Showing posts with label Ryan Braun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ryan Braun. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
NLCS Preview: A Rivalry Renewed
After one of the most exciting first rounds in recent memory with three decisive Game 5's, it's on to the League Championship Series with some of baseball's most historic franchise's.
St. Louis Cardinals at Milwaukee Brewers:
Two teams that have created one of the most interesting rivalries in the game today are set to square off with a trip to the World Series on the line. The Cardinals have been there as recently as 2006 when they defeated the Detroit Tigers in five games. Milwaukee has been represented the National League in the Fall Classic. Their only World Series appearance came in 1982 as a member of the American League and AL East. This two division rivals spilt the season series nine games apiece with this best-of-seven certainly going to be the tiebreak.
St. Louis heads into the series as a team that is not even suppose to be here. Their improbable run to even get into this year's postseason saw them tie a NL record. Eight and a half games behind the Atlanta Braves at the start of September, the Cardinals overcome the deficit and got into the postseason on the final day of the regular season much like the San Francisco Giants a year ago, they went on to win the whole thing.
The red birds upset the heavily favored Philadelphia Phillies in an epic five game series that saw one of the greatest pitching duels in postseason history. Chris Carpenter outdueled his former teammate Roy Halladay with a three-hit shutout on the road.
Tony La Russa's squad will need to continued and pitch well against another high powered offense in Milwaukee if they are to achieve their World Series aspirations. Left-hander Jaime Garica has been tabbed as La Russa's Game 1 starter at Miller Park.
Their bullpen was a key component as to why to the Cards are at this point in the season. Mixing and matching most of the NLDS, La Russa will need his pen to continue and outplay expectations if they want to have a chance against this Brewers club.
The real key to the series could be the health of left fielder Matt Holliday. The slugger did not start the first three games of the NLDS due to a finger injury, but it was his presence in games four and five that helped an ailing St, Louis offense. After scoring the most runs in the NL (762) this season, the Cards were a different offense without Holliday in their lineup and need him to play to be successful.
The hard-nosed Skip Schumaker, who batted .600 during the NLDS, will be left on the LCS roster after sustaining an oblique injury.
Albert Pujols batted .350 in the first round, but did not hit a home run and had only one RBI. He will need Lance Berkman, who batted .167 in the NLDS, to get going if they Pujols wants to make what could be his final postseason run in St. Louis a memorable one.
In Wisconsin, Brewer fans are coming off one of the most exciting moments in the franchises history. Their sometimes outspoken center fielder, Nyer Morgan, singled home the speedy Carlos Gomez in the bottom of the tenth inning to send Milwaukee to the NLCS and it will be their offense again that is the key to their success in the series.
The best three-four punch in the majors with Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder combined to bat .389 in the NLDS with two home runs and seven RBIs. Braun alone batted .500 going 9-for-18 in the series while playing a quality left field. He will need to continue and showcase his skills on October's biggest stage and show why is a perennial MVP candidate every year.
It was Cory Hart who really torched the Cardinals during the regular season with five home runs and 15 RBIs.
The acquisition of Jerry Hairston Jr. loomed large for first year manager Ron Roencike against Arizona. Hairston drove in three runs of his own in the first round with eight total bases and a .375 average. The veteran only got a chance to play due to the inconsistent play of their Opening Dat third baseman, Casey McGeehee.
Yovani Gallardo was great in his two starts against the Diamondbacks, but NLCS Game 1 starter Zack Greinke, who was 11-0 at home during the regular season, did not pitch well in his only start of the series at Miller Park. They will need a big series from their talented right-hander especially after he called out the Cards' ace Carpenter, calling his attitude sometimes phony.
Greinke could potenitally throw three games in this series, but it's highly unlikely. It will be the back end of the rotation of Shawn Marcum and Randy Wolf that needs to show up for the Brewers after two terrible outings on the road in Arizona.
As for Roenicke's bullpen, that continues to be a non-issue despite the recent blown save of closer John Axford. Francisco Rodriguez, who will be a free agent at seasons end, is auditioning for a closing job after being traded to Milwaukee mid-season and thrust back into his former role as a set-up man.
Emotions will be running high with a lot on the line and a baggage full of history. One thing is for sure, these two teams simply do not like one another and it will show on the diamond.
STL X-Factor: Matt Holliday
MIL X-Factor: Zack Greinke
St. Louis in Six.
