Andy Pettitte To Quite Baseball?

While the southpaw Pettitte has still to make up his mind, he has given a strong indication that if he was not to play with the Yankees in 2008, he would not be in any other team. Many players have previously made similar statements, but one certainly hopes that Pettitte would be a real man and stay true to his proclamations.

Unfortunately, money really talks in this world, and now with the MLB turning in a whole lot of moolah, it would not be a surprise if Pettitte turns down any deal offered by the Yankees and bring his wares to another higher paying team. The lefty went 15-9, with a 4.05 ERA this season, and certainly looks to be able to continue for a couple more seasons. If not with the Yankees, at least with another middle-of-the-road team in the majors.

Rivera Likely To Stay With Yankees

In a move that showed how much more class and dedication he has to the pinstripes compared to another big-earning star, the New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera have met up with team management to discuss a new deal.

While this would be his last contract in a career that has seen Rivera only with one club - the Yankees, it still showed there are players in this time who do not place money as their only priority. Mariano has insisted he wished to stay at the club, and everything he has done so far affirms that.

According to the NY Times, the Yankees have made an initial offer to Rivera relative to his demands. They now await further negotiations with the star closer.

Padres' Mike Cameron Suspended For Failed Drug Test

The San Diego Padres' Mike Cameron has been suspended for the first 25 games of 2008 after failing a second drug test. The player made the announcement before any official statement from the MLB, and filed for free agency soon after.

While this news would certainly affect his value on the market, what was most worrying and ridiculous was his claim that a nutritional supplement that he took must have been tainted with the banned substance.

In other words, it was not his fault that a banned drug was found in his system. Blame it on the supplement manufacturers who must have left it in there without informing consumers.

He would not be the first professional baseball player to be caught, nor will he be the first sportsman to blame his cheating ways on others.

"Hey, I just did my job and took care of my body based on what nutritional scientists recommended. They were the ones who put the stuff in my body."

Statements from the Padres management were more damning (depending on how you interpreted it):

"He was a great teammate, a great person. He made a mistake, got caught and will pay for it now.", said Padres General Manager Kevin Towers.

There you have it. Quite a signal of intention.

A-Rod Headed To Boston?

Scott Boras, Alex Rodriguez's agent, has come out to make this statement in reply to what kind of deal his client was looking for:

"Alex's goals are to win a championship and achieve the historical records that are within his reach, all in the same uniform," he said.

If his claims are taken to be serious, and A-Rod does prioritize winning championships more than adding more zeros to his bank account balances, then that would point him to only one team that would ensure that.

The Boston Red Sox.

His game is suited to the new World Series Champions. However, his personality and attitude does not appear to, as he is known to have a continuing feud with certain Boston players.

Yet, Boston is now currently the team to beat. And they look likely to dominate the game for a few more years yet. The decisions made by the management have mostly turned to gold, and there has been a gradual change in the image of a team from one that was fun to watch but always failing at the final hurdle, to one that is all professional and methodical in dispatching all competition, yet maintaining a distinct quality to their play.

Boston - the only place for A-Rod to win championships now, if he is serious.

Schilling Bids Farewell To Boston On A High, 43 More Players File For Free Agency

On a day when Boston Red Sox great Curt Schilling bidded farewell to many teammates and leaving a team on a high after winning the World Series, a total of 43 players, including Schilling and 3 other of his teammates (Matt Clement, Eric Hinske and Bobby Kielty), filed for free agency.

Chances are Schilling will not return to Boston, given his age and losing his power game this season. While he demonstrated he could adapt with a 3-0, 3.00 ERA in four 2008 postseason starts, Boston would do better turning to a younger and more powerful prospect. Boston skipper Jason Varitek expressed hopes that Schilling will return, but that had to be more of a sentiment vote than anything else.

Other notables who filed for free agency were Sammy Sosa, Tony Clark, Darin Erstad and Aaron Boone (who will only be remembered for that walk off homer that sealed the Yankees comeback win against Boston in the 2003 ALCS).

A-Rod To Join Torre At Dodgers?

With the imminent hiring of Joe Torre as their new manager, could the LA Dodgers now make Alex Rodriguez their next record signing?

A-Rod has always enjoyed a close relationship with Torre during their time together with the New York Yankees. Now that the dust is settling on Torre's next destination, the Aaron Award winner might make LA the next stop in his glittering career.

