Thank you for Everything Leatherheads

Hello,

I regret you inform all of you that Flashing the Leather is no more. Jesse and myself were the only ones posting consistently. We could not carry this on our own. But from all of us at Flashing the Leather we appreciate all the support and it was fun while it lasted. Keep looking around the blogosphere though, my name might just pop up on another baseball blog!

The Hot Stove has just been lit everyone so it should be a fun winter.

Thanks again for all of those who participated.

A Quick Look at the League Championship Series

Hey Leatherheads, how are things? What an exciting ALCS! I was waiting for some exciting developments to occur in the playoffs and up until Game 5, nothing was really happening. After trailing 7-0, down three games to one, Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz led a comeback for the ages propelling the Sox to a 8-7 victory. Then after winning Game 6, the Red Sox seemed poised to make it back to the World Series. But Matt Garza shut down the Red Sox once again and last year's top draft pick David Price shut down the Sox in the ninth, propelling the Tampa Bay Rays to their first World Series birth. The Boston Red Sox still have the pieces to be a dynasty but watch out now, the sky is the limit for the Rays. This will not be the last time the Red Sox and the Rays meet in the ALCs.

Since the NLCs wasn't close to being as exciting, let's start there:



The Philadelphia Phillies defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers four games to one.

The Phillies are off to their first World Series since 1993,
only their third series appearance in the team's 125-year history

In Game 1, a Rafael Furcal error in the sixth helped erase an early 2-0 lead for the Dodgers. After Furcal's error allowing Shane Victorino to reach, the next batter Chase Utley launched a line drive to right that just cleared the short fence at Citizens Bank Ballpark. The next batter, Pat Burrell, then hit a homer into the left field seats making the score 3-2. That would end up being the final score as Cole Hamels cruised. In Game 2, the Phils took an 8-2 lead early with Shane Victorino and Brett Myers (interestingly enough) driving in seven of those eight runs. The Dodgers tacked on three runs in the fourth but that was all they could muster as the Phillies were victorious 8-5. Myers ended the night pitching five satisfactory innings and going 3-3 with three RBIs at the plate. In Game 3, Hiroki Kuroda came up big for the Dodgers going six strong innings letting up only two runs. The Dodger's five run first inning was capped off by Blake DeWitt's bases-loaded triple that drove in three of the five runs. Jamie Moyer got shelled, letting up six runs in only one and one third innings. The benches cleared in the top of the third when Kuroda threw over the head of Shane Victorino, but no one was ejected and the complexion of the game had already been set. The Dodgers took this one 7-2. In Game 4, the Dodgers took a 5-3 lead into the eighth when pinch-hitter Shane Victorino launched a game-tying home run off of Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton. Two batters after that, pinch-hitter Matt Stairs hit a towering home run that left Dodger Stadium. This was the turning point of the series, the Dodgers lost most of their life after that moment. The Phils took this one, 7-5. In Game 5, Cole Hamels went seven strong never giving the Dodgers a chance and taking the series MVP award. This game was over when Jimmy Rollins launched the eighth pitch of the game off of Chad Billingsley, who had a terrible series, ending it with an 18.00 ERA. The Phils cruised, taking the game 5-1 and the series four games to one.



The Tampa Bay Rays defeat the Boston Red Sox four games to three.

After finishing with the league's worst record last season,
the Tampa Bay Rays find themselves competing in the World Series

