Jay-Z To Perform "Empire State of Mind" Prior To
Game 1

post from A Die Hard Yankees Fan on 26 October 2009 07:18:00 PM. © A Die Hard Yankees Fan

Today they announced that before game 1 of the series Jay-Z and Alicia Keys will perform "Empire State of Mind" at Yankee Stadium. Jay-Z told the NY Post, ?Thank the good Lord for making me a Yankee.? And also said this opportunity a ?once in a lifetime experience.?

Check out the video here which is also Jeet's at bat song:

video details and more

Read The Full Article:
http://adiehardyankeesfan.blogspot.com/2009/10/jay-z-to-perform-empire-state-of-m
ind.html

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Braves 2009 Season in Review: Nate McLouth

post from Talking Chop on 26 October 2009 07:17:00 PM. © Talking Chop

More photos » by Paul Abell - AP

Atlanta Braves' Nate McLouth will likely continue as the team's lead-off hitter next year.

Browse more photos »

It's hard to describe the season of Atlanta Braves center fielder Nate McLouth. He wasn't bad, he wasn't really that good, he was just average. Of course, after the last few seasons of below average center fielders, it is nice to finally have one who is at least average. None of this is to say that McLouth doesn't have a lot of positives, and that those positives didn't show up in 2009, because they did.

In Nate McLouth, the Braves have a very versatile hitter and outfielder on their hands. He's a player who can hit for power and bat third or behind the cleanup hitter. He's a player who can use his speed on the base paths to help the Braves in many ways, but is he a lead-off hitter? It's easy to think that he can be a successful lead-off hitter with his speed, but for some reason he hasn't had success at the top of order when leading off an inning, but that's not to say he's a bad hitter when batting 1st in the order.

Here's the Rubix Cube; McLouth hit .204 last year and he hits .245 for his career when leading off an inning, but he hit .260 last year and he hits .260 for his career when batting 1st in the lineup. The poor batting average and on-base percentage when leading off innings tells me that he's not the best lead-off hitter, if a lead-off hitter is someone you want to get on base and score runs. He doesn't have enough power to be a three-hole hitter, so what batting order position McLouth seems best suited for is right between those two in the second spot in the order. That's where he can utilize his speed and power while not making either one of them a liability.

But he's better than just about any other Braves player at getting on base above his batting average, so he's likely still our best option to hit lead-off (he just needs to work on hitting when nobody's on base). Which means that he'll enter next season as the Braves lead-off hitter. I'd like to see him work on hitting for a higher average, which would help that on-base percentage more, but I'm not sure I want a higher average at the expense of his power.

At just 28-years old next season, McLouth should be entering his prime years. While the Bill James 2010 projection for McLouth (.263/.348/.449) doesn't see much deviation from his career norms (.260/.342/.454), he seems primed for a little more of a breakout from those career norms. We may have seen that this year if not for the injuries that slowed McLouth late in the season. I say, expect big things from Nate McLouth in 2010.

Read The Full Article:
http://www.talkingchop.com/2009/10/26/1102076/braves-2009-season-in-review-nate

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Old Boss To Attend Game 1

post from A Die Hard Yankees Fan on 26 October 2009 07:16:00 PM. © A Die Hard Yankees Fan

From Bryan Hoch:

George M. Steinbrenner watched from his Tampa, Fla., home as Mariano Rivera threw the final pitch of the American League Championship Series, sending the Yankees on to their first World Series in six years.

The Yankees principal owner's first action was likely to celebrate the victory, vaulting New York into a Fall Classic against the Phillies that opens on Wednesday. His next call should have been to book a flight.

Steinbrenner, 79, will be on hand at Yankee Stadium as the Yankees put their 40th American League pennant into their back pocket and continue the march for their long-elusive 27th World Series title.

The Boss also released this statement, which comes to us from Mark Feinsand:

?The Yankees? enormous will to win, tremendous professionalism and great team spirit, backed by the best, most vocal and supportive fans have propelled us into the World Series," Steinbrenner said. "We?re looking forward to our 27th ring.?
It'll be great to see him back. Let's hope for a win on the series opening.

Read The Full Article:
http://adiehardyankeesfan.blogspot.com/2009/10/old-boss-to-attend-game-1.html

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ESPN Fires Steve Phillips

post from A Die Hard Yankees Fan on 26 October 2009 07:15:00 PM. © A Die Hard Yankees Fan

From Richard Sandomir:

ESPN fired Steve Phillips on Sunday, less than a week after a newspaper revealed that he had had an affair with a 22-year-old production assistant with the network.

?Steve Phillips is no longer working for ESPN,? the network said in a statement. ?His ability to be an effective representative for ESPN has been significantly and irreparably damaged, and it became evident it was time to part ways.?

Phillips was originally suspended but as ESPN said above, he could no longer effectively represent the company so he's out.

