The World Series|Are the Phillies really the best?
Feb
27
Filed Under (The World Series) by mshadows
Jason Oconnor asked:
Red Sox Nation is waiting in anticipation for the 2008 MLB season with the hopes of seeing back to back championships, and their prospects look great. No one knows what the season holds, but we can consider a few important things that give the Red Sox an excellent chance of going to the post season again at the very least. After all, the off season was busy, especially with the entire steroids controversy heating up after the Mitchell report was issued. The good news is that during the off-season, the Red Sox managed to keep most of the 2007’s World Series winning team intact.
Their pitching rotation, and their infield and outfield are basically the same. Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield is back, and Doug Mirabelli, the Sox backup pitcher, finalized a one year deal to stick around. Big bats Ramirez and Ortiz will be back too.
One of the biggest things that stops any team from making it to the playoffs - whether its baseball, football, basketball, etc. - is the loss of players that helped hold the team together.
Missing team leaders can make a team lose their passion and emotion. You lose that; you will lose games. And that’s what happened to the Red Sox after their 2004 World Series win; they lost a number of their important players like Pedro Martinez, Derek Lowe and Orlando Cabrera. Plus, when you replace players, the coaches and staff has to spend their time teaching the new players how their club specifically plays the game.
One reason why key Boston players Mike Lowell and Curt Schilling stuck around for less money and fewer contractual years is because they know that the team has an excellent chance of winning back-to-back World Series.
The outfielders will be same in ‘08 as well. This is the last year of Manny’s $160 million contract, but he may stay past this year, especially if he has a good season.
The Red Sox outfield in 2008 will consist of superstar Manny Ramirez in left field, J.D. Drew in right field, and either Ellsbury or Crisp in center field. Both Ellsbury and Crisp are still on the roster, so that may create a healthy competition between the two for center field. A team needs more than three men for the outfield to make it to the playoffs anyway. Crisp underperformed last year, and Ellsbury became a playoff hero last year, but both have their strengths and weaknesses.
Consistency is big part of the game. The season is very long, and stamina and consistency is what gets teams to the playoffs.
Fortunately, Boston’s pitching rotation looks like it is going to be very similar to last year’s. Beckett, Schilling, Matsuzaka, Wakefield, and Lester or Bucholz is a powerhouse lineup.
The first half of the Red Sox season looks only mildly challenging. Based on the player’s statistics and track records alone, the Red Sox look like they ought to win the ‘08 World Series if the line-up doesn’t change, at least on paper. But once again, these guys have to play with heart and be consistent.
Injuries, illnesses, and bannings because of steroids notwithstanding, the Boston Red Sox have a good chance at going all the way once again. The team is strong and although some players have filed for arbitration in order to increase their salaries, there doesn’t seem to be any indication that they will leave the team. The Yankees are still aimlessly drifting in an effort to finish filling their roster.
There are also negotiations still in the works regarding Johan Santana, a possible addition to the Red Sox’s final roster. Once again, only time will tell. But the two time Cy Young Award winner would definitely make an impact on the team. The Boston Red Sox need to snatch him up before the Yankees or the Mets.
The Red Sox have an excellent chance of winning back to back championships, and it’s theirs to lose. If the Red Sox can play with heart, consistency, stamina and stay reasonably healthy, I expect to see them winning in October again.
Nicholas
Red Sox Nation is waiting in anticipation for the 2008 MLB season with the hopes of seeing back to back championships, and their prospects look great. No one knows what the season holds, but we can consider a few important things that give the Red Sox an excellent chance of going to the post season again at the very least. After all, the off season was busy, especially with the entire steroids controversy heating up after the Mitchell report was issued. The good news is that during the off-season, the Red Sox managed to keep most of the 2007’s World Series winning team intact.
Their pitching rotation, and their infield and outfield are basically the same. Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield is back, and Doug Mirabelli, the Sox backup pitcher, finalized a one year deal to stick around. Big bats Ramirez and Ortiz will be back too.
One of the biggest things that stops any team from making it to the playoffs - whether its baseball, football, basketball, etc. - is the loss of players that helped hold the team together.
Missing team leaders can make a team lose their passion and emotion. You lose that; you will lose games. And that’s what happened to the Red Sox after their 2004 World Series win; they lost a number of their important players like Pedro Martinez, Derek Lowe and Orlando Cabrera. Plus, when you replace players, the coaches and staff has to spend their time teaching the new players how their club specifically plays the game.
One reason why key Boston players Mike Lowell and Curt Schilling stuck around for less money and fewer contractual years is because they know that the team has an excellent chance of winning back-to-back World Series.
The outfielders will be same in ‘08 as well. This is the last year of Manny’s $160 million contract, but he may stay past this year, especially if he has a good season.
The Red Sox outfield in 2008 will consist of superstar Manny Ramirez in left field, J.D. Drew in right field, and either Ellsbury or Crisp in center field. Both Ellsbury and Crisp are still on the roster, so that may create a healthy competition between the two for center field. A team needs more than three men for the outfield to make it to the playoffs anyway. Crisp underperformed last year, and Ellsbury became a playoff hero last year, but both have their strengths and weaknesses.
Consistency is big part of the game. The season is very long, and stamina and consistency is what gets teams to the playoffs.
Fortunately, Boston’s pitching rotation looks like it is going to be very similar to last year’s. Beckett, Schilling, Matsuzaka, Wakefield, and Lester or Bucholz is a powerhouse lineup.
The first half of the Red Sox season looks only mildly challenging. Based on the player’s statistics and track records alone, the Red Sox look like they ought to win the ‘08 World Series if the line-up doesn’t change, at least on paper. But once again, these guys have to play with heart and be consistent.
Injuries, illnesses, and bannings because of steroids notwithstanding, the Boston Red Sox have a good chance at going all the way once again. The team is strong and although some players have filed for arbitration in order to increase their salaries, there doesn’t seem to be any indication that they will leave the team. The Yankees are still aimlessly drifting in an effort to finish filling their roster.
