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Do Pitchers Really Need "Roles?"
The Yankees may be representing the AL in the World Series this year, but for the Los Angeles Angels, the 2009 season isn't without its merits.
Angels manager Mike Scioscia's use of pitcher Jered Weaver is certainly a silver lining to a disappointing ALCS. Weaver started Game Three against the New York Yankees and was sharp enough to give his team a chance to win, which it eventually did in 11 innings.
Then, in a win-or-go-home Game Five, the Scioscia turned to Weaver again, only this time from the bullpen. Weaver rewarded his manager's faith by throwing a hitless eighth inning en route to another (and final) Angels win.
Had the Yanks series needed a Game Seven, Anaheim would have handed the ball yet again to Weaver. Instead, we're left wondering what more this kid could have done...
It was the second time in his young career Weaver was called upon as a setup man, the first being in Game Three of the 2008 ALDS against the Boston Red Sox. Not since 2005 has a starting pitcher in a postseason series also thrown in relief and had his team win both games.
Since 2001, Weaver became the ninth starting pitcher in a postseason series to also throw in relief, and have his team win both games.
Starter or Reliever? Either Way, These Guys Are Good
2009—Jered Weaver Angels vs. Yankees
2005—Mark Buehrle $ White Sox vs Astros
2004—Mike Hampton Braves vs Astros
2004—Pedro Martinez Red Sox vs. Yankees
2003—Josh Beckett ✝ Marlins vs Cubs
2003—David Wells* Yankees vs Red Sox
2003—Derek Lowe Red Sox vs Athletics
2003—Brad Penny Marlins vs Giants
2002—John Lackey* Angels vs Giants
* = Received the Win as a Starting Pitcher.
$ = Received the Save as a Relief Pitcher.
✝ = Received the Win and a Complete Game as a Starting Pitcher.
The Mark of Inconsistency
It's the time of the season when most mediocre NFL teams start complaining about being mediocre. Certainly included are the Washington Redskins, who came dangerously close to needing another new head coach.
Current head coach Jim Zorn reportedly contemplated resignation after losing his play-calling job to former retiree Sherman Lewis. The Redskins followed the move with a 27-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week Seven, showing signs that maybe Zorn wasn't to blame after all.
Still, going after the head coach in Washington is like shooting dead fish in a barrel...what's new?
Looking at current NFL franchises, the Washington Redskins are behind only the lowly Lions in coaching swaps, and if Zorn gets his way, look out for a new leading loser:
Current NFL Franchises Head Coaching Changes (Including Interims)
Detroit Lions (1934): 24
Washington Redskins (1937): 23
Philadelphia Eagles (1933): 19
Cleveland Doesn't Rock on Opening Night
Mike Brown has generally been stellar at preparing his Cleveland Cavaliers for big home games, but not necessarily home openers. Like the 2008-09 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers will have to start this year 0-1 thanks to the Boston Celtics.
Since drafting LeBron James in 2003, the opening home game for the Cavs seems indicative of their season as a whole. When losing the first game in Cleveland, they have gone a combined 122-124 during the rest of the season.
Home Openers in the LeBron Era
Year - Game Result - Score - Season Record
2009—Lost to Boston 89-95 ?
2008—Won vs. Charlotte 96-79 66-16 (39-2)
2007—Lost to Dallas 74-92 45-37 (27-14)
2006—Won vs. Washington 97-94 50-32 (30-11)
2005—Won vs. N.O./Oklahoma City 109-87 50-32 (31-10)
2004—Lost to Indiana 104-109 (2OT) 42-40 (29-12)
2003—Lost to Denver 89-93 35-47 (23-18)
What's a Coach To Do?
Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips seems to have the "unfortunate" problem of having too many talented receivers.
Roy Williams, Miles Austin, and Patrick Crayton all want/deserve to start, but Crayton was the man left outside looking in. Before Week Seven's win against Atlanta, Phillips benched Crayton...twice.
The double whammy came after Austin scored a starting receiver job and veteran kick returner Allen Rossum was shipped in from San Francisco. However, the "double benching" appears short-lived, as Rossum was injured on his first return and Crayton stepped in with a 73-yard punt return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Falcons.
This Week's Top Five NFL Head Coaches Poll
Ken Wisenhunt (Cardinals)
A staunch defense again made the giants look like ants.
Jim Caldwell (Colts)
Indy picked up right where they left off before the Bye week.
Marvin Lewis (Bengals)
A career day against his old team helped Benson and the Bengals take down Chicago.
Mike Tomlin (Steelers)
Two defensive touchdowns in the 4th quarter is what it took to hand Minnesota their first loss of the season. Leave it to Tomlin to figure out how they'll do it again in Denver.
Gary Kubiak (Texans)
After a close loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week Five, Houston is suddenly on a winning streak. A victory next week in Buffalo would give Coach Kubiak Houston's best start ever.
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