now.

I think that Dallas may be looking past the Bengals (who are 0-4 right now) and thinking of who they play next week, the Cardinals (who are 2-2)... either way you shake the stick, the Cowboys have an easier part of their schedule right now. They do play the Bengals (0-4), then play the Cardinals (2-2), and follow that up with the Rams (0-4), before facing Tampa Bay (3-1) and the NY Giants (3-0). Seriously, the Cowboys SHOULD be 6-1 when they play Tampa. This is, of course, there is no injury to key players on offense and defense.

Key Cowboys:

• Tony Romo: 90-139 (65% completion ratio) for 1192 yards, 8 TDs, and 4 Ints
• Marion Barber: 70 carries for 311 yards, 4 TDs, 1 fumble that was lost
• Felix Jones: 18 carries for 148 yards and 2 TDs
• Jason Witten: 27 catches for 363 yards and 1 TD
• Terrell Owens: 17 catches for 264 yards and 4 TDs
• Patrick Crayton: 15 catches for 192 yards
• DeMarcus Ware: 21 tackles and 4 sacks

The Cowboys have 12 sacks already this season, but have no interceptions. The Cowboys have also fumbled the ball 5 times, losing it twice. The defense has forced two fumbles this season.

The Bengals don't have the luxury of such stats, which is defining their season to date.

Notable Bengals:

• Carson Palmer: 52-90 (58% completion) for 514 yards, 1 TD, 3 Ints and 9 sacks
• Chris Perry: 72 carries for 208 yards, 2 TDs, 4 fumbles - 2 lost
• T.J. Houshmandzadeh: 24 catches for 266 yards and 1 TD
• Antonio Chatman: 10 catches for 118 yards
• Chad Johnson: 11 catches for 116 yards and 1 TD
• Glenn Holt: 17 returns for 446 yards
• Leon Hall: 10 tackles and 8 pass deflections

The Bengals defense has only two sacks, but has forced 5 fumbles and has one interception.

Forecast: The Cowboys are going to win this one without too much effort. My only concern is if they are looking past this game and not giving it the attention that it should deserve. It really should be a white-wash. If they have a poor first half, look for the second to be the trouncing that this game is meant to be. Score: 42-10.

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ALDS Game 2: Angels vs Red Sox

It's Game 2 time. Angels dropped the first one to the BoSox 4-1, giving Boston a 1-0 lead in the best of five series.
What I would like to see is a Chicago series, with the White Sox taking it. What I believe is a little different. I would think that the winner of the Angels/Red Sox series is the team to go to the series in the AL. And I think the winner of the Cubs/Dodgers series would represent the NL. AL wins the series.

Why? Well, the Brewers won't go due to CC Sabathia. He can't start every game, although they are definitely trying. The Phillies are just the Phillies. I just can't see the Phillies going. The Tampa Bay Rays are still wet behind the ears. They're more of a candidate over the next several seasons, but it is too early for them now. The inexperience will catch up with them. The White Sox will have fatigue get them. It could be in the ALCS or in this series, but it will catch up with them.
Red Sox: The right-hander turned in a terrific second season, finishing much stronger than in his rookie year, when fatigue took an obvious toll. In 13 starts after the All-Star break, Matsuzaka went 8-2. All year long, the righty dominated on the road, going 9-0 with a 2.37 ERA. His only start of the season against the Angels occurred at Fenway Park on July 28, when Matsuzaka gave up seven hits and six runs. Matsuzaka recorded 154 strikeouts over 167 2/3 innings, giving up 128 hits. Lack of control was an issue, as evidenced by 94 walks. In four postseason starts last year, Matsuzaka went 2-1 with a 5.03 ERA. The wins came in the highest of stakes -? Game 7 of the American League Championship Series against the Indians and Game 3 of the World Series at Colorado.

Dice K has only one start in his career against the Angels and is 0-1 with a 10.80 ERA. He went five innings giving up six runs off of seven hits and two walks, striking out only three while handing out two HRs. He went 18-3 this season with a 2.90 ERA. His last four starts, he only hit the six inning mark once. The Red Sox were 2-2 in those four games. Torii Hunter leads the BoSox in batting against Dice with a 2-7 mark with a HR and 3 RBIs.

Angels: Like John Lackey, Santana also struggled in his final start of the season as he allowed a season-worst eight runs over 5 2/3 innings on Saturday against the Rangers. Again, it wasn't like the usual Santana, who has turned it around this season after spending some of last season in the Minor Leagues. Santana was an All-Star this season and struck out 214 batters, which is the most by an Angels pitcher since Chuck Finley struck out 215 in 1996. Santana is 1-2 with a 5.73 ERA against the Red Sox in four career starts but didn't face Boston this year.

