Archive for the ‘Sports Time Radio’ Category

Cubs split the series

Posted: May 1, 2016 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, fantasy, post season, sports, Sports Time Radio
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The Cubs enter May with the best record in the MLB and continue to liter the warning track in front of their dugout.  Julio Teheran takes on John Lackey looking for his fourth win of the season and trying to improve his ERA.  Lackey would have a quick 1-2-3 first inning.  Fowler would continue his hot streak with a leadoff single, deep into shortstop.   Heyward would send a screamer right back at Teherhan moving Dexter to second.  Kris Bryant back in the line up would strikeout on a caught foul tip.  Anthony Rizzo would walk and with Bez Zobrist up to bat both men would steal but Ben would get caught watching the ball cross the plate for his first K of the day. 

Aside from the leadoff hit by Fowler in the first, both men would cruise through the first four innings with out a run crossing the plate and for Lackey, no hits through four.  His first hit would be given up to Kelly Johnson, who would attempt a bunt, throwing Lackey off enough for a double to left.  Johnson would be pushed over to third and then score on Jace Peterson’s sac fly to right.  Lackey would get out of the inning but it would be 1-0 Braves. 

The top of the sixth would prove to be trouble for Lackey, he’d give up a single to Mallex Smith, the walk Nick Markakis.  Erik Aybar would move up the runners with a bunt, setting up Freddie Freeman for an intentional walk.  Adonis Garcia would reach on a fielding error scorin Smith.  Kelly Johnson would get an unusual RBI in his inning ending double play, Zobrisy would miss the tag on Garcia, throw to Rizzo for the out, who would throw back to Ben for the tag to end the inning. 

Mallax Smith would leadoff the eighth with a double to the left center gap but get tagged out trying to stretch it for three.  Lackey would finish the eighth.  Jim Johnson would replace Julio getting the lead off man to line out. Matt Szczur would reach on a bunt.  Fowler would push Matt to third on a double who would then score on Heyward’s ground out to second base with Hunter Cevanka on the mound, Fowler at third.  Arodyis Vizcaino would come in to face Bryant giving up a base hit scoring Fowler.  But Rizzo would end the inning with a K.  Braves 3, Cubs 2.  

Travis Wood starts the ninth off against Freeman getting him to ground out.  He’d give up a walk to Francoeur but get Johnson to fly out.  Justin Grimm would come into the game, throwing a wild pitch to advance the runner but would get the last out.  

Zobrist would lead off the ninth with a walk.  He would make it to third on Vizcaino’s throwing error to try to pick off Ben.  Zobrist would then score on Russell’s single to right, tying it at three but Aroydis would get out of it taking us into extra innings.  Hector Rondon would come into the 10th, getting the first out but Daniel Castro would single to right advancing to third on Mallax’s single to left.  Markakis would send a fly ball to left, scoring Castro.  Rondon would finish the inning off.    4-3.  

Jason Grilli would start the 10th off by getting Fowler to ground out, then get Heyward to strikeout.  Kris Bryant with two outs and a 3-2 count would walk bringing Rizzo to the plate.  However, Rizzo would fly out to left.  Still a great game for the Cubs, not what we wanted but they can’t win them all.

@danzeeeman
The Podcast

Angel Pagan puts the fizz in Giants’ pop!

Posted: May 1, 2016 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, fantasy, post season, sports, Sports Time Radio
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As April fades into May, we see that both the Chicago Cubs (17-5) and San Francisco Giants (11-12) sit atop the standings in their respective divisions, despite the different routes they have traveled to get there.

Even though they are currently tied for first place in the National League West, courtesy of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ six game losing streak, the outlook has not been brilliant for the San Francisco Giants in April. They were crushed Friday night in New York by the Mets, 13-1, and they dropped a 6-5 decision on Saturday evening, as the Mets extended their winning streak to eight.The Cubs are 8-2 in their last ten games and missed the opportunity to break their franchise record for wins in April because of Saturday’s rainout with the Atlanta Braves (5-18). 

The Giants, on the other hand, were swept in their first four games of the most recent homestead by the Arizona Diamondbacks, before rallying to take five of the final six between the San Diego Padres, who they swept, and the Miami Marlins, who dropped two of three.