There are also negotiations still in the works regarding Johan Santana, a possible addition to the Red Sox’s final roster. Once again, only time will tell. But the two time Cy Young Award winner would definitely make an impact on the team. The Boston Red Sox need to snatch him up before the Yankees or the Mets.
The Red Sox have an excellent chance of winning back to back championships, and it’s theirs to lose. If the Red Sox can play with heart, consistency, stamina and stay reasonably healthy, I expect to see them winning in October again.
Nicholas
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Feb
24
Filed Under (The World Series) by mshadows
Payton Brooks asked:
When people talk about the baseball World Series, the reality is that, unlike the Superbowl in football, they are not just talking about a single game. The baseball World Series is just that - a series of games that is meant to determine the best team in Major League Baseball at the end of the season.
Of course, the challenge for teams in Major League Baseball is that there isn’t just one ultimate series that matters; when it comes to getting to the baseball World Series, the best team from the American League and the Best Team from the National League both need to earn their spots in the championship series.
In both the American League and the National League, throughout the season all of the teams are competing to establish a record that will help them to get closer to the baseball World Series. The top four teams of the American League compete to advance to the baseball World Series - the top team plays the wild card (fourth place) team, the second and third place teams play, competing in best of 5 series to determine which teams advance to another five game series meant to determine the American League champion team. The same breakdown happens among the National League teams.
Playoff season ultimately brings together the championship team of the National League and of the American League to compete for the “World Champions” title in the baseball World Series - a game that takes place at the end of October. This has been the structure since 1994, and the determination of whether the National League team or the American League team gains home field advantage is made during the All-Star game mid-season.
Of course, while this structure was adopted by Major League Baseball for the baseball World Series in 1994, the World Series was not held that year as there had been a strike. 1994, however, was not the only year in the history of the baseball World Series that did not see the championship games played. Since the baseball World Series was first played with a match-up of the National League Pittsburgh Pirates and the American League team from Boston in 1903, a number of series has been missed.
In 1904, the World Series was not played because of the assertion that American League teams, because they were new, were simply inferior. A champion was not crowned in 1919 because the Chicago White Sox team had made an effort to fix the outcome of the game. 1989 led to an abbreviated baseball World Series tournament as both teams were from the area of San Francisco and a major earthquake occurred and disrupted the championship.
For baseball fans, the baseball World Series games are among those that are most watched and most looked forward to. Those who are passionate about baseball are often going to watch the series whether or not their favorite teams are involved simply because the series is a match-up of the best of the best teams in the nation.
Dana
When people talk about the baseball World Series, the reality is that, unlike the Superbowl in football, they are not just talking about a single game. The baseball World Series is just that - a series of games that is meant to determine the best team in Major League Baseball at the end of the season.
Of course, the challenge for teams in Major League Baseball is that there isn’t just one ultimate series that matters; when it comes to getting to the baseball World Series, the best team from the American League and the Best Team from the National League both need to earn their spots in the championship series.
In both the American League and the National League, throughout the season all of the teams are competing to establish a record that will help them to get closer to the baseball World Series. The top four teams of the American League compete to advance to the baseball World Series - the top team plays the wild card (fourth place) team, the second and third place teams play, competing in best of 5 series to determine which teams advance to another five game series meant to determine the American League champion team. The same breakdown happens among the National League teams.
Playoff season ultimately brings together the championship team of the National League and of the American League to compete for the “World Champions” title in the baseball World Series - a game that takes place at the end of October. This has been the structure since 1994, and the determination of whether the National League team or the American League team gains home field advantage is made during the All-Star game mid-season.
Of course, while this structure was adopted by Major League Baseball for the baseball World Series in 1994, the World Series was not held that year as there had been a strike. 1994, however, was not the only year in the history of the baseball World Series that did not see the championship games played. Since the baseball World Series was first played with a match-up of the National League Pittsburgh Pirates and the American League team from Boston in 1903, a number of series has been missed.
In 1904, the World Series was not played because of the assertion that American League teams, because they were new, were simply inferior. A champion was not crowned in 1919 because the Chicago White Sox team had made an effort to fix the outcome of the game. 1989 led to an abbreviated baseball World Series tournament as both teams were from the area of San Francisco and a major earthquake occurred and disrupted the championship.
For baseball fans, the baseball World Series games are among those that are most watched and most looked forward to. Those who are passionate about baseball are often going to watch the series whether or not their favorite teams are involved simply because the series is a match-up of the best of the best teams in the nation.
Dana
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Feb
23
Filed Under (The World Series) by mshadows
OT Sportswear asked:
The Phillies Baseball Club took home the prize of 2008 World Series Baseball Champions and the pitching of Joe Blanton and Jamie Moyer was for me the difference maker of the World Series. Going into the series I thought that the Tampa Bay Rays pitching would be too strong. On paper most felt that the Rays would win the match ups of Matt Garza vs. Jamie Moyer and Andy Sonnanstine vs. Joe Blanton, with Kazmir and Shields winning a game each, but it didn’t pan out that way.
Both Moyer and Blanton are not renowned for throwing strikeouts yet combined they managed to strike out twelve Tampa Bay rays batters over 12 innings of pitching. When you couple that with the fact they only walked three batters between the two of them it was no wonder the Phillies where able to win both games. Not just against Blanton and Moyer but through out the series the Rays top order seemed to be rushing too much and not waiting for the ideal pitch. The allowed Blanton and Moyer to get ahead, and you just can’t afford to do that against those two as their off speed pitches become more powerful.
Unfortunately for the Rays the bats got cold during the World Series. This was a surprise after they where able to overpower the White sox and the Red Sox in the previous two match ups with their bats. During the World Series the Phillies hit nine home runs to the Rays four. Luckily for the Phillies this helped overcome their poor hitting with runners in scoring position.
I thought Cole Hamles was a worthy MVP recipient after his awesome pitching performances in Games 1 and 5 against Rays ace Scott Kazmir. The fact that Kazmir was unable to win either of those two match ups was another key reason for the Phillies winning it all. Moyer and Blanton clearly required recognition as they, for me, where the two players that stood up during the key middle stages of the series.
