Mark Jazzington - a managerial career

[Jazzmosis]

Chapter 65: NLDS: Game two, Thursday, October 7th, 2009

Texas, Florida, and Anaheim all won the first game of their series.

Some of the players had gone out for the night, celebrating their first playoff victory in their careers. I decided not to join them, thinking more about who I was going to start in game two - Morales, Guillen, or Zang. Both Morales and Zang had started for me last year, and Morales had gave me the more solid performance - but now Zang seemed ready to continue his success. Guillen, on the other hand, threw in relief, and sported a 81.08 ERA - but of course, was my hottest pitcher down the stretch.

I stayed up until 1AM trying to figure out what to do, before giving up and going to bed - I decided to talk with Heath, and try to get our pitcher based on the matchup. I figured that Arizona would throw Roberts, and I would be proven right.

As I looked over the box score from the 10-4 win, I started to realize how many playoff rookies were in the lineup - only Cancio and Taylor had started games in the postseason before - and I mused on the fact that Martinez’s first playoff hit was the longest home run he’d hit in his career, and Kolodziej only had two at-bats, both doubles, both in the same inning. The pitching staff was slightly more experienced, but not necessarily more successful. The only player with significant experience was Duncan, who’d won it all with the Yankees last year. Including his win in game 1, he was 8-2 in 11 playoff starts.


The next day came, and I searched out Heath during warmups. He told me that he’d start Zang, and my gut agreed - so I went and told Wes that he was the #2. I kept the batting lineup the same, hoping for another repeat.

The stands filled and the anthem played, and I spaced out. It ended, and as I walked back into the dugout I looked into the stands above - and saw a collection of faces smiling at me, to which I smiled back.

The wind was cold, and the temperature had everyone in long sleeves. But veteran Zang stood out there, bare arms, and wound up for the first pitch of the game. Ball one, and this game was under way.

Recker singled and stole second, and advanced to third on a one-out error by Dekker. Bales then lifted a sac fly, and Arizona again struck first. 1-0.

The score stayed that way until the bottom of the third. Following an inning-ending double play from Dekker, Hickman turned on the first pitch from Roberts. The ball jumped off the bat, heading for the gap in right-centre. Recker had a beat on it, chasing it down.

The dugout was willing the ball to carry, screaming at it. Hickman was already sprinting, thinking triple. The ball kept going, and Recker soon reached the wall. He jumped and reached, but the ball landed 10 feet out of reach. The dugout cheered as the crowd hollered, and Hickman’s first playoff home run had tied the game. 1-1.

Zang worked out of a runners-on-the-corners jam in the top of the 4th, striking out Conejo on a beautiful 12-6 curve to end the inning. The crowd was already rowdy, but each out made them more excited. Meanwhile, Wes looked extremely calm as he strolled back into the dugout, receiving high fives along the way.

But that optimism faded away as he was cruising through the 5th. After retiring Roberts on a dancing curve, he got Recker to ground out - a immediately grabbed his shoulder.

The trainer and I rushed out there. “What’s wrong?” I asked as the infield crowded around.

“My shoulder hurts.” He replied, very matter-of-factly.

The trainer moved it around, checking it out. After a short delay, he spoke. “It looks like it’s just sore, but it could be more.”

I sighed and motioned to the pen for Delaney. “Don’t worry about it, Wes. We’ll get it checked out and you’ll be fine.” I took the ball from him as the trainer walked him back, the fans giving a chorus of applause. Delaney trotted in from left field.

“What’s up with Zang?” He asked concernedly.

“Shoulder pains. Should be okay. You’ve got to hold them for us. I need a few innings, okay?”

He took the ball from me and nodded. “No problem.”

I walked back to the dugout, shaking my head and cursing my luck. This is how Delaney makes his first playoff appearance?, I thought, and immediately went to talk to Zang in the trainer’s office.

Delaney gave up a single to Hanover. Then, Hanover tried to take second, but Cancio gunned him down, giving him three caught stealing in two games. The crowd forgot about Zang and returned to the excitement of the game.

The Diamondbacks threatened again in the 6th when Renick lead off with a single. However, Delaney got Bales swinging, and McAteer on a popout. Musson then took a 2-1 pitch and ripped it down the third baseline. Simoneaux flopped out, gloving the ball. The crowd cheered right away in anticipation as Cliff scrambled to his feet and delivered a 110mph fastball to a fully stretched Clough, and Musson was out by half a pace. Everyone cheered, and Cliff received a hero’s welcome on returning to the dugout.

“The gloves are out today!” Hull exclaimed as he patted Simoneaux.

Roberts got the first out of the 6th before being pulled for Groleau, who finished off the inning.

Meanwhile, Delaney gave me a 1-2-3 inning, which would be his final of the game. I started warming up Popham and Walton, and waited to see what would happen.

Bill Stone replaced Groleau for the bottom 7. He had a tough task, facing Ira Hull, who was hitting .667 (4/6). Hull, sporting #4 on his uniform, worked a 2-1 count, and turned on Stone’s fourth pitch. The crowd immediately jumped to their feet, as did all of the team in the duguout. Renick chased after the high fly, getting closer and closer to the track. He reached the wall, and jumped, but the ball landed in the third row - and Hull threw up his hands in triumph as the crowd bellowed and the dugout shook. We took a slim lead on Ira’s first homer, which rose his average to .714.

Martinez followed that up with a single. Cancio struck out (again), and I sent in pinch hitter Johnny Clutch for his first at-bat of the series. The crowd rose and gave him a standing ovation as his name was called. He took his usual stance, and awaited Stone’s delivery.

He struck out on five pitches. He walked calmly back to the dugout, and Hickman stepped up to the dish. Hickman lined a shot over Conejo’s head on a full count pitch, and Martinez sprinted for third - which drew a throw from Musson. The ball was there in time, but off target - thanks to a good slide by George. Hicky hustled over to second, and with two outs, we had runners in scoring position for Dekker.

Stone shook his head and stretched his neck. He was feeling the nerves, and everyone knew it. He took his windup and threw the first pitch - a low ball. The ball skipped off Westra’s glove and bounced to the backstop. Martinez broke for home as Stone rushed to block it, and Westra scrambled for the ball. By the time he reached it, GM was already sliding in. Hickman trotted to third. Westra let out a frustrated sigh.

Two pitches later, Dekker flew out to centre. 3-1 Chicago.