Between Jake Peavy (1-2, 8.61 ERA, 2.00 WHIP) walking guys on Friday night, and Matt Cain (0-3, 7.00 ERA, 1.59 WHIP) hitting batters with pitches on Saturday, the Giants were giving runs away like they were going out of style. Granted it would have made no difference on Friday, but those two hit batsmen in Saturday’s game cost Cain his first victory this season. 

Of course, prior to doubling their run production for Cain on Saturday by scoring three runs, the Giants had managed to score only three runs total in Cain’s first four starts, shades of deja vu from early on in his career, when the longest tenured Giants gained sympathy for his lack of run support.

Still, there is no getting around his 7.00 earned run average and his 1.59 WHIP in the opening month of the season. As much as he has looked good on the mound, especially early on in games, Cain needs a shakeup, or maybe a shakedown, to stir things up and activate his confidence. 

Otherwise, the Dodgers are going to get their act together, and leave San Francisco behind while it continues to allow Cain to try and pitch his way back into some semblance his former self.

Peavy is actually worse statistically than Cain, despite going seven innings against the Marlins eight days ago, while giving up just two runs. That’s the frustrating part with both Cain and Peavy, the fact that both have looked sharp at times, and clueless at others.

Despite the sagging back end of the rotation, there are some incredibly bright spots for the Giants, including the fact that they have struck out the fewest of any teams in the National League (155); only the Los Angeles Angels (123) have whiffed fewer times in all of MLB. 

Angel Pagan is batting .315 with 17 RBIs in the early going, but it is his positive attitude that has been the most noteworthy component of the team’s new left fielder. Pagan’s willingness to put the team first when Denard Span came on board, by shifting from center field to left, paved the way for the smooth transition in the outfield.

Bruce Bochy’s strategy of batting Pagan ninth, giving the team two consecutive speedsters in the batting order after the first inning, has proven to be an effective tool in light of Pagan’s quick start. The former Met has epitomized the role that chemistry plays within the Giants organization, and it is showing up in more tangible ways as far as batting average and production as the season wears on.

Johnny Cueto’s 4-1 win/loss record and his 2.65 ERA are examples of his contributions on the field, but it is his charismatic presence that cannot be underestimated, as far as providing leadership and motivation to the team. His ability to stay on an even keel no matter what is going on around him, contributes to the team’s ability to respond accordingly.

The Giants seem to be more relaxed when Cueto is on the mound, a reflection of the Dominican native’s ability to keep the team loose. The season is still early but it is obvious that the one-two punch of Madison Bumgarner and Johnny Cueto will be an effective combo against any other two starters in the league.

Of course, when it comes to pitching, the Cubs with a team ERA of 2.39, have almost half the earned run average of the Giants, 4.70. 

The season may be only one month old, but this has got to change if the Giants are going to be able to establish the confidence needed to make a serious run at a fourth title in seven years.
That being said, confidence does not seem to be lacking on the Cubs these days.
@BelllSpringsMark  

You can find more of Mark’s writing on China Basin Chatter

Posted: April 29, 2016 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, fantasy, post season, sports, Sports Time Radio
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Day game two and you never know in April what the weather will be like but the forecast was clear enough to get this one on the books.  The veteran John Lester vs 2013 first rounder, Aaron Blair.  

Both pitchers duel it out for three full innings without any real damage to either’s pitching count or ERA.  Lester would leadoff the fourth inning with three straight balls to Freddie Freeman, he would get the green light on 3-0 and send one deep into the right field bleachers, putting the Braves up 1-0.  Blair would make it through the fourth but would give up a lead off double to Javier Baez.  The Cubs would tie up with one out and a man on second, when David Ross would send a shot to left field scoring Baez.  Lester would end the inning with a double play.  Both men would make it through the sixth with no real issues but it’s the seventh, where things get exciting.  Jeff Francoeur would lead off with a single he would throw a wild pitch, then walks Tyler Flowers.  Erik Aybar would reach by simply bunting the ball back to Jon Lester, knowing he couldn’t make the throw to first.  Madden would come out to the mound to calm down Lester, which it would work.  He would strike out the next two batters and gets Nick Markakis to ground out ending his half of the inning.  

The Braves would bring in Alexi Ogando.  Rizzo would leadoff the bottom half with a walk, Soler would single.  Baez would ground out moving up both batters.  The Braves would put Russell on first but Ross would end the inning with a 4-6-3 double play if your scoring at home.  