St. Louis Cardinals at Milwaukee Brewers:
Two teams that have created one of the most interesting rivalries in the game today are set to square off with a trip to the World Series on the line. The Cardinals have been there as recently as 2006 when they defeated the Detroit Tigers in five games. Milwaukee has been represented the National League in the Fall Classic. Their only World Series appearance came in 1982 as a member of the American League and AL East. This two division rivals spilt the season series nine games apiece with this best-of-seven certainly going to be the tiebreak.
St. Louis heads into the series as a team that is not even suppose to be here. Their improbable run to even get into this year's postseason saw them tie a NL record. Eight and a half games behind the Atlanta Braves at the start of September, the Cardinals overcome the deficit and got into the postseason on the final day of the regular season much like the San Francisco Giants a year ago, they went on to win the whole thing.
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| A lot of St. Louis' series success will depend on the health of Holliday |
Tony La Russa's squad will need to continued and pitch well against another high powered offense in Milwaukee if they are to achieve their World Series aspirations. Left-hander Jaime Garica has been tabbed as La Russa's Game 1 starter at Miller Park.
Their bullpen was a key component as to why to the Cards are at this point in the season. Mixing and matching most of the NLDS, La Russa will need his pen to continue and outplay expectations if they want to have a chance against this Brewers club.
The real key to the series could be the health of left fielder Matt Holliday. The slugger did not start the first three games of the NLDS due to a finger injury, but it was his presence in games four and five that helped an ailing St, Louis offense. After scoring the most runs in the NL (762) this season, the Cards were a different offense without Holliday in their lineup and need him to play to be successful.
The hard-nosed Skip Schumaker, who batted .600 during the NLDS, will be left on the LCS roster after sustaining an oblique injury.
Albert Pujols batted .350 in the first round, but did not hit a home run and had only one RBI. He will need Lance Berkman, who batted .167 in the NLDS, to get going if they Pujols wants to make what could be his final postseason run in St. Louis a memorable one.
In Wisconsin, Brewer fans are coming off one of the most exciting moments in the franchises history. Their sometimes outspoken center fielder, Nyer Morgan, singled home the speedy Carlos Gomez in the bottom of the tenth inning to send Milwaukee to the NLCS and it will be their offense again that is the key to their success in the series.
The best three-four punch in the majors with Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder combined to bat .389 in the NLDS with two home runs and seven RBIs. Braun alone batted .500 going 9-for-18 in the series while playing a quality left field. He will need to continue and showcase his skills on October's biggest stage and show why is a perennial MVP candidate every year.
It was Cory Hart who really torched the Cardinals during the regular season with five home runs and 15 RBIs.
The acquisition of Jerry Hairston Jr. loomed large for first year manager Ron Roencike against Arizona. Hairston drove in three runs of his own in the first round with eight total bases and a .375 average. The veteran only got a chance to play due to the inconsistent play of their Opening Dat third baseman, Casey McGeehee.
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| Greinke will need to pitch better if he wants to continue his first postseason run. |
Greinke could potenitally throw three games in this series, but it's highly unlikely. It will be the back end of the rotation of Shawn Marcum and Randy Wolf that needs to show up for the Brewers after two terrible outings on the road in Arizona.
As for Roenicke's bullpen, that continues to be a non-issue despite the recent blown save of closer John Axford. Francisco Rodriguez, who will be a free agent at seasons end, is auditioning for a closing job after being traded to Milwaukee mid-season and thrust back into his former role as a set-up man.
Emotions will be running high with a lot on the line and a baggage full of history. One thing is for sure, these two teams simply do not like one another and it will show on the diamond.
STL X-Factor: Matt Holliday
MIL X-Factor: Zack Greinke
St. Louis in Six.
Friday, September 30, 2011
NL First Round Preview: Play Ball
After an unbelievable and maybe the most exciting finish to an 162 game regular season in baseball history, October is upon us, setting the stage for an what could be an unforgettable postseason.
St. Louis Cardinals at Philadelphia Phillies:
Much like the Tampa Bay Rays, the St. Louis Cardinals soar into the postseason with a clubhouse full of confidence and charisma. This was a team doomed by many before the season even started with the injury to ace Adam Wainwright and contract situation of slugger Albert Pujols only to overcome a 8.5 game deficit to win the NL wild card. Philadelphia has only one thing in mind after coming up short in 2010.
