Game 6 ALCS Game 6 Postponed: What this means for the series...

Thoughts the impact of Game 6 of the ALCS now being played tomorrow night, and a possible Game 7 Monday night:

• Girardi has already said Pettitte will pitch tomorrow in the event of a rainout today to preserve CC for a Game 7 or Game 1 of the World Series. The Yankees would be in big trouble if they have to use CC in Game 7 and would need a 4th starter for the World Series. The rainout for the Angels, however, gives Mike Scioscia the option to pitch John Lackey on 3 days rest for Game 7. At the very least, he would be available out of the bullpen. Any way you cut it, this rainout favors the Angels.
• Questions circling about whether Nick Swisher would be benched were confirmed pre-game - Swisher was in the lineup playing RF and batting 8th tonight. As I wrote yesterday I think it doesn't make sense to bench him. You would end up using him as a pinch hitter over Gardner in late innings anyways (Gardner has zero HR potential and isn't as good a hitter period), so why not see what the situation is in a late inning ball game and leave more options with Gardner on the bench.
• Finally, kudos to MLB for cancelling this game tonight, and not just because I had tickets and really didn't want to sit in the rain for 6 hours. This game had no chance of being played. Mike Francesa is babbling about "I can't see them not starting this game if its not raining...it hasn't been raining here at all...it would be a mistake to cancel this" blah blah blah. Mike - check a weather report buddy. This game had no chance.

-Steve Lugerner

Keys to Game 6 of the ALCS

Saturday is a must win for the Yankees. Considering the last time the Yankees were in the ALCS in 2004 they blew a 3-0 lead, anyone who thinks they can lean on CC in Game 7 is playing with fire. A) The pressure will be astronomical on the team not to collapse again and B) for the Yankees to have their best shot shot to beat the Phillies, Girardi will probably need to have CC on a similar 1-4-7 schedule vs. the Phillies. We simply do not have a fourth starter. Keys to the game...

• Pettitte vs. Angels innings 1-3: As a Yankees fan, there really isn't anyone I'm more comfortable with on the mound than Andy Pettitte in a big game. He pitches great in Yankee Stadium, and hopefully he can set the tone early. His ability to hold the Angels runners close makes this such an exciting matchup. The Angels need runs early in order to keep their aggressive offense in attack mode. Some early runs will have the doubt creaping into the players and fans heads circa 2004.
• While we saw signs of life finally from Teixiera, Cano, Matsui and Melky in recent games, Nick Swisher is currently the goat of the playoffs for the Yankees. Does Girardi pull him for Gardner in Game 6? I was telling a friend I didn't think it made sense. You'd rather save Gardner to pinch run (even with Garcia too) and you would end up pinch hitting Gardner for Swisher in the late innings anyways if the situation came up, no matter how bad Swisher has been. I'm not sure the move to carry a third catcher and/or Freddy Guzman made any sense. The Yankees really could use an extra pinch hitter late in games and Eric Hinske was left off the ALCS roster. I'm interested to see the reception Swisher gets from the Bleacher Creatures Saturday...the game within the game.
• Both managers need to trim the bullpen usage. Stick with the few pitchers who are reliable, and stop throwing marginal pitchers out there based on matchups - many of these guys on both sides have shown they don't have the mental toughness to pitch in a high energy playoff game. If Girardi puts Marte in again I may honestly suffer a stroke.
• On the bullpen topic -the Yankees are going to live and die by Phil Hughes - they can likely cut Joba out, but they'll need Hughes to pitch well to close out this series. It is that simple.

I’ll be reporting live from the Yankee Stadium bleachers Saturday night on location for BingBongSports. Pretty amazing after our three weeks in existence they are already giving us press credentials.

-Steve Lugerner

Gamblers Anonymous: Top Casinos and Week 7 in the NFL

At the age of 25, most of my friends and family would agree I've spent an unhealthy amount of time in casinos. 15 trips to Vegas, 20+ trips to Atlantic City and visits to countless other casinos around the world have probably taken a few years off my life.

My Criteria for a top Casino:

• Amenities/best bang for your buck - How nice are the hotel accommodations? And considering most people primarily go to gamble, how much do I have to spend on non-gambling costs?
• Casino floor atmosphere - What is the vibe when you walk out of the hotel elevator onto the casino floor?
• Poker room - Since this is where I began my journey in casinos, how nice is the poker room? How easy is it to make money?
• People watching - Sitting at a blackjack table, are you watching smoking hot woman walk by or 60 year-old grandpas smoking while pushing around oxygen tanks?
• The "WOW" factor - Are you legitimately impressed by the place? In the end, most casinos are trying for this factor.

Counting down from 10…
10) Foxwoods (Connecticut) - The biggest casino in the world, you can literally walk forever in this place without backtracking (which is why it took fellow BingBonger Noah Gold and I an hour to find where we parked at 4am). It has a great poker room and very nice hotel accommodations. THE BIGGEST reason this place isn't higher on my list: due to Connecticut law they stop serving alcohol at 12:30. I’m pretty sure the Vatican serves booze later than this. For most of us who drink while we gamble this is just unacceptable. I mean isn't the #1 reason people gamble for the 'free' drinks? I highly advise loading up before last call in a worst case scenario.

9) Hard Rock/Palms (Las Vegas) - There are some great people watching casinos I will touch on next week, but these two really are in a league of their own since they cater to the 21-30 crowd. Ditch Fridays at the Palms pool is really live soft core porn. Completely packed...DJ spinnin'...amazing looking girls wearing close to nothing. Rehab Sundays at the Hard Rock (which is a topless pool) would be the live equivalent to hard core porn. Gambling or relaxing by the pool at these two places, you can’t go wrong.