A-Rod's agent, Scott Boras, who on Tuesday apologised to the MLB and fans in general for releasing news on Rodriguez's decision to opt out of his Yankees contract while the World Series was still going on, has refused to comment on any further development of his client's contract talks with other teams. However, Torre would be an attractive incentive if the Dodgers could come up with a sizable offer. The ex-Yankees manager has often shielded his star player from criticism and stuck by him when A-Rod faced a difficult time last year in the pinstripes.

It would be interesting though, to see how the Dodgers would balance their payrolls if they were to sign A-Rod, and how that could in turn affect their acquisition of other players and prospects in team development.

Joe Torre Joins Dodgers With Don Mattingly, Grady Little Resigns

Following news reported earlier that the LA Dodgers were lining up ex-Yankees manager Joe Torre to replace Grady Little, the latter resigned from the team today amidst reports that the Dodgers and Torre had already agreed terms to his contract. All that was left of Torre desire to have his own coaching staff.

This coaching team would possibly include Don Mattingly, who had also left the Yankees after announcements that he had lost the job to Joe Girardi.

While there are still differing reports on the size of his new contract, Torre is expected to have signed with the Dodgers for at least 2 to 3 years. He would replace ex-Boston Red Sox manager Grady Little at the helm, who left in a cloud of player unrest and a certain amount of bitterness, while hinting at various personal reasons for his decision.

Torre To Replace Little At Dodgers?

In what appears to be an October managerial merry-go-round, Joe Torre is rumoured to replace Grady Little as the new manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to The Journal News of White Plains, N.Y.. It could be as early as Tuesday. On his appearance last night on the Late Show with David Letterman, Torre appeared to sidestep the issue when his host broached the subject.

"That's a bad question to ask. I know what's been rumored. The local paper today is talking about going to LA. There has been a time or two that something that has been in the newspaper hasn't been true." replied Torre, when asked if he would be taking up the post with Dodgers or the LA Angels.

However, the Dodgers' reaction appeared to contradict his statements' intention. When approached late Monday, the franchise declined to comment. You know things are fishy when that happens.

It would not be a surprise if Little was to be replaced though. Despite holding baseball's best record in July, he failed to quell unrest between senior players and the younger ones down the stretch and they were inspired enough to end up fourth in the NL West, with an 82-80 record.

Joe Girardi Becomes Yankees Manager, Mattingly Quits, Yankees Rebuild

The New York Yankees have offered the vacant manager's post to Joe Girardi, who beat out bench coach Don Mattingly and first-base coach Tony Pena to take on the most challenging job in baseball. He now inherits a team with the largest payroll in the Major Leagues and the uneviable task of following in the footsteps of one of the sport's most successful managers in history, Joe Torre.

Girardi's contract is rumoured to be worth $6 million for three years. He faces a team rebuilding process that would make his main job of delivering the World Series even tougher than it already is. On Monday, star third baseman Alex Rodriguez chose to opt out of his contract with the Yankees to become a free agent, while veteran and No. 1 closer Mariano Rivera and catcher Jorge Posada have also entered free agency. Pitcher Andy Pettitte is another who stands to walk away from the team, although he has not made any announcement on a decision.

Changes will also take place in the management team. Much respected and great crowd favourite Don Mattingly, who served as Torre's bench coach this year, has resigned from his position with news that he had been bypassed for the manager's job. Mattingly had been the Yankees' hitting coach for three years prior to sitting next to Torre in 2007, and made no secret of his long term desire to take over the manager's post. He was understandably disappointed at missing out, but sent his well wishes to Girardi when the news broke. It is still to be seen if Pena would remain with the Yankees, although he has signalled previously there would be no problem working with either Girardi or Mattingly if either were chosen over him.

It is clear the Yankees are entering a new turbulent chapter in the club's history. With the departures of Torre, A-Rod and possibly the other 3 long-time Yankees, Girardi might in fact be allowed to craft a team more in his own image. It was interesting to note that he served as Posada's backup as a player in pinstripes in 1996, 1998 and 1999. It might be awkward given the roles are not interchanged. Girardi's fiery and passionate personality could also bring in a different face to the team previously under Torre, who was not known to resort to emotional methods in motivation. As the franchise continues to roll out the changes and attempt to stabilise the situations, it remains to be seen how a personality like Girardi, who famously won the NL Manager of the Year Award in 2006 before getting fired from his Florida Marlins post after falling out with its owners, would blend with the Steinbrenner style.

Replacing A-Rod presents another challenge. With Boston's Mike Lowell also to become a free agent despite winning the World Series, Yankees have a ready-made solution in going for a player with a proven track record of consistency and top-class performances. Lowell's postseason experience and clutch hitting would also outshine that of A-Rod's. Girardi's playing time with Derek Jeter and Rivera in the past would also see how the new man copes with being on the other side of the line with ex-colleagues. The next few weeks should reveal more.

