Heros and Goats (Round 2)

Thanks to thanksgiving, Round 1 won't be coming, and Round 2 is delayed, but better late than never:

Montreal over Trenton (3-0)

Hero: When you outscore the opponent 25-7 in a 3 game sweep, pinpointing a series here is like shooting fish in a barrel. Potential league MVP Andy Clayton however stood a little taller than his teammates in the series. Despite an 0-4 showing in the series clinching game, Andy knocked out 3 homers, crossing the plate 6 times and gathering 7 rbi while setting the pace thru the first 2 games. He started the scoring both games, with a solo shot in game 1 and a 3 run dinger in the home half of game #2.

Goat: It would be a bit unfair to pin all of Trenton's blame on the shoulders of Hugh Collins, however after 3 dominate innings in the 1st round series verse Jacksonville, Hugh gave up 5 earned runs in 3.1 innings over 2 appearances vs Montreal. He also allowed 2 inherited runners to cross the plate in game 1, turning a tight 4-2 (2-2 at the start of the inning) game into a 6-2 blowout with Montreal squarely in command of the opening game. Hugh still projects as a solid setup man for his major league career, hopefully this is not his Rick Ankiel moment.

Salem over Kansas City (3-2)

Hero: Keith Bagwell. Despite spending his entire season in the starting rotation, Keith slide over to the bullpen for the 1st series, awaiting his starting spot in the Divisional championships. Keith responded well, providing 5.1 innings of 1 run relief.

Goat: Jerry Hayes has had a series to forget. After getting trashed for 9 earned runs in his only appearance in the series vs Philly, Hayes spotted Salem 5 runs in the 1st inning of the series opening game. Showing a bit of veteran poise, Jerry managed to string together 4 solid innings after the 1st inning debacle before turning things over to the pen. Taking his bounce back, Jerry demanded the ball in the deciding game 5. Things looked promising thru the first couple, while Jerry gave up only 1 hit, however holding tight to a 1-0 lead, Jerry cruised a meatball down the middle of the plate that Angel Valdes crushed for just his 2nd major league home run and turned the tide. KC would bounce back to tie the game the next inning, but Hick Hartley promotly lifted one over the fences to lead of Salem's half of the 4th inning, then putting the final nails in the coffin, back to back doubles by Hartley and Arnold drove in 2 more runs. Game, set, match. For his 3 game playoff run, Jerry gave up 19 runs.

Syracuse over New York (3-2)

Hero: After falling behind 2 games to none to begin round 2, Syracuse rebounded strong, outscoring the Evil Empire 22-8 over the final 3. No one came up bigger over the final 3 than second baseman Ryan Carr. Ryan drove in 9 runs for the series, including 6 over the final 2 games and a decisive bases clearing 3 run double in game 5.

Goat: Carlos Zubaran came to the plate 20 times in this series. Carlos managed 4 walks, but had as many hits as you and I, and the exact same number of rbi. Hoping to erase the bad taste out of his mouth following last seasons 1 rbi, 0 run showing in the playoffs, Zubaran did nothing this series to convince the Evil Empire to extend his deal beyond next season. This is the 2nd straight season Zubaran's season has come to an end in Chump Status.

Little Rock over San Diego (3-1)

Hero: Little Rock had plenty of competition to choose for this spot, but perhaps none stood bigger than Little Rock third bagger Vic Sosa. Vic opened the series w/ a 2 run homer to start the scoring in a game 1 victory, then ended game 3 w/ a solo shot in the 11th to give Little Rock a 2-1 series lead. For the Series, Vic batted .306 with 9 rbi. Following last season's chump award in the playoffs, Sosa has put Little Rock on his back and hopes to carry them to the world series despite mounting injuries to the pitching staff and lineup.

Goat: San Diego's offense. The pitching was far less than perfect, but with a number of hitters under the mendoza line at series end, San Diego may be shopping for a new hitting coach next year, or at least a good team psychologist.