Best of the Best, Part 2

   

   Welcome back to Part 2 of this Best of the Best series. What did you think of my best baseball team of all time? As we move on from baseball, I thought let’s move onto basketball. Before we get started, Golden State seems to be a better team than last year. They are 11-0 and an unreal 11-0! They have a chance to be the best basketball team of all time, but until that happens; we will talk about the current all-time best time. When it came down to baseball, it was really hard to choose between the 27 and 98 Yankees. Basketball was a little bit less complicated, but was compelling none the less.

    What’s the first team that comes to mind when you think “Best of All Time” in basketball? If you guessed the 1995-96 Bulls, then you are correct. They had a 72-10 record(something no one has ever matched). That season they were first in the league in Points per game with 105.2. They were also 3^rd best in the league at 92.9 points per game allowed. Not only was the best player on the planet, Michael Jordan, on that team, but he had a great supporting cast. Pippen was a scoring and assist wizard. The real steal was Dennis Rodman. He came over from that “Bad Boy” team in Detroit. He was a rebounding machine. That season he averaged 14.9 rebounds per game.

     On this Bulls team, they had 3 players who averaged 13.1 points per game or better. As well, 8 players had a Field Goal percentage of 48% or better, but Steve Kerr was the only one over 50%. 4 players had 5.1 rebounds per game or better. If you put all of this together, we can collectively see how well that team played together. They were also in the middle of a 2^nd 3peat of winning championships.

     Honestly, the only team I feel that I can come close to comparing to this team is the 1971-72 Lakers. Yes, I know I was not born during this time period, but I did do my research. Just like the Bulls, they were first in scoring that season. They actually had more points per game than the Bulls with 121.0/game. With that, they also gave up more points per game with 108.7/game. This team was just a scoring machine. Jerry West averaged 25.8 points per game and Gail Goodrich had 25.9 per game. They also had 6 players with Field Goal percentage at 47% or better including Wilt Chamberlin’s insane 64.9%. He was also better at crashing the boards than Rodman, averaging 19.2/game.

   Even though the Lakers did have a 69-13 record that season and won the title, I don’t feel that they were the better team than the Bulls. The Bulls played in a league with 29 teams opposed to the Lakers with 17 teams. This means that the Bulls had more competition to deal with on a daily basis. The Bulls were also better defensively. The presence of Rodman certainly helped them. No disrespect to Wilt, but Jordan was just the better player on a better team. Unless the Warriors keep up the magic this season, I do not think that we will see a team like the 95-96 Bulls for quite a while.

Best Of The Best, Part 1

  As I was watching the World Series, a certain thought came to my mind. The thought was about the best teams ever to play in baseball history. Not just baseball came to mind, basketball, football and even hockey came to mind. If you start to think about it, the best teams in baseball vary by the time period. Everyone says could the 1998 Yankees measure up against 1927 or 1936 Yankees. Comparing teams is not an easy task. In this particular post, I will be talking about the best team in baseball history. It will be a 4 part post. Debates are this topic are endless, making it so much more to discuss.

   While thinking about this the past few days, it was a difficult decision. It was between the 1927 Yankees and 1998 Yankees. I remember watching the 1998 Yankees and saying "WOW". They played well together all season long. After doing some research, it just amazed me to see the similarities and difference of both teams. 1998 Yankees had 8 players with 17 home runs or more that season. They were also about driving in runs, 4 players had 98 or more RBI that season. Hitting .300 or better in a season is very difficult. The 98 Yankees pitched well from beginning to end. David Cone had 20 wins, followed by David Wells at 18 and Andy Pettitte with 16 victories. Keep in mind that the season was 162 game. They also had 2 extra rounds in the playoffs. In total, they went 125-50 including the playoffs.

   As all sports fans know, the 1927 Yankees are known as "Murderers Row." They had 4 players with over 100 RBI and 6 players with over a .300 batting average that season. Lou Gehrig had 47 home runs and Babe Ruth had 60 home runs. Babe Ruth had more home runs that season than a bunch of the teams combined. Gehrig had 173 RBI season. People may ask "What were these guys taking?" Honestly, it was all natural. This team could also hit for average. There were 6 players with a batting  average of .300 or better. Lou Gehrig had a .373 average. Both Earl Combes and Babe Ruth had a .356. The pitching for this team was just as amazing. They had 4 pitchers with 18 or more wins.

   While debating which team was better, there were other considerations I had to take besides the stats. If you look, the 1927 played only 154 games compared to 162 games. As well, the 1998 Yankees played in 2 extra rounds of postseason baseball. In 1927, hitting over .320 or .330 was more of the norm. The pitching was also seemed to be better during the mid to late 20's. In the end, I believe that the 1927 "Murder's Row" Yankees are the best team in baseball history. Very rarely do you see talents like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in the same lineup. 1998 comes close, but there are very little comparisons. There are two things these teams had in common, they both won World Series and both played in New York.

