09-18-08 Tom Verducci, SI

Back on the DL on holly showed details on here. Coming from Tampa. With the Red Sox lost two of three to the rays and now trail. Tampa by two games in the AL east. Really want to know what's going on baseball when we really want to know what's going on -- second with this guy a great writer from Sports Illustrated. Opportunity joins us in the -- out what's going on Tom. Doing great -- today Michael Felger as alongside ever met dollar. You're at and loved -- many trips to. As if you haven't and they you know this is something you need that you didn't make this happen before the World Series your life will be the thing. But. You know now we're talking about this earlier. I said based on what we've seen from the Tampa bay rays. Are mean to say that. -- in the regular season. What was going to happen in the playoffs than in the regular season clearly that they're the best team in the elite you agree with that.

Well certainly whether all -- I mean that they're very similar to the Red Sox that way that the pet -- on the road but. They are a hot cup team that -- At all that's I think that got that big.

Having the extra game at home for that might and it is very important and it just. December about the where they land -- market Olympic park you know the outfielders have talked about.

But the -- operated jumped on Pitt jumped football that part because of the lighting a little funky but their place. And not -- they execute some advantage in terms of the fan. But it felt about planned -- very comparable so you know I think earning home field advantage to Tampa -- I think that's pretty good.

Dominant as I've been saying for weeks -- months weren't storefront debacle in the post season in that park. There's going to be a pop up behind second base is going to go for a double and some is going to win a playoff game that they didn't deserve to win. And all hell will break loose and it should that park is a joke.

Yeah I mean it's not a Major League ballpark I think they've got everything it can't make it look like Juan but you're right we have fly ball it doesn't come down. And that's not Major League Baseball I think we all know that get -- deal when it. I think though that I can't think back to work in favor Tampa Babineaux on go back to 95 went. You know really no worse place in baseball until that. -- can't help people hated it is depressed and nobody was there. And that he'd start to win that he can make you popular and there -- tremendous energy in that ballpark.

In the post season went Seattle got and that year at doing it for the first time. And I think it really help them -- they were playing the Yankees that in that period that game number five in that ballpark and.

I think you -- similar situation here guys where that place is louder than it's ever been. When you get to October -- it up a lot of people jump on the bandwagon at that point.

Tom between the other two teams that are going to be in the playoffs in the American League. The Angels in the White Sox which team do you like and why.

I eagle a lot I think they can win games a lot of different ways but I don't like about the White Sox is that it to me they're -- power to -- You know -- they need to hit home runs which they do very well. But they ability to hit home brought to beat you and you know the bullpen has been a little bit cheek you're the second half the season but. To me that the -- there came a lot more now you know what to share in the -- lot lineup. And Cabrera. They can beat you at power obviously they -- to -- small ball on base turning it as good -- currently. And I think pitching staff want twelve the better of the White Sox so you know I liked the fact that they closed early. I thought doesn't necessarily correlated to being better in October guys but. I can think that he way to get everybody lined up if you want to back up your pitchers give you that. You know I think to -- climatic -- turning it back on October but I think top to bottom you're just looking at what they bring out paper I think eagle Tibet definitely.

Well let me follow up on that because the Red Sox have swept the -- in the division series the last two years -- different team now the Red Sox were wanted to eight. Versus the Angels in the regular season do you see. Problems for the Red Sox won four forward that looks like they're going to matchup with the Angels in the in the division series.

I think that could be a great years I think you're right the past the reds started definitely had their number -- program cannot. Last year they were banged up and our basic Garret Anderson -- basically see the ball well and he had designed it. I think Teixeira makes a big big difference about lineup I thought a lot couple years they have been one bat short Atlanta power bat short. And it got an Internet site thank you your Red Sox then he'll be looking at the minute you play it and it's a different Angels and I'll last year which is straight out. You know I think the Red Sox they're going to have to win with the starting pitching which they can -- will be interesting to -- where Francona goes from the rotation. We're ego less you know Byrd or Wakefield or maybe push the pedal to develop both great starters. Heading up with serious that you get if you got an extra object so. Matchup wise that they have to give the edge the Angels Lamotte thanks to clear at the based on the way they it will the league this era and the people -- I don't believe are going to be the favorite point about there.

Number duty SI do want to get to that scheduling question in the second but. On the issue of the Angels and White Sox okay you're very high on the Angels -- get that. If you're the Red Sox a million dollar question here in Boston is how hard do you play it now that the last twelve games or whatever it is. To get Chicago at home in game one another words how hard do you do you -- of the next two weeks to win the division as opposed to during the wild card.

I think he'd do everything you and short. Putting people at risk getting our --

And and and to -- it drops old and tight to to take that to an extreme you would rather. The Red Sox start Paul Byrd in game one of -- playoff series of it means being home against the White Sox that having Beckett Lester Matsuzaka 123 lined up and rested on the road and a.