Walton replaced Delaney for the top of the 8th, and had to face Recker. Harshaw remained in the game as the shortstop, taking Paul out. On three pitches, Walton struck Recker out looking, which drew a few words from Dewayne. Hanover then flew out, and I signalled for Popham.

Popham got a quick groundout to first from Renick. In the bullpen, I called for Aitken to start warming up.

Kizer replaced Stone to face the 3-4-5 of the Cubs lineup. Kizer threw 9 pitches in the inning, 7 of which were strikes, complete with strikeouts of Clough and Simoneaux, before Taylor flew out.

And Aitken jogged in from left, to the cheers of the crowd, with the prospect of closing out his first postseason save, and putting us up 2-0 in the series.

He fell behind Richard Bales 3-0. On the fourth pitch, Bales lifted a high fly ball to Martinez, who caught it with ease. Pinch hitter Abe Salinas came up to the plate. Cole ran a full count on him before getting a weak grounder to Clough, who gloved it and stepped on first for the out. Musson took a few practice swings before walking up to the plate, representing the Diamondbacks’ last hope of the game. He swung at the first pitch, and dribbled a ball just by Aitken’s glove. Taylor dashed for it, smothering the ball with his bare hand and flipping it to Clough. A close call came, but Musson was out.

I pumped my fist as the team rushed out to shake hands. Cole had his first save, and we’d won 3-1. We were now heading off to Arizona up 2-0, with the chance to sweep.

Hull was once again named the player of the game, and Delaney picked up the win with 2.1 scoreless innings. The story this game was clutch hitting and untouchable pitching, as once again the bullpen didn’t let up a run, and all sported ERAs of 0.00. Better yet, no pitcher walked anyone.

We had a flight out to Phoenix in the morning. There was an aura of excitement and optimism going around, but I had to take care of something that had been on my mind for nearly a month before we left.

[PBL Commish]

wats on ur mind? lol


great game

[Jazzmosis]

Here's Chapter 66: sorry for the slight delay, I had a weekend to work out travel plans (for you see, I'm heading to England for the week starting Nov 1st). So obviously, the next update will be mid-week too.

Anyway, here it is!

[Jazzmosis]

Chapter 66: NLDS: Game three, Saturday, October 9th, 2009

The team was psyched up for the third game, in which Guillen was slated to start. I was at my apartment the night after our second win, filled with nervous excitement. I had never been so close to something so big in my life. And this was only the Divisional series - we were just trying to get to the final four. But we could go 1-2 in the next few games and still make it - we didn’t even have to play .500. Course, if we finished the sweep, we would have plenty of time to rest and celebrate.

I was busy filling my suitcase with a few clothes and things when there was a knock on the door. I came to the door, and was greeted with Lilley’s smiling face. She had her hair tied up in a ponytail, and she just said “Hi” and let herself in.

“What’s up?” She said with a cute flair.

We had been hanging out at either my place or hers since she’d wrapped my head. We mostly watched movies or TV, or we went out with her or my friends. People had expected us to date at some point, but she had got a boyfriend for a few months, so we just had remained friends.

That short relationship ended sometime in August, and we were spending more and more time together - however, nothing had come of it. I was working hard to put Irene behind me, and didn’t feel ready for a relationship - and despite my attraction to Lilley, I never thought much of it. She seemed to feel the same way.

However, since September started, during the long homestands I found myself staying up until the early morning with her, just talking or watching movies. Even if we didn’t want to, we usually ended up extremely close to each other, sometimes waking up beside each other on the couch. Whenever I asked why she didn’t wake me up and send me home, she’d always reply with “You looked comfortable.”

She filled much of my thoughts during the last few weeks of the season, but I hadn’t seen her since the playoffs started. So I had made a point to see her before the team headed to Arizona, so I wouldn’t go more than a week without at least catching up.

“What time is your flight?” She asked, rummaging through my clothes. “Bringing a suit? You might need it when you win the series.”

“Ha!” I laughed. “Might. Key word is might. I’ll take one, but I know it’ll jinx things.”

“Oh, whatever. You know you’ll make the right decisions. You know you’ll win the series, so stop worrying so much.” She picked up a shirt and threw it at me.

“If only the world was as simple.”

She smiled coyly. “What will you do without me in Arizona?”

I stalled for a second, not expecting a serious question that was delivered in a playful manner. “I’ll think about work. And of course, win it all for you, my dear.”

It may sound like flirting, but it was always understood to be playful - and we frequently flirted with each other.

“You better,” She said very manner-of-factly. “Or I’ll be mad.”

“Wouldn’t want that.”

“You saw what I did to Conor when he did.”

“Oh, but of course.” I closed up my suitcase, complete with the suit she’d placed in. “I suppose that’s everything.”

“How about taking me to Phoenix?” Lilley smirked. “I’ve never been.”

“Can you fit in the suitcase?”

“I’ll go as carry-on!”

I looked around after giving her a smile and rolling my eyes. “I’m ready to go.”

“Great! Come to my place and we’ll watch some movies. If you’re going to leave and party without me, you at least have to spend one more night with me.”

“I suppose...” I sighed sarcastically. “But only this once.”


We headed down the hall and threw on a movie - one we both loved. It wasn’t long before I fell asleep on her couch, and when I woke up early in the morning, I found that I had my arms around her as she slept on my chest. I took a moment to admire her soft features before I woke her - her brown hair that was still in the ponytail - the way her jaw curved so smoothly into her chin - her feather-soft skin - and her slight curl in her lip as she breathed. I then moved, which woke her up.

“I’ve got to get going,” I mumbled, still half-asleep.

“So soon?” She replied, blinking unsynchronized.

“Sorry.” I headed to her door, but stopped before opening it. She was standing beside her couch. “Will you miss me while I’m gone?” I asked, rather presumptuously.

She smiled. “I always miss you when you’re away.”

I walked back to her and gave her a hug - one where she buried her face into my chest and held herself close to me for a long time. We broke apart, but stopped, looking at each other.

I stared at her momentarily before I moved my face in, my lips meeting hers very softly at first; but soon we pressed into each other, until we were sharing a long, meaningful kiss. When the moment ended, we both stared at each other again - both knowing that we’d just changed everything between us.

“I’d like to take you out when I get back.” I said. “On a real date.”

“That’d be nice,” she whispered.

