Half Full or Half Empty

October 31, 2017

The Bears finished the first half 3-5 and flashed some positives and negatives. With the tough part of the schedule behind them and Glennon being replaced by Trubisky, there is a reason to be optimistic. I didn’t think they would beat the Saints, but for a few miscues there was a chance.

Although this was not the best game for the defense they came up big with some key turnovers.  The Saints only gained a little more than 100 yards rushing. Drew Brees, who usually goes over, had a little less than 300 yards passing with no touchdowns. The big gains came on screen passes. However, the defense had some blunders. On the first drive Bryce Callahan missed a sideline tackle allowing the Saints a gain of over 50 yards deep into Bears territory. This should have been a ten yard gain. Then as a fan you would hope they could hold the Saints to a field goal. The Saints bring their field goal kicking team on for a chip shot field goal. Kyle Fuller lines up a ½ yard offside. Saints take penalty and score a touchdown. In a nutshell, the dumbness hurts the team. There will be more to follow. The other defensive mistake was a 50 yard completion to Ted Ginn. Fuller or Jackson did not turn their heads to find a pass that could have been intercepted.

Trubisky will get better. He is still raw but showed some good instincts on a 46 yard run. His passing numbers would look a lot better if his beautiful touchdown pass to Zach Miller, wasn't inexplicably overruled as incomplete. Once again his receivers couldn’t find separation making his job more difficult.

Despite the blips on the radar the Bears had a chance to pull the upset. Tarik Cohen leaps a la Walter Payton into the end zone for a touchdown. The only difference is there was never a doubt as to whether Payton was in for the score. It is now a five point game.  Remember when I previously mentioned dumb. Third and one inside Saints zone.  Dowell Loggains and/or John Fox dial up a pass play. Not only is this a bad call, but so was the selection. Trubisky had to roll out to the short side and complete a touch pass throwing across his body. On fourth down, Jordan Howard right?  No, another incomplete pass. Lame duck coach John Fox said some mumbo-jumbo about 50-50 chance. If someone knows what he meant let me know?

The Bears get the ball back again after a great stop by the defense using 2 timeouts. Dumb coach Fox burned one challenge on a play that had no way of being reversed. Even with no timeouts they still have plenty of time as they march into Saints territory. Once again the play selection is questionable. Instead of long passes, take what the Saints are giving you underneath. When you get closer with less time, then take your shot.

The Defense and the continued growth of Trubisky fills my cup. Having no receivers and bad coaches drain my cup. The Bears will not score enough to win close games as evidenced by their last game with only 12 points.  Lastly, most teams need to reach the opponents 35 yard line for a field goal chance, 30 yard line for most kickers is automatic. For Connor Barth, you have to reach the 25 yard line to give him an even chance. He is 7 of 11 with most being chip shots, a result of the Bears not putting it in the end zone. Another killer in close games.

The easy schedule makes my cup ½ full. The Packers without Aaron Rodgers at home is winnable. It looks like they win a home game against the Lions. They play Cincinnati, the win-less Browns and Forty-Niners. That’s 8-8. Most likely the Bears will screw up somewhere but I’m upgrading my prediction to 7-9.

By the way, if your not watching the World Series you are missing a classic. I will cover this later as well as the stench coming out of the United Center.

I Love Turnovers!

October 23, 2017

I love turnovers!

I have said all along that the Bear defense will make them competitive in most games. I didn’t think they would make plays to actually win games. Eddie Jackson gets a game ball for fumble recovery and interceptions that turned into 14 points. There are many others who made big contributions

This team seems a whole lot better with Danny Trevathan on the field. He caused the fumble, had an interception and was a disruptive force. I believe he makes others better. Backup linebacker Christian Jones led the team in tackles. Goldman. Hicks, Unrein and even Bullard stuffed the run and put pressure on Panthers quarterback, dangerous Cam Newton. The front seven had 5 sacks and constant pressure makes things easier on your secondary. The back end had good coverage that led to some of the sacks and errant throws. For the most part this was textbook defense. Everyone is playing exceptionally well.

I hate to rain on the feel good vibe, however, there are some things that need correcting. The Panthers had driven the ball downfield twice before the turnovers. They were converting most third downs, some over 10 yards. That’s why both touchdowns covered over 70 yards. Then again, the Bears did cause three turnovers.

