MLB

The Gate Giveth

In case you missed it…Peralta was given a gift from the gods!  An inside the park home run!

I know what you’re thinking…Indians fans have something to cheer about?

Yes, yes we do.  Johnny Peralta hit a ball deep to right centerfield.  So deep, in fact, that the outfielder literally crashed through the Indians bullpen door trying to get to it.  Peralta is not quick.  I actually think that a snail could have beaten him to home plate.  But he managed to beat the delayed throw home, and thusly, a two-run inside the park home run.

The Indians finished off a banner weekend with the win today.  A four game sweep of the Tigers is not an easy feat, moreso when you consider that we have a bunch of AAA players developing in the majors.

We’ll see if the Tribe can keep the streak going…but I’m not holding my breath.

Wood Warming Up As Trade Deadline Approaches

It took three pitchers in the sixth inning, and five overall, for the Indians to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4.  And surprisingly, Kerry Wood is three for three in save attempts in three days.  Where has this been all season?

Wood only has seven saves this season in 10 opportunities, but may have finally found his groove.  The timing could not have been better, considering the trade deadline is getting closer, and the notion that the Dolans are willing to trade everything (Hell, even Slider might get traded at this point, I reckon).

I honestly think that Wood is peaking at the right time, from the trade perspective, since some team looking for a better closer will trade a few prospects and take his huge contract (well, huge for Cleveland) off our hands.  Sure, we don’t NEED to lose a closer just as he’s getting good, but the season has been lost since game one.  Time to start looking at the 2013 season (yea, I’m giving up on 2012 already) and the wish of a new owner (could Dan Gilbert buy the Indians too? Pretty please?).

While some of our younger talent (LaPorta, Crowe, and the less famous Carlos Santana) are starting to develop (unfortunately at the pro level since they were rushed through the minors), I don’t see them leaving for greener pastures.  Choo could be departing, but odds are that his situation is not attractive to other teams (essentially trading for his services the rest of this season if he decides to go back to South Korea to fulfill his military obligations in 2011).  Sizemore is too much of an injury liability now for any other team to take him.  Also, Hafner isn’t putting up the numbers like he used to, so is no longer worth trading.

Returning to pitching, Talbot or Carmona could be on their way to other cities since they have won more games than most at Cleveland.  Somebody looking for a cheap fix might try to wheel and deal for an OK pitcher.  With Huff still recovering from being drilled in the head, he’ll never fetch much.

You may be wondering, what about Kearns?  Dan Tylicki over at Bleacher Reports says that he may be heading to the Giants. I guess he has a solid enough bat.  I don’t see us getting anything near what Branyan got us.  Although, what we got for Branyan was a gift in itself.

Overall, it seems like the major Tribe move has already occurred.  The opportunity remains for several other moves to be made, at the disgust of Cleveland fans everywhere.

Jersey Watch: Going the T-Shirt Route?

I’ve been desiring a jersey of some type.  Pens, Blue Jackets, Crew, Indians, Cavs, Browns, etc.  You name a team I like, and I’ve priced a jersey I’d like to own.

But I may get this t-shirt first.

It captures the essence of funny type shirts, with a destinctive local flair.  I MUST HAVE IT.

Anyways, I now return you to the Indians giving up four consecutive doubles (to the same spot in left center, mind you) in a loss to the Mets, or the first game for another new Pittsburgh Pirate in an attempt to grab headlines.

Deadspin: Rose Corked Bats During Record Run

Deadspin, while not always the most appropriate source for sports opinion (although, more willing than anyone to push buttons than anyone else), does do some great journalism.  Yesterday was one of those moments.

Barry Petchesky penned an in-depth article describing the life of one of Pete Rose’s bats.  The bat ended up in the hands of an owner who worked to prove it’s authenticity as a game-used bat, which he succeeded in.  Then he got it scanned by an x-ray machine.  And now Pete Rose is a liar…again.

Rose always said he never bet on baseball.  Then he admitted it.  When asked if he ever corked his bats during his hit record year, he said no.  And now, it has been revealed in this article, that several owners of Rose bats from that year have been filled with cork.  All with paint on the top to hide the cut marks, all with direct lines of authenticity.  And now complete with a few x-rays.

Should Rose apologize? Again?  I don’t think it would do him any good.  To most people, the man is dead to them.  He bet on baseball, he lied, etc.  Maybe admitting he did it would being him some sort of clarity.  But he hasn’t acknowledged the writer yet.  So we’ll see what he does.

Anyways, read the article.  It’s quite good, honestly.

Null Star Team: Centerfield

It’s that time again…time to pick the worst of PA and OH. Who will roam the vast centerfields?

Will it be:

Andrew McCutchen- Pittsburgh Pirates
Drew Stubbs- Cincinnati Reds
Austin Kearns- Cleveland Indians
Shane Victorino-Philadelphia Phillies

Will Kearns join his teammate Matt LaPorta in the outfield. LaPorta garnered half out the votes cast, making him the left fielder on the inaugural Null Star Team.

