by Michael Scully
So as the baseball season winds down I’d like to take a look back at some of my predictions:
1- The New York Yankees finish at best 3rd
This was based on the Yankees being and old team and injuries occurring with the fact that both the Jays and Orioles were improving my initial view was: Rays, Red Sox, Orioles, Yankees, Jays. Unfortunately for my prediction, the Red Sox were unable to unite under Bobby V. However, the Rays are not yet eliminated from making this prediction true.
2- The Phillies finish at best 3rd
Again, old team waiting for injuries and for most of the season were in the cellar of the NLEast. My initial thinking was Braves, Nats, Marlins, Phils, Mets. With the Nationals and Braves 11+ games up, I’ll consider this a win.
3- Angels do not make the playoffs
This was chalked up more as a Cardinals fan being bitter, but I felt the team was missing something. Looking at the team now, they’re missing a spark. A David Eckstein if you will, to rally around. The Dodgers seem to have the same problem, but they have Josh Beckett, so by season end they might prefer some brews on the links.
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My prediction this year was the same prediction I make every year. “The Pittsburgh Pirates will win the National League pennant.” So far I have been wrong every year but when it does finally happen, I will look like a genius. Right now I am just praying to see eight more wins.
Eight wins. That’s all my beloved Pittsburgh Pirates need to avoid a 20th consecutive losing season. Ever since Sid Bream slid across home plate in the 1992 NLCS, the Bucco faithful have not seen their team win 82 games. 1992! In 1992 gas cost $1.05 per gallon, Bill Clinton was getting settled into the White House and people were pumped to watch new movies like Aladdin on VHS (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kl4hJ4j48s). I personally can not remember the last time the Pirates were considered “winners.” Last year the black and gold boys of summer got off to a hot start, only to collapse after the all-star break to secure losing season number 19. This year the Pirates got themselves to 16 games over .500. They couldn’t possibly collapse again this year, right? Actually they could. The Bucs currently sit at 74-74 after the worst slide since Kelly Shoppach (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d__85iTBMBM&feature=related). It’s 2012, gas is pushing $4 a gallon, and the lack of new movie ideas has forced theaters to play old flicks in 3D, but the Pirates are still losing. So if you need something to cheer for other than your favorite competitive ball team, cheer for the Pirates to get just eight more wins.