8) Ballys (Las Vegas) - One of my favorites from my first few trips to Vegas. It gets lost in the shuffle because it isn't a marquee hotel, but might be the best bang for your buck if you can't afford to stay at the top tier casinos.

• Located right in the middle of the strip...walking distance to the Bellagio and Caesars Palace.
• If you are a half way decent poker player, the poker room (although small) is softer than the poker room at Bellevue Mental Hospital. It’s that easy folks.
• Two words: Tequila Bar.

7) Borgata (Atlantic City) - The only casino in Atlantic City that cracks the list. If it weren't surrounded by literally the most depressing city in the nation, it would be a great deal higher. The rooms are 5-star and the poker room was re-done a few years ago and is the best on the east coast. The place gets a small knock because there is a difference in the quality of the eye candy walking around; no surprise, the state of New Jersey produces a level of ‘trashiness’ that pretty much comes with your birth certificate. An Atlantic City '10' ranks as a Vegas '6,' and for those who need more context, a Scranton '12.'

6) Mirage (Las Vegas) – I have a soft spot in my heart for the Mirage. It's one of the classier places on the Las Vegas strip. The tropical theme is very underrated, but loses points because it tends to be an older crowd (30-50 vs. 21-40). The poker room has seen better days, but it's still a very soft game since it's mostly tourists and a lot of the Vegas regulars have moved to upgrade rooms (such as the Venetian). The buffet at the Mirage might be the best I've ever had. I've even known someone to eat so much there that they actually...no better way to put this...went #2 in their pants. Don't ask me why I know this, just trust me that it happened. Doesn't it say a lot about the food though that someone liked it so much that they were willing to crap themselves rather than stop eating. It might be the ultimate compliment for a restaurant yet it goes unpaid year after year because of "acceptable social behavior."

Next week, I'll count down my top 5. Here are my week 7 NFL bets:

LASER ROCKET ARM: Colts -14 over Rams – I’m over-betting the Colts until the ship sinks…who’s coming with me man? WHO’S COMING WITH ME?

Awkward Game of the Week Alert - Patriots -15.5 over the Bucs – The Patriots literally spanked Jeff Fisher and the Titans. I can’t see the Bucs holding them under 30 points, and we all know Josh Johnson isn’t scoring 2 touchdowns. You do the math.

How Eli Got his Groove Back - Giants -7 over Cardinals – Seems like an identical foe the Giants faced last week right? High powered passing attack the Giants can’t stop? I think the Giants make adjustments this week and come after Warner, which statistical evidence shows he crumbles with a sustained pass rush.

ASKLDJHALSKJDHILU!!!! - Eagles -7 over Redskins – sdlkfhaiuwefhakljsdfh….our new play caller called BINGO games at senior’s center two weeks ago. I really think I’d rather watch [insert feminine TV program here] than listen to 3 hours of pregame on why the Redskins suck. We already know why we suck! At this point people, can’t we just die in peace? I mean how many articles can be written about this before Dan Snyder takes out an AK-47 and shoots up Redskins Park…it’s like making fun of the kid who accidentally wore capri pants to middle school…then keeps wearing them to some how make the initial mistake look less ridiculous. It’s just too easy to make fun of the Skins at this point. Oh and one last point…Aklsdjfhalkfhilwuefhlakjsdf – I think it speaks for itself.
-Steve Lugerner

It's A Not-So Beautiful Day in the "Neighborhood"

Just my quick $0.02 on the "neighborhood play" by Aybar.
True, many times that call is made whether or not the middle infielder is touching the bag before the turn to first. But Aybar was SO FAR off second that it would've been egregious NOT to make the call. The guy was straddling his legs wider than (not continuing the metaphor). I don't think that call was nearly as bad as Mauer's double. That missed call was inexcusable and I think everyone can agree on that. And the missed double play after the mind-bogglingly bad baserunning by Posada and Cano was awful too. But let's not forget the bad call on Swisher's tag-up from third to home where he was called for leaving too early when the umpire DIDN'T EVEN WATCH THE BAG.

Your comments on the umpiring just strengthen the notion that MLB is long overdue to institute instant replay in baseball. I understand the arguments (need human error in the game, the calls even out, etc.). But, what's the problem with getting the calls RIGHT all the time rather than have to cover bad calls with more bad calls? Didn't our parents teach us not to lie because it only leads to more lies?

(NOTE: I don't much appreciate the blatant begging for votes by my other BingBongers) VOTE FOR ME IF YOU WANT PEACE ON EARTH!

-Noah Gold

Lugerner: On the officiating...

By my count, other than potentially the Mauer play in Game 2 ALDS (I think he scores if he is on 2nd base vs 1st in that inning), the AWFUL officiating this post season has not decided a game. So to one of our reader's points...yes it's been terrible, but thankfully we the fans have dodged a bullet.

To say this is 'Yankees related' is the same bitter-Mets propaganda spewed every post season they don't make it. The Yankees have lost several bad calls on plays at first. Frankly, Dave's right #1 and #4 are outrageous horrendous calls. Cano not being out last night clearly 2 feet off third is comical.

Adamantly disagree with your #2 Dave. This is not playground baseball....this is PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL...and an umpire making a great call on a botched double-play is simply that...great umpiring. Maybe Joe Shmo Umpire during Royals-Rays in June lets that go, but this is the playoffs. The rules are you touch the base to get an out...not within a foot from the base.

A VOTE FOR LUGERNER IS A VOTE FOR AMERICA....AMERICA ENCOMPASSES PASTRIES AND ANTI-TERRORISM....so why not have it all?

