2010 Division Series Notes

Playoff Stats

TBS and Fox – please stop showing playoff statistics in lieu of regular season statistics during telecasts. Thank you for informing us that BJ Upton is hitting .000 but it is a seven at bat sample, and doesn’t really tell us much about him as a player. Unless you catch a player the first time through the order, you will be treated to stats like that instead of regular season numbers that more accurately reflect how a player has preformed over the past 8 months.

Doctober

Roy Halladay is the only pitcher in baseball who you can expect to throw a no hitter and your expectation would sound reasonable. Judging by his subdued no-no celebration, Doc has one thing on his mind, and that is winning the World Series. Now that he is pitching for the Phillies in the National League ( and despite being 33), Doc’s high level of conditioning and modern sports medicine means there is no reason to think he can’t pitch in the next 15 post seasons.

The Yankees and Left Handed Lineups

After two games, the Twinkies are looking awfully susceptible to left handed pitching. While the Yankees expect to throw as much LHP at the Twins as possible, it is worth remembering that the Phillies lineup is also dominated by left handed hitters. As good as their starting pitching looks, New York was able to hold the Phils lineup at bay last October and a potential rematch could bring the same problem for Philadelphia. Does the Philly Fanatic bat right?

Texas Toast

Many are suggesting the Rangers will make some noise in the AL this October and while they did make quick work of Tampa Wednesday and Thursday, I’m still not sold. They limped into the playoffs, key position players are hurt (Josh Hamilton), while others don’t understand what exactly playoffs are (Vladimir Guerrero). Their rotation behind Cliff Lee is also unproven and like many converted relievers, number two starter CJ Wilson may tire from the increased workload that comes with starting.

Rookie Showdown

If anyone wants to get acquainted with the 2010 NL Rookie of the Year, they should be watching the Giants/Braves series. If you are betting against both Buster Posey and Jason Heyward, you might as well cut off your thumb and give it to your bookie now. My vote goes to Posey (because he has to catch Tim Lincecum), but watching Heyward’s combination of speed and power in the middle of the Braves lineup makes for a good debate and an even better NLDS matchup.

The Yankees “Clutch” Players

Its pretty hard to listen to announcers canonize Yankee players for their “clutch” performance abilities. Is it really true that Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada and Derek Jeter are really that clutch? Sure they are the all time hits/saves/wins/obnoxious first pump leaders, but that has more to do with the expanded playoff format and playing for a team that continually makes the postseason. When it comes to things like batting average, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, winning percentage and career post season ERA only Rivera is present among the top ten all time playoff performers. These Yankees aren’t just that good, they are just there that often.