Although the Bears won this one, if the offense doesn’t put up some points you will lose a lot of close games. The only long gain was a 70 yard play on an under thrown pass. With first and goal the Bears had to settle for a field goal. In most games 153 yards total offense is not going to cut it. The next opponent, the Saints, have a high powered offense. Chances are, as good as the defense is the Saints will put up points. A better offense will be needed to have a chance at winning. Trubisky needs help and he won’t get it from the receivers.  He was sacked four times in the pocket. Maybe you need to roll him out. The offensive line has to do better job of keeping him clean. He needs to be developed, not sacked.

Only a small amount of stupid allowed the Bears to win this game. It came after the Trevathan interception. With good field position Trubisky completes a 10 yard pass. Tanner Gentry lines up illegally for a five yard penalty. I will never understand this penalty. False start by Massie another five yard loss. By this time they are out of Conner Barth’s range, but wait there’s more. Dumb delay of game penalty. I have never seen Conner Barth kick a field goal from over 40 yards out. The decision is punt the ball deep or the dumb one of trying a 52 yard field goal, which if missed gives the Panthers the ball at the42 yard line. The Bears need a new kicker.

All in all the Bears are better than the 1-6 or at best 2-5 I thought they would be.  After the Saints the schedule softens. I have to add to my early prediction of 5-11.  Without Aaron Rodgers, the Packers game is winnable. They play two games against win-less teams (San Francisco and Cleveland). There other games they may win. 7-9 would be progress, although I hope it doesn’t save John Fox’s job.

Baseball Pennant Winners

October 22, 2017

Although the season ended in disappointment, it was a good year. Cub fans can take solace that since the 1998 Yankees won three consecutive World Series there hasn’t been a back to back winner. In the past three years, the Cubs have won a World Series and played for the chance twice. That’s a remarkable stretch. Though there are moves to made, I’m confident that Theo can get them back in next year’s playoffs where anything can happen.

The Dodgers were just much better than the Cubs in all facets of the game. The biggest problem was the Cubs couldn’t hit. This may have something to do with Dodgers pitching. Kershaw was better than usual in the postseason, winning two games. For the second year in a row, they couldn’t solve Rich Hill. Yu Darvish was extremely impressive with almost every pitch having great movement. Jake Arrieta was able to salvage a game with a great performance and the Cubs scoring a series high three runs. Their bullpen is even better. I knew the closer Jansen was good. However, I did know how good the rest were. A formula for success is being able to take your starter out before the third time around in the batting order, where hitters are generally better. Then put relievers in to shut down your opponent.

The Cubs two big bats were completely silent in the playoffs. Rizzo had a couple of key hits against the Nationals. Bryant and Rizzo were both awful in this series. Aren’t your top hitters supposed to be able to hit good pitching?  Turner and Bellinger totally outplayed the Cubs corners at the plate and on the field. Cub pitchers are good when deployed right. The bullpen let them down in both postseason series.

Joe Maddon was exposed with his crazy lineups, pitching moves and deciding who to play in a crowded outfield. What was he thinking, letting Lackey go on consecutive nights?  When not hitting, Zobrist is a liability in right field. Heyward also can’t hit either, but at least won’t hurt you defensively. What to do with Almora, Jay, Happ and Schwarber? This is a quandary for any manager. Since the Cubs will need to acquire a starter after Arrieta leaves, one or two must go.

One more thing. Maddon got ejected for rightfully arguing a bad decision by the umpires on a foul tip that wasn’t. With all the reviews during a game why is this one not reviewable? The replay clearly showed he did not tip the pitch.

The Houston Astros held off the Yankees and won the series in seven games. These two teams led the major leagues in runs per game. You wouldn’t know it from the first two games. The Astros scratched out two runs off red hot Yankee starter Tanaka. Astros’ Keuchel is superb allowing only one run in a 2-1 Astros victory. In game two, Verlander was even better throwing a complete one run game. Yankees’ Severino was just as good. In the bottom of ninth, the Yankees brought in Aroldis Chapman in relief. Altuve singles. Correa doubles and Altuve comes all the way around from first base to score as Yankee catcher can’t corral a throw home. Astros win 2-1.

Series moves to New York and changes complexion. In game three, Yankees bats come alive scoring eight runs. Astros’ starter Charlie Morton has second bad post game outing. Yankees win 8-3. Game four Astro starter McCullers pitches into the seventh inning giving up just one run. However, in the era of the early hook, gets pulled. The Yankees score five runs and win 6-4.  In game five, Yankees knock out Keuchel in the fifth inning and Tanaka has another great outing holding the Astros scoreless. Yankees win 5-0.