(Is it happy hour yet? I'm meeting Jeffrey Maier at 5 for drinks)

An Actual Burner Response

Yes, it's true.  I will be cheering for a bus crash, but not a huge explosion.  Just a few deaths here and there, enough to cancel the series.  Except Jimmy Rollins -- I want him to get the Nordberg treatment like in Naked Gun 2 1/2 where after the explosion he gets caught under another bus and dragged around the country.  As for talking about A-Rod's "HISTORICALLY GREAT" playoffs, it's not even worth it.  The Yankee fans have made my point.  I said A-Rod was playing great and yet apparently was downplaying him.  The only reason he has been taking so much criticism for his lack of playoff clutchness is because the New York media is stupid and petty.  In his first year of playoffs with the Yankees in 2004 he batted .320 with 3 HR and 8 RBI in 11 games and as of last night has a career playoffs average of .299.  The New York media just loves to put a story in the paper even if it's irrelevant.  Baseball is a game of averages where if you have a 30% success rate you go to the Hall of Fame, but yet if a guy goes 1-8 in his first 8 playoff at-bats he's not a "clutch" player and a bust.  Simply ridiculous.

Now onto another prevalent topic which one of our readers touched upon just now in his comments that I've been dying to talk about is the return to my favorite October hobby, a little game I like to call, "Look at that wonderful Yankee officiating".  I had forgotten just how much I missed it last season when the Bombers weren't in the playoffs, but thank god it's back now.  In fact, not only is it back, but it looks like the umpires are making up for lost time because of last year.  Let's just take a look at some of the beauties from the post-season thus far:

1. Joe Mauer's blatantly fair ball the LF umpire called foul while watching it land ten feet in front of him.  I'm not saying it would have made a difference in the winner of the series, but it clearly killed all momentum for the Twins in that game.
2. Ruling Erick Aybar's double-play as just one out because he didn't technically touch second base during second base.  To everyone out there who is saying, "but he didn't touch the base!"  Let me tell you something, in baseball when it comes to double-plays there is generally a halo around the base that the players are allowed to operate within the confines of.  It happens all the time over the course of the season, it helps protect players a lot of times, and I will be amazed if I ever see that call again in my life (with the exception of seeing it again for the Yankees in the playoffs -- that won't amaze me).
3. No call or penalty on Mariano's possible "spitball".  Let me just say for the record that I don't think Mariano was throwing spitters.  It did look like he spit in the direction of the ball and pretty damn close to the ball in the video, but I'm actually willing to give him the benefit of the doubt on this one.  It makes no sense for a pitcher who has been so dominant for so long to possibly tarnish his reputation and his legacy for one game in the ALCS where his team already has a 2-0 lead.  However, the MLB certainly brushed it all under the rug quick enough and I can't help but imagine if Brian Fuentes wouldn't be looking at a possible suspension had he been the one doing the spitting.
4. The PA-THETIC call and non-call by Tim McClelland in last night's game.  Both Cano and Posada were clearly not standing on third base and were clearly tagged no more than three feet from where McClelland was standing yet he makes the call that only Posada was out.  I don't have anything more to say about it.  That call was truly disheartening.  McClelland ought to be ashamed of himself.

But hey, that's Yankee post-season baseball for you.  No surprises from where I'm sitting.  Which is why, Steven, the real answer for who I will be cheering for in a Yankees/Phillies World Series will be...no one.  I'll be watching hockey, football, college football, and whatever the hell else I can put on instead of that crap.  I'd rather watch a marathon of Cougartown than watch either of those teams play for a title.

And remember, a vote for me is a vote for NOT killing babies.

-Dave

Noah Gold Hates Terrorism!

Nevermind that MANY of the Yankees are homegrown talent, which is more than many teams (including the Mets...and I'm not counting Daniel Murphy as a "talent"). But Jeter, Cano, Melky, Posada, Rivera the Spitballer, Hughes, Joba, and sort of Pettitte were all brought up through the Yankees system. So spare me the over-the-top stuff. This is a league that allows teams that, oh I don't know, make money and attract fans to spend the money they have to make their team better.

This incessant "the Yankees have a big payroll" argument is about as consistent as gravity.

VOTE FOR ME IF YOU HATE TERRORISM!

-Noah Gold

Here is the ironic part...

Guess who the two biggest Yankee fans will be come a Phillies-Yankees World Series?

 Ladies and gentleman....starting at pitcher for the New York Yankees...DAVIDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD SILVERSTEIN

And catching for the New York Yankees....the brick wall.....JERRRRRRRRRRRRYYYYYYYYYYY SILVERBERG!!!!!!!

(pun intended on the pitching-catching reference)

That, or they will root for both teams to crash their team buses into each other on the way to Game 1....creating a large explosion and cancelling the World Series.

-Steve Lugerner

Clearly Girardi is over-managing

Its clear as day that Joe Girardi is overmanaging in these playoffs. Unfortunately for us Mets fans and Yankee haters, it won't matter at all because his team was bought to be good enough to overcome any managing blunders.

The Yankees have made sure any managing Girardi does is inconsequential as they will glide to their 27th World Championship. Take out a righty after mowing down 2 batters because the guy coming up is 1-3 against him? Sure, why not. Its only 1 game. ARod will just go off next game and nothing will matter.

I think the bigger problem here is the absurdity of what the Yankees are putting on the field. I count 3 LOCK Hall of Famers on this squad, and 2 or 3 more that have a chance if they continue to do what they're doing. They can cover up horrific signings like Kei Igawa and just sign the best 2 pitchers on the market the next year. Whoppidy Do. Yea, it hasn't worked the past couple years, but in the end, the money always wins out.

(I know the Mets have a high payroll and the same can be said about them, but what the Yankees do is just completely over the top)

So is Joe Girardi overmanaging? Of Course, but it will never matter because Cashman made sure to Girardi-proof this team in the offseason anyway

Gold's Response...

