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Originally Posted by gordyhulten
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Peanuts and cracker jacks, too. And maybe bananas?
It's great to see you around here again, friend.
If it comes down to pitching here's what we're looking at for this winner take all game:
RHP
Jon Garland (0-1, 4.91 in the postseason) and RHP
Kelvim Escobar (NR)
There's a lot more numbers at my fingertips.
Garland won 4 games and lost 15 two years ago, those are probably my favorite two to pull out in a moments notice. Since then he's gone 24-20 with an ERA to match, going from almost out of the league to about the same as any other right-hander who doesn't throw that hard. Might show that even at 26 there's still some growing up to do. I hope so for my own sake!
Escobar's career has gone the other way the last few years. He was 17-9 and 16-9 three and four years ago for Anaheim, but hurt his shoulder towards the end of that 17 win season before coming to the Empire state. Last year was mostly a wash between the hurt shoulder and later the elbow, but this year the veteran won 14 games, showing above average control and a stinginess with home runs. Maybe not displaying the fastball of a few years ago, but who says you need a heater to win a playoff game? I'm not sure I'd bet on the 31 year old to still be pitching at age 35, but all the chips are raised on just this one game, at least for the moment.
Garland pitched two solid seven inning outings against the Empire this season, including one in this very series which you can read all about if you search this thread and "spontaneous combustion." No lie. The stat line was prettier then his offspeed stuff but he gave us a chance to win.
Escobar will do the same for the home side, at least if his 2-1 record in 3 starts against a
Pale Hose offense is any indication. I dont think it is, especially since the offense he faced in April, May and June resembles this offense in name only.
But I am sleepy and there's only one way to find out. Tune in tomorrow afternoon, kiddies! 2:30 eastern, 1:30 central, 10:30 ? Greenwich mean time. I dont know about you, but I'm excited.
