Giants defeat the Phillies ~ NLCS Game 1, Cody Ross was the hero

In every game there must be a winner and a loser.  I was more than excited to score a front row ticket to the pitching duel between San Francisco Giants, Tim Lincecum, and Philadelphia Phillies, Roy Halladay.  That's right...  NLCS, Game 1...  A Saturday night...  You read it correctly, FRONT ROW!!!  My seat was right behind the Giants dugout, and I couldn't wait to watch The Freak battle Doc Halladay.

From my seat, I was in a great spot to cheer on the San Francisco Giants, but I was disguised in my Philadelphia Phillies hat.  Don't get me wrong, I really don't have a preference in the National League between the Phillies and the Giants.  However, I made it out to AT&T Park this year and really enjoyed that ballpark.  I'm not really a Phillies fan, but I like Charlie Manuel.  I remember him from his days in Cleveland when he was managing the Indians.  I met him briefly years ago and he seems like a good-hearted man with a comedic touch.  I recently saw a clip of his post-game press conference when he was reacting to Halladay's no-hitter.  He made reference to it being a "good managing"...  It made me laugh.

In a game that I anticipated to have more defense than offense, I was quite surprised by the drama in the game.  Cody Ross is a name I didn't even know, but the man had 2 home runs!  That's right, 2 home runs and both were the the left.  Have you seen this guy?  I'm definitely paying attention now.  He was the star of the game.

This game was another good one, and I'm definitely glad that I went to it.  The ALCS game 1 had a 8th inning, Yankee rally that made things interesting.  I eagerly anticipated the NLCS game 1 match-up since it promised pitching drama.  I have to admit though, that I'm a Pablo Sandoval fan, and was bummed that the Panda didn't play.  I've never met the man, but I find him to be likable.  I had a great seat and was looking forward to seeing him do something exciting.

If you want a game re-cap or a boxs core, check ESPN.  I really don't have anything more to say about the game.  Oh, here's a funny one for you.  During the game, a lady came down to my section and started calling for Freddy Sanchez.  She wanted the media and Phillies facility staff to let him know she loved him.  Awesome.  She tried to get to the dugout, but didn't get too close.  Sanchez should thank us...

THE WIRK

Mets v Nats, July 3 ~ Stephen Strasburg's last pitch for 2010 MLB All-Star roster

I  don't know what you're doing today, but I'm excited to wear my new Stephen Strasburg jersey this afternoon! The New York Mets take on the Washington Nationals at 4:10PM today. The weather looks absolutely gorgeous, and I'm thrilled I get to see Strasburg pitch AGAIN (i.e. before the 2010 MLB All-Star break). Strasburg is now 2-2 and with an ERA of 2.27. 227, huh. Now I'm reminded of that half-hour sitcom back in the day with Regina King and Marla Gibbs, but I digress...

This voyage to Nationals Park will be a new experience also, because I'm supposed to take the metro to the event. If you know me, or keep up with this blog, you know that I'm less than lukewarm when it comes to public transportation. We shall see.

There's a lot of hype around when Strasburg throws, and this game is no exception. This afternoon is Strasburg's last change to make a "pitch" as to why he deserves to be a part of the 2010 MLB All-Star festivities. According to the Mark Newman's article, "A 48-hour poll on MLB.com last week revealed that roughly 65 percent of fans say the rookie pitching sensation does not belong in the event, at least not yet. However, Strasburg is arguably the top viewer magnet in the game right now, his appeal extending beyond Nationals fans. The decision belongs exclusively to Manuel and MLB."

Looks like Charlie Manuel and MLB have something serious to think about.

In honor on Independence Day's impending arrival, Strasburg and Washington Nationals fans can let themselves be heard immediately following the announcement of the All-Star rosters. According to Newman's article (i.e. cited above), "Fans will vote to select the final player for each league's 34-man roster, through the 2010 All-Star Game MLB.com Final Vote Sponsored by Sprint, now in its sixth year. Fans can choose from a list of five players from each league from July 4-8, and the winners will be announced after the voting concludes on July 10."


THE WIRK