And here we are once again. I feel like this same argument creeps in everytime the Yankees do something well. "Their payroll is blah blah blah, they're supposed to blah blah blah."

Alright, well when Johan goes 3-0 to start a postseason for the Mets, with the last win on short rest, I am going to watch Mets fans like a hawk to make sure they don't get excited about it since he is a high paid pitcher that is supposed to be doing that. I mean...what the hell kind of logic is that? A-Roid takes criticism for years about his lack of playoff clutchness, and now he's dominating the entire playoffs, and I'm not allowed to get excited about it? Under that logic, no Yankees, Mets, Cubs, Red Sox, Dodgers, Phillies, or any other big market team's fans can be excited about their players.

It's a meritless attack by a bitter Mets fan who would be acting the same exact way were the shoe to be on the other foot. And, by the way, just because guys get injured doesn't erase the fact that the Mets still have one of highest payrolls in the league. Your attacks on the Yankees payroll were going on when the Yankees were on the hook for guys that were no longer on the team, so it's the same thing.

VOTE FOR ME IF YOU LIKE BREATHING OXYGEN!

-Noah Gold

Lugerner: And the gloves come off...

I'll try and keep this quick...I don't want the readers to witness our domestic dispute:

• A Mets fan is not allowed to cry payroll EVER...just because you have high priced free agents that didn't play this year or didn't play well, Dave, doesn't make you a small market team. If you rooted for the Twins...valid argument. I won’t even go find the Mets FA expenditures the last decade because the list speaks for itself.
• Your hatred for Yankee fans who hate A-Rod blinds you. 1) A-Rod isn't just having a good playoffs...he's having a HISTORICALLY GREAT playoffs. If Posada was doing the same thing...there would be similar attention and applaud from fans, but it’s getting EXTRA attention because A-Rod is a lighting rod for publicity generally. Just because a guy makes $x doesn't mean we can't celebrate his accomplishments on the field because he is "supposed to do that." He's hit 3 game-tying home runs so far this playoffs, two of which when the Yankees were about to lose the game! How can you downplay that?!
• Sacrifice bunting is a part of the game sure. I'm not paying money to go watch the bottom three guys in every National League lineup BUNT every game because they are incapable of hitting a ball out of the infield.
• Finally, a 'three-peat' is when you win something...not once, not twice, but three times! I will use it in a sentence if that explanation wasn’t sufficient:

"Steve is so good at arguing sports, that he has a chance to win the Burner of the Week for the third time in a row, giving him a three-peat. Dave eats babies."

• You look great today honey see you at home!

-Steve Lugerner

*

(I'm gonna go ahead and strike that line about the three-peat.  I didn't realize Steve was making reference to the voting.  I didn't even realize we have voting on the Burner.  I don't waste my time with such trivial matters.  I'm simply here to provide my readers with entertainment.)

-Dave

Well, Steve...

I can say three-peat, although I'm not sure why I would?  Are the Phillies going to win the next two World Series?  I do not think that word means what you think it means.  Although once again, my hat is off to you.  You were "vilified" in saying that a $160 million dollar pitcher would be a difference-maker in the playoffs.  You see folks, this is what I love about Yankee fans.  They act like it's another Yankee miracle whenever a $200 million dollar player plays well.  Everyone can't stop talking about how amazing A-Rod has been this year in the playoffs, when the truth is, A-Rod is supposed to be this great.  He's one of the greatest players of all-time.  The fact that he wasn't hitting in the playoffs was troubling.  The fact that he's now hitting in the playoffs should be expected.

And yeah, actually I would rather have Wainwright and Carpenter than CC and Burnett.  First of all, I can't believe you'd try to talk up a pitcher that you then referred to as having "classic blow-ups" two sentences later.  Second, the Cardinals lost and got swept, it happens.  It was surprising, but it happens.  However, I'm pretty sure Carpenter and Wainwright both have 1 more World Series title than CC or AJ currently have.  And before you talk about Carpenter's pitching in the NLDS, let me remind you that CC had an era over 12 last year in the playoffs and Carpenter tossed an 8 inning shutout in Game 3 of the 2006 World Series.

I tried to approach this topic from a rational standpoint, but of course, once a Yankee fan gets a hold of it stupidity wins in straight sets.  I hope Joe Girardi's over-managing leads to a World Series blow up of epic proportions because clearly in the American League with a team of contracts totaling over 1 BILLION DOLLARS it's ALLLLLLL about the manager and his skills.  (And before you bring up the Mets salaries tell me how much of that payroll actually played this year.)

Also, for the record, I'll have you know that the most respected and celebrated play in baseball in Japan isn't the home run, it's the sacrifice bunt.  The act of giving one self up for the good of the team is the most honorable thing a player can do.  That's just a little culture for all you BingBong followers out there.  The American League is such a joke I'm pretty sure in the coming year managers will be able to Tweet their roster moves from home before the game even starts.

"Insert CC Sabathia 4 8 innings --> put in MO --> game over we win, lol.  Boy the Royals suck, OMG ROTFL!!!"

-Dave

Lugerner: You meat a person...you put meet on a sandwich

Look call it a popularity contest, I think the readers just like that I bring the meet week after week. Telling it like it is. A vote for Lugerner is a vote for 'Common sense and a guy in a wheelchair.'

I want to point out one other amazing move made by Girardi this year. When Jeff Alexander and I were fortunate enough to meat Girardi before opening day...

Jeff asked: So Joe, really going to bat Jeter ahead of Damon this year?
Girardi: That's the plan, we will see

And we did see...Jeter turned in an MVP like year, and Damon belted 20+ HRs from the two-spot. It is clear regarding Aceves/Robertson-Gate in Game 3, Girardi wanted to go with someone with more breaking pitches against a superb fastball hitter in Howie Kendrick. I personally think he should have left Robertson in, if only to preserve Aceves to pitch if the game were to continue.