Series goes back to Houston up 3-2. In another excellent postseason performance, Verlander gives up one run as Yankees easily tie the series at three games apiece winning 7-1. In game 7, the Yankees pull Sabathia after he gives up one run and runners at third and first. Relief pitcher, Kahnle gets double play. Then next inning gives up four runs.  Astros’ starter Morton has been their shakiest starter in the postseason. He pitches 5 scoreless innings followed by McCullers’ four and the Astros win the clincher 4-0. The Yankees scored 19 runs at home and only 3 in Houston.

Dodgers vs Astros, the two best teams in their respective leagues should be a great series. The Astros have Altuve and Correa to power their offense. Two outstanding pitchers Keuchel and Verlander. The Dodgers counter with Turner and Bellinger. Their pitching staff goes four deep and a lockdown bullpen. So, make it Dodgers in six.

DEFENSE

October 17, 2017

If you’ve been following this blog, I’ve given my take on the Bears. I said the defense should make them competitive in most games. When they beat the Steelers, I thought this was the blueprint for how they can win. Strong defense along with a good rushing attack. This is how they managed their second victory.

The defense was excellent in all phases. Their defensive line applied pressure on the quarterback and stifled the run.  The return of Danny Trevathan greatly improved the defense and rubbed off on the other linebackers. When the front seven of the defense is working, you can create havoc for your opponent. Trevathan had a sack and Christian Jones caused a fumble for one of three Ravens turnovers.

When your front seven is working so well it makes it easier for your secondary. If I were giving out game balls, the much maligned Kyle Fuller would get one. He defended extremely well on multiple passes thrown in his direction. It was his tip that led to an Adrian Amos interception. Amos looked like a running back returning it for touchdown. Bryce Callahan also had a nice diving interception. Another game ball goes to Joe Flacco.

Trubisky and the offense did just enough. You can see he is learning. In the years prior, the Bears quarterbacks didn’t know the meaning of throwing the ball away. He did just that after a bad snap near the goal line and on other occasions. He also rushed for a first down on third and long. He completed a pass to Simms for a touchdown. One of the two key plays in overtime was an 18 yard completion on third and eleven. Without that pass you are probably out of Connor Barth’s range. When your team is going nowhere, it's nice to see trick plays. Tarik Cohen’s touchdown pass to Miller worked perfectly. He and O’ Donnell are now tied for the league lead in quarterback efficiency rating.

The Bears running attack is the biggest reason for the win. All but 17 plays were running. The offensive line did not have one false start penalty. When thinking about those self-inflicting wounds in previous games, this is incredible. Jordan Howard showed why he is an elite running back with 167 yards rushing. However, it is customary for me to point out the dumb. Howard ran out of bounds with 24 seconds left when the Bears could have run out the clock. Luckily, The Ravens only got one play.

This game should not have gone into overtime. The Bears managed to squander an 11 point lead with less than 5 minutes left. There is an unwritten rule in football, toward the end of the game punt out of bounds and don’t give the receiver a chance to run it back. Another rule is a play isn’t over until whistle blows. These two special team goofs cost the Bears 14 points.

The overtime started with Bears shanking a punt giving the Ravens good field position. The Bears' defense steps up and forces a punt to the Bears 7 yard line. Jordan Howard gets the ball. Raven safety Eric Weddle tried to strip the ball instead of making what would be a sure tackle. Howard gets away and runs for 53 yards. Trubisky’s 18 yard completion to Kendall Wright on third and 11. Connor Barth field goal. Bears win.

Trubisky seems like the real deal. We won’t know for a while because he has no receivers who can get open, or once they do, drop they the pass. Kendall Wright had 2 catches (36 yards). Taylor Gentry was targeted three times, no catches. The other wide receiver, Tre McBride, wasn’t thrown to once. 