Questions will always be asked did the Rays choke on the big stage or where they simply just out played. When a team doesn’t lose a post season game at home they are going to be pretty tough to beat and when you look back at all three opponents for the Phillies their pitching was dominant.
So now the question gets asked can the Phillies Baseball Club repeat? Cole Hamels and Brad Lidge are staying put and with Ryan Howard , Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins also coming back you would have to raise a case that the Phillies have enough pieces in place to be more than a one season wonder. Statistically the Phillies will be up against it as only the Blue Jays and Yankees have repeated in the last thirty years.
Only Pat Burrell and Jamie Moyer will be free agents in the off season. Both will probably get bigger offers to play somewhere else but the lure of Moyer finishing hise career in the town he grew up in may give him a reason to stay for less.
The Phillies will have a tough job of keeping their payroll at $104.5 million with players such as Howard, Hamels, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth, Ryan Madsen and Chad Durbin all eligible for arbitration.
At the beginning of 2008 the players made a statement by walking around the clubhouse during spring training wearing t shirts that stated “Winning Starts Now”. The mindset was clearly where it needed to be for the Phillies from start until finish in 2008. The question will now be asked.
Can they do it again in 09?
Micheal
The Phillies Baseball Club took home the prize of 2008 World Series Baseball Champions and the pitching of Joe Blanton and Jamie Moyer was for me the difference maker of the World Series. Going into the series I thought that the Tampa Bay Rays pitching would be too strong. On paper most felt that the Rays would win the match ups of Matt Garza vs. Jamie Moyer and Andy Sonnanstine vs. Joe Blanton, with Kazmir and Shields winning a game each, but it didn’t pan out that way.
Both Moyer and Blanton are not renowned for throwing strikeouts yet combined they managed to strike out twelve Tampa Bay rays batters over 12 innings of pitching. When you couple that with the fact they only walked three batters between the two of them it was no wonder the Phillies where able to win both games. Not just against Blanton and Moyer but through out the series the Rays top order seemed to be rushing too much and not waiting for the ideal pitch. The allowed Blanton and Moyer to get ahead, and you just can’t afford to do that against those two as their off speed pitches become more powerful.
Unfortunately for the Rays the bats got cold during the World Series. This was a surprise after they where able to overpower the White sox and the Red Sox in the previous two match ups with their bats. During the World Series the Phillies hit nine home runs to the Rays four. Luckily for the Phillies this helped overcome their poor hitting with runners in scoring position.
I thought Cole Hamles was a worthy MVP recipient after his awesome pitching performances in Games 1 and 5 against Rays ace Scott Kazmir. The fact that Kazmir was unable to win either of those two match ups was another key reason for the Phillies winning it all. Moyer and Blanton clearly required recognition as they, for me, where the two players that stood up during the key middle stages of the series.
Questions will always be asked did the Rays choke on the big stage or where they simply just out played. When a team doesn’t lose a post season game at home they are going to be pretty tough to beat and when you look back at all three opponents for the Phillies their pitching was dominant.
So now the question gets asked can the Phillies Baseball Club repeat? Cole Hamels and Brad Lidge are staying put and with Ryan Howard , Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins also coming back you would have to raise a case that the Phillies have enough pieces in place to be more than a one season wonder. Statistically the Phillies will be up against it as only the Blue Jays and Yankees have repeated in the last thirty years.
Only Pat Burrell and Jamie Moyer will be free agents in the off season. Both will probably get bigger offers to play somewhere else but the lure of Moyer finishing hise career in the town he grew up in may give him a reason to stay for less.
The Phillies will have a tough job of keeping their payroll at $104.5 million with players such as Howard, Hamels, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth, Ryan Madsen and Chad Durbin all eligible for arbitration.
At the beginning of 2008 the players made a statement by walking around the clubhouse during spring training wearing t shirts that stated “Winning Starts Now”. The mindset was clearly where it needed to be for the Phillies from start until finish in 2008. The question will now be asked.
Can they do it again in 09?
Micheal
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Feb
22
Filed Under (The World Series) by mshadows
michelle strait asked:
I almost didn’t buy “World Series of Poker 2008: Battle for the Bracelets”. When it comes to Nintendo DS top games, there usually isn’t a casino game in the bunch. Why, you ask? It’s because most casino games are disappointing. This is not a casino game, but I figured it would be more of the same. Thankfully, I was wrong. This game is a union of portable gaming and poker that actually delivers the goods.
World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Your Home
The Nintendo DS version of World Series of Poker is based on the famous World Series of Poker (WSOP) tournament. Hundreds of poker players compete for a seat at the final table, with dreams of winning big bucks and a coveted gold WSOP bracelet.
Just like in real life, the game allows you to play against virtual versions of some of the top poker players. Annie Duke, Jennifer Tilly, Johnny Chan, and Phil Hellmuth are a few of the top poker players in the game.
Playing World Series of Poker 2008 for the Nintendo DS
The object of the game is to become a champion Texas Hold Em player. You reach the top by squashing your competition and winning all the tournaments.
Unless you’re great at Texas Hold Em, you’ll spend more time starting over than gloating over your victory. I’m not that good at Texas Hold Em, and you can tell by the number of times I go bust in this game.
There are different modes of play in the game. If you’re successful in Career Mode, you’ll eventually reach the main event. The main event in the game is like the final table in the real life tournament. I’ve never made it that far, so good luck to you.
After you have a few wins under your belt, professional players begin inviting you to various Vegas casinos for cash games. And there’s also a heads-up option where you compete one-on-on against six professional players. When you manage to beat all six of them, you face Phil Hellmuth. I’ve also never made it this far, so once again, good luck to you.
Playing Options
In addition to career mode, there are quick play and multiplayer options.
Quick play allows you to play short games without affecting any games saved in career mode. So if you’ve kicked **** in career mode, but tank during quick play, your career mode rating remains intact. And the quick play option lets you play with others nearby using a Wi-Fi connection.
Quick play is fun because you can customize your game. You can choose the number of players, pros or amateurs, starting cash, limit or no limit game, blinds, and location.