Pedro Strop would move quickly through his portion of the eighth.  Jim Johnson would come into the game to try and stop the Cubs.  Tommy La Stella would lead off with a double would be caught trying to reach third on a infield ground ball by Dexter Fowler.  Heyward would walk.  Zobrist would single to load the bases.  Rizzo would send a line drive to center scoring Fowler.  Cubs up 2-1, with Mr. Hitting Instructor, Matt Szczur would challenge new pitcher, Chris Withrow.  With bases loaded, 1 out and an 0-1 count, Withrow would serve up a 92 mph fastball right over the plate, Szczur would send one into the bleachers for his first grand slam of his career! 

Hector Rondon would come into the ninth to preserve Pedro Strop’s chance for a win.  Francoeur would fly out to right, Flowers would strikeout.  Erik Aybar would ground out to Rizzo.  

Cubs Win!  Cubs Win!  First to 17.  They shoot to close out April with the best record in the MLB! 

@DanZeeeMan

The Podcast 

Jake the Great!

Posted: April 28, 2016 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, fantasy, post season, Sports Time Radio, Uncategorized
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Soooo last nights matchup pitting Mr. “No one will under cut my work,” Jake Arrieta takes on Milwaukee Brewers 0-3 Taylor Jungmann.  It would appear that the extra day of rest would through The Great One off.  He would give up a single to lead off man Jonathan Villar who would steal second, with #3 in the lineup Ryan Braun.  With one man on and one out, Braun would reach on a walk.  Catcher Jonathan Lucroy would walk but not before the double steal would go into effect.  He wouldn’t let it get to him by striking out the next two batters to prevent the Brew Crew from scoring.  

Dexter Fowler would spark the Cubs with a leadoff single to center.  Heyward would pop out. Chris Bryant would reach after getting hit.  Rizzo would walk to load the bases.  Ben Zobrist with bases loaded would send a ground ball to right scoring Fowler and Bryant!  Cubs up 2-0 after 1 inning.  David Ross would lead off the second with his second home run of the season.   3-0 Cubs after 2.  Kris Bryant would lead off the third with a single and score on Anthony Rizzo’s double to right.  Tommy La Stella would send a line drive to right to right scoring Rizzo.  

Taylor Jungmann would only last 3 2/3 innings with 5 earned runs but the Brew Crea would get out of the fourth with giving up any runs.  After his scuffle in the first, Jake would cruise through the first half of the game but would give up a single to Jonathan Villar who would steal second and score thier first run of the game on Alex Presley’s double to right breaking The Great One’s scoreless streak at the Freindly Confines.  

Chris Capuano would come into the fifth and load the bases with walks.  Fowler would ground into a force out getting the run back, putting the Cubs up 6-1.  Madden would pull Arrieta after 5 for Justin Grimm.  Sam Freeman would come into the sixth for Milwaukee.  He would give up a leadoff hit to Javier Baez and then would walk the bases loaded for Addison Russell who would ground into a force out scoring Baez but would get out of the inning. 

Trevor Cahill would start the seventh with a strike out, give up a hit, then a strike out, walk and pop out to end the inning.  He would get two batters out but after a fielding error and a walk would be replaced by Pedro Strop who would end the inning on a strike out.  

Neil Ramirez would come into the ninth inning, leading off with a K but would give up a double to Villar who would move to third on a wild pitch.  Alex Presley would score him on a sac fly.  Ryan Braun would ground out to end the game.  7-2. 

Jake would get his fifth win of the season but not a quality start striking out 6, walking 4 and giving up just three hits with a run.   The Cubs bullpen would continue to protect thier starting pitcher as they have all month long giving up only 3 hits and 1 run but striking out 7.   

Another W in the books! 

@danzeeeman
The Podcast

Best record in the MLB; 15-5

Posted: April 26, 2016 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, Minor League Baseball, post season, sports, Sports Time Radio, Uncategorized
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The first place Cubs are back in the friendly confines to begin a six game home series starting with the last place Milwaukee Brewers.  However, with tonight’s starting pitcher’s records, you’d think they were on their respective teams opponents.  1-2 Kyle Hendricks faces 3-1, Jimmy Nelson.  Should be interesting for Cubs hitters with Jimmy in, either they’ll strike out several times or knock bombs off him.  The wind should be blowing out for another W.  