We smiled and let go of each other while I made my second attempt for the door.

“Wait!” She called as I walked down the hallway.

I turned to face her. “What is it?”

“Do you miss me when you’re away?”

I didn’t say a word for a few seconds - not because I had nothing to say, but because I the words just didn’t come out right away. “Every time.”

And that’s how it started.


The plane ride was long and boring, like every other plane ride. Of course, this one had an air of excitement, as most of the younger players talked about how hard they were going to party, how they were nervous, how they knew what they had to do - anything but outright admitting we were going to win - because it wasn’t guaranteed.

Others, meanwhile, chose to ignore what was glaring them in the face. Only two players had ever gone past the first round, let alone just playing in October. They were Hull and Duncan, who both just sat calmly and read a book. Nobody bothered them.

When we arrived in Phoenix, I held a voluntary practice - people didn’t have to show if they didn’t want to. Not surprisingly, I had 25 players show up for it.


And then the game came the next day. Spanish Koan had the nod over Morales, who was slated for Game 4 “if necessary”. The Diamondbacks were countering with Odon Pagano, an American-born Dominican. In his second full season, he’d amassed an impressive ERA of 3.87 with 220 K’s in 207 innings, but had a losing record of 11-12. Guillen came back with a 12-5 record and a 3.90 ERA, but only 138 innings and 89 strikeouts. Either way, it was a tight matchup.

With a righty on the hill, Harshaw got the start over Dekker. Hull jumped from 6th to cleanup in the lineup, bumping Simoneaux to sixth. Taylor went back into the two-hole. I was playing my best lineup tonight, hoping they’d do the job they had during the second half of the season.

As rowdy and loud as Cubs fans were, the Diamondback’s fanbase was even louder, screaming and chanting long before the game even started. The only time they were close to silent was during the national anthem, which most sung proudly anyway. From that point on, it was a deafening echo. Pagano had only faced us once in his career - getting a no-decision after throwing six innings of three-run ball. However, he also struck out 10 of my guys. If we were going to hit him, we’d have to do it early.

Hickman dug his back foot into the batter’s box to start the game, as I looked at the 58 on his back from the first base dugout.

“Start it up!” I yelled, and clapped my hands together. Every player was on the fence, and the first pitch hadn’t even been thrown yet. Hicky took a first pitch low, and the game was officially underway. He then worked a 2-0 count before smashing a hard grounder to first, which Bales made a diving stop on. The crowd cheered thunderously as he stepped on the bag for the first out.

“They’ve got their gloves on today, boys.” I heard Hull say from behind me.

Taylor stepped up, hitting .111 thus far. He got a full count before lining the ball over a leaping Hanover at short, and we had the first hit. However, that was all we could manage in the first, and Aaron was left at first.

Spanish Koan got a groundout to Harshaw to put away Recker for his first out. He followed that up by striking out Conejo on a beautiful inside fastball registered at 91 on the gun. Renick squeezed a ball past Taylor, but Guillen got Bales to flyout to centre to end the inning.

Harshaw lead off the 2nd by lining a single past Conejo - which continued his hot hitting against Arizona - a team he’d hit .438 against in regular season.

I called hit-and-run with Simoneaux at the plate. He proceeded to line the ball back at Pagano, who grabbed it and completed the double play. The crowd roared as Clutch trotted back into the dugout. After a walk to Martinez, Cancio struck out (again) and the inning ended.

Guillen came back out and struck out McAteer and Westra between a groundout to get us back in the dugout quickly.

From there, the two pitchers traded 0's until Arizona threatened in the 4th. With one out, Bales doubled down the left field line, and McAteer singled him over to third. However, with the fans pressing for more, Guillen retired Musson on a shallow fly to Martinez, one that Bales couldn’t tag on - and then got Westra via the same pitch, as he sent it to Hull. I watched as Spanish Koan pumped his fist in triumph before coming in.

“Let’s get on him this inning, boys! Before he gets too tough!” Cancio yelled, slapping hands. Pagano had just become more and more nasty, and he showed it by dropping a slick cutter on Simoneaux to strike him out - the fifth of the game. The fans took delight in it.

Martinez strode to the plate, holding a heavier bat than usual. On a 2-1 pitch, Odon threw an inside slider. GM didn’t flinch - he turned his hands and sent the ball in the other direction. We all jumped out of our seats immediately, watching the flight of the ball. Martinez watched with anticipation as he hustled to first. Renick chased it, and for a moment I worried he would run it down - after all, I’d seen him do it many times when I his manager. He chased, and chased, tracked and tracked - until he simply ran out of room. He stopped a few feet from the wall, hoping the ball would somehow bounce off it. The ball did no such thing, soaring ten rows into the stands. Our dugout erupted as the crowd went silent, and I turned to see George in a dramatic fist pump as he rounded first. He came to the plate and received a high-five from Cancio, and a huge thanks from Guillen, who sported a helmet in the on-deck circle. 1-0 Chicago.

Pagano wiggled him arm as Westra talked to him on the mound, trying to calm him down. He proceeded to walk Cancio on 5 pitches. Guillen then grounded into a force out, and Hickman followed with a looking strikeout. What we’d saw was just a small blip from Pagano, but we had to make it stick.

Guillen started the bottom of the fifth by getting Hanover to fly out. He then walked Pagano on a full count - something that did not make him happy. He came back to deliver a strikeout to Recker. But from there, Conejo blooped a single to right-centre that put Pagano on third, which brought up Renick. On a 2-0 count, Yong mashed the ball between Guillen’s legs, which allowed Pagano to trot home, and put Conejo, the go-ahead run, on third. Diamondback fans cheered thunderously.

Doons called a steal for Renick, rather boldly. However, Cancio continued his playoff mastery by gunning him down in his tracks, and we all breathed a sigh of relief as Johnny Clutch applied the tag. We’d wriggled out of a jam. 1-1 tie.

The 6th went quietly for both sides, thanks to a double play turned by Taylor. The 7th went even easier, with Pagano striking out two and Guillen getting three quick outs. However, while Pagano was marching out for the 8th, I knew that I had to bring the pen in.

“Guillen, you’ve done a hell of a job - I don’t think anyone can ask for more. But you’ve thrown 100 pitches, so we’re going to the pen for the 8th.”

He just nodded in response while receiving high-fives; then he headed to the tunnel to get some ice.

