Rally Saturday

[OrieGirl]

Evening Friends! Welcome to the first UTK Post-Season Saturday Showcase. Try saying that five times fast. If you’re new to UTK, glad to have you with us. And hey, if you’re not new to UTK, I’m glad to have you too and happy that you’re still reading. In the words of Pink, “Let’s Get This Party Started!”

So, what are we thinking of the post-season so far? The Yankees are now gone. Buh-Bye! I am simply amazed by the Angels at the moment. Before the post-season began, I will admit that I never paid much attention to their team. I’m really not a “true” fan of any of the American League teams. So, I don’t give them much thought except when I’m reporting about them. I’ve been loving them in the post-season though. They got out their rally monkeys and made miracles happen!

I’m quite disappointed though that the D-Backs did not manage to take their series to at least four games. I never like to see a sweep in the post-season. If you make it that far, you should at least be able to win one game in my opinion. I am impressed (not something I normally say in regards to the Cards) that the Cardinals have been holding it together so well through all the hard times and injuries they’ve had this season. Will they make it to the Series? That still remains to be seen. We’ve got plenty of good games left unplayed.

And how about those Twins? They’re taking the series to five games. Eric Milton came out with guns blazing on the mound. The A’s did manage to score first, but it didn’t take the Twins long to take charge. What do you have to say now Bud? The Braves also won today and take the lead over the Giants in their series. Excuse me while I say, “Yeah Baby!” in regards to that. Greg Maddux who is no stranger to post-season play lasted six innings and did it quite well in my opinion. The next game for all of these teams will prove to be quite interesting and hopefully entertaining.

Let’s do some trivia folks! I loved last week’s question not only because it referred to the Cubs, but because it was an amusing question. To refresh your memory, the question was How many times did the Cubs lead the league in double plays turned during the Tinker-Evers-Chance era? I got a lot of different answers to this question because it is always assumed that they lead several times. Wrong. The correct answer is actually zero times. Yes, this trio is made out to be amazing in stories and lyrics, but they never one lead the league. They were a very effective group of players though and did their jobs well. Congrats to reader, Tim Stuart for answering correctly first. Nice job!!

This week’s question may be an easier one, but after tonight’s games I find it fitting to ask. Who is the greatest Yankee Killer of all time? Best lifetime winning percentage against the Yanks, minimum 15 decisions? Thanks to reader, Tom Battiato for offering me this question. If you think you know the answer, feel free to email me. If you email Will, he probably won’t know it. Good Luck!

And on to injury news…

We’ll start with the Cardinals. Everyone has been concerned about Andy Benes , but he only gave up three runs in 4 2/3 innings tonight. He got out of the first inning cleanly and I think that gave him and the team more confidence. Heck, he even brought in the go-ahead run on a bunt. What about Scott Rolen ? If the Cardinals do make it to the Series, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Rolen return for that. The injury doesn’t appear to be as damaging as they had thought, but they also know to be cautious. The Cards certainly want a chance at that ring, but they also have to think about the future. I wouldn’t expect to see him in this next set of games unless they find themselves in a serious pinch.

In other injury news, Eric Karros literally went under the knife yesterday. Karros had surgery to remove scar tissue from his left shoulder. The injury appears to be less severe then they had once thought. That’s good news for Karros and the Dodgers. He’ll have time to rest in the off-season and is hopeful for a great comeback season in 2003.

Earlier this week, Sean Burroughs of the Padres also underwent surgery on a shoulder injury. He had a slight tear in the labrum and rotator cuff of his right shoulder. Todd Hutcheson, Padres Trainer, reports that it looks very good for Sean. He should have no problems with his recovery and be ready for spring training.

That’s it for me tonight folks. Will, of course, returns tomorrow with another fabulous UTK Post-Season report. Enjoy the games and stay tuned to UTK for all your injury needs!

Rachael A. Reid, The UTK Rally Rabbit (I refuse to be a monkey!)