 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
By Mike Rose
|
|
Monday, September 26, 2005
|
|
|
|
Rose’s Rant - September 26th, 2005
|
|
|
Only one week and counting; that’s the amount of
time the Astros, Phillies, Giants, Padres, Red Sox,
Yankees, Angels, A’s, Indians, and White Sox
have left to secure themselves a spot in the post-
season. This is sure to be one heck of a week as a
number of these teams meet up for the last time
starting tonight.
The Padres look to have the easiest run to the second
season only because they get to close out at Petco.
They currently hold a four game edge over the Giants
whom they host for a four game set starting this
evening, and then close out the year with the Dodgers.
They’ve taken nine of the 14 match-ups this year,
but lost the last series in which Bonds played in;
and was almost swept if not for a blown save by Armando
Benitez in the series finale. Bonds loves to hit
against Padres pitching, so it’s not out of
the realm of possibility that these teams could
be tied going into Friday.
The Angels stroll into Oakland having their eight game
winning streak snapped on Sunday, but still hold a four
game lead over the Athletics who lost two of three to
the Rangers over the weekend. In fact, the A’s have
now dropped 14 of their last 25 ballgames to let their
division rivals grab such a big lead. A crucial four
game set goes this evening between these two clubs,
then the Angels fly to Texas to close out the year
while the A’s head to Seattle.
The White Sox figured to be able to coast all the way
into the Playoffs back in August as they held a 15-game
lead, but that lead has been dwindled all the way down
to 2 ½ games with a week to go. The Tribe’s
playing outstanding baseball right now, and close out
the year with the D’Rays and division leading
White Sox. They just took two of three last weekend
in Chicago, and have the utmost respect of the White
Sox and staff. Thing is, the White Sox are a good
club as well and the three game set at Jacobs Field
to close out the year will be filled with pressure
and emotion for both dugouts.
As if last year’s unbelievable come from behind
series victory the Red Sox had over the Yankees
wasn’t enough, both cities now have one week to
decide who wins the AL East and if the loser has enough
wins to grab the Wild Card from Cleveland. New York
looks to sweep the Orioles at home in its four game
set to at least be even if not a game ahead of Boston
when they take a trip to Fenway for three to close
out the season.
The NL Wild Card looks to be a two-team race with the
Phillies currently one game in back of the Astros.
Philly opens a three game set at home vs. the Mets
tonight, then has a three game set vs. division rival
Washington to close out the year. The Astros just
dropped two of three in Chicago, and now has to go
to St. Louis for two before returning to Houston to
close out their regular season vs. the Cubs. Your
guess is as good as mine as to what this race’s
final result will be simply due to the inconsistencies
of both teams.
Elimination week! You got to love it. The schedule
makers sure know what they’re doing every
year. Man do I love October!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