Read The Full Article:
http://adiehardyankeesfan.blogspot.com/2009/10/espn-fires-steve-phillips.html

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DMB World Series 19th Century Hall Of
Famer-George Davis

post from DMB Historic World Series Replay on 26 October 2009 07:14:36 PM. © DMB Historic World Series Replay

Elected by Veterans Committee in 1998 Image provided by Dick Perez GEORGE STACEY DAVIS CLEVELAND, N.L., 1890-1892NEW YORK, N.L., 1893-1901, 1903CHICAGO, A.L., 1902, 1904-1909A SHORTSTOP OF SHINING PROMINENCE WHOSE OFFENSIVEPROWESS GREATLY SURPASSED HIS PEERS IN THE DEADBALLERA. A PROLIFIC SWITCH-HITTER, HIS IMPRESSIVE CAREERTOTALS INCLUDE A .295 BATTING AVERAGE, 2,660 HITS, 451DOUBLES, 1437 RBI, 616 STOLEN BASES [...]

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http://dmbworldseriesreplay.wordpress.com/2009/10/26/dmb-world-series-19th-centur
y-hall-of-famer-george-davis/

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Yanks At The Top Again

post from A Die Hard Yankees Fan on 26 October 2009 07:11:00 PM. © A Die Hard Yankees Fan

GO YANKEES!! Sweep them Phills! haha

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http://adiehardyankeesfan.blogspot.com/2009/10/yanks-at-top-again.html

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WS Schedule Yanks v.s Phillies

post from A Die Hard Yankees Fan on 26 October 2009 07:10:00 PM. © A Die Hard Yankees Fan

Check out the World Series schedule via Pete Dougherty:

Game 1: Wednesday, October 28th, 7:57 p.m. - Phillies @ Yankees

Game 2: Thursday, October 29th, 7:57 p.m. - Phillies @ Yankees

Game 3: Saturday, October 31st, 7:57 p.m. - Yankees @ Phillies

Game 4: Sunday, November 1st, 8:20 p.m. - Yankees @ Phillies

Game 5: Monday, November 2nd, 7:57 p.m. - Yankees @ Phillies

Game 6: Wednesday, November 4th, 7:57 p.m. - Phillies @ Yankees

Game 7: Thursday, November 5th @ 7:57 p.m. - Phillies @ Yankees

Games 5, 6, and 7 are posted just in case.

Read The Full Article:
http://adiehardyankeesfan.blogspot.com/2009/10/ws-schedule.html

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Tyler Yates refuses an outright assignment to AAA
from the Pittsburgh Pirates

32-year old righty reliever Tyler Yates has refused an outright assignment to AAA thus becoming a free agent. Yates pitched in 15 games (0 starts) for the Pirates last season and he was 0-2 with a 7.50 ERA and a 1.75 WHIP. He has now pitched in 87 games (0 starts) for the [...]

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http://www.bucslocker.com/2009/10/26/tyler-yates-refuses-an-outright-assignment-t
o-aaa-from-the-pittsburgh-pirates/

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A Very Special TTM Request Going In The Mail
With A World Series Twist

With the World Series fully on my mind, I wanted to see if I could capture a very famous and wildly popular World Series hero’s autograph.I have done my homework and I think I have everything in line for this to be a success. So, on my way to work tomorrow, this very special package will [...]

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http://bapple2286.wordpress.com/2009/10/26/a-very-special-ttm-request-going-in-th
e-mail-with-a-world-series-twist/

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An Early Turnpike Series Preview

(Note - preivew/comparison posts by Mike and Joe will be posted tomorrow as well)

I know we're all still pumped about last night's game in which the Yanks won their 40th AL Pennant, but with just 2 days until Game 1, I'm gonna take a shot at previewing which very may be an exciting World Series between the Yankees and Phillies.

As we all know, the Bombers are coming off a thrilling 5-2 win last night to eliminate the Angels and head to the World Series for the first time since 2003. Andy pitched great, Mo got a 6-out save, and it was all fun and games following the last out. But the Yanks will have to get back to business quickly, as Game 1 is right around the corner, and the Yanks are poised to finally capture the elusive 27th ring.

And right down the Turnpike we see Philadelphia, the defending champs, and after winning the NLCS almost a week ago, the Phillies were resting up to see who they would face in the Fall Classic - now they know, obviously, and as I speak are having a workout at Citizens Bank Park. Last year the Phillies waited 6 days until playing the Rays in last year's WS, and this year it will be 7 days until first pitch is thrown. As you know, they showed no signs of tiredness after resting for such a long time last fall, but 2008 was 2008. It's 2009 now, and you never know what Philly might be feeling.

Let's get to the comparisons. First, let's get to first. Both Mark Teixeira and Ryan Howard had huge years for the Yanks and Phillies in the regular season, but as soon as the playoffs started, Howard jumped way in front of Teixeira by driving in 14 runs combined in the NLDS and NLCS, while Teix struggled and drove in only 4 combined. But, while Howard may be a bit better offensively, Teix provides much better defense at first, and after hitting that big 3-run double in Game 5 and then after picking up a couple hits in Game 6, Teix may be on the verge of a huge World Series. But on the verge, isn't the same as actually doing it. Right now, I go with Howard.

Edge: Phillies

Now, let's move to 2nd base. Both Chase Utley and Robinson Cano are slick fielding, power hitting, RBI machines, and both of them proved that in the regular season as Cano knocked 25 out of the park and drove in 85, and Utley slammed 31 out and drove in 93. Defensively, Cano has a better arm, but other than that, they're pretty much even.