Postseason Update

 October 13, 2017

I’ve heard it said that in baseball on any given day any team can win despite their won loss percentage. It also doesn’t matter how you perform in the regular season because once you reach the playoffs anything can happen. However, I still can’t believe the Yankees came from 0-2 deficit to win three straight and the series against Cleveland. Cleveland had a 22 game winning streak and won 97 games. What happened? For starters, ace Corey Kluber got lit up in game 2 where the Indians came back from 8-3 deficit, saving his butt. Then they traveled to New York hoping to wrap up the series. Little did they know how good Tanaka has been of late and in game 3 goes 7 innings and with help from Betances and Kehnle (former White Sox) shuts down the Indians and won 1-0.  The game was also highlighted by Judge, who took a two run homer away from Lindor. The Indians were great defensively and committed only 76 errors all year. They had 4 in the next game, falling behind early and eventually losing 7-2.  In the clincher,  Kluber once again faltered and put the Indians in an early 3 run hole going only 3 .1 innings.  Indians comeback with 2 runs. Then Robertson (former White Sox) and Chapman close. The Yankees tack on 3 late runs to win 5-2. The Yankees have momentum. The starters including 37 year old C.C. Sabathia have been excellent. When you talk about good bullpens with Kahnle, Robertson, Betances and Chapman this could be the best still going. If the Yankees get early leads they will be tough to beat.

I thought the Red Sox would give Houston a little trouble. What I found out is what a poor pitching staff they had including Chris Sale. I’ve noticed throughout the past few years Sale starts out like gangbusters early in the year but falters in the second half. He can have 12 wins before the all-star break and finish the rest of his starts as a .500 pitcher. His ERA in the low twos earlier, is up at around 3.30 . That is not bad in it and of itself but the rise means he’s giving up 4 runs per game in the second half. Their closer, Kembrel, also had a subpar end of the season and ended up blowing the only good chance to win a game in this series. The Astros are real good as proven throughout the year. The league’s batting average leader, Altuve starts off with 3 home runs in game 1 backing Verlander in an easy 8-2 win. Strong pitching from Keuchel backed by Correa’s home run, 4 runs batted in, a Springer home run and 2 more hits for Altuve gives the Astros another 8-2 victory. In the game three clincher, the Astros get 2 runs in the eighth and 1 in the ninth for a 5-4 comeback victory.

To beat the Yankees, the Astro starters have to hold the Yankees down early so it’s not a game between the bullpens. If at the top of their game, Verlander and Keuchel can do that. They should get 2 starts each to make it tough on the Yankees. The top of their lineup is as tough as any in the majors. Although the Yankees have momentum, they will succumb to the Astros in seven games. Should be loads of fun.

The Dodgers proved they were the best team in baseball smashing the Diamondbacks in a three game sweep. However, I don’t know why Clayton Kershaw can’t pitch in the post season. He gave up 4 home runs in game 1.  It didn’t matter as the Dodgers can hit and hit. Turner led the way with a home run and 5 runs batted in in a lopsided 9-5 victory. The Dodgers used seven pitchers and pounded out 8 more runs in winning game 2.  The last of the seven pitchers, Jansen, had a seven out save. The Diamondbacks thought they could salvage a game throwing their ace, Zack Greinke. He went up against a dominant Yu Darvish, in the only pitching duel of the series.  Cody Bellinger’s home run and two runs batted in were the difference in a 3-1 Dodger victory. Although I thought the Dodgers would win this based on their pitching I forgot about Kershaw’s post season problems and the inconsistency of Rich Hill. They still can hit and hit their way to victory,

The Yankees and Indians were fun to watch. However, the most scintillating series was the evenly matched Cubs vs. Nationals.  Pitching was the dominating factor for most of these games. Game 1 pitted the two best second half starters in the majors. Stephen Strasburg had a no hitter into the sixth inning when an error opened the door for 3 unearned runs. Hendricks was equally as good.  Wade Davis picks up the save and Cubs win 3-1.

When it comes to the post season I can’t think of any pitcher as good as Jon Lester. After stymying the Nationals to one run and the Cubs cruising to make it 2 games to 0, the bullpen took over. In what was supposed to be a strong point, Carl Edwards served up the tying home run to Harper.  Later Montgomery gave up the game winning 3 run homer to Zimmerman. Nationals 6 Cubs 3. Back to Wrigley, Jose Qunitana was excellent in his postseason debut giving up 1 unearned run in 5.2 innings. Scherzer was just as good no hitting the Cubs into the sixth. After one hit, dumb Dusty Baker takes him out and Cubs tie it up. After getting burned earlier in the series, dumb Dusty continues to pitch to Rizzo with first base open. Although Rizzo’s winning hit should have probably been caught it’s still a bad move. Cubs win 2-1. Wade Davis picks up another save.