A-Rod Opts Out - A Loss To Yankees?

As the baseball fraternity woke up this morning to the announcement that Alex Rodriguez had opted out of the final three years of his Yankees contract, many will no doubt question if the decision would deliver a knockout blow to the franchise's hopes for next season.

A-Rod led the Major Leagues this season with 54 home runs, 156 RBIs and 143 runs, batting .314 in leading the team to the postseason. Based on this form, any team would consider him an asset and be hard-pressed not to keep the player. However, the American League's Hank Aaron Award winner was an almost non-existent force in the postseason.

Yankees management have come out quickly to defend what many have said to be a lack of desire to keep the star player in New York. Rodriguez was mentioned to have turned down a request to meet with club officials to discuss the new offer and Yankees Senior Vice President Hank Steinbrenner issued a terse statement denouncing the player's oft-repeated claim that he wanted to stay.

It is clear and likely that there is no chance of A-Rod returning. Whether the Yankees can recover from the loss next season remains to be seen. There are many more unsettled issues in the horizon.

2007 World Series - Boston Red Sox Are World Champs

At the end of the day, the Boston Red Sox proved that they were indeed, the best team in baseball over a long season. Not even a curse that once took control of them for 86 years could be repeated this time, as Boston won the 2007 World Series for the second time in four years. Clinching the title in Coors Field with an exciting 4-3 win over the Colorado Rockies, the Red Sox swept their National League opponents with a powerful display of clutch hitting, precision pitching and all-round tactical genius. Surely now, Terry Francona will go into the record books as one of the best, if not THE best, Boston Red Sox manager in history.

So much for walking into the ballclub on the back of critics' snipes about how he did not deserve the manager's job - the man did not have an impressive resume. Most were betting that he would not even last a year.

Now, Francona is smiling as his carefully assembled team of professional stars and sparkling rookies once again showed that a balanced mix of class and hard work would pay off in the end - no matter how many still claim that the Boston Red Sox are only second to the Yankees for buying their way to trophies. This time, it was MVP Mike Lowell - one of the hardest working honest professional in the game, and starting pitcher Jon Lester, both cancer survivors, who carried the Red Sox on their backs.

Looking at their roster, it would be no surprise if this team goes on to add more World Series rings to their collection. The veterans like Ortiz, Ramirez and Varitek are nowhere near their sell-by date, coupled with an exciting array of rookies like Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury. Their starting pitchers, other than Curt Schilling and Tim Wakefield, are all up-and-comers (if you can even consider World Series 2-time winner Josh Beckett to be one) with strong fundamentals and powerful arms. To illustrate their dominance in this series, consider this - Boston only trailed for three and a half innings to the Rockies in Game 2, in the whole series, and all four starting pitchers won their games - the first team to achieve that since the 1927 Yankees.

Credit to the Colorado Rockies for putting up more of a fight from Games 2 to 4, pushing Boston all the way until their bullpen put up a show for all, in particular Hideki Okajima and Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon. Francona has fashioned a steely bullpen - a traditional weakness of past Boston teams. Many will now make much of the Rockies' eight day layoff prior to the start of the Series, but in truth, they never had any answer to an experienced team that made plays when it mattered most.

While it is back to the drawing board for a youthful Colorado team that showed much promise in the future, the question on everyone's lips would be whether Boston will bring back Lowell, who now becomes a free agent after the Series. While certain quarters have suggested that the Red Sox could pursue Alex Rodriguez (who is scheduled to announce he will be opting for free agency), it would be interesting to see if they would risk bringing in an individual who has had continuing feuds with their captain Varitek. The pair have clashed in the past and did not even speak to each other in the locker room during this year's All-Star event.

Whatever the Boston Red Sox does, you can be sure the aim would be for continued world domination. With a canny manager and an all-action lineup that has learnt to fuse style, class and determination over the years, that can only be another World Series win away.


References:
Red Sox Sweep to 2nd World Series Title in 4 Years
Mountain Men: Sox are Champs

Alex Rodriguez To Opt Out Of Yankees Contract And Become Free Agent

The latest news of the A-Rod "will-he-or-will-he-not" saga on the wire is that he will in fact, opt out of his contract with the New York Yankees come the end of the 2007 World Series.

A-Rod's agent has come out to declare his client's intention, attributing the decision down to the Yankees not having confirmed their new manager for the 2008 MLB season, as well as the potential of other present Yankees entering into free agency. They include Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada and Andy Pettite.