Cancio started off the 8th with a strikeout (again). I then sent in pinch hitter Gober to replace Spanish Koan. He fared no better, striking out on three pitches. Hickman then lined a ball to centre, but Musson made a nice running stab to end the inning.

Walton came in to start the eighth, complete with Delgadillo behind the plate. He immediately gave up a single to Recker, and Conejo was lifted for a pinch hitter - Kenny Carlock. I called a pitch out - wrongly. Walton was down 1-0. Carlock then fouled off two bunts in a row. I called to guard the lines from a double. He proceeded to hit one through the hole created, and with nobody out, Arizona had runners on first and second. I called in Popham to face Renick.

He got down 2-0 on Renick until he threw a low fastball - Renick beat it into the ground, straight at Harshaw. It looked like an easy double play. Harshaw fielded it and tossed the ball to Taylor - missing him by three feet - it was only a miracle that had the ball bounce off a sliding Carlock that stopped Recker from trotting home. An error loaded the bases with nobody out. Carlock was replaced by pinch runner Kevin Salas.

Richard Bales, known for being a power hitter, stepped up with the bases loaded. I brought the infield in, and Popham wiped the sweat from his brow.

Ball one.

Foul.

With the count at 1-1, James whipped a fastball inside - right in Bales’ wheelhouse. He turned on it and lined it on one hop to Clough, who reacted. The ball bounced off his glove and dropped dead in front of him. He scrambled to pick it up, fumbling with it. Recker sprinted hard for the plate, and Delgadillo stepped on it, awaiting the throw.

Clough finally got a grip on it, and hurled the ball at the plate from his knees. Delgadillo stretched, similar to a first baseman, and caught the ball moments before Recker did a takeout slide at his leg. Francis crashed to the ground, but held on to the ball. There was no play at first. One out, bases loaded, McAteer due up.

Ball one.

Ball two.

George took a 2-0 pitch through the easy hole by Taylor, much to the screams of the fans. Martinez hustled towards the ball as Salas trotted in, and Renick rounded. Martinez fired the ball in, over the relay. Delgadillo caught it and dropped his knee in the way of Yong, who hurtled into him. Francis once again crashed to the ground, but again held onto the ball. Two outs at two plays at the plate, but Arizona had took the lead. And Bales and McAteer were both in scoring position.

Musson stepped up under the lights. Popham shrugged his shoulders to relax, and stepped onto the rubber.

Strike one.

Ball one.

Foul.

He then whizzed a fastball by Musson on the outside corner, and the inning was over. The team hurried off the field, with only three outs to turn the game around. 2-1 Arizona, and Pagano was looking for the CG. McDonald and Bill Stone warmed up in the pen.

Taylor took a 2-0 pitch and lined it, but Recker ran it down and snagged it at waist-height.

Clough struck out on three pitches.

Hull drew a walk on five pitches, which brought an end to Pagano’s night. Stone trotted in, which baffled us and brought up wonderment if McDonald was hurt.

And who was up by Johnny Clutch.

Ball one.

Ball two.

Ball three.

Strike one, taking all the way.

On the fifth pitch, Clutch looked as calm as ever under the pressure. He had that smooth waggle, which followed into a smooth stroke, which sent the ball right back up the middle, past a diving Hanover. Hull alertly took third, and we had runners on the corners.

And Doons came out and called upon the stopper, Augustus McDonald. The crowd roared as the 28 year old who shared my birthday sprinted in. I pinch hit Simoneaux for Kolodziej, and hoped for a miracle.

Ball one.

Waldo waggled nervously as Augustus wound up and delivered - a fastball. Kolo waved at it, pounding the ball past a reaching McDonald, and easily by second baseman Cavallaro. Hull hustled in, holding his fist in the air, and our dugout exploded with cheers. Kolodziej pumped his fist over and over as he stepped back to first, with a ridiculously clutch single. Lost in all the moment was Harshaw’s good running, which had him advance to third.

Martinez came up to the plate.

Ball one.

Ball two.

McDonald arched a curve, one that Martinez swung hard on. McAteer dove for it, but it got by - Hanover too tried, but it squeaked by. Johnny Clutch hurried home while Renick fielded the ball dejectedly. Martinez pumped both fists, hollering. Kolodziej looked back to the dugout with his fist clenched. The team mobbed Harshaw at the steps, while the crowd watched in silent shock.

Delgadillo stepped up to the plate. Meanwhile, in the right field bullpen, Aitken was finishing his warmups.

Strike one.

Strike two.

Augustus threw a nice sinker, one that Francis bit on and bounced to Cavallaro. He fielded it and tossed it to Bales, and the inning was over. But when it was all said and done, we’d scored twice with two outs, and led 3-2. Aitken sprinted to the mound, coupled with his 42 season saves, looking to get three outs and send us to the NLCS.

I started the defensive switches - Kolodziej took over right field from Martinez, Cuddy manned third, and Dekker jumped into short in place of Clutch. If they were going to beat us now, they’d have to beat my best defence.

Salinas replaced Westra at the plate.

Ball one.

Ball two.

Cole pulled the string on a changeup, and got a harmless ground ball to Cuddy. He fielding and made a perfect throw to Clough, and we had our first out.

Hanover stepped up, batting from the right side.

Strike one.

Aitken threw a nice curve that Hanover got under, sending a high fly to Hickman in centre. Two outs.

The dugout was silent, everyone on the top step. We were one out from eliminating Arizona.

Backup firstbaseman Thomas Ortiz, who hit .302 in 159 regular at-bats, stepped up to make his first playoff plate appearance of the series. Aitken got the sign, wound up, and delivered.

Strike one.

Strike two.

Ball one.

Ball two.

Ball three.

Cole then reared back and fired a 94 mph fastball down the middle - one that Ortiz swung at - and grounded to Taylor. He fielded it cleanly. Everyone on the bench leaned forward, ready to run out. Aaron took a moment and threw the ball - airing it five feet over Clough’s head. James jumped, but couldn’t glove it. The ball bounced off the fence in foul ground, next to our dugout. Everyone stared at the ball as Ortiz hustled around first. Clough snagged it, but never threw. Ortiz reached second safely, and the crowd exploded in excitement. The image I remember most clearly though was Taylor, holding both hands over his face, frozen in disappointment and embarrassment.

I called time and hurried out to Aitken. Taylor came in to the mound.