Now this is where the fun begins. In Game 1, Daisuke Matsuzaka and James Shields were lights out each going seven strong innings. Jed Lowrie had a sacrifice fly in the fifth and Kevin Youkilis had a run scoring double in the eighth counting for the only two runs of the game. The Red Sox won the pitcher's duel 2-0. In Game 2, the game couldn't have been more of the opposite of Game 1. Both starters Josh Beckett and Scott Kazmir were hit hard each only going four and a third innings and letting up eight and five runs respectively. Dustin Pedroia and Jason Bay homered twice each for the Boston Red Sox while Evan Longoria, B.J. Upton, and Cliff Floyd homered for the Rays. In the eighth, down 8-7, Pedroia scored on a Dan Wheeler wild pitch. In the 11th, speedy pinch runner Fernando Perez scored on a shallow fly ball by Upton, making the Rays victorious 9-8. In Game 3, Matt Garza set the tone early going six strong while Upton and Rocco Baldelli each hit three-run homers. Longoria tied the rookie record with his fourth homerun this postseason. Jon Lester and Paul Byrd each let up four runs, as the Rays cruised 9-1. In Game 4, the Rays tore apart Tim Wakefield and Manny Delcarmen. Carlos Pena, Evan Longoria, and Wily Aybar homered for the Rays, Aybar also finished with five RBIs and Longoria's homer set a postseason rookie record. Carl Crawford led the Rays with five hits. The Red Sox lost their third straight to the Rays 13-4. In Game 5, the Rays got off to an early lead with homeruns by Pena, Upton and Longoria. After a top-notch six inning outing by Rays starter Scott Kazmir, the Red Sox found themselves down 7-0 entering the seventh inning. After a Pedroia RBI single, David Ortiz launched a two-run homer deep into the right field stands off of Grant Balfour. Now 7-4 in the eighth, J.D. Drew hit a two run shot to get the Red Sox within one. Then after Mark Kotsay's double Coco Crisp, who hit over .400 in the series, knocked him home with a game-tying RBI single. In the ninth, after a Evan Longoria throwing error allowing Kevin Youkilis to get to second, J.D. Drew launched a sharp double over the head of Gabe Gross in right to end the game. This was the first time since the 1929 Philadelphia A's, that a team has come back from a seven-run deficit in the postseason. In Game 6, the Sox got a decent five inning outing from starter Josh Beckett and solo homers from Youkilis and Jason Varitek. Both bullpens were lights out and the 4-2 lead the Sox picked up in the sixth held as the final score. B.J. Upton hit his ALCS record-tying seventh homerun in this one, he had nine in the entire regular season. In Game 7, ALCS MVP Matt Garza struck out nine in seven innings only yielding one run. Wily Aybar hit a solo shot in the seventh giving the Rays a two run cushion. That was when David Price came in and dominated the final one and a third innings. Aknori Iwamora fielded a sharp grounder to second and took it to the bag himself for the final out. Iwamora and catcher Dioneer Navarro mobbed Price and the celebration was on as the Rays took the final game 3-1.

Well that's all for now Leatherheads. I hope you've been watching the World Series. It's been a good series, tied at one so far. But I hope you all noticed that Jason Bartlett stole a base in Game 1. Which means, FREE TACOS! I'll be there Tuesday, October 28th between 2 and 6 PM will you?! I'll be at a few locations, maybe you'll see me! Haha.

But I digress, this will be a hard fought World Series and I would be surprised if it didn't go at least six games. It will come down to the bullpens, who will be able to outlast? We shall see.

Good night, and oh don't forget your free Dr. Peppers on November 23rd, with the apparent release of Guns and Rose's Chinese Democracy. Free stuff, that's what it's all about.

He rolls down his window and he started to say / It's all about makin' that GTA

1

Jeremy Brown was on Team B

First off, special thanks to Eazy E and NWA for today's title post.

Now, then, hey all you Leatherheads out there! I know there's a small matter like the World Series going on, but I just thought it would be wise to take a minute to let you all know that it seems like Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game is being made into a movie, starring Brad Pitt as Billy Beane.

For those of you who do not know, Moneyball is a book written by Billy Bean simulating what would happen if there were only three teams in a league. Team A, composed entirely of computers, and Team B, composed entirely of fat, slow, ugly men who nonetheless enjoyed walking, would tie for the pennant. Team C, full of physically gifted, fast and good fielding ballplayers would come in last place. Because the book showed that computers and fat men actually played baseball better than athletically gifted men with far superior jawbones, it angered many baseball traditionalists. Also, it did not have its intended effect of selling jeans.

For more information, visit http://www.themovieinsider.com/m1763/moneyball/.



1-http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2008/0305/mlb_a_brown_200.jpg

A Quick Look at the Division Series

Hello Leatherheads. Much to talk about with the wrapping up of each league's division series. In the American League, the Tampa Bay Rays won their first postseason series over the Chicago White Sox three games to one. The Boston Red Sox came up big once again in the postseason, downing the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, who held the best record in baseball in the regular season, three games to one. Over in the National League, The Philadelphia Phillies overtook the silent bats of the Milwaukee Brewers three games to one. The Los Angeles Dodgers handily swept the Chicago Cubs, who held the best record in the National League this season, three games to zero. Now for a quick wrap-up:

Jason Varitek tags out Reggie Willits in the ninth inning of Game 4.
When Varitek's glove hit the ground the ball came out of this glove.
Willits was ruled out on the play.