It remains to be seen what will definitely happen if the Yankees choose to announce a decision on their new manager. Currently, Joe Girardi appears to be the front runner.

World Series Game 3 - Class Finally Tells as Boston Storms Into 3-0 Series Lead

At Coors Field, the Colorado Rockies were set to show the world that on their stage, they were more than a match for anyone. They could come back and grab the World Series by the scruff of its neck. The Boston Red Sox would be driven to the edge by the Rockies' voracious fans and put to the sword by a team bidding to upset the ALCS majority stranglehold on the MLB in recent years.

But nobody told them that at the end of the day, it takes more than enthusiasm and youthful vigour to unhinge a Red Sox team bolted to strong fundamentals of professionalism, skill, talent, and ultimately, class.

The Boston Red Sox first silenced the Coors Faithful with a powerful 6 run blast in the third inning. Double act David Ortiz and Mike Lowell crashed early into Rockies starter Josh Fogg, who struggled all night with his control, before Boston starting pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka surprised many with a two-out, two-run single into deep third base territory, sending Fogg off the mound. At such an early point in the game, Colorado looked out of the reckoning as they struggled to come to terms with Matsuzaka's renewed confidence and their own stone-cold bats.
That lasted till the bottom of the sixth inning, Matsuzaka issuing 2 walks before Terry Francona sent on the bullpen. The Boston bullpen had been magnificent throughout the World Series before tonight. Francona expected the same when he sent on Javy Lopez. But two consecutive singles by Brad Hawpe and Yorvit Torrealba later, Rockies pulled it back to 6-2. Boston then quickly called for Mike Timlin to quell the rumbling uprising which he did by sending Ryan Spilborghs and Jeff Baker back to the dugout. But not before a preview of what was to come as Spilborghs almost reached home run territory in deep centre field and only an amazing leap from Red Sox shortstop high into the air prevented Baker from adding more Rockies runs to the board.

Colorado came storming back in the bottom of the seventh inning. With previous night's strong showing, Okajima was put on the mound to finish off another strong comeback by the Rockies. Matt Holliday sent the crowd into raptures and hoping for more, by firing the ball whistling deep into centre field. Home run, another 3 runs, and Colorado was back within one at 6-5 to Boston. Okajima still managed to sneak out of the inning without allowing more, but the team in black and white were feeling pumped, with fans going insane in the stands and expectations were now high of a comeback win.

That was when class finally told.

Boston have been slowly rebuilding the side after the 2004 World Series. The team still had the nucleaus of that Championship winning team, with deliberate additions to the roster which have strengthened the club in all areas. While many have accused the ballclub of being nothing more than another Yankees in disguise buying its way to success, the players have always displayed more joyful play and professionalism in the way they carried themselves both on and off the pitch. Francona was another icon of class in managerial study, never to stalk the media and often all about the game. The team sauntered to a 96 win season and have shown time and again to be the best team in baseball this season.

Tonight they showed that class again. 6-5 up and with their backs pinned to the wall on the back of a rowsing Colorado fightback, the Red Sox went into the eigth inning determined to shut the door on the Rockies. They did that in emphatic style from 2 clutch hits from two rookies, and five runs later 10-5 up, all signs of the World Series returning to Boston were on the cards. Jacoby Ellsbury first sent an RBI double that just eluded Rockies right field Hawpe, before exciting rookie Dustin Pedroia sent another two-run double to the right. You could see the deflated Rockies in the dugout with heads hung low.

Just as another Rockies comeback threatened to steal the show in the bottom eigth with two on and two outs, Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon then stole the show. Proceeding to retire the next four Colorado bats, he rounded off the ninth inning with aplomb and a second World Series save. Not bad for his first appearance at the biggest baseball stage of all.

Then again, class is all over this Boston Red Sox team. And class separates the best from the good.

Youkilis To Sit Out World Series Game 3

With no designated hitter under National League rules, Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona has decided to go with David Ortiz at first base for Game 3 of the World Series. This would mean Kevin Youkilis sitting on the bench, while Mike Lowell remains at third base.

How would this affect Boston? Would it at all?

Youkilis has been hitting a searing .396 in the postseason, and you could see the burning dedication and passion by the bearded pro. He practises his swing non-stop in between at-bats. He has been instrumental in some of Boston's crucial postseason plays so far this year.