“Don’t worry about it, Aaron. Cole’s got this next guy. Shake it off right now, cause I need you out there.”

I then ran back to the dugout, never saying a word to Aitken. Taylor resumed his place, shaking his head but trying to regain composure. Aitken assumed the stretch position as Recker stepped up to the plate. Ortiz looked around him and took his lead. Delgadillo gave the sign. Cole came set, then wound up and threw.

Strike one.

He then delivered a 94 mph fastball that ran inside on Recker - who swung. The ball hopped high into the air, towards right-centre. Kolodziej tracked it down and parked himself under it, and we all waited for the ball to come down. We waited. And waited.

Finally, the ball landed in Waldo’s glove. In an instant, I heard deafening cheers around me, I saw Kolodziej hold his hands up and come running in towards the mound, where Delgadillo and Aitken had already embraced. The team mobbed them, and I turned to shake hands with my coaches, and received a hug from Schermerhorn.

It was only about thirty seconds before the celebration was brought to me, and the players pulled me into the fracas. I lost myself in the thrill, the joy, the pleasure of the moment - the players converging all around me and each other, the media trying to interview anyone they could, and the inevitable celebration that would follow us to the locker room.

I was trapped momentarily by a reporter, but after I gave some sound bites, I started heading towards the tunnel. There, I saw Richard Oberg waiting for me, who put his arm around me as we walked.

“Congratulations, Mark.” He said with a huge smile.

“Thanks!” I responded.


We’d won the game, 3-2, complete with a ninth-inning rally that most teams can only dream of, to finish a sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

It didn’t hit me right away, at least not at that moment, but the fact loomed right in front of my face.

I had made all the right moves in this series. We were heading to the NLCS.

[Y0DA55]

Yay! Now do you get to play your old team or a team in which there isn't a whole lot of backstory? I'm hoping for Florida.

Originally Posted by Jazzmosis

But what really mattered that game was the pitcher of record, which read:

W: Chris Look (1-0). I couldn’t think of a better way to end a career.

Good way to end a career. I do that with veterans too. Give them one last shot to be great.

[PBL Commish]

Originally Posted by PBL Commish

my prediction
u sweep
then beat the marlins in 7
then beat the tigers in 5

...

[Jazzmosis]

Chapter 67: NLCS: Game one, Thursday, October 13th, 2009

Anaheim predictably swept Detroit to join us as team two of the final four. Meanwhile, Texas and Milwaukee took a 2-1 series lead with victories. We stayed in Arizona for the night, knowing we had at least three days before we played again. The team went out for drinks and partying that night, and I joined my usual crew. Harshaw, who typically wasn’t huge of partying, even got into it.

Oberg had informed the team that we would be staying in Phoenix until the other series was completed. After all, if Florida won it, we would be travelling to Miami for that series. If Milwaukee picked up the win, which is what we were all hoping, we’d go to Chicago to host them.

I called Lilley and told her my good news - not that she didn’t already know. I typically didn’t call her while I was away - it was part of our mutual understanding. But after that kiss, everything was out the window. It was like we’d have to rewrite the rules to suit our new situation. She was happy for me, but soon headed off for class.

So we began the wait, most of the team crowding around the big-screen TV in the hotel room as the Milwaukee-Florida game started. Texas and Toronto started at the same time.

The Rangers took an early lead and never looked back, defeating and eliminating my hometown Jays, 7-2. They would go on to face Anaheim in an all-west ALCS. Meanwhile, the Marlins scored three in the second, two in the third, and one from the 5th to 7th. Despite a late comeback from Milwaukee, Florida went on to win game four, 8-5. They’d forced a game five back in Miami.

Guys were getting restless waiting for another day, but Oberg stayed true to his word. I could understand his thinking, not wanting his players to get on a plane just to get off and have to get back on. We were bored and many guys went out to drink and meet girls, but I decided to abstain from the partying. Instead I started formulating lineups and the pitching staff. I started to try and guess what either team would do if we faced them. In was unnecessary, but I was bored and had a lot of free time.

I went out for dinner at a nice restaurant on the 11th, one that I had frequented when I was manager here. I spent a little time with Augustus and Hensley, who were sharing a house together, but all my other D’backs friends had left the city, choosing to leave the memories of their sweep behind.

McD confessed that he was planning on proposing to his girlfriend over the winter. Hensley, meanwhile, was still enjoying single life, but wanted to stop renting soon and buy a house. Of course, his job didn’t exactly give him a whole lot of security, which was why he was waiting until he got a long-term contract.

October 12th finally came, and once again the Cubs crowded into the hotel room. We had the plane ready for the morning, eager to fly us out of Phoenix.

Florida scored one in the 1st and 2nd. They tacked on another run in the 5th, but Milwaukee scored it back in the 6th off a homer from Eddie Franco, and then tied it up from a two-run bomb from Oscar Curtin.

Our joy was short lived, as Jacques White doubled and scored the go ahead run. Shouts of “traitor!” came from the room at the former teammate, but the run he scored held up, and Marlins closer Paul Howie picked up his third save of the series. Florida won, 4-3, and took the series in five games. We groaned - for the second year in a row, we would go toe to toe with the Bennetts. On the other hand, we had a chance for revenge.

We landed in Miami airport the next afternoon. The team spent the afternoon practising and getting ready for game one. Duncan knew he was getting the nod, and it was a no-brainer that we were going to face Mike English, who used to be in the Diamondbacks system. He had a brief stint in Cleveland’s minors, before being claimed off waivers in 07 by the Marlins - and he’d turned into an absolute beast. His regular season ERA was 2.86 with a 12-11 ERA, and he’d rung up the third most, with 239 strikeouts. But in two starts against Milwaukee, he’d been even deadlier - winning game one and four, totalling a 0.69 ERA in 13 innings.

Thursday, October 13th marked the start of the series. I hadn’t seen Chicago in a week, and didn’t look to anytime soon.

I stepped into the stadium I’d spent my 19th year in - a stadium that had denied me so much in my first year of management, drove me out of the city, and made me give up for so long. A city that despite the warm weather, the air was as cruel and cold as the Canadian winters I had as a kid.

I didn’t want to let this city beat me again. The fans were back in droves, and still filing in even as English took his warmup pitches. I was going with the regular season lineup, with Simoneaux in cleanup and Hull in the 6-hole. I wanted to work Kolodziej in there, but he was content with the clutch pinch hits. So he sat on the bench with me, although we both ended up standing the whole game.