World Series Fun 2015

  

 When you think of playoffs, what comes to your mind? Do you feel excited? What about stressed out? Whether the Giants or Yankees are in the playoffs, I get superstitious. I will not move from my seat until something good happens. When the Giants won Super Bowl 46, they had to beat the 49ers in the NFC Championship. As my wife stepped out to the movies, I had the place to myself. When she came back, the game was in overtime. I was sitting at the edge of “my chair” and told her not to talk to me. As we know, the Giants would win. For New York Mets fans, this has been an exciting time. The Major League playoffs have been exciting. Did you know that only 2 of 10 playoff teams have won a World Series in the past 10 years(Yankees in 2009, Cardinals 2006 and 2011)? This World Series will be a good series.

     The Kansas City Royals have been back to the Promised Land. The last time we had back to back pennant winners were 2010-2011 Texas Rangers.  Even with the loss of Greg Holland, the Royals still have the best bullpen out there. That is there strength. If their starting pitching can get through 5 innings and they have a lead, forget about it. Wade Davis is just that damn good. Their offense his pretty good looking too. They have a National League style offense. Lorenzo Cain is pretty good in the leadoff spot. The lineup can do anything from bunt to steal to popping a few home runs. Their weakness is the starting pitching. If Johnny Cueto and Yordano Ventura pitch lights out, then you are talking about something else. Kansas City will not go quiet into the night like the Cubbies. Besides, the Royals have a better defense!

   The last time the New York Mets played in the World Series, they played my beloved Yankees in 2000. They ended up losing in 5 games. When it comes to the Mets, it’s quite interesting to be honest with you. Everyone knew they had an unreal, young, freakish starting rotation. If anything, people knew that it help them contend this season. Even going into the season, their bullpen was average. We then saw the suspension of Jenry Mejia which certainly did not help them. On the other hand, Jeruys Familia has been lights out as their closer. Throughout the first 4 months, their offense was just anemic. No one was really hitting(including Daniel Murphy!) The Mets acquire Yoenis Cespedes on July 31. That trade ignited the Mets offense.

   American League playoffs seemed to be a bit more entertaining. Both Kansas City and Toronto were down in their respective ALDS series. It looked like we were going to have a Texas team in the World Series. All of a sudden, the best 2 teams in the AL played like the best 2 teams in the AL and forced game 5’s. Both teams won to set up the ALCS.  Mets-Dodgers was definitely exciting. It went the distance. We had the Chase Utley situation. With the Cubs beating the Major League best Cardinals, everyone was thinking “Back to the Future II.” It was supposed to be the Cubs year. The Mets certainly derailed those plans.

    What I would like out of this World Series is a good fight from both teams. If you want my guess, I think it will go the distance. I will not predict a winner because my winner usually loses in the big spots. As a New York fan, as well as for my wife and father-in-law, I could say that I am routing for the Mets. Honestly, I want good baseball. We will get great baseball like we did in last year’s World Series. Everyone enjoy!!!

Yogi: He's our Bear, So Lovable

 

   Hey everyone!!! I’m sorry for such the long the delay between my posts. Between the Jewish holidays  and making up for lost time at work, it has been hectic. Even in the midst of these amazing baseball playoffs, I will be talking about something else. As not only a big time Yankees fan, but a huge baseball fan I will be writing about the loss of Yogi Berra. Honestly, I should be ashamed of myself for not writing about this quite some time ago.  Yogi Berra is one of the all time greats. He ranks higher amongst all time catchers than he does amongst all time Yankees, how astonishing is that? In my opinion, he is the number 1 greatest catcher, slightly ahead of Johnny Bench, of all time. He is the number 5 all time, behind Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, and Mantle, on the Yankees all time list.

     Many people may disagree with me about Yogi being ranked ahead of Johnny Bench as the greatest catcher. Besides for being the best “Bad Ball” hitter of all time, who else wins 3 MVP awards while playing with greats like Mickey Mantle and Ted Williams? It certainly was not Bench. He also caught pitchers like Whitey Ford and Allie Reynolds. Allie Reynolds pitched 2 no hitters in 1951 and guess who caught him? If you guess Peter Lawerence “Yogi” Berra, then you guessed correctly.

   Almost every baseball fan knows that Yogi has won 10 World Series, the most by any player. Did you know that is more World Series wins than the Padres, Mariners, Blue Jays, Royals, Rangers, and Astros combined? They only have 3 World Series wins combined (’85 by the Royals, ’92 and ’93 by the Blue Jays). He won 3 while playing with Joe D and 7 while playing with the Mick. When you play with those legends, it’s easy to overlook someone of Yogi’s stature.

