And it isn't the wretched stink of the Tigers' terrible season.
As I watch the make-up game between Detroit and Chicago, I can't help but feel like the end of this MLB season is...well, a little bit rigged.
I don't want to go Frank P. on everyone and start speculating on wild conspiracies. But the facts speak for themselves.
The ChiSox have a slim lead over the Twins in the AL Central for most of the second half. Suddenly, they implode, losing 7 of their last 10 games. The Twins, meanwhile, fare a little better and overtake Chicago for the lead.
In order to stay alive, the Sox have to A) beat Cleveland, B) beat Detroit, and C) beat Minnesota in a tie breaker.
In their matchup against Cleveland, the ChiSox are slated to face Cliff Lee, the AL Cy Young favorite. Whoops! Lee's neck hurts. It's a little stiff. Tell you what, White Sox...why don't you face Bryan Bullington instead.
Win for Chicago.
Next comes the makeup game against the Tigers. This time, you get to face Freddy Garcia. Garcia has barely pitched since shoulder surgery, and when he HAS been in he's been...less than effective let's say. But that doesn't stop the Tigers from starting him. Because...none of the regular guys you started all year were rested??
First, the AL's best pitcher goes down with a questionable injury. Then Detroit gives the nod to a has-been pitcher related by marriage to the White Sox manager. And as the 1st inning comes to a close, Freddy has walked 2, given up a hit and a run as well. And he's lucky that was all the damage. If I didn't know better, I'd think he wasn't trying very hard. Even for someone who sucks.
Call me crazy, but for a team that completely pissed away its lead by playing terrible baseball and showing no signs of recovery, things have become awfully convenient lately. I wonder how much money MLB stands to make by airing yet another tie breaker game tomorrow...
Maybe Garcia bounces back. Maybe the ChiSox lose today and reveal my paranoia for what it is. But if the season is extended through tomorrow, I'm going to be watching with a jaded eye.
Sure, I'm halfway kidding with all this. But isn't it all just a little weird?
Hilary Rhoda
Daniella Sarahyba
Back in Time: July 3
Manny Being Manny
Comments (13) Add A Comment
And just as I post, Sheff is called out on a pitch 6 inches inside, stranding a runner at second.
Hm....
Porkins: NOT BILLY…
The Triangle, NC
Total Comments (21413)
A GS by Alexei Ramirez after 3 wild pitches and 4 BBs in one inning...
Porkins: NOT BILLY…
The Triangle, NC
Total Comments (21413)
Good blog Porkins... just turned the game on to see Alexi hit a grand slam on the first pitch
PhillyEagles36
Arlington , TX
Total Comments (20819)
A little bit obvious don't you think... haha
PhillyEagles36
Arlington , TX
Total Comments (20819)
Haha. This is great. I think this is bigger than MLB, I think it involves Tonya Harding, the president and aliens.
Roberts#1: Get off…
Total Comments (19452)
don't forget bud selig, the mob, sirhan sirhan, and jack ruby!!!!
pissedoffcubsfan
Total Comments (323)
I think Porkins is feeling faint. He must be trying that 'starvation' diet again where he reduces his calories in half - down to 12,000 per day. It's obviously causing him to experience paranoid delusions as part of an overall sense of delirium.
Now that we've solved this particular mystery, the REAL mystery is 'Where is CCC?'
Usually a topic such as this would have already inspired a CCC comment that is (at least) 2 to 3 times the length of the blog itself. Not only would the comment normally attempt to debunk each and every claim in the blog on a line-by-line basis, it would also include random commentary about the the Cy Young winners for each league and drunken Cub fans on the other side of town.
Good to see you making a cameo appearance on FanNation Porkins. While your spirit is being kept alive on the nation via other members (mainly by your being on the receiving end of at least one TD-Zinger per day), it has been a little while since we've heard from you directly.
YODA
Total Comments (17136)
All I have to say about this is.....
ALEXEI!!!!!
C-C-C
Total Comments (57205)
Ha! Fooled you, didn't I?
Seriously when Quentin, Crede, and Contreras all went down for the year I expected them to fall out of the race. That they still have a shot is a pleasant surprise.
C-C-C
Total Comments (57205)
Not just ANY grand slam...the new major league record 4th grand slam of the year by a rookie!
C-C-C
Total Comments (57205)
Not just ANY grand slam...the new major league record 4th grand slam of the year by a rookie!
C-C-C
Total Comments (57205)
Don't forget the CIA in choots with NASA (I mean they did a great job faking the moon landing)
rstowe
Newport News , VA
Total Comments (36492)
mmmmm Fish tacos.........
THUG is on Vacation
Total Comments (3402)
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