Game 4 starter Jake Arrieta is shaky but only allows 1 unearned run in 4 innings. John Lester continues his post season success in relief. Problem is the Cubs were up against Strasburg and couldn’t get anything going. Addison Russell came closest because he hit a ball that would have been a long home run if not for the wind. In fact no one was going to hit one out on this day.  In the eighth inning, Edwards walks the bases loaded and after one ball to Michael Taylor, Maddon brings in Davis to keep it a one run game. Up to this point, Taylor has had the best swings for the Nationals and about that no one is going to hit a home run: After a foul ball Taylor takes Davis deep and the ball lands in that silly basket for a grand slam. Game over Nationals 5 Cubs 0.

In the deciding game dumb Dusty starts Gonzalez. In a deciding game you don’t want to fall behind early. Gonzalez led the league in first inning runs. They should have started Tanner Roark who had shut out the Cubs last time out at Wrigley Field. With the help of a wild pitch Cubs score 1 in first inning. Cub nation was groaning as they left the bases loaded.  Bottom 1 Cubs throw Trea Turner out at the plate exciting Cub nation. The groans return. Hendricks, who has been spectacular in post season fell apart in the second inning. A Murphy home run and a 3 run homer by Taylor gave the Nationals a three run lead. At this point I still felt the Cubs would win this game. They proceeded to get two runs in the third making it a one run game and ending Gonzalez’s night. In the fourth inning Cubs face Scherzer. After retiring Bryant and Rizzo, things fell apart for him.  Addison Russell’s two run double started the damage against the Cy Young award winner. Then the Nationals get a gift run on a bases loaded hit by pitch. Then they received a gift run from the umpires. A dropped third strike, followed by a throwing error allowed another run. However, this run should not have counted. Baez backswing hit the catcher The Rule states when this occurs the ball is called a strike and the play is dead. Even reviewing the play they didn’t seem concerned the follow through on the swing but whether Baez had tipped the pitch. When the inning ended the Cubs had batted around, scoring 4 runs making it 7-4 Cubs.  The Cubs added a run in the 6^th and the Nationals countered with 2, 8-6.  Cubs score 1 in the seventh. 9-6 Cubs. From here on the Nationals did score two more runs to make it close. However, they made a couple of plays that hurt their chances.  After back to back walks Land pinch hits and swings at first pitch. Even though it may be a strike you take that pitch. Also you would think the league would catch on to the Wilson Contreras pick off throws. With a tying run on second, the runner gets picked off at first. Where is he going? The Nationals comeback ends with three up three down, ninth. Davis is not sharp but is credited with 7 out save.

Cubs vs. Dodgers While the Cubs rotation is in flux, the Dodgers are well rested. This gives the Dodgers an edge. The Dodger bullpen holds the edge especially if the Cubs keep giving the ball to Carl Edwards Jr. Both teams have pretty good hitting. Bryant has to step it up. The Cubs may have an edge in managers however, they don’t win games, though they make bad moves that impact games ala Dusty Baker. Dodgers in 6

Mitchellpolooza

October 10, 2017

The Chicago Bears had a chance to beat the Minnesota Vikings but some costly mistakes hurt their chances. Final score Vikings 20 Bears 17. However, this game was not about winning or losing. This was all about the chance to see number 1 draft pick Mitchell Trubisky. Today my cup is half full as opposed to empty.

Mitchell Trubisky showed he is the future of this franchise. Showing poise, mobility and accuracy he almost led to a Bears victory. For him it was a tale of two halves, one good one not so good.

Trubisky completed 6 of 7 passes to start the game. Of course the one incompletion was a drop. If there is one consistency about the Bears it is dropped passes. With roll out and play action, the Bears’ offense was moving the ball. With Bradford quarterbacking the Vikings, the upset was possible. As usual, dumb penalties stopped any drives Trubisky was engineering. First a holding penalty on Cody Whitehair wiped out a 26 yard pass completion that would have put the ball on the Vikings 9 yard line. Next, a holding call on deep threat receiver Markus Wheaton (hasn’t had a catch in two games) erased a Jordan Howard touchdown run. It was the only time Wheaton went downfield. Then a ticky tack offensive pass interference negated another long gain. Every time the Bears had the ball in good field position penalties prevented scoring plays. Aside from bad penalties, they can’t go a game without some stupidity by lame duck coach John Fox. On fourth and two at the Vikings 38 yard line he can’t decide whether to go for the first down or punt. With Conner Barth a field goal from that distance is not an option.  After calling a time out the punting team goes on the field, a few seconds later they are replaced by the offense. The result of this utter confusion is delay of game penalty and a punt. When your team is going nowhere it should be a no brainer to go for the first down. The strip sack late in the half was not all of Trubisky’s fault. Offensive lineman Leno got totally beat and Everson Griffen had a clear path to the quarterback.

