Random Sports Thoughts 10/26

Random thoughts from the world of sports for Friday, October 26th.

- The Major League Baseball season is over. The Boston Red Sox (or as I like to call them, the "Evil Empire") will capture their 2nd World Series title in three years. I heard someone mention the word "dynasty" when referring to this team. I think that word is a little strong. I don't use the word "dynasty" when talking about a team that has won 2 World Series in four years. Also, in case anyone cares who I think should sit for Boston when they go to Colorado, it should be...... Mike Lowell. Put Youkilis as third and let Ortiz play first. If you need to make a late inning substitution, put Lowell in at third and move Youkilis across the diamond.

- A golden opportunity for Virginia Tech blown. I thought the Hokies would win the game (although I thought them being 3 point favorites over the # 2 team in country was a bit ridiculous) but the Hokies blew it down the stretch. I did not see the whole game, but what I did see proved Matt Ryan can make some plays. Boston College will still lose though, whether it be in the ACC Championship or a regular season game. My hope is everyone can ger 1or 2 lowsses this season. Let's complicate things as much as we can.

- One of my favorite times of the year is coming up: the start of the college basketball season. I know Richmond plays November 9th. Now, I do think November 9th is a little early. But can it ever be too early for College Basketball?

- The New York Yankees are wrapping up their managerial search. The three confirmed interviewees that are finalists all have Yankees ties. Former catcher and current YES Network broadcaster, Joe Girardi. Then, Don Mattingly, Yankees bench coach. Finally, Tony Pena, first base coach for this past year's team. I personally wish Bobby Valentine had been included in this interview process. I really don't have a preference with any of the three "finalists". I think Mattingly's inexperience is overrated. Joe Girardi hadn't been a manager until he became manager of the year with the Florida Marlins. Plus, I don't think Joe Torre ever really handled the Yankees pitching staff that well.

Alvis out.

ALCS Game 7 Thoughts

Last night's thoughts from Game 7 of the 2007 ALCS.

- First, I was unhappy.

- What a mistake by Joel Skinner to hold Kenny Lofton at 3rd. I understand why Skinner did that, but at the time a major mistake.

- I know Tim McCarver is not everyone's cup of tea. I know he also beat home the point of why Jake Westbrook was staying in the game after Westbrook was giving up hit, after hit, after hit early in the game. But, I think McCarver was right. Why Eric Wedge didn't get the pen up earlier was beyond me. Saying that though, I think Wedge is one of the better non-marquee managers in the game.

- Two people who won't be back in Boston next year: Julio Lugo and Coco Crisp. Lugo, could have turned out to be a real goat calling off Manny on that fly to leftfield, only for Lugo to watch it hit off his glove and harmlessly hit the ground but he wasn't. Crisp is just going to become a casualty of losing his position to someone younger and better. Back to the shortstop position for a moment, imagine life for the Bo Sox, had the Red Sox kept Hanley Ramirez.

- Alright, let's go Colorado.

Alvis out

Should Joe Go?

Joe Torre. There has been an outpouring of support for the man who has failed to win a World Series title for the past seven years, while having the largest payroll in the game. Why should Joe stay and why should Joe go? Let's explore the facts.

Why Joe should stay?
- It's not his fault: Last year when the Yankees lost to Detroit, it wasn't Joe's fault. The bats of the Yankees went about as cold as a block of ice in Alaska. Joe tinkered and toyed with the lineup even moving the game's best player Alex Rodriguez to the 8th spot. Now, granted the 8th spot is your 2nd cleanup hitter. But A-Rod batting 8th? I don't know what else can be said about that. This year, again, it's not Joe's fault. I don't care if Cy Young is pitching with the Yankees lineup, they should be able to score three runs. Against Cleveland in Game 2, they did not reach that number.

- For the sake of continuity. Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada are both free agents. If the Yankees want them back, you would have to think bringing Joe Torre back would almost lock up Rivera and Posada. Don't upset the best closer the game has ever seen. Don't play a game of chicken with one of the steadiest catchers in the game.

Why Joe should leave?
- The Yankees haven't won the World Series in seven years. I don't neccessarily think it means you have a bad season when you don't win the World Series, but when you spend a gazillion dollars a year, you better see some results. The Yankees have the talent but they haven't had the trophies.

- Poor handling of the pitching staff. Earlier this season, the Yankees gave up an eight spot to the Chicago White Sox in the top of the 2nd inning at the Bronx. Joe pulled Roger Clemens out of the game and brought in Mike Myers. Myers threw to one batter. It's 8-0 in the 2nd inning and all Mike Myers can throw to is one batter? I don't know what else to say.

I would like to see a change but only under the right circumstances. Under no circumstance should Joe Torre be replaced by Tony Larussa. But that's another topic for another time.

Alvis out.

NFL Thoughts from 10-14

Hopefully, now "The Sports Buffet" is going to be updated on a regular basis. Here are thoughts from a NFL Sunday.

- The Patriots are playing chess and everyone else is playing checkers. Imagine, had the Patriots had some half-way decent recievers all these years. I hate to knock on Troy Brown, but he is not on the level of Randy Moss, Donte' Stallworth or Wes Welker. The Patriots should have an undefeated season but they won't. They will however beat the Colts.

- Dallas is still a good team. Nothing to hang your head about because the Patriots whipped you. That's going to happen to a lot of teams this year. Dallas will probably still go to the Super Bowl because the NFC is pathetic. Not just the NFC East, but the whole conference is weak.

- Who would you rather have as your QB, Vinny Testaverde or Tim Rattay? I'll get back to you on that one.

Back with more later.

Alvis out.

Results for The Sports Buffet's Football Challenge

Results will be posted this evening for "The Sports Buffet's Football Challenge"