I was wrong by game time, the wind was actually blowing in from right.  Well here we go.  Hendricks would start off with a 1-2-3 inning but would walk the first batter of the second, Chris Carter.  He would end up at third on Kirk Nieuwenhuusdouvle to center.  Aaron Hill would send a fly ball to left scoring Carter on a sac fly.  That would be the only run Kyle would give up. He’d strike out four walk one and only give up one more hit through five.  

Nelson would cruise through four innings with out much damage but it would be the fifth, where he’d lead off Soler with a walk, Russell would single and David Ross would move them over with a sac bunt.  Madden would pinch hit for Hendricks. Tommy La Stella would walk, loading the bases.  Fowler would send Soler across the plate with a sac fly to center.  Heyward would ground out to end the inning.  

Adam Warren would cruise through the sixth and seventh inning retire all six batters he faced.  In the bottom of the sixth, Bryant would reach on an error and would move over to second on a Ben Zobrist walk. Carlos Torres would come into the game getting Soler to fly out but would give up a triple to center field scoring both Bryant and Zobrist.  Cubs up 3-1.  

Javier Baez would lead off the bottom of the seventh with a single to center and would be called out trying to steal second.  The Cubs would challenge and it would be over turned.  Bryant would walk, then Rizzo would double scoring Baez, putting the Cubs up 4-1, giving Adam Warren a chance at the W.  

A bunch of changes would happen but basically Pedro Strop would come into the eighth with not his best stuff.  He’d walk Aaron Hill and on the next batter throw a wild pitch advancing Hill, who would end up at third on a ground out.  He would walk Colin Walsh, setting up pinch hitter Ryan Braun, who would double to right.  Strop would make it interesting but would get a strike out before Travis Wood would come in to finish the inning.  

Michael Blazek would make it an exciting bottom of the eighth by loading the bases but would ultimately end the inning with out any more runs.  Hector Rondon would come into close out the game searching for his fourth save of the season. He would get through the first two batters no problem but would give up a single to Nieuwenhuis but would end the game with a deep pop out to Kris Bryant who was transitioned to left field.  

I predicted that Jimmy Nelson would get strikeouts or throw home runs.  With the wind blowing in, home runs weren’t in abundance but he did get six K’s in 5 1/3 innings.  Hendricks would only go 5 innings with a no decision.  Aside from Strops trouble, the Cubs bullpen would finish the Brewers off taking the first game of the series.  Tommorow/today, whenever you read this, MLB player of the week and Mr Two-NoHitter Arrieta takes to the rubber, can he make it three???

@DanZeeeMan

STR 2016 NFL 1st round mock draft

Posted: April 26, 2016 by Sports Time Radio in football, sports, Sports Time Radio, Uncategorized
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#1 Los Angeles Rams Jared Goff, Quarterback (California). The Rams gave up quite a bit to get the 1st pick in the draft. Goff can be the face of the franchise with their move back to Los Angeles.

#2 Philadelphia Eagles Carson Wentz, Quarterback (North Dakota State). The Eagles also gave up quite a bit to move up and they’re looking for a future starting quarterback. I said future; so someone tell Sam Bradford to shut up.

#3 San Diego Chargers Jalen Ramsey, Cornerback (Florida State). I doubt the Chargers thought they’d be this position. Ramsey may be the the best player in this draft and while he listed as a Cornerback he has the skills to replace Eric Weddle at Safety.

#4 Dallas Cowboys Joey Bosa, Defensive End (Ohio State). The Cowboys let Greg Hardy go and they have a need for an edge rusher. While Bosa’s combine numbers weren’t what people thought they’d be he can get to the quarterback.

#5 Jacksonville Jaquars Laremy Tunsil, Offensive Tackle (Mississippi). There is lot of talk that the Jaquars would like to deal this pick, but I’m not going to try and factor in trades. If they keep this pick why not protect Blake Bortles.

#6 Baltimore Ravens Myles Jack, Linebacker (UCLA). There are a couple of ways the Ravens could go with this pick, but they know defense; so they might as well pick the best defensive player on the board.

#7 San Francisco 49ers Laquon Treadwell, Wide Receiver (Mississippi). Quick; name a 49ers wide receiver. Chip Kelly needs a weapon for his up tempo offense and receiver is a huge need in San Francisco.

#8 Cleveland Browns DeForest Buckner, Defensive Tackle (Oregon). This is another spot in the draft that might be dealt as there where some reports that Cleveland would be willing to make another deal. If they hang on to the pick Buckner is a good player to build a defensive line around.

