So, Mariano blew his second straight save opp. Cries of "Is this the end of Mariano?" were heard all over. Seriously people? That makes it 51 blown saves in 17 seasons. That's 3 blown saves per season. What's the big deal? Trevor Hoffman averaged 4 blown saves per season. A total of 76 blown saves over his career. Mariano has got a grand total of 51 blown saves up to now. I think it's safe to say that Mariano is ok.

However, even if he has blown a few saves, the intimidation factor is still there. You know that when you hear "Enter Sandman" the Yankees have a lead and Mo is coming in. You know that Mo only has 2, maybe 3 pitches. You know that you are going to see a few of his famous, or infamous if you are the batter, cut fastballs. You know that you are going to see a few busted bats. And, in the end, you know that it is most likely the game is over. When you know all this, it kinda takes the life outta you. Intimidation.
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It looks like things are getting back to normal in the American League East. Yankees on top, BoSox and Rays fighting for second. Toronto and Baltimore fighting to stay of the cellar.
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Pop quiz, hotshot! You have bases loaded and no outs. The batter hits one straight to third baseman. What do you do? What do you do?!?!

Answer, you throw home and get the force out at home and then throw to first to get the second out.

This is basic baseball. Anyone that plays should have gotten the answer to that. Well, someone needs to tell those guys over at 2K Sports. I can't tell you how many times that has happened to me while playing the latest baseball offering from 2K Sports, MLB 2K11. There are so many stupid quirks with this game it is making it difficult to play. About half the time, the middle infielder won't turn two on an easy double play ball. I can't ever get the pitcher to leave the mound to cover first base. Aaargh, it is so irritating. At times like this I wish I had a PS3 so I can play MLB The Show. A much better game.

That's it. I'm done for a Monday.

Late
JV