  

The second half of the Mitch Trubisky show did not go as well. The Vikings made adjustments and put a new quarterback in to keep their offense on the field longer. The Vikings immediately scored on a 6 1/2 minute drive to make the score Vikings 10 Bears 2. Trubisky missed on his next 3 passes although the reversal of a completion showed off his accuracy. Behind Jordan Howard the Bears moved the ball to where they had 4^th down and 6 yards at the Viking 38. Low and behold they score a touchdown on fake punt. So an atypical John Fox move makes score Vikings 10 Bears 9. Minnesota scores a touchdown on a drive that included Keenum, the new quarterback, a 22 yard rush on 3^rd and long, Vikings 17 Bears 9. Trubisky’s passes are not going well as incompletions mound. Bears go primarily to the run. Then from the Minnesota 20, a pass that should have been intercepted falls in the hands of Zach Miler for Trubisky’s first touchdown. The 2 point conversion was the best play I’ve seen from the Bears in years. Let me get this straight. Handoff to Howard who gives to Miller who flips to Trubisky. Can you imagine Glennon making that play? Vikings 17 Bears 17.

The downfall comes when Bear defense makes a stand. From the 10 yard line. Trying to do too much, Trubisky gets picked off on a bad pass. Vikings ball with a little over 2 minutes left. This where a dumb defensive penalty kills the Bears. With 1 minute 23 seconds, the Bears stop the Vikings to set up 42 yard goal and the ball back to maybe tie the score. Alas, Leonard Floyd, who had a good game gets a penalty for holding. On an obvious running play why is he holding away from the line?  The Vikings run out clock and kick a chip shot field goal. Vikings 20 Bears 17.

All in all, the future looks good with a franchise quarterback. He will make mistakes but he’ll learn from these and become better. The real problem is he has no one to throw to. The deficiency at receiver should be the first priority at free agency and draft.

                                                                                            

Baseball Postseason 2017

October 5, 2017

It’s time for baseball’s post season. There are some really good teams vying to win this year and some juicy match-ups. So, here are recaps with my predictions as we approach the first pitch between the Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros. If you like pitchers’ duels, you’ll love the first game between Sale for Boston and Verlander for Houston. Good pitching will be a theme throughout the postseason. Who wins this series? Both teams have a lot of firepower in their lineups. Bogarts and Betts lead the Red Sox attack. Houston has this year’s batting champ, Altuve, Springer and all-star shortstop Correa. The availability and the performance of David Price is a key for Boston. If the games are close, the Boston bullpen is okay with their lock down closer, Kimbrel. Houston’s hopes hinge on starters Keuchel and McCullers and their closer, Giles, who had 34 saves. These teams seem to be evenly matched. However, Houston seems to be just a tad better. Houston in 5.

The Cleveland Indians were the best team in baseball when the season ended. They can score, play great defense, have great starting pitching and the best bullpen in baseball. That’s how you win an unbelievable 22 games in a row. Their manager is so confident his team is so good he can set up his rotation so his number 1 starter pitches game 5 if needed. I have one problem with this plan. If you are not going to start your best pitcher in game 2 (Kluber) why not start your number 2 (Curasco)? Instead, number 3 Bauer with 4.17 era in game 1. The Yankees can hit and if you’re Cleveland you don’t want to lose game one. However, Cleveland can score a ton of runs against suspect Yankee pitching. Therefore, Cleveland in 3.

AL awards:

MVP: Lindor, Cleveland; Cy Young: Kluber, Cleveland; Rookie: Judge, New York; Manager: Paul Molitor, Minnesota

L.A. Dodgers vs Arizona Diamondbacks. The Dodgers won over 100 games and Arizona finished over 20 games behind. Therefore, most people would think this series would be a cakewalk for the Dodgers. However, the last time they met, the Diamondbacks swept the Dodgers in a 3 game series. The Dodgers won’t let that happen again. The Diamondbacks’ best starter Greinke is unable to open the series (he got lit up in a start against Colorado). Therefore, the Dodgers have an advantage. The Diamondbacks do have some great hitters like Paul Goldschmidt and J.D. Martinez. But the pitching doesn’t match up. The Dodgers are no slouches at the plate with Turner, Seager and Bellinger. The old adage ‘good pitching beats good hitting’ will hold true. Kershaw and Co. take this in 4 games.

