This blog predicted a Yankees-Phillies World Series. That prediction was blown to smitherines. So, we have the Rockies and the Diamondbacks in the National League, and the Red Sox and the Indians in the American League.
The National League matchup begins tonight, and has been looked upon as the Ugly Duckling of the two series. Both teams are young. They are also both recent expansion teams, though the Diamondbacks won a World Series in 2001. This series is already getting grief, as Game 1 is not a sellout in Phoenix. The Division Series games there last week were sold out with the help of a lot of Cub fans.
In a way, I can't really blame the people of Phoenix for not jumping on the bandwagon. First, the fan base was burned by the results of the 2001 championship. The team overspent on a lot of veteran players, then had to dump a ton of contracts and start over in building their team. Six years later, they have a very good young team, but the fans haven't identified with them yet. Second, Phoenix is the fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States. There are tons of transplants there. Thus, loyalties in Phoenix are spread all around the country. A lot of people simply aren't going to jump on the bandwagon, at least where their time and money are concerned. As for me, I'm for the Rockies. They've been in the baseball wilderness for all but one year of their existence.
In the American League, the Red Sox and Indians begin their series Friday night in Boston. The Red Sox are slightly favored. I was listening to a radio show out of Boston last night, and everyone called in to analyze the National League teams as future Red Sox opponents. I have to admit that I was impressed with their baseball knowledge. However, I have one thing to say to Red Sox Nation: YA GOTTA LOOK OUT FOR CLE! Go Tribe!
7 comments:
You gotta look out for CLE! Welllllllllllllllllll!
My predictions aren't blown to smithereens yet - CLE v. D all the way! Go D-Back!
Second, Phoenix is the fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States. There are tons of transplants there. Thus, loyalties in Phoenix are spread all around the country. A lot of people simply aren't going to jump on the bandwagon, at least where their time and money are concerned.
Yes, it's true that the Phoenix area suffers when it comes to fan loyalty - especially in football (all those dang cowboy fans). I think baseball has a bigger fan base than you think. The things that hurts them, besides the transplants, is being a young team (as in not being around for very long) and the fact that spring training is there - fans from elsewhere can hang on to their old loyalties ... and cable/satellite TV.
Anyway, I love the D-backs and CLE in the WS and who knows what will happen. Picking now I'd have to say CLE has the advantage, but I am more loyal to the D-backs. CLE beat the Yankees who are usually great in the playoffs, but stunk it up this year. Poor Joe Torre ... it's not his fault, but you know they're calling for his head.
That's enough baseball talk from me for now ... go CLE v. D!
Let's also hear some talk about TBS broadcasting the games ... and how one Carey made it and the other one didn't. ;)
I'm sure baseball has a big fan base in Phoenix. I'm as surprised as anyone that they aren't selling out tonight. It's not like no one's going to the game. They just aren't selling every ticket.
I think there is something to the idea of not wanting to get burned. Their last championship team was broken up due to money, and the good people of Arizona don't want to have their hearts broken again. It's the Florida Marlins on a smaller scale, as Arizona has supported baseball tons better than south Florida. However, both teams bought one championship, then the Marlins won one six years later with young players that later left for the money. This time, though, ARI will be able to pay at least some of these guys.
I like TBS. They're a nice change of pace from ESPN. I don't get going to the studio between innings for commentary, but Ernie Johnson, Jr. is greatness, as is his father.
I like both Skip and Chip Caray. It'd be hard to see Skip on a non-Braves game, though.
Actually, I want to hear the fake Harry Caray on the Heaven Broadcasting Network! :-)
Gordo should bring back the fake Harry Caray ... or was that Jubjub?
I'm sure baseball has a big fan base in Phoenix. I'm as surprised as anyone that they aren't selling out tonight. It's not like no one's going to the game. They just aren't selling every ticket.
Another reason, imo, is that Phoenix is not a town like Boston, NY, or CLE. People there are out doing things - hiking, biking, etc. Boston is stopping down for their games, but it's not the same in PHX.
I'm looking forward to hiking in the South Hills in PHX later this month, btw!
I think Jub-Jub was the fake Harry Caray. The fake dead Harry Caray was probably a bit over the top, so fake Harry went away.
Absolutely right on people in PHX having a life outside of spectator sports.
Plus, people in BOS and NY have been living and dying with their teams for over 100 years. People in CLE have just been dying with their teams. :-)
Poor CLE. They can't help it. I mean not only did the Browns stink, but they took em away.
We tried to go to a Tribe game at the Jake years ago when they were good ... all sold out in the middle of summer. They are pretty loyal, I'd say.
Post a Comment