It's been four days since my Spring Training trip to Tampa started, and while it's not going to be a daily feature like I promised, I can still provide some insight as to what I saw, liked, didn't like and thought about the games I saw.
Today's Topics
- Boston @ NY Yankees (Friday, March 4th)
My first game started in Tampa between these two bitter rivals. While the Yankees played most of their starters, the Red Sox didn't. Both teams look really good, but one area of concern I see from the Red Sox is the ability to close out their games. Going into the bottom of the 9th they were up 5-1, and allowed 2 runs. If it weren't for a close out called I'm pretty sure the Yankees would've won this game.
- Boston @ Baltimore (Saturday, March 5th)
The next day I traveled down to Sarasota to see Baltimore's refurbished stadium, which I must say is nice. However, this is a stadium where you could literally hear a pin drop at even though the place was sold out. Again, the inability for the Red Sox to close out the game worries me. While the game ended in a tie, and they weren't using their star players, it is a concern that Boston fans will have to learn to cope with this season. I haven't quite figured out the Orioles yet, but I'll see them a couple of more times to help me see who they really are.
- Tampa Bay @ Philadelphia (Sunday, March 6th)
The following day the trip was to Clearwater to see the Phillies facility. Of all the places I've been too so far, this definitely seems like the loudest crowd, even more than the Yankees facility. The Phillies led for most of the day, but in the bottom of the 9th they played small ball to perfection, allowing them to win. However, if Tampa's first basemen didn't bobble the ball on Philly's first bunt, the situation for the game would've completely changed. Cliff Lee looks to be at the top of his game once again.
- Philadelphia @ NY Yankees (Monday, March 7th)
While the previous day the Phillies put on what I'd call a hitting display, the Yankees bullpen for the most part made them seem like a double A team. The Yankees got out to a 5-0 lead eventually winning 7-1. Roy Oswalt didn't look good at all, giving up 5 ER. To me the Yankees look like a Playoff team while the Phillies look to be feeding off the mistakes of poorer teams.
- Washington Capitals @ Tampa Bay Lightning (Monday, March 7th)
The day concluded with a trip to St. Pete Times Forum to see a battle for the Southeast Division title. The first period was very intense and the Capitals looked like they were out for blood. The Bolts led 1-0 after 1 which led the Caps to switch from Neuvirth to Holtby in net. Neuvirth apparently got some metal in his eye after the first shot which took his mask off. The second period was dominated by the Tampa but no goals were scored. The third period was completely dominated by the Caps, resulting in the game going to overtime and eventually the shootout. When Washington tied it up it seemed like Tampa had no clue as to what to do, allowing the Caps to almost win it in overtime. But luckily it was the stick of Alexander Ovechkin that was the lone goal in the shootout that allowed the Caps to retain their Southeast division lead.
That's it for now. Over the next 3 days I'm going to 5 games including another Hockey game, so expect another update then.
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