Santana hasn't faced the Red Sox this season. In his career, he is 1-2 with a 5.73 ERA (mentioned above) that stretches over 22 innings of work, giving up 16 runs (14 earned) off of 21 hits (2 for HRs) and 7 walks. The Sox bat him for a .247 BA and his WHIP is 1.27 against them. His last start was a loss to the Rangers, where he gave up 10 hits in 5.2 innings. He struck out 5 while issuing 10 hits, a walk, and 8 runs. The Angels are 2-2 in his last four starts.

Santana finished the season with a 16-7 record and a 3.49 ERA.

Sox to Watch:

• Mark Kotsay: 7-18 (.389 BA) with 2 doubles and 2 RBIs
• Julio Lugo: 5-14 (.357 BA) with 3 doubles, a triple, and a RBI
• David Ortiz: 5-9 (.556 BA) with 2 doubles, a HR, and 3 RBIs

The roster is currently 26-77 (.338 BA) with 13 doubles, 2 triples, a HR, and 11 RBIs.

Forecast: Both teams look good in this one. I like the BoSox for this game, due to them have good success against Santana. I don't think both starters will last seven innings, and I am not sure they will even last six in this one. I think this one is going to be a high scoring affair. Red Sox take it to a 2-0 lead in the series with a score of 9-7.

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NLDS Game 2: Dodgers at Cubs

The Cubs dropped game 1 to the Dodgers 7-2 and trail in the series 0-1.
Scouting Report:

Dodgers: He's made a little progress in two years. When the Dodgers played the Mets in the 2006 playoffs, Billingsley was a rookie added to the roster hours before Game 1 because Joe Beimel sliced his hand in a barroom mishap. Billingsley didn't fall victim to the pressure or his inexperience, pitching two innings of scoreless relief. Now he's advanced to the No. 2 starter of the playoff rotation after pitching like an ace during the regular season, leading the club in wins (16) and strikeouts (201) and going 3-0 in September. He's 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA this year against the Cubs and 1-1 against them with a 3.60 ERA overall.

He has four appearances against the Cubs in his career, two of which are starts, and has gone 15 innings, giving up 6 runs on 12 hits and 5 walks while striking out 18. He likes to give up the long ball, having issued 3 to the Cubs. The Cubs bat him for a .214 BA and Billingsley has a 1.13 WHIP against the Cubs. The current Cub roster is a little better, having a .222 BA (14-63) with one double and 3 HRs (Derek Lee, Mark DeRosa, and Kosuke Fukudome) with 6 RBIs.

There are no standout hitters against Billingsley.

Cubs: The Cubs' Opening Day starter, Zambrano is 7-2 with a 3.77 ERA at home and 7-4 with a 4.07 ERA on the road. He's been a little erratic in the final month. He threw a no-hitter on Sept. 14 against Houston in a game played at Miller Park because of Hurricane Ike but lasted only 1 2/3 innings in his start after that against St. Louis. Part of the reason for the rough outing, in which he gave up eight runs on six hits and three walks, was that he'd flown home to Venezuela to attend his grandmother's funeral. Lou Piniella has talked to Zambrano about how his antics sometimes get in the way. No one knows which Zambrano will show up. He is 0-0 with a 3.09 ERA in two NLDS starts.

Zambrano went 14-6 this season with a 3.91 ERA. In his last eleven starts, the Cubs are 8-3, but have lost two of his last four starts. He has pitched in 12 games against the Dodgers (8 starts) and is 2-3 with a 3.75 ERA, compiling 57.2 innings. He's given up 27 runs (24 earned) off of 53 hits (3 HRs) and 23 walks while fanning 53 batters. The Dodgers hit him for a .241 BA, but slapped him hard in his last outing against them (2 HRs with a .406 BA in 6.2 innings).

Dodgers to Watch:

• Russell Martin: 8-13 (.615 BA) with a HR and 4 RBIs
• Andre Ethier: 6-13 (.462 BA) with a double
• Matt Kemp: 3-6 with a HR and 3 RBIs

The current Dodger roster is 44-185 (.238 BA) with 6 doubles, 3 HRs, and 16 RBIs.

Forecast: Normally, I would pick Zambrano. Zambrano is generally an easy choice to make. With that said, I am taking the Dodgers in this one. I think Billingsley is the better choice, simply because he holds the Cubs at bay. Zambrano's last start against the Dodgers was lack-luster and there is questions of where he is at mentally. I don't know if his head is going to be in the game or not... Dodgers take it to 2-0 in the series with a score of 6-2.