Hickman took some practice swings before he dug into the box. English took his unorthodox windup and delivered - a ball in the dirt. However, two pitches later he got James to bounce out to White, and the first out was recorded.

English got Taylor to foul out, and then retired Simoneaux on a strikeout after Clough singled.

Duncan had to face White to lead off the bottom half of the first. After falling behind 3-1, White sheared his bat in half, sending the ball weakly back up the middle. Johnny Clutch charged it and delivered an off-balance bullet to Clough, which got White out by half a stride.

Waterhouse, the catcher, than grounded a ball to Clough, who let it bounce off his glove and trickle into shallow right. Three pitches later, Duncan hurled a dirtball and Waterhouse trotted to second. And with Barry Bennett at the plate, it was crucial to make a good pitch. Duncan didn’t; and he singled through Taylor. Runners on first and third, one out.

Bennett broke for second on the first pitch to the other Bennett. Cancio caught and tossed it, and Taylor applied the tag, making Cancio 4-for-5 in runners thrown out. Duncan came back and struck out Bennett 2 on a diving change, and we were out without giving up a run.

English took us 1-2-3. And Glidden graced the postseason with his first hit to lead off the second - a solo shot to dead centre. The fans rocked the stands, and Florida took an early lead. Duncan settled down and retired the next three, but not without a leaping stab by Taylor.

Cancio lead off the third with a walk. Duncan tried to bunt twice, but took two strikes instead. After taking a ball, he then dragged a beautiful bunt towards first - forcing Bennett to field it and take it to first, moving Lorenzo up to second. Hickman then walked on 5 close pitches, but Taylor flew out. Clough lined a hard single to right - so hard that Trigger could only get to third. Simoneaux came up, hitting .091 so far. He fouled the first pitch off, but then took four balls in a row - scoring Cancio.

Harshaw stepped up. He took a ball and a strike, and once again came up with a clutch swing, lining a ball into centre. Hickman jogged in and was followed by a hard-running Clough. Hull then grounded out, ending the inning. 3-1 Chicago.

Duncan retired the first two batters before giving up a single to Waterhouse. Bennett stepped up to the dish with a thunderous applause from the crowd. I held my breath. Duncan delivered.

Ball one.

Ball two.

Foul.

Bennett turned on an inside fastball and sent it a mile into the air - the fans exploded with cheers, but the ball hooked towards the pole. I said “foul” over and over, willing it to go there. My wish came true - it missed the foul pole by about two feet. Strike two.

Ball three.

On a 93 mph cutter, Duncan got Bennett two swing through the ball. He threw his helmet in disgust, and Duncan walked off the mound. Disaster averted.

English handled the bottom three of the order in the fourth. Duncan came back out, and Bennett two greeted him by rattling a triple around the right field corner. Glidden then came up and mashed another ball to straight away centre, this one falling short of a homer. Hicky relayed the ball in, but Glidden had an easy RBI double. 3-2 Chicago. One batter later, Molina continued the parade - launching a ball over the centrefield wall. And just like that, Florida retook the lead. Duncan got the next three, but I had got Kass and Sipple warming up in the pen.

We went quietly in the 5th, and Duncan retired the first two batters of bottom before walking Bennett and letting up a single to Bennett two. I’d seen enough, and sent in Ray Sipple to try for a big third out. He, making his first playoff appearance, walked Glidden on four pitches to load them up. Molina stepped up, looking confident. Sipple took the sign and threw.

Strike one.

Ball one.

Strike two.

Sipple chucked in a 92 mph fastball on the outer half of the plate, and Molina chased, whiffing over it. Ray gave a hard fist pump and hurried off the mound, his heart racing. “Nice job, Ray.” I said, patting him on the back as he walked by.

Clutch lead off the inning doing what he did best - ripping Mike’s pitch down the third base line, and cruising in with a standup double. He was now hitting .500 in the postseason, with Hull coming up right behind him. He moved Johnny to third on a groundout. From there, Martinez struck out and Cancio flied out, and we’d stranded the tying run on third.

Sipple got the first two outs, before pinch hitter Jerry Rodarte singled, and moved to second on White’s free pass. I called in Dolman to attempt the final out.

Waterhouse, who always seemed to be on base, singled up the middle and Rodarte scored. That brought up Bennett, who we’d managed to keep silent all day.

Not this time. In a throwback to the ‘08 playoffs, Bennett buried a 3 run homer in the right field stands, and all of the sudden we were down 8-3.

Cuddy led off the 7th in place of Dolman, against reliever Christobal Rodriguez. He struck out looking on a 3-2 pitch. Hickman grounded into the second out. But Taylor finally singled, and moved to second when Clough picked up his 4th hit of the game. With Simoneaux coming up, I made the switch for Kolodziej, hoping for some more of his magic. No such luck, as he flew out harmlessly.

Coy Kass came in to hopefully keep the Marlins off the board in the 7th. He started by facing the perfect Glidden, and was the first to retire him, striking him out on three pitches. Except Molina came up and took the next pitch he threw out of the park, once again to straight away centre. His second home run of the game put them up 9-3.

The next batter, James Bagwell, sent the ball to deep centre. The crowd jumped to their feet, and our dugout slumped into our seats. Hickman hustled back, and dove for the ball on the track. Amazingly, he snagged the ball in mid-air and crashed to the ground. He held his glove in the air, and stood up. He even received an ovation from the outfield fans.

After a single, Kass ended the inning on a strikeout.

Dominguez replaced Kass, and proceeded to give up two singles before letting Bennett 2 damage us again. Christian launched another three-run homer, and we were trailing 12-3. After two more singles, I sent in Delaney with hopes of ending the atrocity that this game had become.

He beaned the first batter he faced to load it up with one out. He struck out Oquendo, but gave up a two-run single to Ragin, and we trailed 14-3. Finally, Cuddy made a fantastic snag at third and threw out White at first. They’d scored 5 runs, and all we wanted was for the game to end.

We went quietly, thank god, in the 9th.

The game was over, a 14-3 drubbing complete, and we trailed 1-0 in the series. The guys shuffled into the locker room. I wanted to say something, but I couldn’t - once again, Miami had stole my hopes and dreams and laughed in my face.

