I knew that the San Diego Padres' incredible luck this season was bound to run out, it was just a matter of time. For a team with no World Series wins or even appearances in late October, was anyone shocked to watch their season explode as specatularly as the champagne bottles they've rarely been able to pop open? Surprisingly enough, their dominance didn't come to an end during or immediately following their atrocious 10-game losing streak, but has come during this crucial series with the team that's been breathing down their neck lately, the red-hot San Francisco Giants, followed by the ice-cold Colorado Rockies' own 10-game streak during which they've been winning. For a true dark horse this season, how did the Pads suddenly come into the light?
Luckily for them, they haven't been too bogged down by season-limiting or -ending injuries to important players, unlike the BoSox. Their players have been moderately healthy, and the pitching has been truly awesome this year, both the starters and the bullpen led by scary-looking closer Heath Bell. They've been getting big hits, making good plays, winning games and maintaining a solid lead over their closest competitors for most of the season. So why are they suddenly losing the massive amount of ground they had during the part of the season where it's as valuable as Jim Thome's most recent home run (you know, the one that propelled him past Frank Robinson for 8th all-time on The List)? I think it doesn't have so much to do with them as it does with the Giants and Rockies finally getting their respective grooves back. Don't get me wrong, a 10-game losing streak actually hurts a team more than it helps them, but even after that, they still had a few games on San Fran. But after a 3-game series against the Giants this weekend, they're now in a tie for first in the division. Mat Latos, the losing pitcher today, normally gets the win for San Diego, but he couldn't stand up to the defensive powers of Alanis Morrisette....I mean, Tim Lincecum. Throw in Buster Posey, the guy who's making Jason Heyward's chances at winning Rookie of the Year dwindle rapidly, and a lineup that's finally finding some power, and you've got a perfect disaster on your hands. Even worse, the Rockies have been turning to Troy Tulowitzki for some power, and boy howdy, has he happily obliged: in the past 5 games, he's homered just as many times, and hit 2 blasts in 2 of those games. Now they're just a game and a half behind the two tied at the top. Whew. And I thought the AL East race was tight. All I'm saying is, it'd sure be nice for San Diego citizens to finally have something to be proud of their baseball team for this season, but don't be surprised if it doesn't come to pass for the Fathers.
Every sport has that one veteran who doesn't seem to know when to call it quits and retire. The NBA has Shaq. The NFL has Favre. And when it comes to that one player in the MLB, the answer is obvious and, for me, quite painful: Derek Jeter. I really can't believe I'm about to write what I'm going to say...I even had a good cry before typing this out, but it's true: Jeter needs to go gentle into that professional good night. He's one of the most acclaimed Yankees (and players overall) of all time, passing names like Ruth, Gehrig and Mantle over the years; he was the Rookie of the Year in 1996; he's been the captain of the team since 2003; he's been an All-Star every year except '96, '97, '03 and '05; he's "Mr. November" thanks to the walk-off homer he hit in the delayed 2001 playoffs; he's been a notoriously good hitter with a .315 average overall; and, oh yeah, he's got a World Series ring for every finger on one hand. He's been living the only life he's ever wanted for 15 years...and it's time to let go. This season hasn't been kind to the 36-year-old shortstop; after batting .407 in last year's World Series, he's lost too much speed and power to really keep up statistically even with the infielders that surround him: Teixeira, Cano, and A-Rod. He's had a few minor injuries that seem to be increasingly getting worse. Not to mention the tiny detail that his contract expires at the end of this season, and for the first time, it looks like the Yankees brass may not be so interested in bringing back their golden boy. In most players' cases, this would simply mean the player becomes a free agent and can sign with another team, but come on - could you seriously see Jeet in anything but pinstripes? Derek's made it clear over the years that he wanted to play his entire career with New York's better team, so if he's not resigned, it stands to reason that the only viable option for him is to take his awards, his notoriety, his money, and his 5 championships, and sit back and let the new generation take over as he did a decade and a half ago. It kills me, but Derek Jeter, if you happen to read this, just know that you're one of my favorite players of all time. I wouldn't be saying these things without a reason. If the Yanks don't bring you back, walk away with pride. You'll be in Cooperstown before you even know it.
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