In their nine meetings this season the Cardinals were able to win six of those games including a road swept in September. The Cardinal pitching stifled the Fightin' Phils' offense with a .233 average against. Game 1 starter Kyle Loshe will need to be on top of his game as he will be opposed by two-time Cy Young winner Roy Halladay while St. Louis will have to wait until Game 3 send their ace to the mound.
Pujols has rebounded from a slow start, just missing his 11th straight season of 30 home runs and 100 RBIs with 37 and 99. It has been the surprise cast of characters that have carried this St. Louis offense all season long. Led by the reemergence of All-Star Lance Berkman the Cardinals found an offensive spark.
Much of the series will depend on the health of Matt Holliday and Rafael Furcal, also needing the continued contributions of role players such as Nick Punto, David Freese, and Skip Schumaker. Let's not forget about manager Tony La Russa, who is managing yet another playoff team.
Philadelphia has been here and done that, it's just a matter of doing it again. The Phillies set a franchise record with a 102 regular season wins this year and look to build on their success. With three of the top pitchers in baseball taking the ball every fifth day, it could be a daunting task for this St. Louis team. The Phillies pitching staff posted a 2.98 ERA against the rest of Major League Baseball, but saw it increase to 3.81 when facing the Cards.
In recent years it has been the juggernaut offense of Philadelphia that opponents feared. With that no longer the case this order is not something to sleep on. When going right this is still one of the most potent offenses in the game today and if they get a healthy Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins swinging the bat, watch out. Ryan Howard posted yet another fantastic year with his sixth straight 100 RBI season.
Reliever Ryan Madson has solidified the ninth inning converting 32 save opportunities in 34 chances, but there are plenty of question marks surrounding Charlie Manuel's bullpen. That is in fact if he needs to use it.
STL X-Factor: Rafael Furcal
PHI X-Factor: Cole Hamels
St. Louis in Five
Arizona Diamondbacks at Milwaukee Brewers:
The Arizona Diamondbacks are back in the postseason and once did the improbable. They might just be ready to stun baseball once again. The last time the Milwaukee Brewers were in the postseason it was 2008 and they were on the back of then-ace C.C. Sabathia. Unforunately for Brewer fans, Sabathia wore down and they fell to the eventual World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS.
The surprise of the National League, the Diamondbacks surged into the NL West lead back in July never surrendering it. Led by first year manager Kirk Gibson, Arizona was able to dethrone the defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants, never giving them the opportunity to defend their title.
Their young pitching staff, headed by 21-game winner Ian Kennedy, will be the key to controlling the potent Milwaukee offense. Kennedy played his college ball at USC and made his major league debut with the New York Yankees. Those credentials indicate he is ready for the October spotlight. Like most teams in the postseason, Arizona's bullpen is a concern. After having one of the worst pens in the game a year ago, closer J.J. Putz has mentored a young group, but will that be enough?
Perennial All-Star and NL MVP candidate Justin Upton is the key to the D-Backs offense. Upton posted career-highs in almost every offensive category this season including, runs (105), hits (171), doubles (39), home runs (31), RBIs (88) and stolen bases (21). The 24-year-old right fielder has the potential to carry a team all the way to the World Series. Could this be the year Gibson relives his postseason magic?
Despite Arizona winning the season series 4 games to 3, the Brewers are as confident as ever heading into this years NLDS. This year Milwaukee has something they haven't had in decades, pitching depth. Ace Yovani Gallardo is set to control Game 1 at home with former Cy Young winner Zack Grienke to follow. That is important for first year manager Ron Roenicke considering Grienke is 11-0 at Miller Park with a 3.13 ERA. Don't forget about Shawn Marcum, who spent his first 5 seasons pitching in the scary AL East.
When Roenicke decides to turn the game over to the bullpen, it's in good hands. Francisco Rodriguez was traded to Milwaukee midseason bridging the gap to closer John Axford. Rodriguez is no stranger to the postseason lime light as he burst onto the scene in 2002 as a rookie taking the baseball world by storm. As for Axford, he hasn't blown a save since the first month of the season, shorting the game to seven innings.