     Yogi seemed to be the quintessential team player. When asked to move around positions, he did as needed for the team. When Bill Mazeroski hit his infamous Game 7 World Series home run, it was Yogi looking at the ball sail over the outfield fence. Elston Howard was behind the plate. What really bothers me is the that fans decided not to honor Yogi at this year’s All Star Game. Everyone fan base got to vote for their “Franchise Four” and Yankees Nation got theirs correct. Fans then got to vote for the top 4 Living Legends. At the time, Yogi was still well and alive. The fans voted Johnny Bench, Sandy Koufax, Willie Mays, and Hank Aaron. Not to sound biased as a Yankee fan, but Berra should have been there instead of Bench.

    Everyone knows that once Yogi retired in 1963, he immediately started his managing career. In 1964, he managed the Yankees to the World Series, but they lost in 7 games. He was immediately fired after the World Series. After being let go, he managed the cross town Mets. In 1973, he also led the Mets to the World Series, but lost to the super hot A’s. He was fired after that World Series. What boggles my mind is why was he fired after taking his teams to the World Series? He obviously knew what he was doing. After 1973, George Steinbrenner bought the Yankees and hired another Yankees great Billy Martin. Yogi was immediately named onto Billy’s coaching staff. People had an obvious amount of respect for Yogi when it came to the game of baseball.

    Yogi will always be missed. Even though I never got to see him play, my dad is always telling me about how great it was to watch him play growing up. When they show clips or classic games on YES of Yogi, it shows his passion and intensity for the game. If people want to learn to play the game better, learn from Yogi. While listening to the Michael Kay Show on ESPN, interviews with past players about Yogi showing up at spring training were just phenomenal. Anyone who was around to see Yogi at any stage in his life, should truly feel grateful.

JPW(rong)!!!!!

  

  I can’t believe it’s almost September! Boy does time fly! Baseball season is in its thickest moments as the pennant races are really starting to heat up. If both the Yankees and Mets make the playoffs it will help all of New York sports. We’ve seen in recent history that Boston sports had its high, especially with the Patriots winning the Super Bowl this year. Speaking of which, football season is upon us!  It’s hard to say what I’m looking forward to more, fantasy football or how my New York Football Giants perform. Let’s just pause for a second. We are only half way through the PRESESASON and both New York football teams have had their off the field issues.

   When you think of 4^th of July what comes to mind? We have barbeques, days off from work, fireworks? If you’re a Giants fan, you have all that plus Jason Pierre-Paul and 9 fingers. Instantly, my first question was what the hell was he thinking? Playing around with fireworks? Granted he is allowed to have some fun, but he can have fun in other ways. The very first reports to come out were that he had just severely burned his hand. About a week later, reports came out through the media(not the Giants) that he had his right finger amputated. Everyone, including Giants management, were shocked and stunned.

     How can I say that the Giants were stunned? You can say that literally and emotionally. JPP would not let the team doctor and other staff to come visit him. They flew down special to Florida to come check him out and see what they can do to help. He would not let them into his hospital room. After that, the Giants had not heard from him for weeks. If you want the truth, it was utterly disgusting of JPP to not allow the Giants to help him in a time of need. Little did anyone know, the Giants had a long term extension on the table before this incident. After this incident, more importantly after he wouldn’t let the team to see him, they pulled it off the table. That was the right move by the Giants.

   Once everyone found out that he had his right index finger amputated, the first question that was asked was how affective he will be this season. As a defensive end, you use your hands a lot trying to rush the passer. Will not having his right index finger affect his play? If he figures out a way to focus, he will have no problems. Marty McFly once said, “If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything.” If JPP has that feeling, it will be as if none of this ever happened.

   The Giants had two consecutive subpar seasons. The first season, the offense was the problem. The defense was a top 10 defense in the league. Last season, the offense was drastically fixed, but the defense had the problems. If Jason Pierre Paul comes back strong, he can anchor the defense. The Giants can have a great season if their strengths of the past 2 seasons work together this year.  Was JPP stupid for this stint? Absolutely! Should he have let the Giants medical staff and others come see him? Hell Yes! You never want to upset your employer. Most importantly, if JPP works hard towards his goals, will the Giants be better off? Of course! Let’s hope for the tens of thousands, upon tens of thousands, of Giants fans that JPP produces, as well as the Giants as a team!

Counting Pitches

             

 

  If you are a father, or ever plan on being one, you always dream of taking your children to a baseball game. My father did that with my sister and me growing up. On Wednesday, my father and I were supposed to go to Washington D.C. and catch a Nationals game, instead we saw Yankees-Red Sox game. It was the highly anticipated debut of Luis Serevino, the Yankees top overall prospect. When I found out that he was pitching the game we were attending I was very excited. This was the future of the Yankees. He honestly did not have a bad pitching line: 5 IP, 2 H, 2R/1ER 0 BB and 7K. The Yankees are moving in the right direction.