The Downside: Limited Poker Variations
If you’re looking to play poker games other than Texas Hold Em, this isn’t the game for you.
There are plenty of poker variations, but this particular game only includes Texas Hold Em. To play games such as Omaha or Stud, check out World Championship Poker, which is another good selection.
World Series of Poker 2008 also includes a helpful training option. This is great for people unfamiliar with poker, but who want to learn the game. Phil’s Poker School is a tutorial narrated by poker professional Phil Hellmuth. While you play a hand on the bottom screen, the top screen has a video of Phil Hellmuth giving you instructions.
In-Game Options
Other options under training include Same Hand Jam, which let’s you pick two hole cards (your starting cards) and play nine rounds with them. There’s also poker hand rankings and a Texas Hold Em guide.
Overall Rating: Five Poker Chips
I recommend World Series of Poker 2008 for poker players who love Texas Hold Em. The lack of game variation was a bit disappointing, but the superior training section made up for it. Overall, this game deserves a spot with other Nintendo DS top games.
Bernard
I almost didn’t buy “World Series of Poker 2008: Battle for the Bracelets”. When it comes to Nintendo DS top games, there usually isn’t a casino game in the bunch. Why, you ask? It’s because most casino games are disappointing. This is not a casino game, but I figured it would be more of the same. Thankfully, I was wrong. This game is a union of portable gaming and poker that actually delivers the goods.
World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Your Home
The Nintendo DS version of World Series of Poker is based on the famous World Series of Poker (WSOP) tournament. Hundreds of poker players compete for a seat at the final table, with dreams of winning big bucks and a coveted gold WSOP bracelet.
Just like in real life, the game allows you to play against virtual versions of some of the top poker players. Annie Duke, Jennifer Tilly, Johnny Chan, and Phil Hellmuth are a few of the top poker players in the game.
Playing World Series of Poker 2008 for the Nintendo DS
The object of the game is to become a champion Texas Hold Em player. You reach the top by squashing your competition and winning all the tournaments.
Unless you’re great at Texas Hold Em, you’ll spend more time starting over than gloating over your victory. I’m not that good at Texas Hold Em, and you can tell by the number of times I go bust in this game.
There are different modes of play in the game. If you’re successful in Career Mode, you’ll eventually reach the main event. The main event in the game is like the final table in the real life tournament. I’ve never made it that far, so good luck to you.
After you have a few wins under your belt, professional players begin inviting you to various Vegas casinos for cash games. And there’s also a heads-up option where you compete one-on-on against six professional players. When you manage to beat all six of them, you face Phil Hellmuth. I’ve also never made it this far, so once again, good luck to you.
Playing Options
In addition to career mode, there are quick play and multiplayer options.
Quick play allows you to play short games without affecting any games saved in career mode. So if you’ve kicked **** in career mode, but tank during quick play, your career mode rating remains intact. And the quick play option lets you play with others nearby using a Wi-Fi connection.
Quick play is fun because you can customize your game. You can choose the number of players, pros or amateurs, starting cash, limit or no limit game, blinds, and location.
The Downside: Limited Poker Variations
If you’re looking to play poker games other than Texas Hold Em, this isn’t the game for you.
There are plenty of poker variations, but this particular game only includes Texas Hold Em. To play games such as Omaha or Stud, check out World Championship Poker, which is another good selection.
World Series of Poker 2008 also includes a helpful training option. This is great for people unfamiliar with poker, but who want to learn the game. Phil’s Poker School is a tutorial narrated by poker professional Phil Hellmuth. While you play a hand on the bottom screen, the top screen has a video of Phil Hellmuth giving you instructions.
In-Game Options
Other options under training include Same Hand Jam, which let’s you pick two hole cards (your starting cards) and play nine rounds with them. There’s also poker hand rankings and a Texas Hold Em guide.
Overall Rating: Five Poker Chips
I recommend World Series of Poker 2008 for poker players who love Texas Hold Em. The lack of game variation was a bit disappointing, but the superior training section made up for it. Overall, this game deserves a spot with other Nintendo DS top games.
Bernard
Comments Off
Feb
16
Filed Under (The World Series) by mshadows
Reese Lakwatche asked:
World Series programs are the most sought after collections in the history of sports memorabilia. These programs most often sell for at least a thousand dollars and most have attracted large sums. These programs are no more available and were officially abandoned in 1974 when only one official program was released for fall series. The programs are a rare commodity because every team used to publish one or two of their own every year.
In terms of monetary compensation, the classic World Series programs act as some of the finest memorabilia. The first World Series program of 1903 was originally priced at 10 cents but it can fetch over $20000 in mint condition. Recent auctions have seen early 20th century World Series programs sold at an average of $1500 and $3000 for New York Giants and Boston Red Sox issued programs, respectively. The Chicago issued White Sox program of 1919 is famous for its throwing scandal that attracts over a couple of thousand dollars. These usually sell anywhere from $200 to $800.
It must be noticed that not all the World Series programs sell at a higher price. The final price depends upon the team, the history associated with the team at that particular year and the year in question. The heritage auction galleries and Robert Edward auctions are the premier places to sell and buy these masterpieces. Sports Collectors Digest is one of the few publications to locate further information on World Series memorabilia and prices of such programs.
If you ever come across any of the rare pieces of paper, talk to one of the experts in the industry to get your money worth. Not all buyers visit the Leland auctions; therefore it is not a bad idea to contact a collector shop in your area. You may also contact one of the famous sports bar to advertise to an interested audience. Whatever the case may be, if you ever get your hands on one of these collectibles, know that you have hit a memorabilia jackpot.
Gary
World Series programs are the most sought after collections in the history of sports memorabilia. These programs most often sell for at least a thousand dollars and most have attracted large sums. These programs are no more available and were officially abandoned in 1974 when only one official program was released for fall series. The programs are a rare commodity because every team used to publish one or two of their own every year.
