Playoffs Set

The White Sox won a thrilling 1-0 game against the Minnesota Twins, and will travel to Tampa Bay for the first game of the playoffs Thursday. Chicago's run was scored on a 7th inning rocket by Jim Thome off of Minnesota pitcher Nick Blackburn. Blackburn had a fantastic outing with 6.1 IP -4H-1 ER-3BB-3K . Despite his good outing, Blackburn was outpitched by John Danks who's line was fantastic: 8IP-2H-0 ER-3BB-4K. Bobby Jenks closed out the game by pitching a perfect 9th, with some help by a fantastic catch by Brian Anderson for the final out of the game. Anderson was in as a pinch runner for Ken Griffey Jr.

Griffey had a big play in the 5th inning, when he threw a bullseye to the plate, gunning down Michael Cuddyer. The outfield assist, nullified Cuddyer's leadoff double, and kept the game scoreless. With the game ending 1-0, the play proved to be bigger than we even thought at the time.


A couple more points:

The game was the lowest scoring one game playoff (obviously) as well as the fewest hits (7).

Cal Ripken predicted Jim Thome's homerun. Got to love that.

So the playoffs are set, we know who's playing, and the VendorBall staff is excited for some October baseball. Playoff predictions? Oh we got 'em, and they're coming tomorrow.

Updated by Kyle "October Cream" Baxter

Breaking News: Well, well, Lo-well

Reports today say that third basemen Mike Lowell took 30-35 groundballs at third, and looked "fantastic". After taking the field reps, he was seen jovially hugging the coaching staff and goofing around - a good indication that he is feeling better from his partially torn labrum in his right hip (note: NOT a shoulder injury). He looked especially good moving laterally, which was causing him pain in the past. This coming after a smooth pain-free batting practice session yesterday. Signs look good for Lowell partaking in the October festivities.

J.D. Drew also took some fielding today, continuing to strengthen his legs after missing a lot of time starting in mid-August due to an ailing back. All reports indicate that he will play, especially after a successful optional batting practice session yesterday.

Update by Lowell Mill Worker: Kyle Baxter

2008 Regular Season Awards: Staff Picks

In what will become an annual tradition (for all sports), the VendorBall staff is proud to present its picks for the 2008 Major League Baseball Regular Season Awards. Feel free to leave comments and debate our decisions.

AMERICAN LEAGUE MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Dan Picks:

1. Dustin Pedroia, Boston (WINNER)
2. Justin Morneau, Minnesota
3. Kevin Youkilis, Boston

Kyle Picks:

1. Kevin Youkilis, Boston (WINNER)
   
2. Joe Mauer, Minnesota
3. Dustin Pedroia, Boston

NATIONAL LEAGUE MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Dan Picks:

1. CC Sabathia, Milwaukee (WINNER)
2. Albert Pujols, St. Louis
   
3. Manny Ramirez, Los Angeles
   

Kyle Picks:

1. Albert Pujols, St. Louis (WINNER)
   
2. CC Sabathia, Milwaukee
   
3. Hanley Ramirez, Florida

AMERICAN LEAGUE CY YOUNG
Dan Picks:

1. Roy Halladay, Toronto (WINNER)
2. Cliff Lee, Cleveland
   
3. Francisco Rodriguez, Los Angeles of Anaheim
   

Kyle Picks:

1. Roy Halladay, Toronto (WINNER)
2. Cliff Lee, Cleveland
3. Jon Lester, Boston

NATIONAL LEAGUE CY YOUNG
Dan Picks:

1. Tim Lincecum, San Francisco (WINNER)
2. CC Sabathia, Milwaukee
   
3. Brandon Webb, Arizona
   

Kyle Picks:

1. Tim Lincecum, San Francisco (WINNER)
2. Johan Santana, New York
   
3. Cole Hamels, Philadelphia

AMERICAN LEAGUE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Dan Picks:

1. Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay (WINNER)
2. Alexei Ramirez, Chicago
3. Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston

Kyle Picks:

1. Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay (WINNER)
2. Armando Galarraga, Detroit
   
3. (tie) Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston; Alexei Ramirez, Chicago

NATIONAL LEAGUE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Dan Picks:

1. Geovany Soto, Chicago (WINNER)
2. Kotsuke Fukudome, Chicago
3. Joey Votto, Cincinnati

Kyle Picks:

1. Geovany Soto, Chicago (WINNER)
2. Joey Votto, Cincinnati
3. Kotsuke Fukudome, Chicago

Breaking News -- One Giant Pain in the Ace.

After last night's victory over the Yankees, Terry Francona revealed that Josh Beckett would not be starting Game 1 of the Division Series. Why? Beckett apparently suffered an oblique strain during his regular side session on Friday.

The Red Sox medical staff has reassured Francona and the team that Beckett's injury wasn't as serious as feared. Francona was so optimistic that the possibility of Beckett throwing in Game 2 was discussed, then later dismissed for precautionary reasons.

Coming from a Sox fan, I can only say one thing -- we'd better split those first two games in Anaheim.

LATER TODAY: Dan and Kyle post their picks for the 2008 Regular Season Awards.

Posted by Dan Zappulla, VendorBall Columnist.