As Rit, Jon and I proofread our book we realize nobody was thrown under the bus more than former Red Sox manager Don Zimmer.
Follow the links below to Sporcle Red Sox Trivia
Red Sox Career Leaders in Post Season Wins
For starters, Congrats to the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals who became the 10th Wild Card team in baseball history. In doing so they eliminated the Milwaukee Brewers for the second time in the playoffs adding fuel to their rivalry. Let me also say that I love the MLB WC which has saved baseball for many fans. The 1985 Mets may have won the title a year earlier, but at 98-64 in the pre-wild card days had to watch the playoffs with the 2nd best record in ALL of baseball. The 1993 Giants won 103 games, but finished a game behind the Braves in the N.L. West AND missed the playoffs entirely. So, yes I’m really glad the wild card exists. However, I’ve long felt the road needs to be a little tougher. In 17 seasons (and 34 wild card teams) ten such teams have made it to the World Series. Many experts claim it’s because the Wild Card teams are playing do-or-die games until the bitter end and they stay sharp. Incredibly, there have been four teams to go all the way from Wild Card to World Series Champs (1997 & 2003 Marlins, 2002 Angels, 2004 Red Sox), while there have only been four seasons where both Wild Card teams were both eliminated in the LDS (1995, 1998, 2001, 2009). Clearly the road isn’t that disadvantageous.
National League
2011 St. Louis Cardinals
2010 Atlanta Braves LDS 1-3
2009 Colorado Rockies LDS 1-3
2008 Milwaukee Brewers LDS 1-3
2007 Colorado Rockies WS 7-4
2006 L.A. Dodgers LDS 0-3
2005 Houston Astros WS 7-7
2004 Houston Astros LCS 6-6
2003 Florida Marlins WS 11-6
2002 San Francisco Giants WS 10-6
2001 St. Louis Cardinals LDS 2-3
2000 New York Mets WS 8-6
1999 New York Mets LCS 5-5
1998 Chicago Cubs LDS 0-3
1997 Florida Marlins WS 11-5
1996 L.A. Dodgers LDS 0-3
1995 Colorado Rockies LDS 1-3
Overall, the N.L. has produced seven Wild Card pennants and two World Series titles. In the N.L.D.S. the WC teams are 33-34. In the N.L.C.S. they are an astonishing 33-19. However, if you’re not named the Marlins, the N.L. Wild Card team often runs out of gas by Series time going 12-21 in the Fall Classic.
American League
2011 Tampa Bay Rays LDS 1-3
2010 New York Yankees LCS 5-4
2009 Boston Red Sox LDS 0-3
2008 Boston Red Sox LCS 6-5
2007 New York Yankees LDS 1-3
2006 Detroit Tigers WS 8-5
2005 Boston Red Sox LDS 0-3
2004 Boston Red Sox WS 11-3
2003 Boston Red Sox LCS 6-6
2002 Anaheim Angels WS 11-5
2001 Oakland A’s LDS 2-3
2000 Seattle Mariners LCS 5-4
1999 Boston Red Sox LCS 5-6
1998 Boston Red Sox LDS 1-3
1997 New York Yankees LDS 2-3
1996 Baltimore Orioles LCS 4-5
1995 New York Yankees LDS 2-3
As you can see the Wild Card serves as a perfect fall back plan for the Boston Red Sox and the rest of the A.L. East. The division has won 13 of the 17 A.L. Wild Cards. The Angels won the only All-Wild card World Series in 2002, starting a three year run in which the World Series winner was a Wild Card entrant.
In the A.L.D.S. the WC team is 37-31. When it comes to the A.L.C.S. they are 24-28 while going 9-7 when they advance to the World Series.