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NLDS Game 2: Brewers vs. Phillies

Game 2 - Phillies lead in the series 1-0 in a best of five.
Brewers: Make it four straight starts on three days' rest for Sabathia, who continues to cement his status as the greatest midseason pickup in Major League history. Sabathia carried the Brewers to their first postseason bid in 26 years on Sunday in Milwaukee, allowing an unearned run on four hits in a complete-game, 122-pitch win over the Cubs. Less than an hour later, after a Mets loss, the Brewers won the Wild Card. The Brewers squeezed every ounce of energy out of their prized rental. Sabathia threw 334 pitches the last nine days of the regular season, starting three straight times on three days' rest.

CC Sabathia hasn't faced the Phillies this year. He was 17-10 with a 2.70 ERA this season, pitching a workhorse amount of innings at 253 with 251 strikeouts. He's only faced the Phillies twice in his career and is 1-1 with a 4.97 ERA. The Brewers have hit him for a .260 BA over that stretch, scoring 7 runs on 13 hits and 4 walks. One of those hits was a HR. The current roster is 5-34 with 3 doubles, a triple, and 3 RBIs. Jimmy Rollins leads the way with a 3-7 mark with a double and a triple.

Phillies: Myers' second-half resurgence gave the Phillies an acquisition as valuable as CC Sabathia or Rich Harden. The righty posted a 1.80 ERA in 11 starts -- and dominated. There is some concern regarding his final two outings of the season, in which he allowed 14 earned runs and 19 hits in 8 1/3 innings. Against the Brewers, he has a 1.77 ERA in eight career appearances. As the Phillies' closer last season, Myers didn't appear in the 2007 NLDS against the Rockies.

In Myers last start against the Brewers, he threw a complete game. It gave up only one run on a solo HR, walked one, and gave up another hit (2 total) for the win. That was on September 14th. His last two starts of the season were forgettable. He didn't make it through the fifth inning in both of those games, giving up a combined 16 runs in 8.1 innings. Still, he finished the season with a 4.55 ERA and a 10-13 record.

In his career against the Phillies, he has a 4-1 record spanning 35.2 innings, giving up 7 runs on 22 hits (4 HRs) while walking 8 and striking out 20. That gives him a 0.84 WHIP. The Brewers have hit him for a .183 BA. The current roster is 10-72 (.139 BA) witha double, 4 HRs (two by Mike Cameron, one by Ray Durham, and one by Prince Fielder), and 6 RBIs. Everyone equally sucks against Myers, so really their isn't much to watch when they come to the plate.

Forecast: I want to say the Brewers on this one, but I really am thinking Phillies. Myers' numbers really have convinced me that he is the one to watch, even if he got hammered in his last two starts. Score: 2-0, Phillies.

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Game 6: SGP Warriors vs. Cedar Hill

This is definitely a testament game for the Warriors. It is going to be the toughest game for the Warriors for the rest of the season. The rest of the district will and should be a breeze for the Warriors and Longhorns.SGP is ranked 18th in the area and Cedar Hill is ranked 12th. An SGP loss shouldn't knock them from the top 20, but it could if it is an embarrassing loss, something like 52-0. I don't think it will look like that...

Cedar Hill does have a passing game, but they choose to not use it. Why use it when the running game can't be stopped. The QB Driphus Jackson has 56 carries for 311 yards while going 33-62 for 256 yards passing. He has two TD passes and two TD rushes. A bigger threat would be the RB Ben Malena who has 70 rushes for 605 yards. He has rushed for 7 TDs. There is no real favorite for Jackson when he throws, but then again, he has plenty of targets. There are also other rushing threats.

Longhorns to Watch:

• QB Driphus Jackson: 33-62 for 256 yards, 2 TDs, 1 Int
• RB Ben Molina: 70 carries for 605 yards, 7 TDs

The Warriors have a passing game, rushing game, and receiving game. They average 110 yards passing each game, 134 yards rushing, and close to three TDs a game. The Warriors average twice as many catching TDs as rushing TDs.

Should the Warriors win this, they have to stop the Longhorn rushing game.