#9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Vernon Hargreaves, Cornerback (Florida). This is a position of need for Tampa Bay; so it makes sense for them to take Hargreaves; he’s the best defensive back on the board.

#10 New York Giants Ronnie Stanley, Offensive Tackle Notre Dame. Eli Manning isn’t getting any younger and the Giants need to keep him upright and healthy. Stanley has slipped down the board and he’s a good value for the Giants here.

#11 Chicago Bears Reggie Ragland, Linebacker (Alabama). The Bears wasted their 1st round pick last season; so let’s hope they’re smart enough to not do that again. Ragland is a classic Bears type of linebacker.

#12 New Orleans Saints Shaq Lawson, Linebacker (Clemson). Lawson can be the good pass rusher for the Saints and it seems as though ever season New Orleans needs defensive help. One of these years they’ll help the defense.

#13 Miami Dolphins Ezekiel Elliott, Running Back (Ohio State). Lamar Miler is gone and they weren’t able to sign the running back they wanted in free agency; so Elliott can fill that void. He’s a 3-down back and those are rare in today’s NFL.

#14 Oakland Raiders Mackensie Alexander, Cornerback (Clemson). It wouldn’t be a surprise if they Raiders try to move this pick, but if they stay here at #14 it’s a solid choice to strengthen the defensive backfield. Alexander will be the best Cornerback on the board.

#15 Tennessee Titans Noah Spence, Defensive End (Eastern Kentucky). The Titans can use another pass rusher and while Spence might not be a 3-down guy he’ll be good in pass rushing situations.

#16 Detroit Lions Corey Coleman, Wide Receiver (Baylor) Calvin Johnson retired and there’s a big hole to be filled  there. While Coleman probably isn’t the next Johnson he’ll be able to help out filling those shoes.

#17 Atlanta Falcons Josh Doctson, Wide Receiver  (TCU). It’s back to back at the wide receiver spot as the Falcons add one to help out Julio Jones. With Jones there it’s a good landing spot for a rookie to step right in and help out.

#18 Indianapolis Colts Leonard Floyd, Linebacker (Georgia). Floyd was a little light when he weighed in at the Combine, but he can still get to the quarterback. Floyd might not be a big help against the run, but pass rushers are important.

#19 Buffalo Bills Robert Nkemdiche, Defensive Tackle (Mississippi). This pick has Rex Ryan written all over it. Nkemdiche has fallen down the draft board after his incident at Mississippi’s bowl game, but before that he was in the Top 10 of a lot of mock drafts.

#20 New York Jets A’Shawn Robinson, Defensive Tackle (Alabama). There are some issues with Muhammed Wilkerson’s contract and if he ends up getting dealt the Robinson will be able to help fill that spot.

#21 Washington Redskins Jack Conklin, Offensive Tackle (Michigan State). Conklin’s stock has been on the rise as of late and the Redskins could always use another line man to help protect quarterback Kirk Cousins.

#22 Houston Texans Will Fuller, Wide Receiver (Notre Dame). Fuller had the fastest 40-yard dash at the combine. Fuller can help the Texans stretch the field for DeAndre Hopkins to get his catches.

#23 Minnesota Vikings Braxton Miller, Wide Receiver (Ohio State) Miller only played 1 season at wide receiver for Ohio State, but as a former quarterback he’ll be able to make the adjustments quickly at the NFL level.

#24 Cincinnati Bengals Darron Lee, Linebacker (Ohio State). Cincinnati has a need at wide receiver, but with 2 of them coming off the board right before their pick I think they’d try to shore up the defense by adding a linebacker here. Lee looks like the best one left.

#25 Pittsburgh Steelers Eli Apple, Cornerback (Ohio State). This is pretty much a need pick for the Steelers. They need to get younger in the defensive backfield and Apple will be the best players on the board here.

#26 Seattle Seahawks Kevin Dodd, Defensive End (Clemson). There may be another need here for the Seahawks, but they like to take pass rushers early in the draft; so that’s where I have them going with this pick. Offensive line wouldn’t surprise me here.

#27 Green Bay Packers Willie Beavers, Offensive Tackle (Western Michigan). Green Bay’s offensive lineman went down right and left lat season; so they need people at almost any spot there. Beavers should be on the radar at this pick.