Yet buy into that situation rightly that lap and now I have to -- back Beckett out of the question about that that becomes more important at that point I think -- not getting to that point.

it purely out of start resting people obviously who Lowell situation. It going to require a lot of Garrett. You certainly don't want to put him out there the you're risking losing him for the play out Egypt yet do that try to get first place here. What sort of act I. To try to win every game are really again if he'd get to that situation. Worked out of that last game.

You can't he can't hurt Beckett has not happened from game one I think -- the line it up the best you can't -- at first and as a means that incurred -- that last day you know that wrote that he can win that game with them but I would not art Beckett just -- that last game and a chance. You know lined up with -- division.

You know autonomy obvious you try to win every game there's just a mean little situations with and that that we've seen the past year. You know lasted -- that they shut down Okajima at the very end of the year and I didn't help their division chances in the winning obviously. But they arrested them for some key stretch games. And it cannot be a brilliant thing for the playoffs and I think there's parallels you can draw here with position players. With pitchers and they just I think a lot of little decisions with and that that Terry Francona estimate.

I think you're exactly right and most think that it's hard to anticipate what those moments are going to come obviously terrible recognize what they do but that's why but that game -- I was huge because it really hit a three game and bad at that point. Knowing that a tie is not going to hit you first place but it more. That that -- big big bank right now the under really can't hear you talk about being three back on the play. Can't make that happen not good about to happen -- still a couple of games here these next couple games at bat that might change the equation but.

I think the -- that you're going to win the division at this point with so few games left in the season you're hoping against hope really the top -- that it.

What you can't -- at this point.

And Tom a word you stand on on this talk that Manny Ramirez is National League MVP candidate B hasn't been there that long but he's been breaking. Since he got to dodger stadium what's your opinion on that.

The I campfire and and Michael I understand -- at a much impact on the race as anybody else they are playoff game. If they don't get Manny Ramirez's that's simple but -- the IQB. Yeah MVP -- guys in the -- for two months. That third in the seat and basically he's going to win the Award over you know pick anybody else I'd say Ryan Howard I think it doubtful to me ethnic. Favorite. A guy you know -- them raking for six months. I just don't -- the impact is tremendous to great -- story on line. You know and it helped turn the team around but. Not accurate MVP Award -- opting out into the top three area top five.

Do you see any National League team. Winning the World Series -- really match number one of the Elton AL teams.

A paper Michael well I mean I'd go back though to what the Cardinals won and I think at USC at the playoff games at that point and stick. Not in my district want your eighth seed they beat number eight by far of -- 83 games that year the pitching didn't look that great. And yet they've run the table that looked real good doing it so obviously you never know what's going to happen I think the Cubs demeanor clearly the best even -- I'd be surprised that they don't get out of an absolutely it is expected that good. The pitching is just tremendous -- about then -- they strike out a lot of people both in the bullpen and in the starting rotation and driver elected post these like power pitching -- strike people out keep the -- like keep the ball in the ballpark. I think it comes can do that with everyone that forced starters at the -- or leave it admirable. And and they can match up with you recently games I think the Cubs demeanor clearly a lot of that league out of the Cubs. And he never know what's going to happen to them. But on paper I think you're looking at some apparently kind of like because in the World Series.

Tom on Manny do you think he's done anything to enhance his market or. Is the book out on him if it is anyone who was going to be incidents still teach you he's won anyone over with this one here with the Dodgers.

I think you want a little eight year I think. You know clearly does not acknowledge him physically fit in other talk about the knees at the haven't bought the that -- and it's obviously not a concern at this point play virtually -- every game hitting one game off. And he'd still hit his body hasn't changed I think Andy has four good years left. -- it questions still remain thought well -- plate for the Dodgers. If you're actually seeing it are you going to go for years Manny Ramirez at this point to me I think you really should beat American League. I think he's still beat the little ST Patrick had a DH spot their -- I am not going to get at the end of the contract but even from time time that one or two days a week where you want the -- a lineup what you need to get a battle field. You know democracy a little bit I think that much more that apparently -- I'd be surprised but nationally in the go to that link from -- And Matt Light sleeper pick for our contract from adding that habit that are complicated. I think it would be perfect and -- I think there. You thought if your guys they're the best pitching in the American League and there are golf hall. They clearly happened decently with their lineup. I think that market is perfect for an American League team at the -- where. You know make it basically get a lot of to regain power and that not a whole lot of responsibility there crop field in the clubhouse that's worth that it certainly not be the first all apartment and he group. Not to like in Boston. I'd be like the fact -- that he sort that the the year Landon. In the big cannot there but I think you're out of it said that they'd start upper level at Cleveland. I think it because sit Ellis not enough they have enough money to go get it back. -- that many looking for. But I think in terms what -- want with the Blue Jays need I think that's a good fit because they have a lot not in Fenway Park for the next four years against the fact that pat that your.