But, if there is one thing I respect/love about Girardi...is he will play for the moment and worry about the next inning when the next inning comes along. This is something Mike Scioscia didn't do in Game 3, by not pinch running for Mathis on 3rd with no outs. Why would you carry three catchers on your playoff roster if you don't pinch run for him there? Granted, Mathis has solid speed for a catcher, but Reggie Willits might have scored on the FIRST grounder hit to Teixiera in that inning...and the game would have ended there.

That to me was the worst decision in the game....not Roberson-Aceves.

Earlier reference:
[Kramer and Morty are running for Condo President]
Elaine: Who are they running against?
Jerry: Common sense and a guy in a wheelchair.

-Steve Lugerner

Burner of the Week: Noah Gold's Response...

First off...the voting on the "Burner" is completely without merit and is a gosh darn popularity contest...which makes it all the more horrifying that Steve, who doesn't know the difference between "meat" and "meet," is winning each week.

ANYWAY, baseball, ESPECIALLY in New York, is a "what have you done for me lately" business. And "lately" in baseball is pretty much a day-by-day basis. Sure, if we were doing this yesterday morning instead of today, I'd probably stretch out my chest and demand Girardi be more accountable for not keeping David Robertson in Game 3.

But as was touched on earlier, Girardi's decision to start Carston Charles on three day's rest in Game 4 turned out to change the series around. And after watching the clinic Sabathia put on last night, I cannot attack Girardi's decisions. They won't always be right...but if they're right more often than not, then you're doing something right.

That said, my one request for tonight is for Girardi to DH Posada instead of Matsui. Matsui looks about 71 years old out there and the inexplicably NOT Italian third catcher Francisco Cervelli is on the roster. Posada, even though he can't run the bases, is hitting. Matsui isn't. DH Posada, use Matsui off the bench, and call it a day.

VOTE FOR ME IF YOU LIKE COOKIES.

Two-Time Reigning Burner Champion: 6-1 in the Playoffs Speaks for Itself

Before I get to my shpeel...in response to Dave:

• Don't sleep on Billy Heyward. He was well ahead of his time and brought some set plays to baseball I didn't think were possible…a managerial innovator.
• It's funny, when the Mets play...it sometimes feels like the pitchers is batting 6-7 times with that lineup.
• I guess real baseball is going to the ball park to watch National League teams sacrifice bunt 10 times a game...maybe in the old days when you had truly two-way hitter/pitcher players this made sense...BECAUSE THEY WOULD ACTUALLY SWING…but the game has changed and National League ball is just downright boring and outdated.

On to the question at hand:
Look every manager has their own style. Girardi happens to be of the micromanager variety. On occasion the media is going to have a field day because he makes so many decisions (and remember he came from the National League, which is requires more lineup changes in game). All he is doing with the pitching changes is creating the best matchup to get outs. In Game 2 of the ALCS, his use of the bullpen in my opinion was masterful. His use of Rivera the entire playoffs (although, anyone's use of Rivera is going to be good) has been spot on. He is using him like an old time reliever, where you brought in your best relief pitcher to face the toughest late inning situation, not just when there is a 1, 2 or 3 run lead in the 9th. Rivera doesn't need his stats padded like K-Rod.
Finally, lets look at some of Joe’s decisions: Girardi made the decision to go with a 3-man rotation in the ALCS, and CC last night turned in one of the best performances EVER on 3-days rest. Might I point out, that I was vilified on this very blog for suggesting CC would be one of the difference makers this post season and he is now 3-0 in the playoffs.

Dave- Would you still want Wainwright and Carpenter over CC and Burnett? How’s that working out so far?

Girardi has gone with Molina over Posada when Burnett pitches, and Burnett has stayed away from one of his classic blow ups. So we can sit here and over-analyze why he went with Aceves vs. Robertson in an extra inning ball game, or look at the fact the Yankees are one game away from the World Series and a BIG PART OF IT is because of Girardi's managing.

Can you say three-peat fellas?

-Steve Lugerner

Silverstein's Burner Response

When Billy Haywood was contemplating taking over as the manager of the Minnesota Twins, one of his close friends said it best, "It's the American League.  They have the DH.  How hard can it be?" and I couldn't agree more with him.  As a Mets fan I am therefore a fan of the National League (or "real baseball") as well as a masochist.  The latter has little to do with this article, just a byproduct of being a Mets fan, but I do think Girardi might be getting a little too cutesy here.  Personally I think Girardi is a great manager who really knows and understands the game, but he might just be getting ahead of himself a little bit too much.  I know he hasn't really commented or given any reasons for his late-inning pitching change in Game 3, but I really couldn't understand it.

Taking out a righty pitcher with little experience against the upcoming batters to put in another righty pitcher who has little experience against the upcoming batters...it really had me scratching my head.  I think it was the first time I've ever agreed with Joe Buck and Tim McCarver (and I felt like a cheap whore after I did).  It seemed like a suspect move, but I have no doubts Girardi had good reason for it and it was just a move that didn't work out.

I do think he might be over-managing a little bit though, but there's one major reason why he can afford to.  Take a look at Games 1 and 4 and Games 2 and 3 and tell me what the difference is.  That's right -- CC Sabathia.  He's a 6'7" 300lb. horse who's tossed eight innings in each of his starts in this ALCS.  With a reliable arm like that, it allows Girardi to put a rotating door in his bullpen during CC's off games.

So do I think he's over-managing?  Yes.  Do I think it's going to get him into trouble?  Probably not.  Because let's keep in mind that whether he's over-managing or under-managing, he's doing what matters most in the playoffs: winning.