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Inaugural Null Star Team

With the Midsummer Classic just under two months away, teams are starting to campaign for their players to make the squad. But for the Ohio and Pennsylvania teams, most notably the Pirates and Indians, they will probably each only get one selection…Andrew McCutchen and Shin-Soo Choo. The Reds will most likely send Scott Rolen (who saw this season coming) and Joey Votto, a staple for years to come. The Phillies, well they could pretty much field an All-Star team each night. Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Roy Halladay, and the list goes on.

Well to celebrate the futility of some of our beloved ball clubs, I thought it would be fun to select the Null Star Team. The criteria: it must be an everyday player…that’s it.

So to get things started, we will open up the debate with left fielders:

Pittsburgh Pirates: Lastings Milledge
Cincinnatti Reds: Jonny Gomes
Cleveland Indians: Matt LaPorta
Philadelphia Phillies: Raul Ibanez

Have at it oh Blokes of the Blog. Soldiers(that’s my new nickname for our followers…it is a war) you too have a say in this.  Remember, only one vote per person and give a justifiable reason as well…

May the worst player win!

Ed’s Note: To comment or vote, you must either create an account or log in using your Facebook or Twitter username and password.  Border War does not get to see that information, so your password is safe.  Fire the comments away!

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Puzzling Pirates Continue to Confuse

17-22. With a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies this evening, that is where the Pittsburgh Pirates record stands. Great pitching effort from Zach Duke and the bullpen tonight. That seems like a pretty lousy record by the numbers. And with the track record to go along with it, it would seem the Pirates are right on schedule for where they should be for the remainder of the season: out of contention and shipping off the few productive players they do have.

But hold on, the Pirates just split with the Phillies who are owners of the best record in the National League. Before that they took two of three from the Chicago Cubs in Wrigley Field and were within a few pitches of getting out the brooms. When it was all said and done, they finished the road trip with a 3-2 record. Their first winning record on a road trip since 2007. Yeah, wow.

For some reason that I can’t put my finger on, this 2010 edition of Buccos seems different than usual to me. Worse than usual you ask? Well possibly. Rocco DeMaro, a radio host for the Pirates flag station, even labeled this year’s Pirates as possibly the worst in the losing drought that has seen umpteen consecutive losing seasons

But what gets me thinking that this year could be the year they go over .500? Ask a causal baseball fan to name a player on Pittsburgh and many would struggle. But there is a solid nucleus of players that surround all-star to be Andrew McCutchen. Garret Jones is a power hitter in the making, and Yahoo! Sports hit on that early during the season. The bullpen has been fantastic, and Octavio Dotel is 8 for 10 in save opportunities. His velocity is looking like his days in Houston. But then there is the bad…

It’s really hard to believe Lastings Milledge plays professional baseball. His outfield skills are horrid, awful, ridiculously bad, terrible, and any other negative adjective you can think of. He takes the worst routes to fly balls ever. He has an average arm and can hit in the ,270 era. But nothing he really brings can make up for his defense blunders he creates in left field. Wow. I really feel bad for McCutchen having to patrol the outfield next to him.

There is also the offseason acquisition of Aki Iwamura. Recently he has been sidelined with tightness in his right hamstring, or as we know it, a bruised ego. Through 34 games, he has 20 hits for a .157 average. I don’t care if you made a trade to get this guy, there is absolutely no way he can get constant playing time, especially in the leadoff spot hitting .150, and finally the Pirates realize this by giving him a few days on the pine.

The Pirates have a chance to get things rolling as they travel back to PNC Park for two games against the Milwaukee Brewers and three games against the Atlanta Braves, both of which are somewhat struggling teams. Then again the Brewers defeated the Pirates earlier this season in a three game sweep by the score of 36-1.

Give it time and we’ll see how things will play out for the Pirates. And you can almost count that along the way myself and the few other Bucs fans will be scratching their heads in confusion.

Border War: Habs Rebound? Indians over Rays?

NHL: Philadelphia Flyers VS Montreal Canadiens

Chris – Philadelphia Flyers (3-1)

I think the Flyers need to take a 2-0 lead because it will be tough to win a game when they go up to Montreal.

C.J. – Philadelphia Flyers (4-3)

For once the home team won a game in the Stanley Cup playoffs. This series I’m not paying full attention to just because I’m more interested in the Blackhawks series (I love their jerseys). But nothing in this series so far made sense. Halak been the best goaltender in the playoffs got destroyed in game one and the Flyers being the home team actually won. Right now it’s hard to go against the Flyers, ever since Simon Gagne came back this team has been something else with five straight. I don’t think the Flyers are going to stop. I say game 2 go to the home team.