Once an amateur, always an amateur, I thought as I headed back to the hotel. I wanted sleep - I wanted to forget this game.

[PBL Commish]

and the marlins win


keep the prediction going

[PBL Commish]

well the tigers lost so i guess not

[Jazzmosis]

Sorry about the long delay - I went across the ocean, and came back with a boatload of schoolwork, which led me to this day. However! I have returned, and am here to drop the next chapter...

So enjoy!

[Jazzmosis]

Chapter 68: NLCS: Game two, Friday, October 15th, 2009

The day rolled over, and I started to think that the loss was good for us. It proved to us, in a very blunt way, that we were not invincible and wouldn’t steam roll over anyone that stood in our way. We’d given up twice as many runs than in our series against Arizona - we knew that it was time to fight for every win. It was a big deal to win the next game, because we didn’t want to fall behind 2-0.

The team filed into the locker room before the game on Friday. News had gone around that Anaheim had also pounded Texas, 10-1, in that opener. Nobody wanted to be on the losing end of a blowout, but it seemed to be good to know that we weren’t the only ones.

With Zang not quite ready, I pushed him back a start in favour of Jose Morales. Morales hadn’t been in the playoffs yet this year; and was ecstatic to get the start. It was an even start, as he was up against Ronnie Rawls, who had a 12-8, 4.47 ERA regular season. Morales had gone 15-12 with a 4.80. I put my wins leader out there hoping for the best.

I mixed up the lineup - Hickman would be leading off, but Harshaw followed him. Hull was in the cleanup, and Kolodziej replaced Simoneaux hitting 5th. Martinez followed him up, and Taylor took the 7 spot, in front of Cancio.

Florida predictably was sticking with the same lineup as game one. Rawls took his warmups under the evening sun and got ready for Hickman. After a first pitch ball, Hicky wrapped a ball around the first base bag, past a diving Bennett, and cruised into second with a leadoff double. Our bench clapped their hands in celebration.

“Let’s start it up right here boys!” I heard Cuddy’s voice say.

Two pitches later, Clutch lined a ball just over White’s head. Hickman rounded third, receiving a throw home. Waterhouse caught the ball and reached for the tag - but missed, as Hickman did a sideways slide - and we scored right off the bat. Harshaw hustled to second. Clough grounded to short - leaving Johnny at second. 10 pitches later, Hull ripped a hard grounder through third and short - Clutch rounded, once again drawing a throw. This time, though, Waterhouse caught the ball a few steps before Harshaw got there, and blocked the plate, making the tag. Kolo flew out, and the inning ended. 1-0 Chicago.

Florida put two on with one out right away. Morales looked in and managed a shallow flyout from Christian Bennett, but then walked the bags full. Molina came up. Morales threw a ball.

And then Molina buried us again, launching his third home run of the series to dead centre - a grand slam. The crowd loved it, and he rounded the bases with a confident smile. After another walk, Morales ended the inning with a popout. 4-1 Florida. We would have to battle from behind, again.

We went quietly in the 2nd. And after Rawls struck out, White and Waterhouse both singled. I got Kass and Delaney warming up in the pen as Bennett stepped up. Things continued to get worse as a double steal was committed, and they managed to pull it off on Cancio - which hadn’t happened a lot. I walked Bennett - bases loaded, Christian coming up. I brought the infield in. Morales fell behind 2-1, and Christian smashed a grounder to third. Waldo backhanded the ball, dropping it before making the out at first. Cancio fired to first, but Christian beat it out.

After yet another ball, Morales swayed a grounder out of Glidden, and Clough made the easy out. We all breathed in relief, lucky to be out of the inning without a run.

We went 1-2-3, again, in the third.

Morales got a grounder out of Molina to start the inning. He then dropped a nice changeup on Bagwell to strike him out. And he followed that up with a three-pitch strikeout of Oquendo to finish off a much-needed three-up, three-down inning.

After two more quick outs, Kolodziej singled to end the 9 straight outs from Rawls. However, GM grounded out, and the inning ended.

Morales looked to repeat Rawls, getting two outs, but Waterhouse proved to be unstoppable as he picked up his third hit of the day - a double that brought up Bennett. I walked him again. The less chances he had to bury us, the better. Jose jumped ahead of Christian 1-2. He fouled, and then swung over a nice slider to end the threat. Once again, we avoided disaster.

I pinch hit Simoneaux for Morales in the top of the 5th. It didn’t do much, since he struck out all the same. Delaney took the hill in his place, although we all knew he wouldn’t be able to go for long. After Glidden singled, David came back and struck out Molina, Bagwell, and Oquendo to get us back in the dugout.

Hickman rewarded the speedy inning by hitting a leadoff single in the 6th. After calling a hit and run, Clutch missed and James was thrown out at second. I further kicked myself when Johnny singled.

Clough took the second pitch he saw deep - we all started willing the ball to go - it travelled, deeper and deeper - until Molina grabbed the ball on the track. Harshaw hurried back to first, and we all groaned. Hull then struck out on a full count, and we were back in the field.

After Delaney K’d his fourth in a row, the pitcher, I decided to leave him in as long as it took. He coaxed a popout from White, and got Waterhouse out for the first time on an easy fly.

We went easily in the 7th. Delaney trotted back out there, and struck out Bennett. Christian then grounded out, and Glidden shared the same fate. I started wondering why I didn’t start Delaney.

However, his night was over as I pinch hit for him to lead off the 8th. In his place, Gober flew out. Hickman and Harshaw then struck out, as Rawls continued his dominance.

Kass replaced Delaney. Molina welcomed him in with a bloop single. Bagwell then moved Molina to third and himself to second on a single. I sent Walton in. He walked the bases full, but it made Sanson pinch hit Rawls for Ragin. Ragin punished us again with another two-run single, and I immediately made the pull for Popham.

Kolodziej guarded the line when White stepped up. He immediately took a hack at Popham’s pitch. It was right where Kolodziej used to be standing. Waldo dove back, and somehow got the glove on the ball. He fired from his knees to Taylor, who grabbed it and made the turn - getting plowed over by Ragin in the process. The ball made it out of his hand, though, and soared to first - grabbed at full stretch by Clough. We had turned a slick double-play, and I saw Popham point to Kolo in thanks. He too, figured out the Waterhouse paradigm, getting him to pop out. But the damage was done already. 6-1 Florida.