#28 Kansas City Chiefs Michael Thomas, Wide Receiver (Ohio State). Kansas City seems t be in a good spot here and wide receiver has always been an issue. Thomas has started to move up some draft boards; so there’s a chance he’s not here when the Chiefs pick.

The actual 29th pick was suppose to belong t the New England Patriots, but it was taken away from them as part of the Deflategate penalty

#29 Arizona Cardinals Hunter Henry, Tight End (Arkansas). Henry would plug right in as the best tight end on the Cardinals and will add to the passing game right away. Henry is the only tight end with a 1st round grade and he’d be an upgrade for the Cardinals.

#30 Carolina Panthers Cyrus Jones, Cornerback (Alabama). Josh Norman was allowed to leave as a free agent; so there’s a need for a defensive back. While Norman is going to be tough to replace Jones can help Carolina do that.

#31 Denver Broncos Paxton Lynch, Quarterback (Memphis). There’s is just Mark Sanchez and Trevor Siemian on the Broncos roster at the quarterback position. Lynch could be the future quarterback of this team. If the defense is still good Lynch could end up being the starter.

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You can find me on Twitter @Burketime

 

 

 

Arrieta vs Lincecum

Posted: April 24, 2016 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, post season, sports, Sports Time Radio, Uncategorized
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Hey there, Chicago

While your own Cubs continue to demonstrate why they are the number-one ranked team in Major League Baseball, the San Francisco Giants have struggled mightily, losing five straight before finally managing to break out against Barry Bonds and the Miami Marlins, 8-1 Friday night, on Orange Friday, at AT&T Park.

For those of us keeping the spotlight focused on on Jeff Samardzija, who made his first start Friday night in his own home park, it was a gratifying performance. He went seven-and-two-thirds innings against the fish, limiting them to a single run, and lowering his ERA to 3.00 and his WHIP to 1.26.
After three road games to begin his stint with San Francisco, Samardzija took advantage of the friendly confines of AT&T, not to mention the clutch defense backing him up. The Shark’s strong early season prowess is taking the pressure off of Madison Bumgarner, especially in light of the team’s sluggish start to the year.
Speaking of strong starts, big ups to Jake Arieta for hurling his second no-hitter over his last eleven starts, proving once again that he is the reigning king of all National League starting pitchers. It was not that long ago (June 26, 2014) that Tim Lincecum tossed his second no-hitter, both against the San Diego Padres, and there is no getting around the surge of electricity one of these gems sends through the organization.
Astonishingly, this was Arieta’s 24th straight regular season quality start, going back to last June 21st. Having surrendered a total of only seventeen runs over those 178 innings, has helped him forge a 20-1 mark during this stretch.
The presence of such a master within the clubhouse, is a key component to any serious playoff contender. The staff must have a guy whose stuff is good enough on any given day, to completely stifle an opponent and pick up a sagging rotation.
Jake Arieta is that guy for the Cubs, just as Madison Bumgarner is that go-to guy for the Giants. Prior to Arieta’s meteoric rise to the top, Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers, called the shots from the top. On paper every team has a top dog.
How much the team relies on that staff leader, becomes amplified when the stress of playoff ball creates a pressure cooker so volatile that the ace cannot hold up under all that hype. Should he stagger in that capacity, so would his team.
You can probably guess where I am going to with this line of reasoning. If you glance quickly at Bumgarner’s stats right now, (1-2, 3.91 ERA, 1.39 WHIP), you would see numbers that belie his elevated status on the team.
In fact you would see that MadBum’s career statistics do not come close to say, Kershaw’s numbers during the regular season, but then again, Kershaw’s regular season numbers shine compared to his postseason efforts.
Jake Arieta also experienced technical difficulties in this area last October.
For him to have had back-to-back starts in the playoffs, in which he gave up four runs, shows that even the best of them are challenged under the microscope of the playoffs. Nothing dictates he will ever have a similar problem again, but the uncertainty must linger in the back of the collective Cubs consciousness.
The Giants have no such impediments in their thinking process. They know what to expect from Bumgarner when October arrives, so they do not worry when things do not go as well during the grind of the regular season.
When it comes right down to it, San Francisco has suffered from inconsistency during the regular season in all three of their recent world series runs. They had four extended losing stretches in 2010, five in 2012 and seven in 2014.
Seven times during this most recent title run, the Giants lost four or more consecutive games, or experienced periods in which they won only once during prolonged stretches, baffling their fans and resurrecting the term “torture” for Giants followers.
But not surprisingly, these nosedives seem to better prepare the Giants for adversity, which makes sense when you think about it. If a team never struggles, it does not learn how to address hard times when they arrive.
Timing is everything.
For now the Cubs are on top of their division, and the Giants are near the bottom. Until that changes, my words are only so much hot air being blown about, like the mighty wind whipped up, when LA’s Yasiel Puig takes one of his mighty cuts, and whiffs.
That’s it for my at-bat today. See you next week.
@bellspringsmark