Mickey – Montreal Canadiens (5-2)

Montreal is my Lord Stanley favorites. Expect Halak to come back stronger than ever and him and the boys take that loss to heart. Cammaleri needs to have a big game as well.

Mike – Montreal Canadiens (3-1)

Montreal can’t fall behind 2-0 in the series

Patrick – Philadelphia Flyers (4-2)

This series is looking to be the opposite of the rest of the NHL.  Look for the home team to win again, and force the Habs to “Protect Their House” at the Bell Centre to at least force things back to Philly and try to steal an away victory.

MLB: Cleveland Indians VS Tampa Bay Rays

Chris – Tampa Bay Rays (6-3)

C.J. – Tampa Bay Rays (8-1)

Cleveland will be forced to try there luck against the Tampa Bay Rays. I almost want to pick the Indians because of the reverse lock theory but as much as a Redsox fan that I am I’m actually pulling for the Rays. As long as the Yankees don’t win the division or World Series I’m O.K with the Rays. Look for Pena, Crawford, and Barlett to tear up the Indians like they’ve been doing this year. I’m thinking all of them will be all stars again.

Mickey – Tampa Bay Rays (6-4)

No way Cleveland takes down the Rays. Just not happening

Mike – Tampa Bay Rays (5-3)

Until the Indians prove they can beat the first place Rays, Tampa Bay will win

Patrick – Tampa Bay Rays (6-3)

The artists formally known as the Devil Rays will buck their trend of losing to the Indians.  The Tribe is going to have to shake up their line-up now that the dazzling Cabrera sits with a broken forearm for 4-6 weeks (depends on whether surgery is needed or not).  While the Rays normally cannot buy a win against the Indians, they will win today.

NCAA DI Baseball – Ohio State Buckeyes VS Pittsburgh Panthers

Chris – Ohio State Buckeyes (8-3)

Pitt is ranked and I want to say for like the first time ever in their history. Too bad that doesn’t help them in the scoring category.

C.J. – Pittsburgh Panthers (14-6)

In division one college baseball I give the edge to Pittsburgh. They are ranked 33rd in division one and I don’t see how they will lose in this battle against OSU. Let’s just say I got a feeling on this one.

Mickey – Ohio State University (8-0)

Pitt has a baseball team? Point proven.

Mike – Ohio State University (6-4)

As much as I would like to say Pitt will win, I must go with O-H

Patrick – Pittsburgh Panthers (10-5)

Panthers are just on the outside of some national polls, and play a struggling Ohio State.  They’re just trying to keep above .500 in the Big 10.  Look for the  Panthers to pounce early.

Border War: National League Monday

MLB: Pittsburgh Pirates VS. Philadelphia Phillies

Chris – Philadelphia Phillies (6-1)

Andrew McCutchen may be hitting the cover off the ball and Charlie Morton has had a few quality starts in a row, however they’re going against a Phillies team that has gone 11-3 in May and plans to get Jimmy Rollins back in the lineup.

C.J. – Philadelphia Phillies (7-1)

This game doesn’t seem too fair to the Pirates. Philles are a much better team overall with better players and better pitching. Jimmy Rollins is back in the lineup so watch Phillies create more runs for themselves

Mickey – Philadelphia Phillies (7-2)

Pirates just don’t have the tools to compete. Raw talent, but just no real chance yet.

Mike – Philadelphia Phillies (3-2)

Patrick – Philadelphia Phillies (10-3)

I am very tempted to pick the Pirates here, but I need the points, and thusly, the sure thing.  Philadelphia goes big with Jimmy Rollins back in the line-up.

BORDER WAR – Delayed Saturday Picks

Due to a trip to Lake Erie, the picks are going up a bit late today.  Apologies.  The bloggers nailed the Philly Flyers moving on, and almost nailed the score to boot.  Right now, Mickey leads with 7, Mike with 6, C.J. with 4, and Chris/Patrick tied at 3.  Can Mickey hold on to win the first week’s Border War?  Read on to see…

MLS: Columbus Crew VS. Chivas USA

Chris Miller – Columbus Crew (2-0)

Really out of my comfort zone but I’m going to go with the Crew because they haven’t lost a game yet this season as they sit at 3-0-2.

C.J. Maffris – Columbus Crew (2-0)

The Columbus Crew has been a great team the past few years and are really getting things together again. Ranked 2nd out of the 16 teams in the MLS. However they have looked a little weaker in the last 2 games. Look for the Crew to get things back to there winning ways and beat Chivas USA.

Mickey Hart – Columbus Crew (2-0)

Columbus is a league favorite to win it all, and with Schelotto and Rogers finding the net 4 times between the two of them already this season, I’m expecting big things from the Crew.