The offense as we know has been the strength to this Brewers club for quite some time. With Cory Hart and Rickie Weeks being the table setters with the rare combination of speed and power atop the order, it gives the dangerous tandem of Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder more RBI opportunities. Braun came a couple hits shy of winning the NL batting crown this season and is thought to be the favorite to land the NL MVP honors. Fielder added 38 home runs and 120 RBIs, both good enough for second in the NL behind the Dodgers' Matt Kemp. Possessed with arguably the best top four hitters in the league, Milwaukee will need their offense to carry what looks to be their last hurrah as a core.
ARZ X-Factor: Miguel Montero
MIL X-Factor: Francisco Rodriguez
Milwaukee in Five
St. Louis Cardinals at Philadelphia Phillies:
Much like the Tampa Bay Rays, the St. Louis Cardinals soar into the postseason with a clubhouse full of confidence and charisma. This was a team doomed by many before the season even started with the injury to ace Adam Wainwright and contract situation of slugger Albert Pujols only to overcome a 8.5 game deficit to win the NL wild card. Philadelphia has only one thing in mind after coming up short in 2010.
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| If healthy, Furcal brings a Gold Glove caliber glove as well as energy atop the batting order. |
Pujols has rebounded from a slow start, just missing his 11th straight season of 30 home runs and 100 RBIs with 37 and 99. It has been the surprise cast of characters that have carried this St. Louis offense all season long. Led by the reemergence of All-Star Lance Berkman the Cardinals found an offensive spark.
Much of the series will depend on the health of Matt Holliday and Rafael Furcal, also needing the continued contributions of role players such as Nick Punto, David Freese, and Skip Schumaker. Let's not forget about manager Tony La Russa, who is managing yet another playoff team.
Philadelphia has been here and done that, it's just a matter of doing it again. The Phillies set a franchise record with a 102 regular season wins this year and look to build on their success. With three of the top pitchers in baseball taking the ball every fifth day, it could be a daunting task for this St. Louis team. The Phillies pitching staff posted a 2.98 ERA against the rest of Major League Baseball, but saw it increase to 3.81 when facing the Cards.
 |
| Unlike the rest of his staff, Hamels has a ring. |
Reliever Ryan Madson has solidified the ninth inning converting 32 save opportunities in 34 chances, but there are plenty of question marks surrounding Charlie Manuel's bullpen. That is in fact if he needs to use it.
STL X-Factor: Rafael Furcal
PHI X-Factor: Cole Hamels
St. Louis in Five
Arizona Diamondbacks at Milwaukee Brewers:
The Arizona Diamondbacks are back in the postseason and once did the improbable. They might just be ready to stun baseball once again. The last time the Milwaukee Brewers were in the postseason it was 2008 and they were on the back of then-ace C.C. Sabathia. Unforunately for Brewer fans, Sabathia wore down and they fell to the eventual World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS.
The surprise of the National League, the Diamondbacks surged into the NL West lead back in July never surrendering it. Led by first year manager Kirk Gibson, Arizona was able to dethrone the defending World Series champion San Francisco Giants, never giving them the opportunity to defend their title.
 |
| With the injury to Buster Posey, Montero became the best offensive catcher in the NL. |
Perennial All-Star and NL MVP candidate Justin Upton is the key to the D-Backs offense. Upton posted career-highs in almost every offensive category this season including, runs (105), hits (171), doubles (39), home runs (31), RBIs (88) and stolen bases (21). The 24-year-old right fielder has the potential to carry a team all the way to the World Series. Could this be the year Gibson relives his postseason magic?
Despite Arizona winning the season series 4 games to 3, the Brewers are as confident as ever heading into this years NLDS. This year Milwaukee has something they haven't had in decades, pitching depth. Ace Yovani Gallardo is set to control Game 1 at home with former Cy Young winner Zack Grienke to follow. That is important for first year manager Ron Roenicke considering Grienke is 11-0 at Miller Park with a 3.13 ERA. Don't forget about Shawn Marcum, who spent his first 5 seasons pitching in the scary AL East.
When Roenicke decides to turn the game over to the bullpen, it's in good hands. Francisco Rodriguez was traded to Milwaukee midseason bridging the gap to closer John Axford. Rodriguez is no stranger to the postseason lime light as he burst onto the scene in 2002 as a rookie taking the baseball world by storm. As for Axford, he hasn't blown a save since the first month of the season, shorting the game to seven innings.
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| K-Rod is no stranger to October magic. |
ARZ X-Factor: Miguel Montero
MIL X-Factor: Francisco Rodriguez
Milwaukee in Five
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