There is talk that a second Wild Card team will be added and the two teams would meet in a single elimination game. I like this scenario especially if its played close to the division series. That way the teams will exhaust a quality pitcher and have to travel before another series. I also think the best team should play the worst regardless of which division the teams are in. The World Series should not be determined by the all-star game it should not ever be given to a Wild Card team, unless they are playing another Wild Card team in the Series. The WC team should have as few home playoff games as possible and have extra incentive to NOT be the Wild Card winner
Derek Jeter became the first person named Derek Jeter to collect 3,000 major league hits. He also became the 28th major leaguer to accomplish this feat. Along with former teammate Wade Boggs, they are the only two whose 3,000th was a homerun. Kudos to Jeter and Christian Lopez who caught the ball. While Jeter doesn’t look too thrilled to meet Mr. Lopez (see picture) it’s Lopez who should also be frowning as he passed on an estimated $200,000-500,000 in giving the ball to the Yankee captain. Lopez was promised a nice haul by the Yankees but none of it involved being Derek Jeter’s replacement at the all-star game in a few days. As the all-star game arrives the sport is in great shape. While basketball and football languish in lockouts, MLB has six tight division races. No team has more than a 2.5 game lead and if the playoffs started today the Bosox would face the Tribe and the Yanks would face the Rangers. In the NL, The Phils would face the Cards of Brewers, who are tied for first, and the Giants would play the Braves. However the story of the year, has been the Pirates. Clint Hurdle has the Buccos at 46-43 and the city of Pittsburgh is hoping to have an above .500 team since Bobby Bo was an all-star and Barry Bonds was skinny.
This particular post was supposed to be about Wilson Valdez. I was going to be the millionth blog to report he was the first position player to start in the field and win on the mound since Babe Ruth in 1921. The epic nineteen inning win gave Valdez more wins that last years NL all-star starter Ubaldo Jimenez. But I decided to post one of my favorite baseball pics of all-time. JT Snow sliding then saving Dusty Baker’s son. It reminded me of simpler times when everyone could use steroids and amidst the power displays three year olds were allowed to handle their bats. Baseball how could you turn your back on these fine traditions. Now nobody can score runs and skinny utility men are picking up wins.
Posada Needs to Get a Clu!?
The Yanks took the first leg of the Subway series two games to one and didn’t even need Luis Castillo to drop the ball. While the Yankees had no answer to “Dickey, Dickey, Dickey” they had plenty vs. Big Pelf and the ‘Mazin Bullpen. Todays loss was overshadowed by Fred Wilpon calling out Beltran, Reyes, Wright in the New Yorker. While it seems likely big changes are in store for the Mets (Reyes to Giants? Beltran to Bosox?! K-Rod to Yankees!?!) the Yankees are heading back in the right direction after the Po’ Posada L6. Posada’s days might be numbered but the Grandyman has 16 homers and heas been a vital part of the Yanks attack. One team the Yankees won’t be playing in the 2011 playoffs is the Twins. The Cleveland Indians are knocking on the doors of 30 wins without CC and Cliff Lee. The Yankees have not had great success vs. the Tribe in the playoffs. They’ve been undone by the likes of Willie Mays Hayes and a Midge attack. If the Tribe keeps this up they will have a reason for the fans to forget about Lebron James.
With just four more steals Derek Jeter will become the second Major Leaguer this season to take over the all-time lead for his franchise in hits and stolen bases. Earlier in the season, Ichrio Suzuki passed Edgar Martinez in total Mariner hits. The other four players in MLB to lead their franchise in hits and steals includes two HOFers and two Florida.based players. Ty Cobb (Tigers) and Tony Gwynn (Padres) are the hit masters and SB kings of their teams. NY Met Ball-dropper and Marlin World Champ Luis Castillo leads the Marlins in hits (for now) and steals. While he’s currently batting .135 Carl Crawford can say he is the Rays all-time leader in hits, steals, runs, doubles, & RBI.
Julio Franco has interviewed with Charlie Sheen about the role of Pedro Cerrano in the next Major League Movie
As the Red Sox start 1-7, many of the Daily Irabu 1st place predictions seem to be falling into place. The Pirates are ahead of schedule with a 5-4 record. It appears they might not need zombies after all to reach .500 for the first time since 1992. The Baltimore Orioles (6-2) have a 5 game lead over the aforementioned Red Sox and last years division winning Rays. The Cleveland Indians (6-2) & Kansas City Royals (5-3) have not convinced their fans to show up, but they appear ready to play in April. If the Nats (3-5), D-backs (3-4), and M’s (2-6) don’t turn it around soon, The Daily Irabu will not only look foolish but might have to start up a petition to revoke their token all-star.
