Posted on 07/11/2006 8:19:40 PM PDT by misterrob
Close game that was very well pitched until the end. Chicago's Paul Konerko singled with 2 outs in the ninth of Trevor Hoffman to ignite a two run rally that allowed the AL to take the lead.
NY Wankees' reliever Mariano Rivera came on to close the game. Carlos Beltran reached on an error to the 3rd baseman to add some drama then Rivera proceeded to induce a ground out to the Home Run Derby winner Ryan Howard then popped up Milwaukee's Carlos Lee to the second baseman Michael Young to end it.
Game was played in less than 3 hours which is amazing given all the commercial breaks.
oops, that should say "they have to face the other team's
PITCHER..."
...I'll add to the example above, what if there's _two outs_ and the pitcher is due up, and you really could use a good
HITTER...
After that last homestand you could use the boost. Here is the tough spot for me, I'm moving to Dallas in Sept. and there is no way in He!! that I am going to be a Ranger fan. I'll have to get mlb tv just to watch the games but it will be worth it.
Venezuelan President Chavez congratulates Guillen
Associated Press
Chicago White Sox: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez congratulated White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen for leading his team to the playoffs.
Chavez spoke to Guillen, who's from Venezuela, by phone Sunday during his weekly program on state-run television and radio, "Hello President."
"Congratulations, Oswaldo. All of us here in Venezuela are so proud of you," Chavez said in their live conversation, broadcast nationwide in the South American country.
Guillen, the first Venezuelan manager in the majors, said his spirits were raised when his team won AL Central.
"Now I want to win more than ever," said Guillen, whose team hosts the Boston Red Sox in the opener of the first-round series Tuesday in Chicago.
Chavez, who said he once dreamed of pitching in the major leagues, told Guillen he has always been an example to follow.
"We are with you, always following your success," Chavez said. "And we'll be waiting for you when you come back, hopefully as world champion."
CARACAS, Venezuela -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez congratulated Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen on his World Series victory and hailed him as a national hero Sunday.
"I dare to say you are like the king of Venezuela," Chavez told Guillen, who appeared by telephone on the president's weekly television and radio program, "Hello President."
"Your triumph is the triumph of all of Venezuela," Chavez told Guillen. Chicago swept Houston 4-0 in the best-of-seven series.
"I'm going to try to bring the World Series trophy so that my country may enjoy what the people of the United States enjoy," Guillen said, though it was not immediately clear when Guillen next plans to visit the South American country.
Baseball is the national sport of Venezuela, and among its biggest fans is Chavez, who says he once dreamed of playing in the major leagues.
"You are a true leader, friend," Chavez told Guillen. "The whole nation is waiting for you."
So you quote articles where Chavez is praising Ozzie. Where are the quotes where Ozzie is praising Chavez? Hmmmmm?
Or am I supposed to believe Ozzie a comsymp because he loves his former country? Hilarious.
Boston's defense is stellar as well.
If you believe that about the NYY you would not be happy to see the actual stats.
White Sox Yankees
Runs scored 520 479
Batting average .288 .280
Slugging percentage .476 .443
Homers 133 103
total bases 1476 1330
Hits 894 846
The Yankees are not even CLOSE to having the most productive offense. Boston is ahead of them in these catagories as well.
Interestingly the Yanks pitching has a lower era than the World Champions.
Well that's news. Of course they have lost, what, three key players in their lineup. Matsui, Sheffield, and Cano. So maybe it was before they lost those three that their offensive numbers were higher. Regardless, New Yorks lineup is still dangerous. And it is nice to hear their team ERA is low. I'm not necessarily expecting the Yanks to be in the WS, but I always hope.
We still have half a season to go. I mean remember the Nats last year. They were on fire in the first half and fell apart in the second. I will qualify that by saying that the Nats set a record for 1 run wins in the first half of a season, and the Tigers have been winning quite convincingly. In addition the Tigers rotation is better than the Nats had last year. I still think Ozzie has a good change at MOY if he takes his boys to the WS again this year.
I truly respect determination over domination. But you have to admit the whole Yankee's oraganization has been Determined to Dominate, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. If the man (Steinbrenner) has the money to burn, let him. It doesn't hurt the game of baseball, and it's good for the city of New York.
How many players do the Sox have that are the equivalent of Sheffield and Matsui? Dye, Konerko, Thome, Buerhle, Contreras. Garland, Credy and Jenks are on the cusp.
A-Rod and Jeter are the only real superstars in that list and Boston has their equivalent at least. I think you exaggerate the Super Star totals on the Yankees not that they don't have a LOT of good players.
I never said Torre hasn't done a good job. In fact, I believe he was tremendous last year in keeping the team in contention.
I don't believe any team has ever dominated the playoffs and World series as did the Sox last year. I could not believe what I was seeing.
Well this just means that the Mets will have to win it in four or five games to get the glory and recognition that they so rightly deserve.
The Yanks did not have the pitching dominance in the Series that the Sox did.
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