Monday, October 27, 2008

Is this the worst world series in history?

I would think so, as I'm watching this extremely rainy game 4. They pretty much just called a delay as a type this, and its about time, as its basically unplayable out there. The series so far has been dissapointing. We thought we were getting a series of two evenly matched teams, with the Rays young players and the Phillies combo of Howard and Utley. Instead, Evan Longoria has been abysmal, Carlos Pena has been almost as bad, and all the games have been yawners, with the notable exception of game 3, which was a yawner till the 9th. I dont think I need to say, the Umpiring has been nothing short of terrible. Now, I'm not one to bash umpires. I actually worked as one during the summer, and it was one of the more terrible experiences of my life. I can only imagine what its like when you're umping 30 year old billionares instead of snot nosed 10 year old kids. But seriously, some of those calls have been terrible. Rays should have had a balk, Moyer got Crawford, and, yes, Longoria tagged Rollins right on the butt, right in front of the third base umpire. And the balls and strikes have been no great shakes either.
If there is a bright spot to the series, its BJ Upton. Upton showed off his immense speed in game 3, hitting an infield single, stealing second, stealing third, and scoring on an error. He's played a stellar centerfield (funny, for a guy who was blasted for his terrible SS defense in the minors), and has hit 7 HR's in the postseason. He just made an extremely heads up play, making sure his left hand tagged the plate as he slip-n'-slided past it to score the tying run. He's got loads of talent, with the power emerging, the speed and defense there, and the rare patience (97 regular season walks) for a young player. If I have to compare him to another player from baseball history, Willie Mays is a blasphemous, but possible choice. But right now, figure Rickey Henderson, with great CF defense.

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