It doesn’t take a Donruss Diamond King to figure out that over the years our National Pastime has had its ups and downs as far as uniforms are concerned. Here for the first time ever is our breakdown of the summer’s best and worst in fashion and of course that pink elephant in the room otherwise known as the San Diego Padres:
The Good
Try to find this one on ebay I double dog dare you.
Kansas City Royals (circra 1980′s): Bo knows that if you poke fun at his royal blue one piece he may just as well snap you in half.
The "Good Guys" knew this was an upgrade over shorts.
Chicago White Sox: If the Cubs never won a World Series than the Sox never won a fashion show. That being said these cheesy softball-esque type jerseys that they sported during the Reagan Administration helped turn the ’70′s shorts experiment from a fender bender into a full fledged train wreck.
Even on Old-Timers Day the Pinstripes make you look slimmer.
New York Yankees: Pinstripe Pride, Dignity, and that old fashion winning tradition, oh and did you know that the interlocking NY is the number one fashion accessory among active hooligans and bad guys. I guess we can overlook that as long as it continues to make Jesse Barfield relevant after all these years.
The Bad
The Rays couldn't pay Boggs enough to wear this into Cooperstown?!
Tampa Bay Devil Rays: What can possibly be worse than sharing a horse with New York City’s finest? I suppose if one were to reach the 3000 hit milestone wearing this vintage D-Ray jersey we could have an argument.
J.R. Richard in Astro Digs you can see from Space!
Houston Astros: The Daily Irabu presents “How to tarnish a Hall of Famers aura in a few simple steps”. Google search NOLAN RYAN ASTROS.
No Hall of Famers were harmed in the making of those pants.
Cleveland Indians: Ironically the hats always took the fall.. btw nice pants Eck!
The Padres
Excuse me Mr. Winfield are you sure you want to go out there !??!
God Bless the U.S. but keep the camo off the diamond !
Hazing jumps the shark when Padre rookies show up dressed as Hooter staff. So I wonder which one of these lucky tools was the wingman !?
Manny, This is the Hall Of Fame Calling You'll have to Buy a Ticket!
Manny Ramirez has retired rather than face a 100 game ban. Considering the Rays haven’t had a lead after 60 innings (and counting) this seems like a good time to get out. Ramirez, with 1 RBI through six games and an .059 AVG, was informed he failed a spring training drug test according to every site on the internet. The Red Sox defeated the Yanks today leaving the Rays the sole winless team in MLB this season. Manny will now join Bonds, McGwire, Clemens, Palmeiro, Sosa, etc. as retired stars from a tainted era of baseball. Here’s hoping the HOF call never comes.
How much would you pay for a Mark Zuckerberg Rookie Card?! Click Baseball Card to see!
Now that we’ve established the Baltimore Orioles will return to the World Series we need to explain who their Senior Circuit opponent will be and how they will get there. The Daily Irabu predicts the 2011 World Series will be a rematch of the 1979 Fall Classic. How will this unlikely matchup reach fruition?! How will the Pirates end their North American Pro Sports record 18 losing seasons and defeat the Orioles?! They will combine two of America’s current infatuations….Mark Zuckerberg and Zombies!?!
N.L. East
1- Washington Nationals- Chien-Ming Wang and Oliver Perez combine for 32 wins and Stephen Strasburg returns for five key starts to fuel Nats 1st playoff appearance. Jayson Werth performs competantly warming a seat for eventual Nat Albert Pujols.
2- New York Mets- After several frustrating seasons the Mets finally catch some good breaks. Fans take off the brown bags as Beltran and Reyes contribute big-time in contract years. Chris Young and Chris Capuano round out an efficient if unspectactular rotation.