American League:

Los Angeles Angels of Aneheim defeat Boston Red Sox, three games to one:

In Game 1, Jon Lester pitched seven strong innings, letting up only one unearned run, leading the Red Sox to the victory. Jason Bay put the Red Sox ahead in the sixth when he launched a two-run home run off of starter John Lackey giving them a two-run lead. The Red Sox didn't look back from there, taking the game 4-1. In Game 2, Jason Bay hit his second home run in two games in the first inning with a three run shot off starter Ervin Santana giving them a 4-1, first inning lead. The Angels chipped away with one run in fourth, fifth, and seventh inning drawing them within a run. Mark Teixeira's sacrifice fly in the eighth tied the game at five. But in the top of the ninth, J.D. Drew launched a two-run home run off of closer Francisco Rodriguez who broke the major league single-season saves record in the regular season with 62. That was enough for Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon who closed the Angels out in the bottom of the inning to win the game 7-5. In Game 3, both starters Joe Saunders and Josh Beckett were chased after five innings after they both let up four runs. Both bullpens were rock solid from the 6th inning on, until the 12th when Erick Aybar drove in Mike Napoli for the game winner for the Angels, 5-4 was the final. Napoli was the star hitting two home runs in this one. In Game 4, John Lackey pitched a solid seven innings letting up only one run. But Red Sox starter Jon Lester was a shade better not letting up a run in his 7 solid innings. In 14 innings pitched this series, Lester did not let up a run and struck out 11. The Red Sox took an early lead with 2 runs in the fifth but the Halos tied the game late on Torii Hunter's two run single. In the top of the 9th, the Angels had pinch-runner Reggie Willits on third base and just one out. Angels manager Mike Scioscia called for a squeeze bunt, but Erick Aybar missed the bunt and Jason Varitek aggressively chased Willits down the line. He tagged Willits just before he could retreat to third base. After the pursuit, Varitek fell down and the ball kicked away just as his arm hit the ground. Third-base umpire Tim Welke ruled that the ball came ajar only after the tag had been applied. This changed the complexion of the game. In the bottom of the 9th, rookie Jed Lowrie hit a walk-off single of set-up man Scot Shields, ending the game, and the series three games to one.

The Tampa Bay Rays defeat the Chicago White Sox three games to one:

In Game 1, Dewayne Wise homered in the third for the White Sox giving them an early lead. But Evan Longoria stole the show for the Rays hitting a home run in his first two postseason at-bats. The Rays never looked back after Longoria's second home run off of White Sox starter Javier Vazquez, winning the game 6-4. In Game 2, the White Sox scored two runs early off Rays starter Scott Kazmir with Jim Thome's RBI single and Alexi Ramirez's sacrifice fly. After stranding the bases loaded, Kazmir settled down and the Rays bullpen held the White Sox to only those two runs. Aknori Iwamora hit the go-ahead two run home run in the fifth, and the Rays won the game 6-2. In Game 3, John Danks pitched a strong 6 2/3 innings before giving way to the bullpen which didn't let up a run. Dewayne Wise hit a two-run double in the fourth off of Rays starter Matt Garza, setting the tone for the rest of the game. The White Sox took the game 5-3. In Game 4, B.J. Upton set the tone early for the Rays with a home run in the first. The Rays then chipped away all game with Carlos Pena going 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two stolen bases. The Rays cruised all game, winning 6-2, and taking their first postseason series three games to one.

National League:

The Philadelphia Phillies defeat the Milwaukee Brewers three games to one.

In Game 1, Phillies starter Cole Hamels dominated pitching eight shutout innings. The Phillies tacked on three runs in the third after Bill Hall bobbled a sacrifice attempt by Hamels, ruining the chance for a double play, then had his throw to first dropped by Rickie Weeks who was running to cover. It was extended further when Mike Cameron took a bad route on Chase Utley's two-out fly ball to center field. That was all the Phillies needed, taking the game 3-1. In Game 2, Shane Victorino set the tone in the second with his first career grand slam. Phillies starter Brett Myers struggled in the first but settled down to go seven innings. Brewers starter CC Sabathia struggled all game letting up five runs in 3 2/3 and walking four. The Phillies were victorious, 5-2. In Game 3, Phillies starter Jamie Moyer never recovered from a wild first inning. Brewers starter Dave Bush and four relievers combined to only let up one run. J.J. Hardy had three hits, including an RBI single in the two-run first inning. The Brewers never trailed after that and won 4-1. In Game 4, Phillies starter Joe Blanton when six strong letting up only one run and striking out seven. Brewers starter Jeff Suppan let up three home runs including Jimmy Rollins' lead off homer. After Pat Burrell and Jason Werth went back-to-back off Suppan in the third, the Phils never looked back winning the game 6-2 and taking the series three games to one.