Edge: EVEN

Now, 3rd base. I don't think this really needs to go into specifics, but I'll do it anyway. Alex Rodriguez is having the postseason of his life, as the slugger has finally gotten out of his playoff slump. ALCS and ALDS stats combine show A-Rod is hitting .438 with 5 home runs and 12 RBIs. Hopefully he can continue his dominance in the World Series, and if he does that, the Yanks have a very good chance to bring home #27. But there is another 3rd baseman on the other team. His name is Pedro Feliz, and he is having the complete opposite of the postseason that A-Rod is having. He's batting .161 with just 1 walk in all 9 playoff games. This is a tough one, but I'm gonna have to go with...

Edge: Yankees

Now let's discuss the shortstops. Derek Jeter had an MVP-caliber year for the Yanks during the regular season, and Jimmy Rollins didn't do that much worse for the Phillies. They're both pretty even, regular season stats wise. But in the playoffs, Rollins has failed to pick up an RBI, while the Captain has drove in 5 and hit 3 long balls. Even if Rollins played better than Jeter this postseason, Jeter would get the edge, because of his postseason experience. Sure, Rollins won last year, but Derek has won 4 and has made the playoffs 12 of his 13 year career.

Edge: Yankees

Let's go behind the plate and discuss Jorge Posada and Carlos Ruiz. Jorge has more experience and is having a good postseason, hitting a couple homers and driving in 3 RBIs. The only bad thing - 7 strikeouts. He needs to swing at more pitches, and needs to actually make contact when he does swing. Fixes that, and he's all good. Ruiz is in his 4th year in the Bigs, and had a pretty nice year. He hit 9 homers, drove in over 30 RBIs, and is a pretty good defensive catcher. He also had a big NLCS. But like with the shortstop comparison, its the experience that plays a factor, and Jorge has much more experience and really, is a better player overall.

Edge: Yankees

Instead of comparing every Yankees outfielder to every Phillies outfielder, I'm just gonna put the Yankees and Phillies' respective outfielders together and compare them as a group. For the Yankees, Johnny Damon, Melky Cabrera, and Nick Swisher, is good - offensively, at least. Defensively, Damon, even though he's one of my favorite players, plays a terrible outfield, as we all know, and Swish is right about average defensively if not a bit below average. Melky really is the only really good defender out in the outfield, but thanks to the power of Johnny Damon and Nick Swisher, putting them out there inning after inning isn't a bad thing at all. For the Phillies, you got Raul Ibanez in left, Shane Victorino in center, and Jayson Werth in right. Ibanez has power and plays an average outfield, Shane Victorino "The Flying Hawaiian" has speed and plays a very good outfield, and Werth is a big home-run hitter and plays a good enough outfield to get by. Here I give the edge to the Phillies because they have slightly more power in the outfield, plus defensively, they're a better outfield. But then again, not by much.

Edge: Phillies

Sorry this is so long, but now on to the Pitching Rotations. CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Andy Pettitte have all shined tihs postseason, and rightfully so have been tabbed as the best rotation in the World Series. CC was the ALCS MVP, A.J. tossed a couple nice games before allowing 6 runs in Game 5, and Andy has been his normal postseason self. The Phillies' have Cliff Lee, Cole Hammels, and Pedro, yes, Pedro Martinez. Cliff Lee has been great as expected, Cole Hammels, well, he's been okay, and Pedro, in his only playoff start, allowed a run against the Dodgers in Game 2 of the NLCS. Besides CC against Cliff Lee in Games 1, 4, and 7, it doesn't look like the other matchups will be THAT intriguing, ya know. The edge goes to the Yanks here.

Edge: Yankees

Next, the guys after the rotation - the bullpens. I'm don't know that much on the Phillies 'pen, but after watching maybe 10 Phillies games, and that includes the series vs the Yanks back in June plus the two playoff series, I've seen that they're pretty good. And even though Brad Lidge blew 11 saves this season, he's regained his form as well. But he does not compare to the best closer in baseball in Mariano Rivera, and I believe the rest of the bullpen as well has a slight advantage over the Phillies.

Edge: Yankees

And last, but certainly not least, the managers. Charlie Manuel, coming off his first World Series Championship last year, has been the Phillies manager since 2006, and since then has lead the Phillies to 3 straight NL East titles. Obviously, he has more experience than Joe Girardi, and know when I think about, there's really no need for this paragraph.

Edge: Phillies

Now I know I gave the edge to the Yanks in most of the catergories, but to me the teams are pretty even. It's just that when you really go into the stats and stuff, you find a slight edge int he Yanks favor. So, after thinking about it for a good 45 minutes, I've come to my conclusion. And I beleive, that this Fall Classic, the Yankees will finally capture their 27th World Championship by beating the Phillies in 6 games. I think the series will be one of the most exciting in a while, as both of these teams are worthy of the ring, but in the end, I believe the Yankees will beat the Phillies and will be the 2009 World Champions. And hopefully, I'm right.