Great American Cubs Weekend

Posted: April 24, 2016 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, post season, sports, Sports Time Radio, Uncategorized
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Game four versus the Reds, Jason Hammel looking for his third win of the season against Alfredo Simon who is 0-1.  His last start was against the Cubs on April 13th, where he’d give up five earned runs and not make it through the first ininning.  I’d love to tease or lead you to believe that this start would be any different, it kind of was, he’d at least make it passed the first inning but not before giving up three runs.  Tommy La Stella would lead off with a double to center and score the first run on a single by Jason Heyward.  Heyward would steal second base with Anthony Rizzo at the plate.  He would send his a fly ball to right center, that would go under review for fan interfernce but would be upheld as his seventh home run of the season.  Soler & Montero would close out the inning with strike outs.  Hammel would come up in the second and reach on a ground ball to second.  La Stella would double and both men would score on a Jason Heyward line drive to  right field but he would end the inning getting caught stealing second.

Kris Bryant would lead off the third inning with a walk.  He would score on Anthony Rizzo’s second home run of the day and eighth of the season.  Jorge Soler would single and be pushed to second on a fielding error by Alfredo Simon.  Addison Russell would send a ground ball to center scoring Soler.  Drew Hayes would replace Simon retiring La Stella but the Cubs would be up now 8-0.  We move to the top of the sixth Hayes would meet La Stella again but this time Tommy would get his first home run of the season putting the Cubs up 9-0.

Jason Hammel would make it through six full innings only walking two batters and giving up three hits and striking out seven batters.  Adam Warren, Travis Wood and Hector Rondon would pitch the last three innings without giving up a walk or a hit.  Combined they would strike out five batters to give Jason Hammel his third win of the season.  All four pitchers would combine for a three hit shutout!

Excellent road trip for the Cubs, they are off Monday and start a six game home stand against the Brewers and the Braves.  Until Tuesday, #GoCubsGo

@danzeeeman

No Relief for Lackey

Posted: April 23, 2016 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, Minor League Baseball, post season, sports, Sports Time Radio
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John Lackey would come into today’s game searching for his fourth win of the season against Dan Strailey. Dexter Fowler would start the game with a strikeout but would reach thanks to a dropped third strike and would steal second base.  Bryant would walk but no runs would cross the plate.  Addison Russell would send a screamer to the second deck in left field for his second homer of the year.  

John Lackey would cruise through the first three innings unscathed.  But Zack Cozart would lead the fourth inning off with a double to right field.  Eugenio Suarez would send a line drive ground ball to short that Russell would dive for only to have his throw fly passed Rizzo into the stands scoring Cozart tying the game at one.  Brandon Phillips would double scoring Suarez.  Lackey would get out the inning and make it through the fifth inning no problem.  In his recent starts, the boys in blue would score to give him the lead and the win.  

Russell would walk to start the fifth and would score, tying the game at two on a double by Fowler passed first, Jay Bruce would throw home allowing Fowler to reach third.  Bryant would send a line drive to left scoring Fowler.  The Cubs would take the lead after five innings 3-2.

Lackey would come into the bottom of the sixth giving up singles to Tyler Holt & Cozart.  They would cross the plate after Suarez homered to center field, putting the Reds up 5-3.  Lackey would get Votto & Phillips out on a 1-3 line out double play but would walk Jay Bruce and that would be all she wrote for Lackey.  Trevor Cahill would come in for relief and give a single to Devin Mesoraco.  Adam Duvall would send a line drive to left-center field for his second home run of the year.  Scott Schebler would hit one just over Heywards glove for his first homer of the season.  Trevor would close out the sixth getting Holt to line out to Bryant in left.