The Los Angeles Dodgers sweep the Chicago Cubs three games to zero.

In Game 1, Derek Lowe went six strong innings for the Dodgers letting up two runs and striking out six. Mark DeRosa got things started for the Cubs with a two run homer in the second but James Loney quickly rivaled that for the Dodgers in the fifth with a grand slam. After that the Dodgers cruised, taking the game easily, 7-2. In Game 2, the Dodgers jumped all over Carlos Zambrano with five runs in the second inning, including Russel Martin's three-run double. Zambrano let up seven runs in all, only three earned. But the game was over after the second inning, the Dodgers took the game, 10-3. In Game 3, Hiroki Kuroda went six shutout innings for the Dodgers who set the tone early with James Loney's two-run double in the first. The Cubs were not able to get their bats alive in this one, as the case was all series. Alfonso Soriano, Aramis Ramirez, Geovanny Soto, Jim Edmonds, and Kosuke Fukudome all hit less than .200 versus the Dodgers who had no problem putting the Cubbies away 3-1 and sweeping the series three games to zero.


So that's all she wrote so far, I hope you were able to catch a few of the games. The ALCS is shaping up to be a great one and has not dissappointed thus far with the Rays and the Red Sox tied at one going to Fenway Park. Keep an eye on Evan Longoria, he'll be key for the Rays in Boston. Philly seems to be handling the Dodgers pretty well as the team rides their lights-out bullpen who has not let up a run thus far in the NLCS. As it stands, the Phils are up two games to none on the Dodgers. If the Dodgers hope to come back, the key factor will be the on-base production of Rafael Furcal and Russell Martin who have gone a combined 3-for-16 in the series.

Take care Leatherheads, and write back!

Somewhere, Ned Yost is Laughing

Dale Sveum is not very bright. That is the only explanation I can think of for intentionally walking Shane Victorino last night in the fourth inning. So Sabathia could face Chase Utley and subsequently Ryan Howard. I understand that the Flyin' Hawaiian is a switch hitter and Utley is a left-handed batter, but this move is nonetheless idiotic. As you can see in the above photograph, he doesn't even know how to run the bases*. How is this guy in charge of the on-field operations for a baseball team?

As it is, of course, Ryan Howard struck out with the bases loaded and Sveum doesn't look like a dumbass. If the sun shines on every dog's ass once in a while, then I guess that it'll shine on a horse's ass sometimes, too.

*this is a joke.
1 - http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3040/2746749312_bcd7b5e630.jpg?v=0

And Down the Stretch They Come...

Hey Leatherheads, it seems like the only thing you can count on these days are triple-digit moves in the stock market. With the exception of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Angels, most teams in playoff races have been very inconsistent.

Manny being Manny has helped the Dodgers take control of the NL West

In the NL West, the Los Angeles Dodgers acquisition of Manny Ramirez has dramatically changed the division. Before the season, it appeared the Arizona Diamondbacks would win the division in a tight race. But with how weak the NL West was, all it took was one move to change the team attitude. So much so, that not many people realize the Dodger record at the time of the trade (54-53) is not much worse then where the team is at now (81-75). But that modest improvement has been enough to stake themselves to a two-and-a-half game lead over the D-Backs. The strong backend of the bullpen along with the team's above average bats should keep them on top to finish out the year.

In the AL Central, the Chicago Cubs have maintained the second best record in baseball and yesterday were able to clinch the division for the second consecutive season. This is the first time for the Cubbies since 1907 that they have finished consecutive seasons in first place. Manager Lou Pinella owes the team success to what he likes to call "Cubby occurances."

This year those "Cubby Occurances" have included Geovanny Soto's amazing year, contributions from castoffs Jim Edmonds and Reed Johnson, and Kerry Wood being able to successfully trade places with Ryan Dempster. A far cry from the "Cubby Occurances" of yesteryear, like the "Bartman Incident" or maybe Ronny Cedeno getting thrown out stealing second on a walk. There was also that game in 2006 when Andrew Jones tagged up to score, from 2nd base. There was also that time in 2004 when the Chicago Cubs almost weren't able to sign Greg Maddux, that is because GM Jim Hendry tripped on a dustpan while carrying his son's birthday present down the stairs, requiring immediate reconstructive knee surgery.

