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Thursday, November 5. 2009

Hideki and Mariano

Hideki had quite a game, but is this guy immortal or what?


Posted by Bird Dog in Hot News & Misc. Short Subjects at 15:14 | Comments (5) | Trackbacks (0)

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As a Phillies fan, I was disappointed in the outcome. I had the great good luck to attend 3 games. Unfortunately, none were Philly victories.

I had the unfortunate luck to see Mariano far more than I'd care to. He is a heck of a pitcher.

BUT...I discovered his secret. The fact is, he's quite hittable and easily beaten. The way it has to happen, though, is for players to make him pitch. Like a starter, you want to get his pitch count up. You have to be patient.

The Phillies did this in Game 2 - and while they didn't beat him, they threatened. Time, give it time....

Game 3? Phillies just slapped at the ball.

Game 4? Slap, slap, slap.

Game 6 - lather, rinse, repeat.

Had the Phillies been willing to patiently work him, Mariano would have been defeated. If you defeat Mariano, the psyche of the Yankees is broken and they are wounded.

Too many batters approached the plate tentatively with Mariano on the mound. This psychological edge that he has is more meaningful than ANY of the pitches he throws.


Were it not for Hideki's insane 6 RBIs, there is little doubt Chase Utley would have had to be named MVP. You cannot have a Series like his and not get it unless somebody does something so outlandish that it trumps you. Hideki did that outlandish thing....
#1 Rick on 2009-11-05 16:21 (Reply)
It should be noted on behalf of Red Sox Nation that over the years it is our beloved Sox who have had the most success in key situations against Rivera. And hopefully will again in 2010. Sorry, but I can never say anything good about the Yankees, it just isn't in my old New England genes or hard heart!
#2 greenmtnpunter on 2009-11-05 16:21 (Reply)
for the Phillies fan: yep, it's slowly being realized, painfully even, that Mariano can be gotten to.

Thirteen years later.

At this rate, I figure Mo is good for another 3 or 4 years before his skills erode to the point where he is amongst the ranks of mere humans.

Mo is to closers what Ruth is to Sluggers... I just gotta find a superlative that will be tied to his name for all time like the Babe's immortal "Ruthian"...

Rivera-like? Mariano-esque? sheesh... I'm not good at this creative stuff... but I can recognize when I am witness to Greatness on the diamond.
#3 Jack the Jets Fan on 2009-11-05 19:25 (Reply)
I acknowledge that the Yankees won. I repeat : the Yankees won. My favorite baseball teams continue to be the Red Sox and whoever is playing the Yankees. But I no longer devote much energy to it: those days are over. I haven't watched a baseball game all season.

Remember that Carroll Hardy was the only player to pinch hit for Ted Williams.

Leigh Montville's biographies of Ted Williams and Babe Ruth were good reads.
#4 Gringo on 2009-11-05 22:06 (Reply)
It's good to be able to acknowledge facts, no matter how painful it can be.
Another fact: Mariano Rivera will be voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, first time he's eligible. So will Derek Jeter. And how high on the all-time home run list is Alex Rodriguez?
I know that EVERYONE (except New Yorkers) HATES the Yankees because of the money that the Steinbrenners have been willing to invest in the team. Just remember, it IS an investment, and George and his sons have gotten 7 World Series titles and a new stadium out of the deal.
#5 cas on 2009-11-06 07:15 (Reply)

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