Red Right 88

Cleveland sports fan and sports writer

Name:
Location: Cleveland, Ohio, United States

quit my job decided to drive west

Saturday, September 22, 2007

A peek ahead

I have been resisting writing this post until it was offical. But with a magic number of two with nine games left to play combined with being tired of hearing crap being spread from all corners-- it is time to post.

Why are people afraid of the Yankees?

Yes, they beat us every game this season. Yes, they have been on tear lately.

But so what?

Look it up, the hottest team in baseball is not the Yankees but the Indians. As hot as New York has been, the Indians have won more games down the stretch.

As for the 0-fer. In the first series in New York, Westbrook and Sowers got shelled then JoBo imploded costing Carmona what would have been his first win in a calender year. Fausto's next start would be against the Twins and Santana and legend would be born. Sowers won't be pitching in the playoffs and if Westbrook does-- he certainly is not the same pitcher he was in April. Carmona, Byrd and Westbrook were the losers the second time around at the Jake. The Indians' hitters were silent that series scoring only 5 runs. One would expect the Indians to hit better in the playoffs.

Missing from both Series would be C.C. Sabathia. Give him two starts on full rest and that changes everything. Yes the Yankees can hit but as the Tigers proved last year, great pitching can silence them in October.

I have heard many say that they would prefer to play Boston. Don't let Red Sox fool you. They may be free falling but they have a parachute in reserve. Manny will be back for the playoffs and their lineup will be just as fearsome as New York -- only the Red Sox will have much better starting pitching.

For me the key is home field, give me the first two games at home against either club with C.C. and Fausto on the mound and I will take my chances.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Alright!

Alright, now I can relax and enjoy this. Just moments ago, the Tribe finished sweeping the Tigers making thier magic number 3 with 10 to play.

There will be October baseball at the Jake again!

It is hard not to get excited about this team. It is the best all around team to play in Cleveland in my lifetime.

The lineup has started to hit with 20 home run guys scattered through the lineup and two young Venazulalens have been the spark.

But championships come with pitching and defense.

The fielding have come a long way from April. The defense which was the worst in the league in the first month has worked it way up to third overall in the American League. Casey Blake solidified one corner while Garko stepped up at the other. Jhonny (although scary at moments) has worked hard to improve and Victor has made his nightmare behind the plate that was last season a distant memory. Gutierrez has won several games with his fielding and arm.

And the pitching. No one in the league can surpass a one-two punch of Sabathia and Carmona. That is some nastiness at the front end of the rotation that has not been since in Cleveland for a long, long time.

With the NBA flavored post season schedule of scheduled off days deluxe, the Indians bullpen goes from good to great since only the Ralfies and JoBo will be needed.

It has a been a season of worry but now that the post season is finally upon us, let's enjoy what looks to be a fun month of October.

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Really?

Um, what the hell was that?

The Browns game was so unexpected and so surreal that I didn't even fully enjoy it or soak it in.

I mean holy crap! I can't wait for the game to replayed on NFL network.

Honestly I don't think I will comprehend what really happened until Thursday when the Tigers leave town. Like I know there isn't much to worry about, but I am worried regardless.