-Dave

Burner of the Week

"In Game 2 and Game 3 of the ALCS Joe Girardi has used a total of 16 pitchers and really seems to be over-thinking some moves out there and made one move specifically that cost the Yankees Game 3. Do you think maybe Girardi is trying too hard and do you think it might end up blowing up in his face?" --Manny, Los Angeles

Excellent question, Manny, and thanks for chiming in this week. So there you have it, BingBongers: do you think Joe Girardi has been OVER-managing so far in the playoffs and is it going to end up costing him?

Lugie's List 10/19: The Weekend in Sports and Everything Else

Time to get BingBong out of the kiddy pool and start making moves. Lugie’s List entering its new time slot Monday morning.

1. What a strange 13-inning marathon the Yankees-Angels turned in for Game 2 of the ALCS. I was there in the flesh, which I think is still thawing out. Some thoughts from the game:

• I think Joe Girardi did a masterful job with the bullpen and bench during the game (beside letting Freddy Guzman hit in the 11th - the guy suffers from Gerald Laird Disease, which for those who don’t know means he couldn’t hit himself in the face with a bat, let alone get a hit a baseball in the majors).
• Goes without saying, but that the Angels lineup is just scary in a close game. They put so much pressure on you when they need to play for one run. The game after the 6th turned into a 7-inning long panic attack.
• Finally, WHAT A GAME! CLUTCH-ROD?! Didn’t think I’d ever type that in my life without it being incredible sarcastic.

2. Struck out badly on the Giants this weekend. The Giants couldn’t stop the Brees passing attack and looked very exposed on defense. In more important news, reader Sam Abramson came up with potentially the best/worst nickname of all time had Hakeem Nicks selected No. 11.

Sam: here's one you need to use Hakeem Nicks is no. 88
if he'd been no. 11, he could've been H1N1 [virus name for Swine Flu]
best nickname in sports
was thinking about it the other day in the shower, where all my ideas come to me

3. I think everyone in the gambling community is puking this morning looking at the fact Jamarcus Russell was 17/28 and had only 2 picks vs. the Eagles…NOW YOU DECIDE TO HAVE A NON-APOCALYPTIC GAME?! Speaking of which, I blame the SportsGuy for mushing the 3-team teaser/heavy favorite run everyone was on. Vegas won big this weekend on the NFL.

4. My favorite stat of the week courtesy of Eric J. Teasdale from the first half of Patriots-Titans: Kerry Collins QB rating 0.0, Brady 158.3. I think the Pats got their MOJO back.

5. You know…maybe I’m the minority…but I kind of like this Jim Zorn fella. Re: Redskins-Chiefs Sunday...please see link at end of blog. That’s all I’m going to say on that.

6. After watching Texas and Colt McCoy struggle vs. a Bradford-less Oklahoma Sooners team, I really hope Texas doesn’t make the national championship game. Otherwise, the game is going to stink because they are not beating anyone out of the SEC.

7. Not that it mattered, but Rex Ryan challenging for 6 yards and losing a timeout with 3:40ish left in the 4th was one of the worst challenges I’ve ever seen. Ironically this happened right after reading this status message from a friend: “you're not a genius, Rex Ryan. you're fat.” If I’m a Jets fan this morning, I’m irishing up my coffee after that awful loss at home to the Bills (or if you had the Jets in a 3-team teaser...which is 90% of the people who placed a bet on the NFL this weekend. FML).

8. Is taking an Imodium with your Monday morning coffee the legal equivalent to doing coke while drinking? Uppers and downers? These are the things I think about on a daily basis. Please send help.

9. I’m a Dunkin coffee man myself, but snagged coffee yesterday at Starbucks on the way home, and it will be my last time making this mistake:

Me: I’ll have a large ice coffee little skim milk no sugar please
Woman (literally yelling to person right next to her): Can I get a Venti Ice Mocca Classico light on the skim

I’m not saying I didn’t understand what she said…but when my very simple order has to be repeated in Staurbucks-ian…I’ll take my business elsewhere.

10. Sunday Night TV Ratings: Californication A; Dexter A+; Curb Your Enthusiasm A+; Bored to Death D- (it gets one more week before I nix it from the lineup, it just isn’t that funny)

Link for #5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onRbNsxRBVQ&feature=related

Week 6 Recap

I'm sorry.  I don't mean to step all over Noah and BingBong's first-ever live blog, (although let's hear it for him folks, he did a hell of a job), but I am just too excited over my Packers HUGE win over the Stafford-less and Calvin Johnson-less Detroit Lions.  26-0???  Can you say championship?  (Because I can say I told you so.)  All kidding aside, I'm glad we got the win obviously, but there is certainly still cause for concern.  Sure our defense looked great, but our o-line still gave up 5 SACKS.  Count 'em.  1-2-3-4-5.  As in five times the amount of wins the Lions have collected in their last 22 games.  But hey, welcome back Chad Clifton!  Although it was great seeing an actual football player at left tackle, (instead of Darryn Colledge), Clifton was flagged for three false starts in the first half alone.  Call me an asshole, but I don't think Muhammad Ali would get called for three false starts in a game let alone a half.  Ridiculous...but a win is still a win, so I guess I'm happy.

Some quick notes from the around the league this week:

-So far I'm sitting at a sweet 3-2 record for my Quick Picks from Friday with the Broncos still to go.  Although in fairness, I would be 4-1 if it weren't for Steven Hauschka -- (why don't you try reading the rules, Shankapotamus).

-I'm thrilled that Tom Brady carved up an 0-6 team with the worst pass defense in the league so that I won't be able to watch a single sports talkshow all week without having to hear how he must be "TOTALLY BACK!"

-One more note from that game...class act by Belichick marching his starting qb back out onto the field in the 2nd half already up 45-0.  Class, class, class.