In terms of monetary compensation, the classic World Series programs act as some of the finest memorabilia. The first World Series program of 1903 was originally priced at 10 cents but it can fetch over $20000 in mint condition. Recent auctions have seen early 20th century World Series programs sold at an average of $1500 and $3000 for New York Giants and Boston Red Sox issued programs, respectively. The Chicago issued White Sox program of 1919 is famous for its throwing scandal that attracts over a couple of thousand dollars. These usually sell anywhere from $200 to $800.
It must be noticed that not all the World Series programs sell at a higher price. The final price depends upon the team, the history associated with the team at that particular year and the year in question. The heritage auction galleries and Robert Edward auctions are the premier places to sell and buy these masterpieces. Sports Collectors Digest is one of the few publications to locate further information on World Series memorabilia and prices of such programs.
If you ever come across any of the rare pieces of paper, talk to one of the experts in the industry to get your money worth. Not all buyers visit the Leland auctions; therefore it is not a bad idea to contact a collector shop in your area. You may also contact one of the famous sports bar to advertise to an interested audience. Whatever the case may be, if you ever get your hands on one of these collectibles, know that you have hit a memorabilia jackpot.
Gary
Comments Off
Feb
16
Filed Under (The World Series) by mshadows
Matthias Koster asked:
The Toronto Blue Jays have the distinction of being the first, and most likely being the only Canadian team to ever win baseball’s most coveted prize, the World Series championship.
Originally founded in 1977, the Toronto Blue Jays struggled like most expansion teams, taking seven full seasons to record their first .500+ winning percentage. Yet from there on out (1983) the Jays had at least a .500 winning percentage in every season up until the strike shortened 1994 campaign.
During this stretch of success the Jays battled their way to three playoff appearances; in 1985, 1989 & 1991. Unfortunately they fell short of reaching the finals in all three occasions. The year 1992 would be different.
Before getting into the actual series’ themselves, we’d have to be crazy to skip over the players themselves. The names on the rosters read like a who’s who for the late eighties and early nineties. Everyone on this list played for the Jays during 1992 & 1993 and has made at least one all-star team during their career.
Batters:
John Olerud, Roberto Alomar, Kelly Gruber, Devon White, Joe Carter, Jeff Kent, Ed Sprague, Tony Fernandez and Alfredo Griffin.
Pitchers
Jack Morris, Jimmey Key, Juan Guzman, Dave Stieb, David Cone, Tom Henke, Pat Hentgen, Al Leiter, Shawn Green, Carlos Delgado, Dave Stewart, and Woody Williams.
And let’s not forget these Hall of Famers
Dave Winfield, Paul Molitor, and Rickey Henderson
Unreal… talk about some talent! One has to question how they only won 96 games in 1992 and 95 in 1993.
Although these teams were loaded, their path to the World Series Titles certainly wasn’t easy in either season.
In 1992 the Jays won some nail bitters over the Oakland Athletics, including a clutch game four come from behind win against then unstoppable closer Dennis Eckersley.
The World Series wasn’t much easier that year, as it took six games and one of the all-time post-season meltdowns by Mark Wholers to bring the title north of the boarder.
In 1993 the Bluebirds moved past the Chicago White Sox in six games and took on the Philadelphia Phillies in the series. This set the stage for one of the biggest all-time home runs and undoubtedly the most important event in the history of Canadian baseball in the FIX of Joe Carter’s ninth inning, game winning home run off of reliever Mitch Williams.
Since 1993 the Jays have failed to make the playoffs. Hope exists heading into the 2008 season, where the Jays feature one of the top overall pitching staffs in baseball, both in the rotation and the bullpen. If they can find consistency from both the offensive and defensive side of the diamond, the Jays should be able to push the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees for the AL East Division title or at worst the American League Wild Card. And as teams in the past few seasons have proven just getting into the playoffs gives each team a great chance at capturing a World Series title.
For more visit: Mop Up Duty Baseball Toronto Blue Jays Sabermetric
Clarence
The Toronto Blue Jays have the distinction of being the first, and most likely being the only Canadian team to ever win baseball’s most coveted prize, the World Series championship.
Originally founded in 1977, the Toronto Blue Jays struggled like most expansion teams, taking seven full seasons to record their first .500+ winning percentage. Yet from there on out (1983) the Jays had at least a .500 winning percentage in every season up until the strike shortened 1994 campaign.
During this stretch of success the Jays battled their way to three playoff appearances; in 1985, 1989 & 1991. Unfortunately they fell short of reaching the finals in all three occasions. The year 1992 would be different.
Before getting into the actual series’ themselves, we’d have to be crazy to skip over the players themselves. The names on the rosters read like a who’s who for the late eighties and early nineties. Everyone on this list played for the Jays during 1992 & 1993 and has made at least one all-star team during their career.
Batters:
John Olerud, Roberto Alomar, Kelly Gruber, Devon White, Joe Carter, Jeff Kent, Ed Sprague, Tony Fernandez and Alfredo Griffin.
Pitchers
Jack Morris, Jimmey Key, Juan Guzman, Dave Stieb, David Cone, Tom Henke, Pat Hentgen, Al Leiter, Shawn Green, Carlos Delgado, Dave Stewart, and Woody Williams.
And let’s not forget these Hall of Famers
Dave Winfield, Paul Molitor, and Rickey Henderson
Unreal… talk about some talent! One has to question how they only won 96 games in 1992 and 95 in 1993.
Although these teams were loaded, their path to the World Series Titles certainly wasn’t easy in either season.
In 1992 the Jays won some nail bitters over the Oakland Athletics, including a clutch game four come from behind win against then unstoppable closer Dennis Eckersley.
The World Series wasn’t much easier that year, as it took six games and one of the all-time post-season meltdowns by Mark Wholers to bring the title north of the boarder.
In 1993 the Bluebirds moved past the Chicago White Sox in six games and took on the Philadelphia Phillies in the series. This set the stage for one of the biggest all-time home runs and undoubtedly the most important event in the history of Canadian baseball in the FIX of Joe Carter’s ninth inning, game winning home run off of reliever Mitch Williams.