Unfortunately, the brand of Ortiz sits larger than life in Boston. It represents quality and results - Ortiz has been more consistent in recent years than even Manny Ramirez. And if you wonder at his defensive abilities - read this - Ortiz started seven games at first base in the whole of this year with no errors made.

While Youkilis sits on the bench, Francona had not ruled out any participation on his part. With Ortiz facing a wobbly knee, if there were to be any signs of that troubling him, Francona would look to Youkilis in the later stages of Game 3. Ortiz has dismissed the issue though - he figures that the adrenalin rush of playing in the World Series and sitting pretty on a 2-0 lead would negate any pain to be felt from the injury.

One wonders if JD Drew had not rediscovered his hitting form, such a selection dilemma would have arisen.

Baseball Pays Well - Closing In On NFL as America's Top Money Sport

In a report by Chris Isidore of CNNMoney.com, baseball in the United States is now closing in on the National Football League as the top money sports in the US. While the $6 billion in revenue this year will not surpass NFL figures yet, the rate of revenue growth (double NFL's figures) will surely see the MLB ascend to that coveted throne.

While Chris writes about a number of factors presented by MLB to explain the phenomenal results, one thing that has also contributed is the more aggressive marketing campaigns from the MLB in recent years. The slogan has been making its rounds in every possible advertising media, much more than in the past. Unsolicited exposure in the form of drug scandals have also created more exposure worldwide, regardless of its negative nature. And as the article mentioned, a key factor has been the leveling of the playing field, with more unfancied teams carrying sustained campaigns for postseason involvement. Nothing attracts fans more than seeing their own local team fighting for a chance at success.

Another interesting point brought up was how the MLB and everyone associated with it closed ranks on spinning the game's economics in a bad light, to control player salaries in the past. That has since changed with the league's disclosure of the revenue figures, and it will set off even higher player contracts subsequently. One waits to see if this will result in future requests for exorbitant contracts, and how it will affect the next stage in baseball's development.

Bosox Bullpen Tames Gutsy Rockies in World Series Game 2

On a night when Curt Shilling did just enough to earn his 11th postseason win, the Boston bullpen fanned their fair share of Colorado batters to earn themselves a gritty 2-1 win in the Game 2 of the World Series. In particular, left-hander Hideki Okajima strolled through a hitless 2 1/3 innings and struck out 4 batters in the process.

The game made for a more enthralling contest than the previous night, when Boston trampled their way to a 13-1 washout. Tonight, both teams' bats were throttled by the pitchers who put on a show of determination and some alertness. Jonathan Papelbon made his first ever pick off on first base in the eigth inning, when he spotted Rockies' Matt Holliday a mile off base, and first baseman Kevin Youkilis had plenty of time for the tag. That was the key moment in the game, as Rockies mounted a minor comeback with Holliday reaching Papelbon.

It was also a crucial mistake by Colorado, and one that perhaps drove the final nail into their coffin.

Despite a nerveless showing by their rookie pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez, Colorado now returns to the thin air of their homely Coors Field in an attempt to become only the 12th team in the past 50 who have gone 2-0 down in the World Series, to come back and win it. On the back of this showing, they could yet surprise a few. But you wonder how that error in the eigth inning would have dented more than a few hopes.

I have mentioned that their Game 2 performance would be an indicator of their chances. And I do not believe the Rockies will be swept now. The possibility of coming back to win the World Series is still slim, as they would have to face Beckett once again, but if they could claim at least 2 wins at home, they have every right to be hopeful of a repeat showing against Beckett that we witnessed in June. But this time, it would be at Coors Field.

So we now move on to Saturday - can the Rockies regroup fast enough and recover their belief in time to put one over the Red Sox?

World Series Over After Game 1 Rout?

It appears that Red Sox fans singing the obituaries of the Rockies' demise may be jumping the gun. History has shown that winners of the most lop-sided Game 1's often do not go on to win the World Series.

Read this article on MLB.com for the full scoop!

Can God Save The Rockies Now?

I read this with amusement and disbelief - Colorado Rockies chairman and CEO Charlie Monfort said last season that the ballclub was the strongest character-wise in the whole league, because they were predominantly Christians.

While I wouldn't doubt that Christianity in itself teaches character and tolerance even, unfortunately many of its practitioners do not do so. And self-righteousness seems a common trait among this particular band of Christians who talk about love but spread a holier than thou image. I did not know of this news bit last year, but finding it out right now has certainly lowered my opinion of the ballclub as a whole.