-Note: Jay Cutler has asked the Bears to cancel all Sunday night games for the rest of his career.

-I also hope everyone enjoyed this week's episode of my favorite new show: "There's My Forte!"  15 carries for 23 yards for a whopping 1.5 ypc. -- STUD.

-I don't even know what the hell happened to the Eagles today, but the good news is that it was about 80 degrees in Oakland and they showed Al Davis in the owner's box with a blanket over his legs, so I guess death can't be far off now.

That's really all I got.  I'll leave the Jets, Skins, and Giants to the Jets, Skins, and Giants fans naturally (although I'm not sure Noah has much left to say without vomiting).  I would however like to sincerely apologize to all the NYG fans.  I know I talked about not seeing the "Eli face" this season on Friday and then there it was centerstage today.  I jinxed him and I'm truly sorry.

-Dave

(Oh and I know you're all dying to know that I won my two real money fantasy match-ups by an average margin of 50 pts. today and up 1.5 pts. in my third league -- with a guaranteed victory already -- I will be enforcing a "Rex Grossman Benching" to ensure the win.  It's one of those $20 "my friend wouldn't leave me alone until I signed up for it even though the prize money is barely worth it to an unemployed writer like myself" leagues, but like I said up top, a win is a win.)

LIVE BLOG: Giants at Saints at the SuperDome

Happy Sunday everyone! Since it was a quiet week for the best-looking member of BingBong, I decided to live blog today's marquee matchup between your New York Football Giants and the Nawlins Saints. And no...Sports Guy did not invent live blogging.

12:50: Enjoying a completely healthy bacon egg and cheese from Jersey Boy Bagels. Sitting here at 99 Village Drive in Morristown in my usual loveseat spot with Tino on my left. NOTE: Tino and I both attending Super Bowl XLII and saw the Giants beat the Patriots. NBD. Approximate amount of man-hugs exchanged that night: 4,291.

12:53: Let me be clear right now. New York sports is going wayyyy too swimmingly right now so I'm awaiting something catastrophic that will derail everything. Just wanted to put that in writing so I look good when Eli's foot falls off later today.

12:56: Fellow member of the esteemed 2001 Newark Academy Varsity Golf Team (Timmy Rawding) just arrived. Sure you don't know any of these people. But it's exciting over here.

12:57: Ditka is 70? Yikes. And Mort has no idea how to spark a lighter. Meanwhile, Cris Carter snapped it away and lit it like he was lighting...not candles. Just saying. And the third member of the 99 Village team is here. He scored 1,000 points and notched 100 hits at Newark Academy. He wears a lot of pairs of shorts and he's a loud eater. Please welcome...Brad Greeeeeeeeenman!

1:00: Pretty amazing how a white guy like Brees can pull off the way he pumps up his team. But it works. And now I'm pumped.

1:01: Tim just told me Yankee favorite Ronan Tynan was fired for being anti-semitic. Not sure whether my Judaism is stronger than my love for Tynan's long-winded version of "God Bless America." Call it even.

1:02: And Tynes kicks it wayyyy short. We are under way.

1:05: No Joe Buck today. (silently nodding)

1:06: Shockey's first catch and he didn't fumble. Minor trash talking afterwards and no penalty. Perhaps this is a NEWWWW Jeremy Shockey.

1:08: Drew Brees has a LOT of time behind that o-line.

1:14: And Mike Bell skies over the entire Giants d-line on 4th down for the game's first touchdown. This is going to be a track meet.

1:16: Had no idea Favre was still playing. Weird.

1:18: I defy anyone to watch any highlight of Visanthe Shiancoe without thinking about his manhood.

1:20: Kevin Boss drops a nice ball by Eli. Shockey not so secretly loves it. I hate him.

1:23: Feagles punts it away. Tino: "I feel like we're down 20 already."

1:24: Favre just threw for his second TD pass to Berrian who was wiiiiiiiiiiiide open. Harvin got away with a massive pick on the d-backs, which has been given the name "The Toomer."

1:27: Brees is absolutely picking apart the Giants D.

1:29: Touchdown to Colston that will get overruled because his elbow was down at the 1. Whip cream on poop.

1:31: Touchdown reversed. Not even a fist pump in 99 Village. In for a long one.

1:33: Well that's why I would've just taken the touchdown to Colston. Touchdown Shockey. Head exploding. 14-0 Saints.

1:35: Very nice return in Hixon's return to the Giants. He did, however, get tackled by the kicker at midfield. Which is...just really embarrassing.

1:40: Eli juuuuuust overthrows (the better) Steve Smith for what would've been a sure TD. Tynes on for a 49 yarder.

1:42: Alright Tynes pures it. 14-3 Saints. I'll trade Saints TD's for Giants FG's all day?

1:47: Sign that I'm losing faith in the Giants today: we all just got so excited that the Knicks are hosting Maccabi Tel Aviv at MSG today. And they're hanging in! Somewhere, Omri Casspi is smiling.

1:49: Another catch by Shockey. And they've all been big gains. Vomit.

1:50: Touchdown Robert Meachem. You are seeing why CC Brown is a reserve player. Get well soon Kenny Phillips.

1:51: Tino just changed out of his usual Brandon Jacobs jersey. And in comes Justin Tuck's #91.

1:58: The Coors Light commercial with Ditka and Billick is the greatest commercial ever. "Ohhh MICHAEL!" On the other hand, the new ones with Romeo Crennel are beyond unfunny. I can see why the Browns fired him.

2:01: Ahmad Bradshaw is the best Giants running back over the first 5+ games.

2:02: Helmet-to-helmet on Eli negates the 875th pick 6 for Darren Sharper against Eli Manning. Shockingly, Shockey thinks it's a bad call.

2:04: How is a guy built like Brandon Jacobs so easily injured? I know he likes contact, but jeez.