Fowler would lead off the seventh with a double to left.  He would score on Heywards liner to left.  Heyward would advance to second on the throw home.  He would score on a single by Ben Zobrist.  But after seven and a half, it would be Cubs five, Reds 9.  Neil Ramirez would come into the bottom of the seventh, striking out Cozart but would walk Suarez.  With one man on, Joey Votto would send a fly ball to center for his second home run of the season, putting the Reds up, 11-5.  

The lately loud bats of the Cubbies would be patient in the top of the eighth with walks by Russell, Fowler and Heyward with two of them credited to Caleb Cotham and one to Chicago native Tony Cingrani, who would get out of the inning.  Clayton Richard would come into the second half of the inning walking Cingrani who would make it home on a fielding error by Jorge Soler.  Tyler Holt was credited with a hit, he would end up at third on Russell’s throwing error to Rizzo but they would trap and tag out Cozart trying to take second base.  Suarez would single receiving his fourth RBI of the night.  Clayton would get out of the inning but not before two earned runs cross the plate.  

Cingrani would come into the top of the ninth hoping to stop the Cubs from trying to come back and get the W.  Pinch hitter Matt Szczur would fly out, but Zobrist would reach on a fielding error.  Montero would come up to the plate and go down swinging, as would Javier Baez giving the Cubs their fourth loss of the season.  

Cubs pitching would strike out nine, but would give up 13 runs on 15 hits.  Lackey would go five and two-thirds innings, giving up six of the 13 runs putting his record at a respectable 3-1.  Quiet night for Cubs hitting but as we say on The Podcast #ItsOnlyApril.

@danzeeeman        @SportsTimeRadio

Two in a row, two to go

Posted: April 22, 2016 by Sports Time Radio in baseball, fantasy, post season, sports, Sports Time Radio, Uncategorized
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John Lester seeks to get his second win of the season on the road at Great American Park against 24 year-old Jon Moscot.  Moscot would get out of the first unscathed but would walk Heyward and Rizzo.  Javier Baez would lead off the second with a single, he would steal second and advance to third on a ground out by Addison Russel.  David Ross would send a sac fly to right scoring Baez. Moscot would get out of the inning and get through the third no problem.

Anthony Rizzo would lead off the fourth with his sixth home run of the year that would go about 10 rows up into right field.  Ben Zobrist would walk but would be forced out by Baez’s ground ball to short.  Russell sends a ground ball to right advanceing Baez to third.  David Ross would take one for the team and lay down a bunt scoring Javi.  Moscot would make a throwing error advancing Russell to third.  John Lester would copy Ross and also lay down a sac bunt, scoring Russell.  After four innings the Cubs would be up 4-0.

John Lester would cruise through the first five innings giving up one walk and three singles and with the help of Javier Baez’s stellar defense would get through those innings with out a run.  He would give up a lead off home run to Zachary Cozart, his first of the year in the sixth.  He would finish up the sixth and make it through seven innings.  Through seven, he would give up five hits, one walk and one earned run with four K’s on the night.

Pedro Strop would come into the eighth knocking them down in order.  J.J. Hoover would come into the top of the ninth, to ho,d the Cubs from scoring any more runs.  He would throw a curve ball to Baez, who would send a line drive to left, cracking his first home run of the season.  Russell and Ross would get two outs in the ninth.   Tommy La Stella would pinch hit for Strop singling to right.  Fowler would get his first hit of the night on a double to center, scoring Tommy.  Jason Heyward would send his third double of the season to right field.  Kris Bryant would also hit a double scoring Heyward.  The Reds would bring in Ross Olendorf to try and get the last out on Anthony Rizzo.  He would get him to pop up shortstop.

Justin Grimm would come into the ninth with an 8-1 lead, hoping for a quick ninth inning.  He would get Eugenio Suarez to ground out on four pitches but would hit Joey Votto.  0-3, Brandon Phillips would send a quick shot back to Grimm, advancing Votto, but not hard enough to get the hit.  Devin Mesoraco would come up with two outs and send a line drive to Russell ending the game giving the Cubs their twelfth win of the season and Lester his second win of the season.

With eight days left in the month and seven games left, I cannot remember the last I have seen the Cubs off to a start like this.  It was exciting to watch Sammy Sosa and Moises Alou, Derick Lee and Aramis Ramirez, Kerry Wood and Mark Prior but I cannot remember seeing a team like this.  This is a team that Theo builds, a mixture of youth and veterans.  It’s exciting but I hope it’s not just #ItsOnlyApril.

@DanZeeeMan           @SportsTimeRadio
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