Kudos to their achievement this season, but to put it down and as a broadside to other clubs that they are inferior spiritually-wise is a direction that should not be condoned in sports. That is something I agree with the writer of the piece, Dave Zirin. In fact, it would be an insult to the team's players who are not of the Christian faith. Are their achievements now partly because of their Christian team mates, and inferior without them?

If they truly had character, it would have helped to provide a more entertaining World Series Game 1 last night. All I saw was an utter collapse by the away team.

A-Rod Wins MLB Clutch Performer of 2007 Award

Despite not delivering in postseason when clutch would have been a more appropriate use of the word, the New York Yankees' Alex Rodriguez has been named the 2007 Major League Baseball's Clutch Performer of the Year.

Based on a few factors, including hitting the most game-tying or go ahead home runs (22 in total - although he was tied by Ryan Howard and Lance Berkman), and batting .463 with 8 home runs and 21 RBIs in ninth innings of games this year, A-Rod was chosen voted by fans from a list of 6 nominees chosen by a select panel.

Now, if only he could actually perform in postseason, he wouldn't even need to be clutch.

Rockies Laid Off By Red Sox Masterclass

In the end, the hype proved too much for the Colorado Rockies, as they were swept off their feet by the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of the World Series. The score?

13-1.

Riding on the wave of a long unbeaten run that saw them deliver clean sweeps in both the Division and NLCS series, the Colorado Rockies displayed the confidence of a team that only lost 1 out of their last 22, as they sauntered into Fenway Park, determined to topple the Red Sox and their starting pitcher Jeff Francis attempting to become the first Canadian pitcher ever to win a game in the World Series. In the end, they left with their tails in between their legs, as Boston cantered to the most one-sided Game 1 win ever in World Series history.

Many records were broken and set in this Game 1. Boston's Dustin Pedroia became the first rookie in history to lead off a World Series with a homer. It was the most one-sided Game 1 win in WS history. The Red Sox became the first team in postseason history to total more than 10 runs in 3 straight games. Even the Rockies tried to get into the act by chipping in with allowing 3 straight runs through bases-loaded walks, and their fair share of doubles on a night when a total of 12 doubles careened off both teams' bats. However, what mattered most was Boston making these count when it mattered most.

Truth be told, the game looked over the moment Pedroia fired the ball over the Green Monster. Beckett's form and postseason record ensured that a Colorado comeback never looked on the cards. Francis never got into his groove and was waved home from the mound after only 5 innings. The Rockies' bullpen, which had been one of their most reliable areas in postseason with a combined ERA lower than that of their starting rotation, let in run after run.

One wonders how tonight's result would affect the young and unfancied Colorado team for the rest of the series. Will they let their heads drop and roll over for Boston to complete a sweep? Or will they regroup and come back fighting? Personally I hope they put up more of a fight, starting from Game 2. The domination by Boston was so complete that the only sleep deterrent for Game 1 was counting the number of strikeouts Beckett would continue to add to his collection.

2007 World Series Game 1: Calm Before The Storm

So the 2007 World Series starts tonight at Fenway Park, where the Boston Red Sox will take on the Colorado Rockies. While we all sit back and prepare for what promises to be an intriguing championship series, here are some news bits to whet your appetite:

World Series With Canadian Flavour

Old vs New: Red Sox, Rockies Prepare For World Series

Red Sox Await Arrival Of The Rockies' Express

World Series Notebook: Rockies Wait Historically Long

See y'all back here after the game!

Wakefield Off Red Sox World Series Roster

As a result of a shoulder injury, Tim Wakefield will now miss out on a second World Series of his career in 4 seasons. Jon Lester is the likely candidate as Wakefield's replacement in Game 4 of the World Series, while right-hander Kyle Snyder has been added to the rotation in Wakefield's place.

Obviously disappointed, Wakefield was the only pitcher on Boston's rotation to have quieted the Colorado Rockies' bats during their Inter-League play showdown at Fenway Park in June. The Rockies struggled to reach the knuckleballer the whole night, and fell to a close 2-1 loss.

However, Wakefield has been struggling with injury despite missing only one start this year, and his famed knuckleball had been enjoying less consistency. One of Boston's longest-serving playing staff in his 13th season with them, Wakefield's ERA from innings 4 onwards of games would be dramatically higher than that of in earlier innings.

Derek Jeter Pays Tribute to Ex-Yankee Manager Joe Torre

New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter has come out again to speak of his admiration and deep respect for his ex-manager Joe Torre, and how the latter had helped to shape his career in baseball.

Not only has Torre been a friend to the famous shortstop, he has also been a major influence in his professional development since he came onto the baseball scene. Jeter played for a total of 12 seasons under Torre who had recently turned down an extension to his contract and since left, from his 13 seasons with the Yankees.