3- Florida Marlins- Hanley Ramirez makes a run at Triple Crown in his new-found role of voice of reason and clubhouse leader. Another Marlins pitcher produces a no-hitter while the Mets and Padres franchises remain at zero No-no’s
4- Atlanta Braves- Jason Heyward suffers sophomore slump and Freddie Freeman never gets on-track. Chipper Jones retires after walk-off homer ends Mets chances at playoff spot.
5- Philadelphia Phillies- The Phils establish a major league record with way too many 1-0 losses. The Halladay, Lee, Hamels, Oswalt foursome suffers from lack of support while the Phillies lineup decides to average 20.5 runs per game for Joe Blanton.
N.L. Central
1- Pittsburgh Pirates- On their way to a 19th consecutive losing season the Pirates are sold to Mark Zuckerberg. Zuckerberg quickly hires Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network & Zombieland) as GM. Eisenberg’s first move is to sign Zombie SS Honus Wagner, Zombie 1b Willie Stargell, Zombie 3b Pie Traynor, and Zombie Outfield Waner’s Big Poison & Little Posion. The Pirates under Zuckerberg’s direction proceed to eat the brains of Larussa, Baker, and that guy who took over for Lou Piniella in Wrigley.
2- Chicago Cubs- Carlos Pena hits close to 60 homers and Ryne Sandberg leaves Phillies system to take over Cubs dream job when managers brain is eaten by Zuckerberg’s Zombie Pirates.
3- Houston Astros- With Cards and Reds managers out-of-the-way from Zombie brain purge the door is open for the Astros to magically finish third.
4- Milwaukee Brewers- While recovering from basketball injuries Zack Greinke is hurt playing Wii basketball. He doesn’t start for Brew Crew until August. Rickie Weeks delivers a 30-30 season that has fantasy owners raving. However the playoffs are nothing but a fantasy for diehard Brewers fans as Prince prepares a move to Cali.
5- St. Louis Cardinals- The Cards spend the entire season answering questions about Albert Pujol’s expiring contract. Adam Wainwright is missed and the Cardinals realize their hitting has tanked since Mark Mcgwire has been their hitting coach.
6- Cincinnati Reds- Aroldis Chapman is deported back to Cuba, but even more are stunned when Joey Votto is deported back to Canada. The Reds languish in last as the 2010 MVP is only available for the Interleague series with the Blue Jays.
Is this the year Pete Rose reveals he was the San Diego Chicken long before his Wrestlemania performance in the costume.
N.L. West
1- Arizona Diamondbacks- Kirk Gibson becomes the first player-manager since Pete Rose bet his way out of baseball. Gibson proceeds to hit a series of improbable pinch hit homeruns throughout late August and into September giving the D’backs the Western title.
2- Los Angeles Dodgers- The McCourts sell the Dodgers to the Wilpons who in turn sell the Mets to the McCourts. Don Mattingly stays without a World Series ring despite a Wild Card appearance by the Dodgers.
3- Colorado Rockies- The Rox annual 20 game win streak and run at the playoffs is halted when the Franchise Duo of Car-Go and Tulo collide on Delino Deshields Jr. bloop single in late September.
4- San Diego Padres- The Pads are as bad as everyone thought they would be in 2010.
5- San Francisco Giants-Pablo Sandoval eats too little and Tim Lincecum eats too much at In-N-Out Burgers. Brian Wilson’s beard enters a mental health facility and receives its own SpikeTV sitcom.
Playoffs: Zuckerberg’s Zombie Pirates sweep the Dodgers, Mattingly’s brain is spared. D’backs defeat the Nats in a series that only Bob Costas and Ken Burns watch. Pirates defeat D’backs on night when Arizona brings out Byun-Hyung Kim to throw out first pitch on tenth anniversary of D’backs World Series win.
World Series: In the 2000′s the city of Pittsburgh has won the Super Bowl and the Stanley Cup. In 2011, they will add the World Series to their recent treasure trove as Zombie Honus Wagner wins WS MVP. He will devour all remaining copies of his priceless T206 baseball card for good measure.
Real Men Wear Yellow.
