In the last ten years, the World Series had a pretty even split as to excitement. Game Four of the 1996 World Series was on yesterday, part of the YES (Yankee) Network's move to make people forget about recent failures. This is the game where the Yankees were down by six and won 8-6 in ten innings. It also marked the time when the Braves suddenly went totally downhill in respect to Series games -- they came back in 1999, but lost six more straight games (all to the Yanks). Of course, the year before (1995), they won the World Series. So, 1996 might be said to be the start of their "to the playoffs, but that's it" tradition.
The Yanks didn't make it in 1997, but current Yank (for the time being), Al Leiter did pitch good enough in the Game Seven to allow the Marlins to win in extra (another current Yank, scheduled to pitch Game One of the never to be Championship Series, started for the Indians). The Yanks went to the WS 1998-2001, though admittedly only 2001 was much of a battle. 2002 and 2003 were interesting too, while 2004 and (perhaps) 2005 were lamer.
Andy Pettite did his job in Game Six in 2003, but the rest of the Yankees did not ... loss. Different personnel, same result -- this time the relief corps, not the hitting, being the problem. The Astros relief core did decent in Game One, and the B team at that. The A team, so to speak, gave up five runs -- including, after the hitters managed to come back from two down in the Ninth. Those who like competitive games, as well as having a soft spot for Andy Pettitte, should find this a bit troubling. We do not need another yawner World Series.
Anyway, some exciting football as well. The frolicking Vikings came back from 17 down and won on a 56yd field goal; the Packers won by three in their last three regular season match-ups. The Eagles won on a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown. And, most importantly, the Giants' defense held when it counted, a missed 49yd field goal attempt helped, and they won with: 05 left -- winning by one point, while being favored by two. Nifty. In fact, during the desperation laterals, they intercepted the ball on the last play.
Thus, Denver's multigame turnover-free record ended. One also should note that the last time Denver came to NJ, the Giants managed to end that teams 13 game win streak. Denver survived, beat the Jets in the Championship game (Jets up 10-0 at Half Time), and won the Super Bowl. Still, it was a highlight of a lackluster year. Giants have a chance for a better one ... it also made up for last week's lackluster performance. Jets up tonight -- mismatched (overmatched) on the road vs. Speedy Gonzales aka Michael Vick. Well, think Monday Night magic.
Or, miracle ... whatever. Btw, will the Houston Texans win this year? Hope NY doesn't play them. Update: They don't, but the Jets (2-5) have a pretty nasty schedule. Nasty is one way to describe tonight's game.