Since 1993 the Jays have failed to make the playoffs. Hope exists heading into the 2008 season, where the Jays feature one of the top overall pitching staffs in baseball, both in the rotation and the bullpen. If they can find consistency from both the offensive and defensive side of the diamond, the Jays should be able to push the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees for the AL East Division title or at worst the American League Wild Card. And as teams in the past few seasons have proven just getting into the playoffs gives each team a great chance at capturing a World Series title.
For more visit: Mop Up Duty Baseball Toronto Blue Jays Sabermetric
Clarence
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Feb
10
Filed Under (The World Series) by mshadows
Aron Wallad asked:
Some teams get to the World Series and you know that they are going to win it all. Like the 1927, and 1961 Yankees. The Red Sox of 2004 and the Reds from the Big Red Machine days are a few other teams where I felt that their destiny was secure before the series started. Some teams are so strong that they win four games to none. The Yankees have done it seven times. The Giants are next closest in four games to none series wins with two sweeps to their credit. By contrast the Yankees have been swept three times, the most of any team. With the A’s, Cubs and Cardinals all being winless in series play twice.
The test for a playoff team is winning in seven games. The last game of the post season is at hand and there are NO second chances. In seven game series the team with the most wins is not the Yankees. It’s the St Louis Cardinals with seven wins followed by the Yankees with five victories. Many teams have won seven game series twice. The Twins, Dodgers, Pirates, Tigers, and A’s make up that impressive list. On the losing end the Yankees head the list with five losses. They are followed by The Giants with four seven game losses, The Dodgers, Cardinals, Tigers and Red Sox with three losses each are next.
Of the 39 World Series the Yankees have been in 10 times the series ended in four games. Eleven times the series ended in seven games.
The St Louis Cardinals have seen the World Series 16 times. Seven times they won in seven games and three times they lost in seven games. They were also swept two times.
The A’s of Philadelphia, Kansas City and Oakland have a combined 9-6 winning record when it comes to World Series play. Second to the Yankees 26-13 record. On the other end of the spectrum the Dodgers are 6-16 and the Giants are 5-15.
The teams that have gone the longest without winning a World Series are The Indians (last won in 1948) and The Giants. They have been without a Series trophy since 1954. Did I forget the Cubs? 1908 was their last World Series triumph. That’s’ 98 years ago.
The Rangers, Mariners, Nationals (Expos), and Rockies have yet to make the fall classic. While The Padres, Brewers and Astros have been to the Series, they have yet to drink the champagne for being World Series Champs.
Also of note is that the Red Sox were World Champs five times from 1903 to 1918. During that 16 year period, (there was no World
Series in 1904) the five wins by the Sox, established the Bostonians as one of baseball’s initial dynasties.
Feel free to pass this article on to baseball enthusiasts that you know.
Diana
Some teams get to the World Series and you know that they are going to win it all. Like the 1927, and 1961 Yankees. The Red Sox of 2004 and the Reds from the Big Red Machine days are a few other teams where I felt that their destiny was secure before the series started. Some teams are so strong that they win four games to none. The Yankees have done it seven times. The Giants are next closest in four games to none series wins with two sweeps to their credit. By contrast the Yankees have been swept three times, the most of any team. With the A’s, Cubs and Cardinals all being winless in series play twice.
The test for a playoff team is winning in seven games. The last game of the post season is at hand and there are NO second chances. In seven game series the team with the most wins is not the Yankees. It’s the St Louis Cardinals with seven wins followed by the Yankees with five victories. Many teams have won seven game series twice. The Twins, Dodgers, Pirates, Tigers, and A’s make up that impressive list. On the losing end the Yankees head the list with five losses. They are followed by The Giants with four seven game losses, The Dodgers, Cardinals, Tigers and Red Sox with three losses each are next.
Of the 39 World Series the Yankees have been in 10 times the series ended in four games. Eleven times the series ended in seven games.
The St Louis Cardinals have seen the World Series 16 times. Seven times they won in seven games and three times they lost in seven games. They were also swept two times.
The A’s of Philadelphia, Kansas City and Oakland have a combined 9-6 winning record when it comes to World Series play. Second to the Yankees 26-13 record. On the other end of the spectrum the Dodgers are 6-16 and the Giants are 5-15.
The teams that have gone the longest without winning a World Series are The Indians (last won in 1948) and The Giants. They have been without a Series trophy since 1954. Did I forget the Cubs? 1908 was their last World Series triumph. That’s’ 98 years ago.
The Rangers, Mariners, Nationals (Expos), and Rockies have yet to make the fall classic. While The Padres, Brewers and Astros have been to the Series, they have yet to drink the champagne for being World Series Champs.
Also of note is that the Red Sox were World Champs five times from 1903 to 1918. During that 16 year period, (there was no World
Series in 1904) the five wins by the Sox, established the Bostonians as one of baseball’s initial dynasties.
Feel free to pass this article on to baseball enthusiasts that you know.
Diana
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Feb
08
Filed Under (The World Series) by mshadows
Brian Garvin asked:
Carlos Mortensen is a famous name in the world of poker. He is, in fact, one of those Professional Poker Players who are known for loose playing styles. Apart from his loose play in the game of poker, he is also characterized by bluffing tactics. On the contrary, he is also renowned for the interesting chip-stacking game style that he owns.
Carlos Mortensen was born at Ambato in Ecuador on 13th April in the year of 1972. The full name of this popular Professional Poker Player is Juan Carlos Mortensen. It was in the later half of the 1990s that Carlos moved to the United States of America from Spain. The prime purpose of his shifting to the United States was to get a better environment that would help him develop his craftsmanship in the game of poker.
Carlos Mortensen took part in the main event of the World Series of Poker in the year of 2001, and he finished up winning 1.5 million US dollars. In addition to this, he also participated in the Doyle Brunson North American Poker Championship of the World Poker Tour in the year of 2004. In this tour, Mortensen ended up winning the championship bagging one minion US dollars.
