GREGGY G'S WEEKEND OBSERVATIONS
With Alfonso in street clothes for awhile, I'm expecting a huge month from Mr. Ramirez
1. After years of absentminded play in the field and the occasional lackadaisical jog to 1st , the slimmed down Aramis Ramirez has played this season with an Albert Puljos-type of locked-in passion and I bet his numbers soar in the 2nd half.
It's not a good sign that she has as much coaching experience sitting on the bench as Vinny Del Negro!
2. How the hell can GM Johnny Pax tell us with a straight-face that Vinny Del Negro was his 1st choice? Even worse, he’s been evaluating the position since X-Mas and goes from the offensive-minded D’antoni, to the veteran defensive guru Dougie Collins, before settling on a guy with absolutely no experience…now that’s what I call heading in a sound direction!
Just like our friend's match-up here, I think the Celtics will have plenty of confidence heading home!
3. Watching Sasha Vujacic’s meltdowns as he agonizes over his awful play has been more enjoyable than watching A-Rod crap down his leg every year in the Playoffs.
4. As a life-long Camaro-driving Sox fan it pains me to say this…but the Southsiders are beyond boring and I’d be shocked if their above .500 by season’s end.
5. After initially enjoying the Jeff Van Gundy/Mark Jackson combo in the booth, as the playoffs have progressed their analysis has turned into a competition of who has better coaching credentials…on each frickin’ possession!
6. And finally, Videobox.com is worth every penny!
With that, let’s find an ATS play on tonight’s tiny docket
Anytime the Rockies see a fan drinking Coors Light they know their in a happy place!
ATLANTA BRAVES @ COLORADO ROCKIES (-120)
While Rockies phenom Ubaldo Jimenez (1-6, 4.93) has struggled this season after looking dominate in last year’s playoffs (’07 Playoffs: 3 starts - 2.25 ERA), he looked sharp in his last outing at Coors (7 innings, 4 hits, 0 runs) and is overdue for some run-support. Colorado seemed to open the season with a hangover after their unexpected World Series appearance, but has finally started to regain their mojo winning 4 of their last 6. The biggest reason for their recent success has been the reemergence of Willy Taverez at the top of the line-up (last 6 games - .300 w/ 9 stolen bases). Throw-in last year’s MVP candidate Matt Holiday and Garrett Atkins ridiculous numbers at home (.346 & .353) and I expect the Rockies to sneak back into the NL West race ova the next month. As for the Braves...
Rockies hurler Ubaldo Jimenez has been smoking lately!
As for the Braves, while Jar Jar Binks (last 3 starts: 15 innings, 28 hits, 14 ERs) will try to regain his early season form, Colorado’s usually not the best place for a pitcher to build-up his confidence. In addition, with Chipper looking less than 100%, ATL has only won twice in their last 9 tries and were shut-out last night on ESPN’s Sunday Night baseball. As a result, Grandpa Cox looks crabby from the onset and Chipper is pulled after 2 at-bats…
Rockies by 2-4 runs
Sorry for the lame post today fellaz, but I'm really tired. I'll be back on my feet with my A-game tomorrow...I promise
