Still Coming

[paisjpq]

even though I've been well-trained to adore boston come what may...I have to say that no team knows how to choke like they do...every year it seems they start so strong and then just tail off and screw up...

[Gander]

Mike-

As much as I would love to see the Braves catch the Mets or at least make a race out of it, I think thats a huge longshot. I mean like 100/1. Mets have them by 11.5 and the 2 teams only play each other head to head 9 more times this year. Being realistic, the best the Braves could do is win 7 of 9 and that would only gain them 5 games on the Mets. That would leave 6.5 games they would still have to make up and considering they both play very similar schedules the rest of the year, I doubt very much the Braves are good enough to better the Mets by 6.5 games against rival teams.

Obvioulsy the Braves have a better shot at making the playoffs through a wildcard, but even that I think is very much a longshot. They would have to pass 7 teams, not to mention there are 3 teams behind them within 2 games of them.

I dont see it happening and if I was betting that the Braves will make the playoffs, I would demand at least 50/1.

[SCUDSBROTHER]

3 errors/1 game ???...Sometimes he does look like he should just be driving that big Pepsi Truck.

[Gander]

They dont pay him for his defense. 16 errors is quite a bit for him at this point, but lets face it, the Yankees are getting pretty darn good offensive production from him and he really hasnt cost the Yankees any wins with his mediocre glove.

[SCUDSBROTHER]

Originally Posted by Gander

They dont pay him for his defense. 16 errors is quite a bit for him at this point, but lets face it, the Yankees are getting pretty darn good offensive production from him and he really hasnt cost the Yankees any wins with his mediocre glove.

It will cost them in the post. No team can afford that in the post.Look at the Chisox last year in the post.Their 3rd baseman's defensive game was very important in their championship.In the Angel game last night,the Indians' 3rd baseman gave the Halos an extra out,and they got 2 runs out of it(instead of the inning being over.)This was a routine throw for the 3rd baseman.Not only that,but the Indians lost 2 runs last night due to having a guy in Left field that simply has one of the worst throwing arms I have ever seen.I mean twice the Angel player trying to score from 2nd(on a single to left) was barely around 3rd when the left fielder had the ball in his hand.The Indians' catcher rarely throws out a base runner trying to steal.You can make a case that1)the reason the Indians aren't in it this year is predominantly bad defense,and 2)the reason the Angels played below .500 in the 1st half is bad defense.

[Gander]

Agree with everything you say. Defense is absolutely huge in the postseason. So is good, intelligent baserunning. 2 reasons why the White Sox went 11-2 in last year's postseason.

[slotdirt]

All I know is that after rooting for the Tigers my entire life, I decided that after they fired Alan Trammell that they weren't worth my effort. Now they turn into the best team in baseball. Thanks a lot, Mike Illitch.