Carlos Mortensen won his second World Poker Tour title when he won the Season Five World Poker Tour securing the first prize that amounted to 3,970,415 US dollars. Hereby, he came to be the first ever Professional Poker Player to have won the World Championship events of both World Poker Tour and World Series of Poker. One of the most interesting information about the professional career and achievements of Carlos is that he happens to be the all-time money leader of the World Poker Tour with a career earning of 5 million US dollars.
Carlos Mortensen also has the credit of touching some other milestones in his professional career as a poker player. He happened to be one of the semi-finalists in the Poker Superstars Invitational Tournament in its second session. In addition to this, he has managed to make the prize money in the World Heads-Up Poker Championship.
It was in the World Series of Poker in the year of 2006 that Carlos Mortensen made three final tables. He finished up in the series securing the 9th place in the #2 event earning 71,617 US dollars. He would have won his third bracelet had he not finished up being the runner-up to James Richburg in the #33 event. Still, the position that he secured gave him the opportunity to earn 94,908 US dollars.
The talent of Carlos Mortensen as a poker player is well appreciated by all. It is also thought that he is the last Professional Poker Player to win the Main Event of the World Series of Poker. Carlos Mortensen got married to Cecilia Reyes Mortensen, a fellow poker player of his. They were reported to have been divorced in the year of 2006. If you ever happen to see Carlos play at a tourney, do yourself a big favor and take something to calm your nerves. He will keep you on the edge of excitement.
Thomas
Carlos Mortensen is a famous name in the world of poker. He is, in fact, one of those Professional Poker Players who are known for loose playing styles. Apart from his loose play in the game of poker, he is also characterized by bluffing tactics. On the contrary, he is also renowned for the interesting chip-stacking game style that he owns.
Carlos Mortensen was born at Ambato in Ecuador on 13th April in the year of 1972. The full name of this popular Professional Poker Player is Juan Carlos Mortensen. It was in the later half of the 1990s that Carlos moved to the United States of America from Spain. The prime purpose of his shifting to the United States was to get a better environment that would help him develop his craftsmanship in the game of poker.
Carlos Mortensen took part in the main event of the World Series of Poker in the year of 2001, and he finished up winning 1.5 million US dollars. In addition to this, he also participated in the Doyle Brunson North American Poker Championship of the World Poker Tour in the year of 2004. In this tour, Mortensen ended up winning the championship bagging one minion US dollars.
Carlos Mortensen won his second World Poker Tour title when he won the Season Five World Poker Tour securing the first prize that amounted to 3,970,415 US dollars. Hereby, he came to be the first ever Professional Poker Player to have won the World Championship events of both World Poker Tour and World Series of Poker. One of the most interesting information about the professional career and achievements of Carlos is that he happens to be the all-time money leader of the World Poker Tour with a career earning of 5 million US dollars.
Carlos Mortensen also has the credit of touching some other milestones in his professional career as a poker player. He happened to be one of the semi-finalists in the Poker Superstars Invitational Tournament in its second session. In addition to this, he has managed to make the prize money in the World Heads-Up Poker Championship.
It was in the World Series of Poker in the year of 2006 that Carlos Mortensen made three final tables. He finished up in the series securing the 9th place in the #2 event earning 71,617 US dollars. He would have won his third bracelet had he not finished up being the runner-up to James Richburg in the #33 event. Still, the position that he secured gave him the opportunity to earn 94,908 US dollars.
The talent of Carlos Mortensen as a poker player is well appreciated by all. It is also thought that he is the last Professional Poker Player to win the Main Event of the World Series of Poker. Carlos Mortensen got married to Cecilia Reyes Mortensen, a fellow poker player of his. They were reported to have been divorced in the year of 2006. If you ever happen to see Carlos play at a tourney, do yourself a big favor and take something to calm your nerves. He will keep you on the edge of excitement.
Thomas
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Feb
07
Filed Under (The World Series) by mshadows
Sean Moronse asked:
World Poker Tournament features the best poker players in the world playing a series of international poker tournaments. It is the tournament every poker player wants to play in.
The most prestigious and biggest world poker tournament is the World Series of Poker. It assembles every year all the great poker players worldwide and play against each other. Afterwards, the best among the rest will stand out and will gain the prestige of being a champion and will have the chance to take home millions of dollars.
The World Series of Poker is being held in Las Vegas annually. It was originally started by Tom Moore at the Holiday Hotel and Casino in 1968. What makes this world poker tournament very popular are the prizes involved as well as the players who attend it. Some of the high profile poker players who engage in WSOP are Phil Hellmuth and Johnny Chan. Its main event is the Texas Hold’em tournament which has a buy-in no limit of $10 000. The winners of the main event receive the largest cash prize in world poker tournament and a diamond and platinum bracelet which certify that the players are truly the best poker players worldwide.
There some tips to consider in winning a world poker tournament. First is to lay odds on the pre-flop raises. In world poker tournament, antes are being introduced along with the blinds after the fourth level. It is advisable also to get away with higher raise when making a hand to raise. Lower raise means lower risks.
Second, the player should take good care of his or her stack of chips before anything else. Protecting the chips is the very first thing to put into mind when the player is involved in a pot. In this way, the player can have the chance to protect the hands while not losing the pot. Remember being cautious is very important in playing poker games. Also put into mind that if the opponent bets for a river card, the player should call and just hope that the third king isn’t in hand.
Third, get away with situations like coin flip. Avoid playing large pots in a situation wherein the chance of winning is only 50-50. One example for this is acquiring a middle pair versus two higher cards. If the player is in this situation, the best thing to do is to avoid raising again before the flops.
Lastly, be aware of the stacks of chips and never ever give up. This is because players tend to play aggressively and desperately with short stacks. This playing move is very premature. It is more important to put the player’s attention to the stacks of chips rather than to the antes and blinds. And when the player decided to play a hand, the player should push it all in already. It is always alright to waste only one full round before taking the pot a great shot.
The aforementioned tips are some of the techniques of the best poker players playing in a world poker tournament. Keeping these techniques in mind will lead to success in any poker tournament.
Ben
World Poker Tournament features the best poker players in the world playing a series of international poker tournaments. It is the tournament every poker player wants to play in.