Warriors to Watch:

• QB Ryan Campos: 29-53 for 437 yards in four games.
• RB Tyrus McGlothen: 112 carries for 488 yards (5 games)
• WR DeWayne Peace: 21 catches for 358 yards and 7 TDs

Forecast: Wow... I guess this forecast is questioning myself and whether I believe the Warriors can shut down the Longhorn rushing game. And... well... I think they can slow it down. I don't think they can shut it down. And with that in mind, can the Warriors step up the "O"? Maybe. I want to say the Warriors will win this one. I really, really, really want to say that. What I think is this, Cedar Hill takes this one, 28-24.

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Pre-Season Game 6: Stars vs. Blackhawks

There is a lot of stuff going on in the sports world... MLB Playoffs, Pre-season for the Stars and the Mavericks pre-season is just around the corner, and then we have the NFL. This is still a pre-season game. It doesn't count. The Stars lost to the Blackhawks earlier this pre-season. This game is going to be played in Dallas. The Stars lost by one in Chicago, 4-3... I would like to think that the Stars can return the favor as they gear up for the regular season. Chicago is 3-1-1 this pre-season, but has been outscored 15-19... so they lose big and win close. In four pre-season games, the Stars are 1-3 with 11-14 scored to opponent score ratio. What does this mean? Stars win close and lose close. For whatever reason, I feel I shouldn't trust those numbers, since I know the Stars have lost by one in three loses and won by two, so the ratio should be just one goal difference and not three. This, of course, doesn't count the game the Stars played against Colorado yesterday, where they lost 3-1.
Forecast: Chicago has the better momentum and the Stars really have none. It would only be obvious to take Chicago in this one until we can see the Stars actually starting to put something together. I still think the Stars are a playoff worthy team, but they just aren't playing like one right now. Again, it is still pre-season. Score: 3-2.

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ALDS Game 1: White Sox vs Rays

I guess the main question to be asked here is this: Is there enough gas in the tank for the White Sox? They have had to be pushed to win for three straight days, they get one day off and now they have to do it again. Do they have any staying power?

Here's another question: Are the Rays too green right now to win this series? Sox have experience and the Rays do not... the Sox are tied, but have momentum, and the Rays are rested. So many intangibles for this series...

White Sox: Manager Ozzie Guillen announced that Vazquez will make the Game 1 start for the White Sox, pitching on four days' rest after pitching Saturday on short rest. Vazquez, has a 1-2 record and 3.54 ERA against the Rays this season, along with a 5-9 record and 5.10 ERA on the road.

Javier Vazquez is probably not the ideal choice to start the series. He has a 12-16 record with a 4.67 ERA this season, but has a 5-4 record with a 4.36 ERA in his career against the Rays. In his last start against the Rays, he went seven innings to grab a loss, giving up only 5 hits and a walk, but gave up four runs. The Sox lost that game 5-3. He holds the Rays to a .262 batting average.

The Rays roster is currently 50-213 (.235 BA) with 11 doubles, 2 triples, 2 HRs and 13 RBIs.

Rays to Watch:

• Cliff Floyd: 10-43 (.233 BA) with 2 doubles, a HR, and 3 RBIs
• Carl Crawford: 11-26 (.423 BA) with 3 doubles, 2 triples, and 2 RBIs
• BJ Upton: 6-12 with an RBI

Rays: Shields pitched one inning Sunday against the Tigers in a final tune-up before the playoffs and retired the side in order. The 26-year-old right-hander's best pitch has always been his changeup, but he also has a plus fastball and curve, and he's added a cutter that has helped him throw inside to left-handers. Shields enters the playoffs after pitching 215 innings for the second consecutive season, which is a testament to his style of pitching and his competitiveness. Unless something goes drastically wrong, Shields can be counted upon to give the team seven or more innings. Shields is 9-2 with a 2.59 ERA in 17 starts at Tropicana Field this season.

Shields has three career games against the Sox and is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in 20 innings. He has given up 26 hits, four for HRs, to Chicago, while walking 4 and striking out 19. Chicago has hit him for a .321 batting average. His last start was no different as they had 7 hits in six innings, but only allowed one run on a solo shot to Ramirez. Tampa Bay won that game in the bottom of the ninth with a solo HR by Floyd, 2-1. That game was back on May 30th.

Sox to Watch:

• Orlando Cabrera: 4-11 (.364 BA) with a double and a RBI
• Jermaine Dye: 4-7 (.571 BA) with a double
• Joe Crede: 3-6 with a double

Other things that are notable is Nick Swisher who is 1-6, but has a HR and 4 RBIs. Alexei Rameriz is 2-2 with a solo HR. Jim Thome is 3-9 with a HR and RBI, but has also struck out 5 times against Shields. The current roster is 25-67 (.373 BA) with 3 doubles, a triple (by Uribe), 3 HRs, and 7 RBIs.Forecast: I like the Sox in this one, although I am not really sure why. They do have the better hitting, and maybe that could be it. This game is at the Rays house... Vazquez isn't really what I would call a "winning pitcher" either. Still, I think I will go with my gut on this one and call for the upset to start, Sox win it 8-5.

