TGIF everyone, here's my Top 5 for October 7, 2011 from Len Berman at www.ThatsSports.com.
1. Quick Hits
- Detroit ousts the Yankees 3-2. (Score and games.)
- Two more games 5 tonight. Arizona at Milwaukee. 5:07pm Eastern. TBS.
2. A-Boo
In they end they booed and it was aimed at Alex Rodriguez. He struck out with the bases loaded in the 7th, and then again, to end the game. He batted just .111 for the series. But he wasn't the only offensive problem. Derek Jeter struck out more than he did, and Mark Teixeira didn't fare much better. And while Jorge Posada who batted .429 against the Tigers may have played his last game, Yankee fans will have six more seasons of A-Rod to kick around. One other note. The American League East is supposedly the best division in baseball. So how come they'll all be watching the ALCS on TV?
3. Friday Night Services
To my Jewish friends in St. Louis, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Milwaukee attending solemn Yom Kippur services tonight, sorry that the critical games 5 were scheduled for tonight. And as a public service, while in temple, don't forget to turn off your cell phones and other portable devices.
4. Friday eMailbag
Top 5 subscriber R.T. was saddened by the departure of Terry Francona as Red Sox manager. "I was watching the TV news coverage and couldn't help but notice the crowd cheering and waiving to Francona as he drove out of Fenway for the last time. Honestly, when was the last time this happened to a departing manager!?"
Eagles fans are getting restless. From subscriber C.S. "Firing Andy Reid from Eagles wouldn't make him a scapegoat. It would just fire a terrible coach. Unwatchable football. If Red Sox can fire Francona who won two World Series, then owner Jeffrey Lurie can clearly fire Reid, who has won absolutely NOTHING."
When I asked if the "Mercedes-Benz Superdome" sounded incongruous in light of hurricane Katrina, J.G. wrote, "Any sponsor that is willing to invest in a city that needs support and funding as direly as New Orleans should be applauded and thanked without question. Where are all the other rich corporations with their millions?"
5. Spanning the World
This week's Spanning the World highlight involves a squirrel who dashed across home plate during game of the National League Championship Series in St. Louis. Although upon further review, watching the replay, I've got to say he missed home plate.
Spanning the World airs monthly on NBC's Today Show. Next up, Thursday October 20 during the 8:30am half hour.
Happy Birthday: Tampa third baseman Evan Longoria. 26.
Bonus Birthday: Hey, it's time for a little culture you slackers. Cellist Yo-Yo Ma. 56.
Today in Sports: Barry Bonds hits his 73rd homer to set the single season home run record. 2001*
Bonus Event: Georgia Tech defeats Cumberland University 222-0 in college football. I had Cumberland plus 221. 1916.
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