Read more of Jeter's story here.

World Series Online Ticket Sales Suspended

The Colorado Rockies online ticket sales system was hit by an "external malicious attack" that left many fans stranded and ticket sales suspended till 2pm EDT on Tuesday.

Read more about this here.

2007 World Series - Unlikely Rockies Repeat Of Fenway Series Win

Back in June, the Colorado Rockies sauntered into Fenway Park and proceeded not only to grab an impressive series win over the Boston Red Sox, but also a 7-1 thumping of their ace pitcher, Josh Beckett. Now, with an even more dazzling baseball run of 21 wins in 22 games, the Rockies look to put a few more over their more illustrious opponents on their way to a first World Series championship.

However, can they really come into the series with a real confidence on the back of that showing 5 months back?

First, let's look at what they did to Josh Beckett in that Fenway Park game. Beckett lasted only 5 innings, after being burnt for 5 runs off 10 hits. It was his second shortest mound appearance of the season but he came back even stronger in subsequent trips. Mind you, that was also on the back of a terrific 9-0 run in terms of wins earned. Something had to give.

In comparison, Rockies starter Jeff Francis also lasted 5 innings, but possibly due to the high pitch count that Red Sox batters produced. What was more interesting was the Red Sox stranded 9 runners on base, and a total of 1-14 with runners in scoring position for the game. It showed that Red Sox could still hit him, they just could string a couple of hits together at the right time. Francis also made a recent comment that his team had bailed the pitching rotation out more than a couple of times in the season.

On the Red Sox current batting form (they are finding their bats at the right time after enduring a mini-barren run in the early games of the ALCS series), it would take more than a few bailouts for Francis to survive his pitching duel with Beckett. Beckett seldom gets himself into 2 pitching duds in a row against the same team. It might be 2 games that the Rockies have to discount for the World Series.

The key might be down to Daisuke Matsuzaka's confidence heading into his first appearance in the World Series in just his rookie season. If he maintains his self-belief and continues to be boosted by his teammates' support (again, Beckett was key in Dice-K's renewed throwing vigour in the deciding ALCS Game 7), he could be the man who nails the all important clincher for Boston's second World Series win in 4 years.

The Colorado Rockies have coasted to their solid run on the back of a complete team game - quick defence, strong and steady pitching rotation, and their sometimes explosive bats. But the length of the same run might be stretching it a bit too far for the young team. While some might say experience might not count for much at times, it counts double when you have won it before. The Boston coaching staff would head into the series knowing what it takes to manage a team over 7 of the most important games of their season. Witness how Cleveland third-base coach Skinner got caught in two minds just a day ago, when his team's future hung in the balance of just one call. It is likely Terry Francona and company would have a huge back catalog of notes to fall back on during the most trying of times.

A great fairytale if the Colorado Rockies were to pull off one of the major upsets in baseball history, but it is also highly unlikely for this Boston Red Sox team to choke on a mission to rubberstamp their legend.

Girardi Completes Yankees Interview

After an interview that stretched over 6 hours, Joe Girardi left with a good feeling and mentioned that he thought his chances were good. This despite many public observers' sentiment that Don Mattingly, bench coach for the New York Yankees when Joe Torres was manager, was ahead of the poll with the Yankees management.

While Girardi managed the Florida Marlins to a respectable 78 wins in 2006, many felt that his past playing time with certain current members of the Yankees roster such as Derek Jeter could play against him. Girardi also clash with the Marlins management on more than a few occasions in his first year as their manager, leading to a premature end of his 3 year contract.

Given that he spent 2007 as a media broadcaster with the YES Network, it remains to be seen if he would remain a strong candidate for the post after further Yankees interviews with Mattingly and possibly first-base coach Tony Pena.

Joe Torre To Appear On David Letterman

In his "first broadcast network television interview" since leaving the New York Yankees, Joe Torre is scheduled to appear on the "Late Show with David Letterman" next Monday, Oct 29.

Given how Letterman has descended to gleeful ridicule of his guests nowadays, it would be interesting to see what's in store for Torre and all baseball fans.

La Russa Inks 2-Year Deal To Remain With Cardinals

After a difficult season in which the Cardinals suffered their worst record in 8 years (78-84) and numerous problems and tragedies, Tony La Russa has put pen to paper and signed for a further 2 years to continue as the Cardinals manager.