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Pre-Season Game 5: Stars at Avalanche

On paper, the Stars are not having a good pre-season. I simply hope that they are doing well in evaluating the players to see who to keep and who to cut. As it stands, they are 1-3 in the pre-season, with all three loses coming by a margin of one goal. The only win came against the Avalanche with a score of 4-2. That game was at home. Today's game is on the road.

With three pre-season games remaining, I would believe that the regulars are building up there stamina and gearing up for the regular season. And the same would go for their opponents. Still, in the pre-season, player evaluation remains key. With that said, this game doesn't count much past that...

Forecast: The Stars have had success in the pre-season against the Avalanche at the Stars house. And the Stars will have pre-season success in Colorado as well. Stars take this one with a score of 3-2.

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NLDS Game 1: Brewers vs. Phillies

Could either of these teams be going to the World Series? Well, yes, but I really don't feel either of them will be going. It is really going to be decided, in my mind, by who wins the Cubs/Dodgers series. Still, both of these teams do have a chance... especially the Brewers, who I pick to win this series.Scouting Report:

Brewers: In choosing Gallardo, Brewers manager Dale Sveum picked raw talent over experience. He could have used postseason stalwart Jeff Suppan (5-2 with a 3.00 ERA in nine career postseason starts) on regular rest or Dave Bush on three days' rest. Instead, Sveum went with Gallardo, the Brewers' most promising young pitcher, but also a 22-year-old less than five months removed from a major right knee injury. He had surgery to repair a torn ACL in May and was back in Milwaukee's rotation on Sept. 25 for a start against the Pirates. He threw 67 pitches in four innings and allowed one run on three hits, including a Steve Pearce solo home run. He looked extremely good on the mound but in his only at-bat, Gallardo never took the bat off his shoulder. It was sign that the Brewers did not want him on the basepaths with a surgically repaired knee.

Gallardo has only four starts this season and has a 0-0 record with a 1.88 ERA. More importantly, he has a 9-5 record on his career with a 3.35 ERA. I don't know if you can judge him on this seasons performances due to his injury, so I will be looking more at career stats instead of this season's stats.

Against Philly, he is 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA in one start. He went 6.2 innings giving up four hits and walking one while striking out seven. He gave up one run, a HR to Pat Burrell. Pedro Feliz also hasa HR on Gallardo with two RBIs. The current roster is 6-25 (.240 BA) with 2 HRs and 3 RBIs.

On paper, he seems like a good choice, but only one start against someone, which the start was over a season ago, is difficult to decide if it is really a trend or not. Still, I wouldn't expect him to give up more than three runs today.

He has a 5.40 ERA during the day in 2007, but 2008, it dropped down to a 2.77 ERA. That could be the stat that could define him in this start.

Phillies: The Phillies' leader in innings and ERA among starters (3.09) will be making his second Game 1 start after working against the Rockies to kick off the NLDS last season. A rough second inning doomed him in a 4-2 defeat, and he didn't get another chance as the Rockies won the next two games for a sweep. The Phils' lefty ace will be facing the Brewers for the sixth time in his career, and has a 4.41 ERA against them.

Brewers to Watch:

• Prince Fielder: 4-15 (.267 BA) with 2 HRs and 5 RBIs
• JJ Hardy: 4-11 (.364 BA) with 2 doubles, a HR, and 4 RBIs
• Ryan Braun: 3-10 with a double, a HR, and a RBI

The current roster is 24-111 (.216 BA) with 6 doubles, 5 HRs, and 14 RBIs. Hamels seems like an obvious choice for the first game of this series. The Phillies are definitely bringing their A game to the show. Hamels is 2-1 in five starts against the Brewers. The team is batting .219 historically against him. He's pitched 34.2 innings, giving up 28 hits (5 HRs) and 10 walks. He has struck out 36 while giving up 17 runs giving him a 4.41 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP.

Forecast: This is probably going to be a tight game, simply because I suspect that the Brewers are going to give up 3 runs, maybe 4, in the first six innings, and about the same for the Phillies. Should this game be defined by the relief pitching, which is what I believe to be the case, it will fall into the hands of the Phillies, who have better pitching. Look for a score in the neighborhood of 7-5, Phillies.

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