And it because of all just like Roger Clemens I did you it gives. The Yankees are employed for many -- the Yankees -- him play for -- fascinating offseason for them given the money that's coming off their books and the money coming under the books. With the new stadium which you wrote about in SI dot com you guys like sabathia and Teixeira and Manny huge names available out there what do they do.

He added a fascinating like you're right I think you'll hear a lot of names that the Yankees Iran I think clearly they're number one -- sabathia. Much shorter going against him I think he would prefer probably saying -- nationally let that and -- like that hit the ball game. -- California guy I think I'm perhaps part he'd like to -- in California. And it is trying to get with money you know will try to come up and it probably will have the most lucrative offer pop culture that's enough now. You know -- don't -- time -- prologue time obvious they've got guys that they wanted to get to the World Series going to the playoff. And be around a good base. Only count the Yankees were replaced about it. I think that it Barrett is there for the Yankees more. So in the that they -- a lot of teams now have Adidas not just -- came the big market team that I think about it and give it money. What he wants somewhere else so that's the case. We'll probably overpay or rob Burnett or sheets or somebody along that line. It's basic -- not exactly the most durable pitchers in the world he might be looking yet to return another problem I'll object. The other problem that you catcher because I don't think that'll be able broke the -- that these and any good center fielder because Damon is. Is not everyday center fielder Brett Gardner -- not every get better elect. Melky Cabrera not every bit that are the other. Though they estimation of the mill which is really tough. I think yet it that team had a lot of decisions to make it not he's I think Brian Cashman will be back. Help make those decisions. But it's unclear which direction they're going to go to particular a lot of money coming up they were also on the net for a lot of --

Tom you pulled off something a lot of writers could -- I was telling Michael Felger and I started reading your article. On the that close of Yankee Stadium and you are the building that's about all this is really tricky territory. But to pull it -- why did you choose to go that route it was well -- why did you do.

one that has its top we have a subject like that that would say is that there. Is there a topic of discussion. A lot of stories and features a lot I've got on the last year and it stayed in the it's grab a lot of people have -- out for a long time out this year so. You know what I expect now that the -- about the assignment. United side I think he's a unit a little bit different not just read the same thing and let things the ten greatest moment Yankee team history -- And basically reading it historical piece on the all -- and in you know -- that to meet the building really does have a personality that would make. Stadium really that different -- ballparks and you know I started thinking about. Decided to go to that kind of you know get it took first person as. Stay in peace to try to make that work because that is that I think there's something unique about the plate but it does seem to have the Cowboys at our place in history. And I think that need to try to public something a little bit different -- that people went to the story not comment about it state historic. That motivated me to try something different.

While few things that it no one I didn't know that Derek Jeter told President Bush had a better record you throw or they'll boo you at Yankee Stadium. Also didn't know that please tell that story goes I was thinking this actually happened Mariano Rivera. 2003 ALCS game seven we all know what Boston painful memory October 16. They're down three runs by about from a loss they come back they tied up Mariano Rivera does what.

Yeah want it brought out -- throwing up throwing up on -- did that but. I know what I give them -- at. Time. You know he would pitch the ninth inning you have the Yankees were behind adapt when it looked like beat the Red Sox where in the World Series knowledge that you have the incredible rally. It's topped off by that will double by and died I think that the -- it. I've ever forget -- I mean maybe to your game and no one when he hit a home run by -- and out and not Martinez a union camp. That may have met it was certainly not never louder than that moment when the got to get that double Matsui scored around the side again. And Rivera was so overcome by that moment she got it -- the emotions that the hole might come back. I can't believe amount he walked up the ball and that's -- into the glass enclosed area that all at what is the bat currently at -- plate -- Could barely turn around and -- He closed the door and started crying because he was just overcome -- emotions at that point and not that people would still again sorry pitched lack that was probably his greatest quality. It ever get in the yankees' three innings there. If you remember after -- can't -- the Yankees won that game. -- not run the whole point he -- great for the badgers now drop on the pitching mound basically it was just. Andy's emotional again there is dealt with leave that out suspecting that. You know -- lord that he was in that position to a joint appointment that immediate but we know it classy guy you watch him. -- rarely shows emotion. That's so emotional and I ever.

I -- without -- the Q was that emotional of a guy.

Exactly and I think that's what made some great over here and we watched K rod Beck and -- A lot of these relievers are always shy person because you're pitching in big -- all the time. A demanding that mode and it and it does backe and all -- they lost that game that I remember him after the game. Very emotional about that the games that the World Series he was there aren't that there was -- against the rays in July. But at times it was I think given the emotions that night you got to remember what that like that night. Either Mario R Barrett act up act out the best.

Thus -- Yankee I defeated sock they're both the next and thought I. I'll tell -- I'm telling you you have to about whether you love the Yankees hate the Yankees you have to go to side to this story I really enjoyed it. That was very well done -- we always enjoyed talking baseball with the we'll talk with you -- if you want to.

Are the pleasure got looking forward to October.

Okay that's Tom Purdue -- thanks a lot. From sports illustrator at Utah and now I -- it now I.