Fearless Forecast for week of 9/20/09
By: Kevin Dunleavy and James Irwin
Washington Examiner
September 20, 2009
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| Dolphins QB Chad Pennington (Getty Images) |
EVENTS TO WATCH
MLB » Dodgers at Nationals, Thursday, 7:05 p.m., MASN HD
Nats have an outside shot at continuing a dubious streak. Each of last two seasons the Phillies have clinched an NL East division title vs. Washington. Even with nine games left after leaving the District, Joe Torre’s Dodgers could also be in position to clinch N.L. West by the series finale.
NFL » Giants at Cowboys, Sunday, 8 p.m., NBC
Lots of big story lines in Big D, but the biggest is the coming out party for new Cowboys Stadium. It’s so big it could have its own zip code. We also hear it has a pretty nice television set.
NCAA men’s soccer » North Carolina at Maryland, Friday, 8 p.m., Fox Soccer Channel
Although the rematch of last year’s NCAA final will be nationally televised, trade it in for the atmosphere at Ludwig Field, which has become one of the best places in the country to watch college soccer. The Terps’ recently set attendance record (6,718 vs. UCLA) should be under threat with the Tar Heels in town.
NCAA football » Miami at Virginia Tech, Saturday, 3:30 p.m., ABC
Consecutive wins over top-20 teams, have catapulted Miami (2-0) into the national spotlight. Is “The U” back? With a win in Blacksburg, it will be official. The defense of defending ACC champion Tech was shredded by Alabama in week one. Can QB Jacory Harris do the same?
BOLD PREDICTIONS
1. The Yankees will win the World Series » There are about a dozen reasons why we shouldn’t print this. New York’s starting rotation — arguably the hottest in baseball a month ago — has cooled considerably. Andy Pettitte was scratched from his start last week. A.J. Burnett simply cannot be trusted. Joba Chamberlain is back on training wheels. And ace lefty CC Sabathia has (yikes!) a 7.92 career postseason ERA. History also is against them. Only one team since 1956 has won a World Series with a shortstop 34 or older (Derek Jeter turned 35 in June). But here’s why none of that matters: The Yankees have the most balanced, patient lineup in the American League. Jeter, in what should be the beginning of his decline, is playing like he’s 25, not 35. And the Bombers, with David Robertson, Phil Hughes and Mariano Rivera, have three flamethrowers lurking in the back-end of their bullpen. If the Yanks can get their rotation in order, they will not be stopped.
2. Fins to the left, fins to the right » If you aren’t sick of Jimmy Buffett’s shtick, wait until Monday night. ESPN’s match-up between Indianapolis and Miami will be a virtual Buffett buffet, as the Dolphins host their first game at Land Shark Stadium (formerly Joe Robbie and Pro Player). Buffett, in business with the Dolphins, has secured the stadium’s naming rights to promote his latest venture, Land Shark Lager (don’t get too excited — it’s manufactured by Anheuser-Busch). And if that’s not enough, the Dolphins have promised an enhanced fan experience with “Margaritaville and Land Shark themes to permeate the stadium.” Buffett has also put new lyrics to his underplayed hit, “Fins,” which has been “written expressly for the team and all Dolphin fans in South Florida.” So you may have to keep your trigger finger on the remote Monday night, but don’t forget to come back and watch the Dolphins upset the Colts and new coach Jim Caldwell.
3. NBA referees will be locked out through the preseason » The NBA and its referees ended the week at what appeared to be a significant impasse in negotiations for new labor deal, and let’s be clear: this is a lose-lose situation no matter who believes they might be the good guy. Referees are despised more in the NBA than they are in any other sport, and for good reason, but the NBA needs to tread very lightly in an economy where its product is already facing serious cutbacks in some cities. The last thing anyone needs is for officiating to deteriorate even more, which it would should NBDL, WNBA and NCAA referees be used. When replacements are used throughout most of October, the shocking nature of their performance will spark both sides back to the table, where they’ll finally put aside personal squabbles to hammer out a deal. Officiating will then return to normal — no better to the naked eye than it was before.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Cole Hamels • Philadelphia Phillies • SP
For much of the season, Hamels has been down and injured. His numbers thus far — 10-9, 4.07 ERA — are good, but not great and can’t be quantified as ace-like statistics. However, don’t be fooled. The Cole Train has started to heat up down the stretch, going 3-1 in September with a 1.82 ERA and 31 Ks in 29 2/3 innings — including a 10 strikeout performance against the Nats on Thursday. This should make the playoff field very wary as his career postseason numbers are: 4-1, 2.16 ERA in 41 2/3 innings with 37 Ks. The Phillies were cautious with their former All-Star early in the season and with help from three more 10-game winners (Jamie Moyer, J.A. Happ and Joe Blanton) and new acquisitions Cliff Lee and Pedro Martinez, the team will basically be on cruise control until October. Philadelphia has positioned themselves for a repeat of their 2008 World Series championship, and Hamels will once again be the leading force in a very strong starting rotation.
FIVE UP & FIVE DOWN
UP
1. Miami Hurricanes » ACC needs Miami back on national stage. Already 2-0 with games vs. Virginia Tech, Oklahoma looming.
2. Minnesota Twins » Refuse to die in the AL Central even after losing slugger Justin Morneau for season.
3. Troy Tulowitzki » Homered twice in series vs. Giants to keep Rockies on top in NL wild-card race.
4. Dany Heatley » Ottawa star turned down trade to Edmonton. Ends up with Stanley Cup contender San Jose, instead.
5. Shaun Hill » Former Terp led 49ers to upset of Arizona with 18 completions, a TD and no turnovers.
DOWN
1. Gilbert Arenas » Can’t say you’re going to become more serious presence in locker room yet blame Wizards for injuries.
2. Chipper Jones » Back problems have Braves star near end. Average has dropped 95 points since last season’s .364.
3. Aaron Crow » ’08 Nats draftee finally signed with Royals for $3 million and a bonus. Worth missing two years?
4. NBA » Your real referees are shady enough. Will using scabs during a lockout help league’s image?
5. Charles Rogers » Noted NFL draft bust charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated and no valid license.