The most prestigious and biggest world poker tournament is the World Series of Poker. It assembles every year all the great poker players worldwide and play against each other. Afterwards, the best among the rest will stand out and will gain the prestige of being a champion and will have the chance to take home millions of dollars.
The World Series of Poker is being held in Las Vegas annually. It was originally started by Tom Moore at the Holiday Hotel and Casino in 1968. What makes this world poker tournament very popular are the prizes involved as well as the players who attend it. Some of the high profile poker players who engage in WSOP are Phil Hellmuth and Johnny Chan. Its main event is the Texas Hold’em tournament which has a buy-in no limit of $10 000. The winners of the main event receive the largest cash prize in world poker tournament and a diamond and platinum bracelet which certify that the players are truly the best poker players worldwide.
There some tips to consider in winning a world poker tournament. First is to lay odds on the pre-flop raises. In world poker tournament, antes are being introduced along with the blinds after the fourth level. It is advisable also to get away with higher raise when making a hand to raise. Lower raise means lower risks.
Second, the player should take good care of his or her stack of chips before anything else. Protecting the chips is the very first thing to put into mind when the player is involved in a pot. In this way, the player can have the chance to protect the hands while not losing the pot. Remember being cautious is very important in playing poker games. Also put into mind that if the opponent bets for a river card, the player should call and just hope that the third king isn’t in hand.
Third, get away with situations like coin flip. Avoid playing large pots in a situation wherein the chance of winning is only 50-50. One example for this is acquiring a middle pair versus two higher cards. If the player is in this situation, the best thing to do is to avoid raising again before the flops.
Lastly, be aware of the stacks of chips and never ever give up. This is because players tend to play aggressively and desperately with short stacks. This playing move is very premature. It is more important to put the player’s attention to the stacks of chips rather than to the antes and blinds. And when the player decided to play a hand, the player should push it all in already. It is always alright to waste only one full round before taking the pot a great shot.
The aforementioned tips are some of the techniques of the best poker players playing in a world poker tournament. Keeping these techniques in mind will lead to success in any poker tournament.
Ben
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Jan
28
Filed Under (The World Series) by mshadows
Robert asked:
The World Series of Poker is one of the biggest tournaments in the world. It is abbreviated as WSOP and it was officially organized in the year 1970. The WSOP bracelet plus the millions of dollars of cash prize attracts many eagle-eyed poker players from around the world. The World Series of Poker is the summit point of interest for any poker player. A mere participation in this event seems to attract pride.
Thousands of players compete in the World Series of Poker events conducted annually. The buy in ranges from $1500 to $10,000 and the player is supposed to play with the primary purchase any further in most cases. Some games allow further buy-ins or re-buy while in some games if any player did exhaust the chips, then they are not allowed to purchase any more.
If you are interested in participating in the World Series of Poker you need to know the following:-
• Pre-registration requires payment that is revised each year. You can make your payments with credit cards, debit cards, wire transfers or cashiers checks
• The pre-registration for the World Series of Poker should be done at least before 2 weeks of the beginning of the event. Registrations beyond that are not entertained.
• The participants should be at least 21 years of age and it should be validated with proof.
• Adequate identification proof like a driver’s license, passport or any other forms of valid ID cards should be produced for participation
• The prescribed value of chips should be purchased for the entry in to the events in WSOP. Cash payments are not entertained in the rounds, instead RIO chips should be purchased for payment.
• Only one entry per person is permitted for a particular round, re-entries are not allowed.
• Every participant should register by themselves with the site; third party registration on behalf of the participants is not allowed in the World Series of Poker.
• Players who have been legally limited by government norms from playing in casinos are not eligible for the WSOP games.
The many tourneys in the World Series of Poker includes almost every kind of pokers like no Limit Holdem, Seven Card Razz, Omaha Hi-Low Split-8 or Better, Seven Card Stud Hi-Low Split-8 or Better, Seven Card Stud, No-Limit Holdem, 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball, Pot-Limit Omaha, etcetera. Just learn the odds and master the trick you may qualify for the World Series of Poker bracelet. Good Luck!
Betty
The World Series of Poker is one of the biggest tournaments in the world. It is abbreviated as WSOP and it was officially organized in the year 1970. The WSOP bracelet plus the millions of dollars of cash prize attracts many eagle-eyed poker players from around the world. The World Series of Poker is the summit point of interest for any poker player. A mere participation in this event seems to attract pride.
Thousands of players compete in the World Series of Poker events conducted annually. The buy in ranges from $1500 to $10,000 and the player is supposed to play with the primary purchase any further in most cases. Some games allow further buy-ins or re-buy while in some games if any player did exhaust the chips, then they are not allowed to purchase any more.
If you are interested in participating in the World Series of Poker you need to know the following:-
• Pre-registration requires payment that is revised each year. You can make your payments with credit cards, debit cards, wire transfers or cashiers checks
• The pre-registration for the World Series of Poker should be done at least before 2 weeks of the beginning of the event. Registrations beyond that are not entertained.
• The participants should be at least 21 years of age and it should be validated with proof.
• Adequate identification proof like a driver’s license, passport or any other forms of valid ID cards should be produced for participation
• The prescribed value of chips should be purchased for the entry in to the events in WSOP. Cash payments are not entertained in the rounds, instead RIO chips should be purchased for payment.
• Only one entry per person is permitted for a particular round, re-entries are not allowed.
• Every participant should register by themselves with the site; third party registration on behalf of the participants is not allowed in the World Series of Poker.
• Players who have been legally limited by government norms from playing in casinos are not eligible for the WSOP games.
The many tourneys in the World Series of Poker includes almost every kind of pokers like no Limit Holdem, Seven Card Razz, Omaha Hi-Low Split-8 or Better, Seven Card Stud Hi-Low Split-8 or Better, Seven Card Stud, No-Limit Holdem, 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball, Pot-Limit Omaha, etcetera. Just learn the odds and master the trick you may qualify for the World Series of Poker bracelet. Good Luck!
Betty
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