Tagged: Alex Rodriguez
11/6 MLB Tonight – World Series Victory Parade
I hope fans everywhere, not just Yankees fans, got a chance to watch our coverage of the World Series Victory Parade today. Having the MLB Network cover the entire World Series Ticker-tape Parade is a brilliant idea, and now will become a staple of our complete MLB coverage.
All season we have breakdowns of 5th starters and utility infielders, from “30 in 30”, to the X’s and O’s, and breaking down double plays in Studio 42. Through all that, we forget that these guys out on the field are human. Seeing them out on the street, riding floats down the Canyon of Heroes in downtown Manhattan, really humanizes theses athletes, and reminds us that they are still big kids out there playing a fun game.
Today they shed the Pinstripes and dress like regular Joe’s. All of them are out there in their own skin showing off their fashion sense, wearing jeans, with scarf’s, hats, and gloves, sharing the moment with their families, smiling and waving to a sea of people who love them.
Fans in Kansas City, Cincinnati, and Seattle should see the scene. It’s a part of baseball that shouldn’t be only enjoyed by the winning fans in the winning city.
The celebration on the field is awesome stuff, and the players share the taste of Champagne with the fans along the fences. But there is no doubt celebrating downtown, with the confetti, with the streets filled with a Million fans, is unlike any experience, in sports, and beyond.
As a player going into the Word Series, you dream about what winning the World Series might looks like. I’m sure Alex Rodriguez has dreamed about squeezing the final out, and rushing to celebrate with that ball wrapped tightly in his glove. No one knows how that moment will play out, but being propped above the masses, celebrating in confetti on a sunny day, is what winning the World Series look like. It’s a moment to celebrate with everyone who went along for the World Series ride.
And to top it all off with Jay-Z performing “Empire State of Mind”, the day was just phenomenal. You even had Hal Steinbrenner, who was put on the spot because he was standing in the front. You could see the urge to bust out dancing, but he stayed composed because he didn’t want his dance moves criticized. You could see that deep down inside, he wanted to strut his stuff.
We are so proud they we’re allowed to bring you this special celebration from here on out, giving all fans across the country a chance to watch a celebration of a team, and a celebration of baseball. – Greg Amsinger
10/27 MLB Tonight – World Series Preview
How difficult is it to get into the World Series, win, and then repeat? Looking back to the Yankees Dynasty of the late 90’s, there was some luck conspiring in their favor to accomplish that feat.
In Game 1 of the ’98 World Series, the Padres had a 3-run lead and what seemed to be an inning ending strike 3 call on Tino Martinez in the 7th. If the call went the Padres way, the outcome of the series could have been quite different. The Padres were the kind of team people seemed to rally behind because of their play, and because of a few of my favorite players, Tony Gwynn, Kevin Brown and Trevor Hoffman. That call would have been a big step to securing their confidence, and securing a win.
But that 2-2 pitch from Mark Langston was called low, and the next pitch was a grand slam into the seats, which changed the series and the course of baseball history.
This was the first hint of that Yankee karma which dominated the baseball world. Looking back we can focus on that moment as a launch pad for the Yankees Dynasty of the late ’90’s.
The Phillies seem to have nothing conspiring in their favor over the last few seasons. It’s hard to look at one moment that changed the luck of the Phillies success because the team has just been awesome. The sustaining drive pushing the Phillies success has been a result of players’ heroics. If you look at their run to the World Series, it makes sense. They took care of the NL East, beat up on the Rockies, beat up on the Dodgers, and now will face the best of the AL. There is no doubt that the Phillies are the best team in the National League.
The ’09 Yankees made it out of a tough AL, but there were some key moments that brought them to the World Series. First there was the blown call in Game 2 of the NLDS. Joe Mauer’s 11th inning drive into the LF corner was called foul, but clearly fair. This swung the game and the series because instead of scoring a go-ahead run, Teixeira’s sinking liner into the LF seats ended up sinking the Twins.
Then there was A-Rod’s game tying HR off Brian Fuentes in Game 2 of the ALCS. He got a fat 2-strike pitch and it just sneaked over the RF fence.
Robinson Cano was either in or out of position, depending on how you look at it, but took care of a grounder up the middle to an Angels rally in Game 6.
These breaks helped launch the Yankee Dynasty in the late 90’s, showing how powerful that Yankee Karma can be carrying an already good team.
In saying all this, Cliff Lee has been the best pitcher this postseason. Sorry A-Rod, but Ryan Howard has been the scariest hitter this post-season. The Phillies have a dynamic lineup, and wildcard going in Game 2 (I can’t wait for Pedro in the Bronx). With all the karma being tossed around, the Phillies will win the World Series, a repeat, and the start of a new dynasty. -Matt Vasgersian
10/22 MLB Tonight – Thing’s Things
Just like I expected, the Phillies took care of the Dodgers, and are on their way to another World Series.
The Dodgers didn’t have enough starting pitching, their bullpen couldn’t clean up the mess, and it’s goodbye to the Dodgers.
Phillies hitters just pounded the ball, and pounded their way into the Fall Classic.
The Yankees are on their way to meeting up with the Phillies, although it looks like they’re going to have to settle it back in Yankee Stadium.
A-Rod and CC have been unbelievable this October. They put the Yankees on their shoulders and carried them through the best of the AL.
As hot as A-Rod is.
As hot as CC is.
The Angels can’t overcome that, it’s too lethal a combination.
Phillies and Yankees in the series, it’s going to be a battle of two monster teams.
– Mitch Williams
MLB Network 