* Give the Yankees credit. They won in Cleveland last night, overcoming a 2-0 deficit, moving on to fact the Houston Astros in the American League Championship Series.
The New York bullpen stymied the Indians, after 37-year-old pitcher C.C. Sabathia dazzled his old club.
I said, sooner or later we will see a Yankees-Dodgers reunion in the World Series. I didn't think it would be this season. Still a long way to go before that happens.
For the Indians, it's more heartbreak. They blew a 3-1 lead against the Cubs last fall in the World Series. Now, after a scorching-hot summer, featuring a 22-game winning streak, Cleveland blows a 2-0 lead against a wild care team, losing the deciding game 5 at home.
I didn't think the Tribe would get back to the Series. I thought there would be an emotional and psychological letdown from 2016. To choke again, especially after such a magical regular season, has got to suck.
The Indians have a good, young team. They should be back in 2018. But how many times can you go to the well and not come up empty?
Until Cleveland finally breaks thru and wins the championship, the Indians will always be labeled as chokers. With the browns so awful and the Indians breaking hearts, Cleveland has the Cavaliers to hang their hat on.
The Yanks-Astros series will be a good one. Houston will have the home field advantage and will be rested. They have to be favored, but I can't put anything past the Baby Bronx Bombers now. It's a seven game series. I think the Yankees upset Houston in six games.
* Meanwhile, the Nationals shut-out the Cubs in Chicago, 5-0 to force a deciding game 5 in their division series. I like Washington tomorrow. I think they finally exorcise their post-season demons. The Cubs aren't as hungry. They have the experience and can certainly win a do-or-die game vs. the Nats. But they had their chance to close out the series in Wrigley and failed. I see Washington moving on to play the well-rested LA Dodgers for the National League title
So, make it Dodgers-Yankees in the World Series, with the Dodgers winning it all ( as I predicted way back in spring training).
* The Eagles play Carolina tonight. Everyone is picking the Panthers, and for good reason. The Birds are coming off a short week and traveling. They are playing without OT Lane Johnson and RB Wendell Smallwood. All signs point to a Carolina victory tonight.
I can't put my finger on it but I just feel Philadelphia wins tonight. it won't be easy. But the Birds gave the Chiefs fits at Arrowhead in the second game of the season, before finally falling. I think the Eagles play them tight until the 4th quarter. This time, instead of the home team pulling away, I see Philly winning it, maybe with a late Jake Elliot field goal.
big time in the 4th quarter this year, despite having a 4-1 record. Carolina seems to build an early lead, then manages to hang on at the end.
In their two home games this year, Carolina got blasted by the Saints and barely squeaked by Buffalo.Carolina showed better on the road, beating tough teams such as New England and Detroit .
I still say Eagles 20 Panthers 17. So far, Iv'e picked all five Eagles' games correctly. Hope the streak continues.
* The Sixers destroyed Brooklyn last nigh tin pre-season play. Joel Embiid only played 14 minutes but scored 22 points. A taste of what's to come?
Once healthy, this 76'ers squad could go be really good. Sure, it will take a while for the new guys to jell. But it's exciting to think what they can do. We really haven't seen Ben Simmons play much. Embiid flashes brilliance. Can't wait to see Fultz run the floor and Reddick shoots threes. Most of all, the Sixers want to win now, not tank. They want to improve. It gives fans hope and excitement for this year and years to come..
* The Phillies interviewed Juan Samuel recently for their vacant manager's job. Why/ Samuel is a good communicator with the Latin players. He's a company man and tied to the organization. But let's be honest. He was a horrible third base coach. And, along with Mickey Morandini, they team didn't execute the fundamentals, such as bunting, base-running, etc, ;like they should have.
I thought Lehigh Valley skipper Dusty Warthan would get the position, and he may still. But I'm thinking more and more it will be one of GM Matt Klentak's old college buddies or a manager he could control. It's gonna be a nobody-no-name guy, and the fans are going to be pisse, wondering why didn't they just keep Pete Mackanin instead?
* The Flyers play their home opener Saturday night vs. The Washington Caps. Hopefully they can forget the frustrating loss at Nashville the other night, a game the Flyers really should've won. They return home 2-2 and with 4 points- not bad considering the teams they played on their opening 4-game road trip.
Not impressed with new goalie Brian Elliot so far. A Steve Mason clone, not a No. 1 guy. The team is young, faster and full of energy, the kids sprinkled along with solid vets. But without a true No. 1 goaltender to lead the way, the Flyers aren't going far.
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