My personal favorite was how the Chicago Cubs made it a point to monitor Glenallen Hill's severe arachnaphobia. This was because back in 1990 Hill ended up on the 15-day DL as a result of a violent nightmare about spiders. He popped out of his bed, bumped into a glass table, and plunged down a staircase all happening while he was asleep.

But I digress, I do actually like the Cubs chances this year. The Milwaukee Brewers looked, for a little while, like they might give the Cubs a run for their money. After the Brewers acquired CC Sabathia at the trading deadline they were on fire. But they have severely fallen off and have fallen one-and-a-half games back of the New York Mets for the NL wildcard.

In the NL East the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies are in a two team battle for first place. As it stands the Phillies are one-and-a-half games ahead of the Mets after their win and the Mets loss today. Like Casey Stengel used to say, the Mets continue to snatch defeat out of the jaws of victory and it seems this may ultimately cost them the division. But I do believe they'll take the NL wildcard.

In the AL West, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have long run away with the division. With the best record in baseball and the Texas Rangers twenty-one-and-a-half games back, the Angels wrapped this up a long time ago.

In the AL Central the Chicago White Sox and the Minnesota Twins fight it out atop the division. As it stands the Sox are two and a half games up with six left to play. The Twins have stayed
competitive throughout the year and have outplayed everyone's expectations. They have a great core of young players, but they will eventually lose the Central to the White Sox.

Then you have the AL East where the Tampa Bay Rays have shockingly locked up the division. The Boston Red Sox are one game from locking up the wildcard. It was always in the back of every baseball fan's mind watching all the great players come up with the Tampa Bay Rays that you just knew their time was coming. For the first time since 1993, the Yankees will be missing the playoffs but it's about time another franchise got it's chance to shine.

That's it for now Leatherheads. Stay tuned for the playoffs!

Cy Young Had the Most Wins by Any Pitcher / Cy Young Had the Most Losses by Any Pitcher

Hey Leatherheads,

Just calling out to everyone for what their picks (not predictions for the Baseball Writers Association of America . . . screw anyone who says that Jimmy Rollins was MVP last year!) for some of the major awards for this year are.

There's always a ton written about the MVP and Cy Young awards, and we can cover those, for sure (and sort of did a couple weeks ago), but how about the less talked-about awards like Manager of the Year (my guess: Willie Randolph!) and Comeback Player of the Year. While we're at it, why not pick the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards as well? If you'd like to take this opportunity to combine the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards to create All-Star Teams at the end of the season, then that's cool, too. Up to y'all.

I'll wait on you all to see what you've got to say, but it's probably pretty obvious (based on my last post) who I'd pick for AL Comeback.

Here's your chance to be heard (at least by us)!

Finally, post title brought to us by the Dan Bern song "Cy Young" -- a great folk tune.

Rocco's Modern Life

Okay, you all may have already heard about this, but Rocco Baldelli is back in the majors after a pretty serious scare with Mitochondrial myopathy, a condition that causes extreme muscular fatigue with normal or light exercise. Baldelli, who was a budding superstar just a few years ago, has battled injuries since then until finally being diagnosed (sort of) with the mitochondrial disorder. The condition is life-altering and in many cases is even life-threatening.

Now, I am really happy for Josh Hamilton, battling addiction is a tough thing and hopefully something none of us Leatherheads ever have to deal with. However, I am kind of curious about why the same people who make Hamilton out to be a hero have made Baldelli seem like some kind of wuss. To be sure, it is difficult to battle addiction, but Hamilton brought his condition upon himself, while no one really knows what caused Baldelli's.

In ranking shortstops historically based on worth, Bill James brought up an interesting point. People make Buck Weaver out to be some sort of screwed-over victim of the 1919 Black Sox scandal, but no one seems to care about Ray Chapman, who was not only killed, but was also clearly the superior player.

I think the same argument can be made here for Baldelli. People just don't really care. And that's really too bad because as a rookie, Baldelli was an all-around player, but he was best known for his speed and his fielding. Times change, and in his modern life, he can barely run enough to start at designated hitter. Well, this is probably the only time you'll ever hear me say anything good about the DH, but for Rocco, I'm glad that it's there. Hopefully he can help the Rays in October.