After Clough was robbed by a diving Bennett to lead off the inning, Hull singled. Kolodziej followed his great play with his second hit of the game, moving Ira to second. I rolled the dice, leaving Martinez in - who flied out for the second out. I sent Dekker in to hit for Taylor, hoping to just keep the game alive. And he delivered, taking Miramontes’ 2-0 pitch by White, which allowed Hull to score.

Closer Paul Howie came in to try for the final out. He walked Cancio on 4 pitches, loading the bases. With Popham due up, I sent in Cuddy and crossed my fingers.

Cuddy worked a full count before fouling off four balls in a row. And finally, Howie gave, and missed outside, walking in the second run of the inning, and bringing up the top of the order. Hickman stepped up. Howie looked in, and wound up - throwing four straight balls and walking in yet another run.

The crowd started to boo, and Johnny Clutch came up to the plate. We all held our breath.

Strike one.
Ball one.
Foul.
Foul.
Foul.

Howie threw a hard splitter that dove out of the zone, and Harshaw bit - swinging over it. The crowd burst into cheers, Howie pumped his fist, and we’d left the tying run at second.

We battled, but it still wasn’t enough, losing 6-4.


There was an offday, one the whole team couldn’t wait to get back to Chicago in. Miami continued to make me look bad, and a thought plagued me as the plane flew home. If we were going to win this series from 2-0 down, we’d have to win it in Florida.

A chill went down my spine.

[PBL Commish]

take 4 in a row

[kenyan_cheena]

Great write up for game two, Jazzmosis. Makes me look forward to the playoffs in my dynasty.

[Jazzmosis]

How about that, posting exactly a week after the last chapter? Reminds me of the 'olden days,' when I posted a chapter every week. Anywho... let's continue the playoffs on, shall we?

Coming up... Chapter 69 (always saucy)

[Jazzmosis]

Chapter 69: NLCS: Game three, October 15th, 2009

We arrived in Chicago early Saturday morning, and the whole team trudged off the plane. We were all eager to get back to our homes, wives, girlfriends, friends, etc, and put the failure of the first two games behind us. I was personally glad to be out of Miami - apart from the fact that we’d lost every playoff game we’d ever played there, I held a personal vendetta for that city, and hoped that I’d never have to see myself facing another defeat there. If anything, I wanted to force a bitter victory down their throats, to throw my success in Canon’s face, showing that I could win without him, and to win a championship before he could. I wanted to do it on the lowest payroll in the majors, making it the first time in major league history that happened. I wanted to do it with an underrated team, a team that had gone through major problems and changes throughout the year... I wanted to do it for myself. At the very least, I wanted to prove to myself I had what it took to beat Florida.

But first, I had a date.

When I entered in my apartment that morning, I crashed on my couch for a little while and slept. I knew Lilley was home; it was a Saturday, after all. I could only think of inviting her over and exploring what we’d left off just before I had gone to Arizona, replaying that kiss over and over, thinking of whether or not it was worth the friendship, what could happen, what couldn’t, and how things would be different if Irene was still alive - I never would have even met Lilley. We had set the time a few days ago, and that time was rapidly approaching. I didn’t know what to do, my nervousness building. It made no sense to me how I could be worrying about a friend that I knew so much about, but nothing I could do would quell the tension.

At last, I picked my usual suit that I wore to everything for the date. I decided on a red bowtie, which took me forever to tie properly, and headed over to her apartment to pick her up when the time came. She answered the door and looked me over with a smile. “Same old suit, eh?”

I didn’t respond - I couldn’t. She was wearing a sea green dress with a slit on the side just past the knee, which was coupled with a spaghetti strap over her shoulders - which crossed on the back and became very low cut, revealing most of her curvaceous back. Her hair was softly rippled and let down over her shoulders - and her deep, blue eyes sparkled behind her makeup, which brought out her incredible facial features: a smooth jawline, nice, soft lips, gentle cheekbones, and thin, but not fake eyebrows. Perfect.

We headed to a rather expensive restaurant together, The Crown Limoncello. I had never really spent a whole lot on dates before, choosing to live the “common man” life with my dates, seeing if they’d look past the money that everyone that knew of me assumed I had. Lilley knew I had a lot of money in the bank; we’d discussed it before. I also knew that she had student debts from being in medical school that would rival my ‘fortune’. But this was Lilley, not someone I barely knew - and because of this, I decided to take her out for a night that she could remember for the rest of her life, even if nothing came of it between her and I. For the first time in my life, I stopped caring about myself and my life - I cared about Lilley, and I wanted this to be special for her, especially given her past.

And the dinner went well, although the cheapskate in me still ordered pretty much the simplest, cheapest meal. We tried our best to not act like we usually did when alone, but inevitably we ended up laughing and completely acting like we weren’t somewhere where we should behave. Not that we did anything sexual or wrong; we just didn’t act like ‘upper class’ citizens in a fancy restaurant. In both our hearts, we knew that we simply did not fit into the tight upright society that we were surrounded by.

We caught a movie, titled Wake Up - a solid film that was neither girly, nor gruesome. I’d always been a fan of independent movies, and this was right up both our alleys.

After the film, we headed back to the apartment. I walked her to her door, ready to say goodnight. I wanted to ask her on another date, but I didn’t know if it was appropriate. I didn’t know how to act at all with Lilley at this moment: friend or first date?

This was solved by her. “Thank you for the dinner and the date, Mark,” She started. “I’ve got some work to do, but otherwise I’d ask you in and we could hang out together.”

“Sure thing,” I replied with a small smile. To anyone else, it would sound like I was getting brushed off, but I knew that she wouldn’t lie to me. At least, not as a friend. “How about we get together before I head back to Miami?”

She smiled. “Before then. You know I’m coming to one of those games here.”

I gave her a big smile. “I’d love to see you there heckling me.”

We laughed a bit, and were ready to say goodnight. The words were exchanged, but neither of us left right away. Instead, I reached out for her hand, stepped forward, and met her lips in a long, passionate kiss. I felt her hands grab the back of my neck, and hold me close to her face. “I really like you, Mark, I really do. You’re wonderful to me, and I want this feeling to continue,” she whispered to me, our fingers intertwining together behind her back.

“Then let’s continue this,” I whispered back softly.

She pulled away, seemingly trying to control herself from her feelings. “We will. Just. . . let’s have another date soon.