Mike Washabaugh – Columbus Crew (2-0)

Thats a high scoring game for soccer right? (Ed. Note – Seriously, Wash? LOL)

Patrick Hahe – Draw (1-1)

You can’t really pick against them.  Columbus is THE best team in the MLS.  But look for Chivas USA to force a draw.  Columbus continues on undefeated, but needs to find more outright wins.

MLS: Philadelphia Union VS. FC Dallas

Chris Miller – FC Dallas (2-1)

The Union is off to a sluggish start to their franchise and they will suffer a setback to the team from Dallas. And why is this team not called the Dallas Burn anymore?

C.J. Maffris – FC Dallas (3-0)

Philadelphia Union is the worst team in the MLS. I don’t see them beating one of the top 8 teams in the MLS. This team is still trying to figure out there lineup while FC Dallas is on its way to another playoff birth. Look for the Union to fall apart again FC Dallas.

Mickey Hart – Dallas (1-0)

Union is starting off weak, but so is Dallas. Expect Dallas to grab the win in an underachieving game.

Mike Washabaugh – FC Dallas (2-1)

I dont know…its kind of like a mothers intuition.

Patrick Hahe – FC Dallas (2-1)

I hate to jump on the bandwagon, but FC Dallas is the better team.  Philly is still developing, since it’s their first season.  Give them time, and they will be great.  But for now, FC Dallas will prevail.

MLB: Philadelphia Phillies VS. Milwaukee Brewers

Chris Miller – Philadelphia Phillies (6-3)

The Brew Crew probably wishes they were up against the Pirates in this middle game of the series. All of the sudden the Brewers find themselves in a log jam of teams with mediocre records in the NL Central.

C.J. Maffris – Philadelphia Phillies (7-4)

The Phillies are looking like the top team in the NL..again. Weather they steal signs or not they seem to be able to win no matter what. They have a pitcher that seems to be 100 years old in Jamie Moyer who got the win last night. If the Phillies just stay weary of Fielder and Braun they will be fine with there lineup since it’s stacked. Look for a Phillies win.

Mickey Hart – Philadelphia Phillies (4-1)

Phillies Phillies are a playoff team already. Milwaukee is very middle of the road. Expect Philly to pull out a strong win

Mike Washabaugh – Philadelphia Phillies (7-2)

Milwaukee has been sippin to much of the Beast lately…the slump continues as Jimmy Rollins nears returning for the Philly

Patrick Hahe – Philadelphia Phillies (5-3)

It’s the Phillies.  They are a strong team.  And this is without Rollins.  I’d hate to see what they can do WITH Rollins.

MLB: Cleveland Indians VS. Baltimore Orioles

Chris Miller – Baltimore Orioles (5-3)

Battle of two struggling teams in the AL. Even though we’re roughly 40 games into the season, how is Ty Wiggington hitting like .300 and has 10 homers? Someone needs to tell him to come back to reality.

C.J. Maffris – Cleveland Indians (5-4)

It’s almost like you can’t root for the Indians after losing 8-1 to the Orioles last game it seems like the Indians are doing what they do best. Making fans cry. However I see an Indians win here because the Orioles are an awful team that can get streaky in just a game. They can’t keep things going game after game. I see a close one here.

Mickey Hart – Cleveland Indians (5-4)

Both of these teams are disappointing. Indians have one more win this year than the Orioles. Tonight they make it two more.

Mike Washabaugh – Cleveland Indians (3-2)

Yes Baltimore has won three games in a row. Yes they just took it to the Tribe last night. But something good has to happen for Cleveland sports soon right?

Patrick Hahe – Baltimore Orioles (5-1)

The Indians have the defense, but no offense.  Sizemore continues to struggle, and the Orioles looks to string some wins together to get back into the AL East race.

AFL: Cleveland Gladiators VS. Tulsa Talons

Chris Miller – Cleveland Gladiators (68-56)

After the Gladiators dramatic comeback against the Spokane Shock which was broadcast on STO, the Gladiators have upped their season win total to two. I see them making it three against the ever popular Tulsa Talons.

C.J. Maffris – Tulsa Talons (56-49)

There’s still arena football? I have no idea how to call this game I didn’t even know Arena Football is back. Which is a shame I really liked Arena Football. I’ll pick the Talons just because I like that name better.

Mickey Hart – Cleveland Gladiators (74-60)

Cleveland is riding a two game win streak after an abysmal start and QB John Dutton is starting to make the Plain Dealer. However, Tulsa is the 4th ranked team in the AFL, with two players receiving player of the week accolades last week. Even so, Cleveland pulls the win out.

Mike Washabaugh – Tulsa Talons (32-29)

I’m goin with Tulsa because while writing this at 6:34 a.m. on Saturday morning I am now craving chips and salsa and Tulsa sounds like salsa, therefore they win.

Patrick Hahe – Tulsa Talons (63-49)

The Gladiators are a good team, but the Talons have their stuff together.  They will probably coast to an easy 2 TD victory.