Rays back against the wall
October 27, 2008I don’t know about you, but I’m really enjoying what I’ve seen of the Series. Just some good old fashioned steroid-less baseball. The only problem is it’s being played in two goofy venues. Philly is infinitely better than the old stadium but a band box, and Tropicana is good for nothing outside of RV conventions and stuff like that. The other thing that disappoints me is I don’t get to watch Kevin Youkilis play anymore. He just won the Hank Aaron award for the best offensive performance in the American League and more importantly is my New Favorite Player. I love his focus both with the glove and the bat. He should be the poster boy for maximizing one’s God given talent. When is the last time he had a bad at-bat? Where would the Sox be without him this year? I say go ahead and give him the MVP while you’re at it.
So we get to see how resilient the Rays are as they fight themselves off the matt in Philly. They face the unbeatable in the offseason, new Steve Carlton with better hair and less ticks Cole Hammels. Are you kidding me with his change up? What a pitch. And how about the one two punch of Ryan Madsen and Brad Lidge? How about Madsen’s change up and Lidge’s disappearing slider? How about their whole staff? We have been privileged to see some really quality pitching as of late. The other guy I’m really enjoying is Jayson Werth. He’s about as good a base runner as there is in baseball (although he’s made a couple mistake in this series), he’s a great outfielder with a super arm, and he swings a solid bat too. Not to mention the intangibles…his energy and the way he plays the game is infectious and very positive for the Phils. We crossed paths on the 2004 Dodgers team and I can say from experience that he’s an excellent teammate. Wow, what if you could put Werth and Youklis on the same team. That would be cool. Here’s to hoping the Rays can squeak out a win and make the season last just a little bit longer….
Great observation! These two guy’s seem to be a player’s, player. Don’t know them personally but I bet they are great teammates. Is it just me or doe’s anyone else think that Youkalis looks like the dude that fights The Abominable Snowman in the annual Rudolph the Red Nose Riendeer cartoon?!
While watching the WS, and particularly the backstops, I’ve noticed a similarity between the Phillies’ Carlos Ruiz and Tony Pena in their stances. Looking at page 26 in your book (Pena photo and your discussion) I see the same enthusiasm in Ruiz using a variety of stances and movement that I haven’t seen very often lately. The only criticism that I have about Ruiz is that when he calls for a high fastball he telegraphs the pitch by rising up, which can be noticed by the batter with a quick peripheral glance. I also see the same tendency in Dioneer Navarro of the Rays. Is this some new form of receiving being taught in the Minors?
Royce, solid observation…you hit the nail on the head! Youkilis IS the guy who fights the Abominable Snowman – Yukon Cornelius.
Hi Chuck, thanks for writing in. You’re right, Ruiz is using the old Tony Pena one leg out stance here and there. I personally love watching a catcher mix up the stances to break the monotony. It’s entertaining for me, probably keeps him engaged and focused, and provides a different look for the pitcher to throw to. All good. Now as far as the new high stance for the high pitch thing…I totally agree with you. It’s trash. Check out what I wrote in the Oct. 16 post titled “LA bites the dust” for more commentary on this subject. Thank you for your comments!!!!!! They keep me going.