     When we sat down at our seats last night, we were very excited to see this kid pitch. My dad grew up watching likes of Whitey Ford, Tom Seaver, and Ron Guidry take the mound. Those were pitchers that would always go the distance. Bullpens were rarely used through the late 1970's. Pitchers, managers, and owners barely ever worried about a pitchers pitch count. Whitey Ford pitched 14 seasons with no injuries. The only interruption he had was service time during the Korean War. Ron Guidry and Tom Seaver both had nice and lengthy careers with barely any problems. My dad did not seem to to understand why Luis Serevino was taken out after 5 innings and 94 pitches. I tried explaining to him that it was about "protecting" the pitchers arm.

   If you want my honest opinion, why do you need to "protect" a pitchers arm with innings limits and pitch counts if they may need to fix it regardless. Many pitchers have Tommy John surgery and come back stronger, but you can't prevent that from happening. If you look at the Mets, they have fantastic young starting pitching. Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler already have had TJ surgery. Innings limits already messed up Stephen Strausburg's and forced him out for a season. Masahiro Tanaka did the right thing. He pitched until he couldn't anymore and rehabbed his arm. He came back in the same season.

   I understand that people want to "protect" their investments, short term or long term, but what's the point of investing if you don't get their full potential. Do you think Whitey Ford, Sandy Koufax, or Bob Gibson ever let their managers give them an innings limit or pitch count? People have to understand that thinking for the present and the future is about tapping your potential. You can't get oil unless you drill all the way to the bottom right? Same concept with pitchers. Let's give them another shot. If Major League Baseball wants to "pretend" the steroid era never happened, this is a good start.

Trading Thoughts(and Players)?

     

    The non-waiver Trade deadline came and went this past Friday. There were a lot of deals and no deals. Many teams had many needs, but were their questions really answered? Houston getting Scott Kazmir and Carlos Gomez, Toronto getting David Price and Tulo, or the the Mets getting Tyler Clippard and Yoenis Cespedes, all these teams got a quality hitter and pitcher. Other teams like Kansas City and Washington made upgrades at possible weaknesses, will it work out for everyone Only time will really tell. There are so many things that the trade deadline tells me. 

   The first big trade of the summer was Scott Kazmir going from the A's to the Astros. A few weeks later, the Astros got Carlos Gomez and Mike Fiers from the Milwaukee Brewers. It shows a lot of the Astros when it comes to these 2 moves. First of all, after rebuilding through a terrific farm system, they are ready to win now and are confident with their way of play. Second of all, it shows that the Astros are serious about building a contender. Houston fans should be really excited about their team, even if they fall short of the playoffs(they will make the postseason).

   Both the Blue Jays and the Mets showed that they are all in, even if they have "Rent-A-Players." They Mets are more in contention than the Blue Jays, but the Blue Jays are more built to win now. Honestly, I have no problem with what the Blue Jays did, but the main question is whether David Price decides to stay there. My main concern is with the Mets. They desperately need offense, which is why they got Juan Uribe, Kelly Johnson, and Yoenis Cespedes. Uribe and Johnson are both role players, but Cespedes is a power hitter that can help make the lineup better. Lucas Duda hit 3 home runs this weekend with Cespedes in the lineup. The main concern with this trade is if they can sign him after the season ends. It is more of a concern if the Mets can sign Cespedes than if the Blue Jays will sign David Price.

    The real question everyone has is what happened to those high and mighty New York Yankees. They are in first place in their division, but in desperate need of starting pitching. Cole Hamels, Johnny Cueto, and David Price were all on the market, but they didn't want to part with their top 4 prospects. If you want my honest opinion, I completely agree with what the Yankees did. We all know how great Price, Hamels, and Cueto are, but the Yankees have finally built up a respectable farm system. They are trying to win now with the intent of getting younger. It does not mean that they will not sign free agents or make trades, it just means that they will be smarter with the way they build their team. For example, the C.C. Sabathia signing was great for them the first 3 1/2 years. The past 2 plus years of C.C. has been wear and tear on his body. Bringing up youth will help the team now and in the future.

   Baseball is a funny game in so many ways.We had a team like the Pittsburgh Pirates, who for 20 years had losing seasons, finally made the postseason 2 years ago. They built through their farm system and are paying major dividends. The Kansas City Royals made it to Game 7 of the World Series. On the other hand, look at the Boston Red Sox. In 2012, they finished in last place in the A.L., but the next year in 2013 they won the World Series, followed by a last place finish. Never underestimate baseball executives and managers on how they run their teams, its all up to the players on how they play.