The most intriguing series is Cubs vs Washington Nationals. These are two good, evenly matched teams. Here are the reasons I think the Cubs win this series: Each team has great starting pitching. Scherzer is questionable for Washington, Arrieta for the Cubs. However, the Cubs have 3 other top tier pitchers, which is all you need for a best of 5 first round series. The Nationals have some great hitting with Zimmerman and Murphy. What may really hurt them is Bryce Harper, who may be their best player, may not have his timing back while hitting in the middle of the lineup. The Cubs can counter with Bryant and Rizzo. Ken Harrelson always says ‘it’s not what you hit, it’s when you hit.’ The Cubs have multiple players hit in the clutch, pulling out wins in late innings.  Think back to last year’s playoffs. The Cubs were the hottest team after the all-star break including 15 wins out their last 19 games. The Nationals coasted and haven’t had a meaningful game since May. Finally, close games may be decided by the bullpens. Although the Nationals’ bullpen has  improved with trades, the Cubs have Strop, Edwards, Montgomery and the best closer in baseball, Wade Davis. Cubs in 5.

NL Awards:

MVP: Goldschmidt, Arizona; Cy Young Kershaw, L. A.; Rookie: Bellinger ,L.A.; Manager: Counsel, Milwaukee

.

National TV Disaster

September 29, 2017

There was so much bad I don’t where to start.  The defense, thought to be the strength of the team, struggled against both the run and pass. Granted, the Packers are led by the great Aaron Rodgers.  He creates havoc for most teams. That being said, let’s start from the beginning to the bitter end.

Packers take the opening kickoff shredding through the Bears defense via pass and rushing for 75 yards and a touchdown. Fault of this score rests solely on the defense. Even with two linemen out and injuries forcing them to play reserve running backs, the Packers gained significant yards running throughout the game.  Packers 7, Bears 0. In the very next series, Mr. Slow gets sacked and fumbles. This is a bad play call. During the week Packers coach Mike McCarthy said the Bears were going to start the game with a long pass. This is exactly what they did. Knowing this, the Packers were in the Bears backfield before Glennon could set up. He is too slow to step up or roll out away from the rush and his reads are too slow. Hang on to the ball, take the sack and you get to run another play. Three plays later Packers 14 Bears 0. Next possession the Bears move the ball inside Packers 30 yard line. Then the dumbness that defines the Bears creeps in. With miscommunication on the snap, the ball hits Glennon in the knees. Fumble number two. Scoring chance down the drain. As usual against the Packers, there is the obligatory man wide open downfield for a 50 yard gain. This happens every time Bears play the Packers. No one is even close when Jordy Nelson is tackled after a long completion, but not before it is first and goal. Packers 21, Bears 0. The Bears finally have a good looking scoring drive to close the half. Packers 21, Bears 7.

The Bears received the kickoff to start the second half. If they scored it could have been a one possession game. The Bears tried a no huddle offense that was laughable. It seemed every time Cohen would have a good gain there would be a holding penalty to lose good field position. So they were forced to try a 43 yard field goal. For most kickers this is automatic.  Not with Connor Barth. If he’s not within 40 yards, he’s just awful. Field advantage goes to Packers. The Packers then go 63 yards capped by Jordy Nelson’s first touchdown. Packers 28, Bears 7.  The Packers get the ball back after Glennon’s second interception, with a pass that just sailed over everybody with no Bear in sight. Six plays later Packers' Nelson scores his second touchdown to complete a great game for someone’s fantasy team. Packers 35, Bears 7.

You would think being down 21 points before the last of Glennon’s 4 turnovers, they would give the second pick in the draft some game experience. Yet Glennon trots back on the field. Who else is thinking dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb? That’s one dumb for every turn over. When they get the ball down 28 points after Glennon’s second interception, Trubisky surely replaces Glennon now. But nope. Glennon goes back to play while Bear fans are pulling their hair out.

They run the ball, kill the clock and score a meaningless touchdown. I guess Trubisky isn’t ready to hand off?  Coach Fox says they will evaluate everything and make changes. Can he fire himself? Trubisky should start next game, but don’t bet on it.

The Bears are now 1-3. I was wrong when I predicted 0-4. However, I still am thinking a final record of 5-11. If Trubisky does start and is as good I think he will be, then maybe I move to 6-10.