Well the Twins getting swept out of the playoffs by the Yankees again last night was depressing. That Minnesota team is a good team no matter what these three games looked like – they did win 94 games after all. For a great piece on why it’s not smart to base decisions on three games in October, head on over to Fack Youk.
Today’s tater trots should be posted shortly after they occur in the game. Be sure to check back often. And follow me on Twitter for other thoughts about today’s games.
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Rays vs. Rangers
Game 4
Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays – 23.89 seconds (Season average: 21.68 seconds): It took two hours and nearly 5 innings to see the first home run of the day, but I don’t think Rays fans are complaining. Longoria’s two-run blast puts the Rays up 5-0 in the fifth inning in an elimination game. Looking good so far for a Game 5 this week…
Nelson Cruz, Texas Rangers – 21.78 seconds (Season average: 22.67 seconds): You just can’t expect the Rangers to go quietly, especially playing in Arlington. Cruz takes one deep in the sixth inning to put the Rangers on the board, 5-1.
Braves vs. Giants
Game 3
Eric Hinske, Atlanta Braves – 18.99 seconds (Season average: 21.91 seconds): The magic utility man strikes again, putting the Braves ahead in the eighth inning 2-1. Too bad Hinske doesn’t pitch as well, or they might have been able to keep the lead in the ninth.
Reds vs. Phillies
Game 3
Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies – 19.1 seconds (Season average: 20.82 seconds): Early 2-0 lead for the Phillies. Jay Bruce (kind of) had a play on this home run, but a Cincinnati fan sitting in the first row in centerfield thought he had a play too. Watching the replay, Bruce could not have caught that ball, so the fan is off the hook. In reality, though, any and all Cincinnati fans sitting on the walls should give their hometown players as many chances as possible to make outs. Let Bruce make the play!