La Russa had admitted that the season was a struggle for everyone involved with the ballclub, but the man with the franchise's best record in history had never doubted that he would extend his stay. La Russa also expressed his expectation that his whole coaching staff would remain for the fresh season.

Hopefully he can return along with them in time, despite his brush with the law.

Boston Reaches 2007 World Series - Thanks To Error-Ridden Cleveland Indians

At the end of a week filled with dramatics, the team which made the least mistakes finally reached the World Series. Boston Red Sox overcame a 3-1 series deficit and gutsy performances by the Cleveland Indians to triumph 11-2 in Game 7 of the ALCS, and sealed their first appearance in the World Series of baseball since 2004.

While Boston had its fair share of errors in the series, it was the Tribe who could not keep their game free from slip-ups that partially gifted a place in the World Series to their ALCS rival. Their management staff even got in the act with poor judgement calls, as during the top 7th inning, 3rd base Cleveland coach Joel Skinner confused Kenny Lofton on 2nd base, one hand signalling to run in to home plate while the other waving him to stop on 3rd base. It would have tied the game at 3-3. Boston then went on to score 2 additional runs off a homer from rookie Dustin Pedroia which put the game beyond Cleveland. All this after Lugo messed up a straightforward catch in the same inning to put Cleveland runners on base. Casey Blake, the 3rd baseman for Cleveland also had a nightmare outing - his collision with teammate Perrolta in the bottom 8th inning just about summed up his evening.

Perhaps being on the brink brought the nerves on for Cleveland. Many of their players were experiencing this stage for the first time, while others who have been there did not have the ability to steady the ship and motivate each other enough. Facing Boston ace pitcher Josh Beckett in Game 5 rattled them as well - there must have been more than a few doubting minds prior to that game - many felt that if Beckett pitched well again in that critical game, there was more than a fair chance of Boston sneaking over the finish line.

Beckett did just that.

The starting pitchers of the Red Sox also put up good performances when it mattered most. C.C. Sabathia and Caromona both floundered - twice each in the series. Curt Shilling was battered in Game 2 of the ALCS, but mastered shortcomings due to age and breezed through a must-win Game 6. And a confidence-lacking Daisuke Matsuzaka picked himself up from a poor Game 3 to come-of-age in Game 7, despite another quality outing from the Indians' Jake Westbrook. Is the Bosox pitching staff peaking at the right time?

While Cleveland must go back to the drawing board and prepare for Spring training (having a young team, this experience would have done them a whole world of good and expectations are high that Cleveland would figure prominently for seasons to come), Boston will now have to recharge their batteries and face the Colorado Rockies making their maiden World Series appearance. Yet, my money will be on the Red Sox, for they have the greater momentum, and a week's layoff for the Rockies will be detrimental to theirs. Riding on a crest of momentum and adrenaline are sometimes all that matters in sports, and the Boston Red Sox and their fans must now be rubbing their hands in gleeful anticipation of another World Series win.

The curse seems well and truly over.

ALCS Game 7 : Will It Be BoSox or The Tribe?

The moment J.D. Drew sent that scorcher over the Green Monster, I knew that we would return to Fenway Park for an ALCS Game 7 tonight. The Cleveland Indians surrendered meekly as a pumped up Boston Red Sox team bulldozed their way through the Tribe's ace pitchers to a deciding game.

“We needed tonight’s game, we needed a good performance for Schilling,” Drew said. “We got that, now we’re going to play in Game 7.”

Boston Red Sox got good performances from both Curt Schilling and J.D. Drew, the latter after a year-long slump that drew only derisory catcalls from the home fans. Have they done enough to ensure another return to the World Series? After a run that is now eeriely similar to their amazing run in 2004?

Boston must be supremely confident now - they've got home advantage, passionate fans, bats that are warming up again, and outscoring the Cleveland Indians by more than 20 runs since the top of the 4th inning in Game 5.

What they need to do now is get a rookie Daisuke Matsuzaka to overcome confidence issues and return to his commanding early season form. If they do that, a 2007 World Series surely beckons.

What of the comeback team of 2007, the Cleveland Indians?

Can they create history by extending their run and achieving a great triumph in a ballpark that could be their final stop for the season? Can Jake Westbrook silence the Sox bats and carry his team, something the top 2 in the Tribe pitching staff have not been doing since the postseason? Would the mistakes that have started to appear in their defensive play bring their downfall? Is Grady Sizemore the hero waiting in the wings?

We will only know when the dust has settled tonight in Fenway Park. My sneaking suspicion is that the Boston Red Sox are on their way to another World Series win. Not even the Colorado Rockies can gatecrash the party now.