o As much as the Phillies’ Citizens Bank Park is touted as a hitters ballyard, and will further favor the potent Philadelphia
line-up, this park could be exactly what the Giants need. The Giants’ offensive is based on an extra base hit attack from
virtually every hitter in the line-up; which means hitters like Juan Uribe, Cody Ross, Freddie Sanchez and Mike Fontenot
become more dangerous. The power spots in the batting order, Pat Burrell, Aubrey Huff and Buster Posey, may
frequently find runners in scoring position throughout the games in Philly.
o The familar baseball formula of the Giants looking to at least split the first two games in Philadelphia becomes even more
critical in this series. At Bank One Park, both teams should hit, but at AT&T Park, the Phillies’ offense could be shut
down, while Giants hitters do what they normally do at home: score just enough runs to win.
o Watching the first Yankees-Rangers ALCS game yesterday was a stunning example what an experienced, confident,
and extremely talented team like the New York Yankees can do. I have to grudgingly admit that I was not least bit
surprised as the Yankees methodically put up five runs in the 8th inning at Texas to win the game 6-5. Every member
of that team, starting with Manager Joe Girardi and his coaches, looked poised, confident and deadly serious.
Somewhere, The Boss is looking down (or, maybe, up?) at the legacy he helped resurrect and recreate.
o I hate to pick a player to watch in the Giants-Phils series because that so often does not work out. But I believe Giants
second baseman Freddie Sanchez could be the break-out offensive force the Giants need to take this series. Sanchez
is as fierce and focused a baseball player I have ever watched play the game. And he is a professional hitter of the
first order.
o The San Francisco Giants, in their infinite wisdom and foresight, have picked Giants Cove author Richard Dyer to be
on the field prior to NLCS Game 3 at AT&T Park on Tuesday October 19, 2010. I will join a very large group of Giants
fans in unfurling the American Flag as part of the pre-game ceremonies. Both an honor to be chosen, and and honor
to display the flag. Need I add… Gooooooo Giants!
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