2:05: TD AHMAD BRADSHAW! Weeeeeeeee! 20-10 Saints, and there is a pulse at 99 Village.

2:08: Still giggle when I hear Bush's name. I'm 4.

2:12: I think Troy Aikman is a great analyst. However, I still can't stand when he does Giants games. Nothing, however, compares to Joe Buck's call on the Helmet Catch in Super Bowl XLII. Never heard a more exasperated, unexcited call of a play of that much importance. Good thing I was there so I didn't hear it live (YEAH!).

2:16: Nate Robinson just commented about how many Jews are at MSG for the Maccabi Tel Aviv-Knicks game. The apartment just burst out in laughter.

2:18: Another big return by Hixon.

2:22: MANNING TO MANNINGHAM! Wow, Sharper almost took #876 to the house. 27-17! Let's...GO.

2:25: The Saints simply don't give me enough time to live blog them. Jesus.

2:27: Already discussing dinner plans at 99 Village. Another bad sign.

2:31: 4th and goal for the Saints...and STOPPED. WOW! And an unsportsmanlike penalty puts the Giants to the 15 instead of the 1 inch line.

2:34: Predictable booth review on the 4th down play. No angle shows he was in. And Ed Hochuli, who needs to be tested for PED's, just confirmed the play stands.

2:36: CHAOS: Boss misses his assignment...Eli gets popped by Harper...Eli fumbles...Saints recover...then fumble...then Boss recovers in the Giants endzone. Ball ruled down by contact in the Saints possession. Booth review. I have an ulcer.

2:41: Call stands. Saints ball inside the 10. Yikes.

2:42: And Reggie Bush walks in untouched to make it 34-17. What a turn of events.

2:45: Halftime in Nawlins. Time to watch the premiere game of the day: MACCABI TEL AVIV!

2:52: Why does MJD suck so much? (4:44 UPDATE: He must've heard me. He ended up with 3 TD's.)

2:53: Rabbi Grossman sung at halftime of the Maccabi Tel Aviv-Knicks game! I don't know who that is, but I'm excited!

2:54: Uhh the Maccabi coach got his second technical and was going to get tossed but they talked it out and the coach is going to remain. And we can't negotiate peace talks in the Middle East?

2:56: Scratch that. He has been tossed. And got a huge ovation from the very much pro-Maccabi crowd.

2:57: Apparently the Maccabi coach is the Israeli Bobby Knight. Got nothing.

3:00: 3 and out for the Giants to start the 2nd half. Pretty much ideal.

3:06: Daniel M. Fleeter wrote: "No mention of Jason Campbell's benching in your diary." I apologize, but I don't comment on teams that don't score touchdowns against the Rams AND Chiefs. (4:45 UPDATE: Redskins lost to the Chiefs 14-6, and Jim Zorn has a bag packed.)

3:12: Another Eli pick. Welcome back Eli face!

3:15: Wow. Eli completely tore apart Bradshaw for not correctly picking up the blitz on the interception. Never seen him that demonstrative. I'm as fired up about a 34-17 deficit as I could be.

3:18: Brees forced to use a timeout. GIANTS FOOTBALL!

3:22: Saints convert 3rd and 17 after both Tino and I urged the Giants to blitz and they didn't. Wish the Yanks played today?

3:24: Touchdown to Colston. 41-17. Let's go Maccabi Tel Aviv/Yankees/Rangers!

3:27: Tino is playing "Underneath the Moonlight (Do Me)" on loop. If you don't watch "Modern Family," you need to start. Or at least check out that music video on ABC's website. Great show.

3:32: Mentally checked out. Pumped for Curb tonight. I heart Sundays.

3:35: 3 quarters complete. Still 41-17 Saints.

3:41: This game is taking forever. So I'll take this opportunity to rank my new favorite shows this season: 1. Modern Family (very much in the "Arrested Development" mode with a little "Office" mixed in), 2. Community (hasn't been as good lately as its pilot...but I'm sticking with it), 3. FlashForward (I had high hopes for this show and it hasn't quite delivered for me yet...but they'll have me for at least the season).

3:47: Giants knocking on the door to cut it to 41-24. C'MON!

3:49: Boy Jacobs just made an incredible catch in the endzone but it got called back.

3:53: Tynes FG cuts it to the all-important 21-point deficit. Here...we...go.

3:57: Made the executive decision to switch over to Ravens-Vikings. Ray Rice FTW!

4:01: I am a genius!! Ray Rice scampers for the go-ahead TD in Minnesota. Wow.

4:03: Chris Berman is probably sitting in Bristol in his boxers right now as Favre jogs onto the field down 1 with 3:37 to go.

4:05: Right on cue. Favre slings it to Sidney Rice on the second play of the drive and Rice catches it even with PI. More vomit. With the Giants getting trounced and Favre leading another comeback, any chance of watching ESPN the next few days just flew out the window.

4:06: During a Giants challenge of a long Meachem catch, Tino and I were dissecting it for minutes then both realized that we could care less.

4:09: 48-20 Saints. No idea how it happened. Don't care.

4:11: Eli's still in down 28 with 7 minutes to go. Alright.

4:12: Ugh we're going to lose coverage of this fantastic Ravens-Vikings game because the Jets-Bills game is about to start.

4:14: Final line for Brees: 369 yards, 4 TD's.

4:18: Carr to Nicks! 37-yard TD to cut it to 48-27.

4:24: Mark Sanchez looks very uncomfortable in the cold. His good looks are melting.

4:26: I'm waving the white flag. Watching the Saints offense has made me completely exhausted. But thanks for checking out the first ever BingBong live blog. In the near future...the moment I know you all have been waiting for: the breakdown of The OC v. GG with the help of Jerry Silverberg.