Hunter Pence isn't the only major leaguer who can give a rousing speech that precedes a big win. Closer Grant Balfour of the Oakland Athletics didn't even play Wednesday night in his team's stunning 4-3 comeback victory against the Tigers in Game 4 of the ALDS. But he did play a role in the drama.
Before the A's went to hit in the bottom of the ninth inning down two runs and facing the end of a dream season, Balfour got the boys together for a little positive-thinking exercise in the dugout. His instructions for A's batters against Detroit closer Jose Valverde were simple and blunt.
Via CSN Bay Area, he said:
"I was just telling the guys, I just said — and it's no disrespect to anyone — but I said, 'We're going to rock this guy's world tonight. We're going to walk it off in A's fashion. Because that's what we do.' I said, 'Believe it. Believe it. See yourself run on that field. Every one of you, put your mind to it and believe it and see yourself run on the field with a walk-off victory. Just see it and believe it.' "
And then it happened.
"And we did it."
Below, listen to Balfour recreate the speech after the game:
Roy Hobbs might not buy into sports psychology, but it seems to work for Oakland. Or it doesn't not work. The A's are still playing, having finished the regular season with 14 victories in their last at-bat, and they just added another. And Balfour watched most of it from the dugout — even after pitching coach Curt Young ordered him to go warm up. You know, just in case the A's tied the score and needed Balfour to pitch the 10th? Yeah, well, about that ...
"Curt said, 'You've got to go down there. If we get one out, you've got to start getting loose.' I said, 'Don't worry about, I'm going to to get loose.' I said, 'Don't worry about it, I've got to stay here.' I ended up having to go down there and Coco got that last hit.
"I wanted to let the guys … I didn't want to be sitting down there. I wanted to be on the top step. I just wanted to make sure everyone was thinking the right way, thinking positive and just believing in ourselves. Because we've walked it off so many times, why can't we do it again? Why do we have to be afraid of success? There's no reason to be afraid of success. And we proved that tonight."
Bob Melvin's job as manager is a little easier when he has players such as Balfour who can give fiery speeches that obviously come from an authentic place. As anyone who has seen Balfour pitch knows, his rage comes from confidence. Or to overcome any lack of it. As Theodor Herzl said (NSFW link): "If you will it, it is no dream." Back to you, Grant:
"I believe in the mind as a powerful thing. … If you really want something bad enough, and you've got every guy in the dugout that wants it, and he's thinking the same thing and believes it, it just goes to show that those other guys did all the work and it happened."
Now, just as with Pence's speech, are we to believe that the A's somehow fall short if Balfour doesn't rev up everyone's engines? Or do we just give credit to Josh Reddick, Josh Donaldson, Seth Smith and Coco Crisp for rocking Valverde's world themselves? Grant?
"Shoot, it was three outs away, I know it's a tough situation. I'm not taking any credit. I'm just telling you, I want it so bad. I know everyone in here wants it so bad. I don't want to go home tonight. No chance."
Not with that kind of motivation. No chance at all.
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Each week the Noise highlights 10 bold names who he believes are destined to torpedo your team leave egg on his face. For those playing the Lames home edition, each player must be started in at least 50 percent of Yahoo! leagues to qualify. As an accountability advocate, results, whether genius or moronic, will post the following week using the scoring system shown here. If you're a member of TEAM HUEVOS, post your Week 5 Lames in the comments section below.
Tom Brady, NE, QB (95-percent started)
Matchup: at Sea
Tom Terrific? More like Tom Tepid in Seattle. Prior to Week 1, most projected extraordinary production for the two-time MVP this season. Everything was in place. He was a proven commodity surrounded with endless weapons in a pass-heavy system. But Bill Belichick isn't predictable. Shockingly, the Hoodie has called 'pass' just 47.5-percent of the time through five games. Stevan Ridley, and not Brady, has become the engine that drives the offense. Still, the passer hasn't become a fantasy slouch. He currently ranks No. 7 among signal callers in per game average. This week, however, look for him to rank well outside the top-10. CenturyLink Field is an intimidating environment. Brady admitted earlier this week running no-huddle, which was instrumental in New England's win over Denver, in such a raucous venue "will be a challenge." Tony Romo and Aaron Rodgers, who both struggled earlier this year in Seattle, would most certainly agree. Overall, the 'Hawks have conceded just 6.0 yards per attempt and the fewest fantasy points to QBs. The defensive line along with blanketing corners Brandon Browner and Richard Sherman are a well-oiled machine. It may sound absurd, but Brady is bench worthy for owners with viable alternatives.
Fearless Forecast: 24-36, 248 passing yards, 1 passing touchdowns, 2 interceptions, 14.4 fantasy points
Jamaal Charles, KC, RB (94-percent started)
Matchup: at TB
When drafted four years ago, no one could've predicted the rusher, 199 pounds soaking wet, was capable of transforming from timeshare back to 30-carry Clydesdale, but that's exactly what he's become. Ridden repeatedly with Peyton Hillis sidelined by a high ankle sprain, the JC of KC has gripped the pigskin an average of 30.7 touches per game over the past three weeks, netting 6.1 yards per touch. Considering his lengthy recovery from a torn ACL, his resurgence is nothing short of remarkable. The workload is very attractive, but Charles, like any rusher, isn't immune from fantasy failure. This week's matchup is tougher than you think. A year ago, Stephen Hawking could've putted his way to 150 yards and a touchdown against the Bucs. In complete disarray under Raheem Morris, they ranked dead last versus the run. But new head honcho, Greg Schiano, has changed the culture, elevating the club's defensive profile. In particular, Gerald McCoy, who is the fourth-best run defender in the league according to Pro Football Focus, has ramped up his game. Strength versus strength will be the theme by the Bay this Sunday. At home, Tampa has surrendered just 3.5 yards per carry to RBs this year. But unless Brady Quinn, who floundered in 12 previous career starts, performs semi-competently, Charles could disappoint.
Fearless Forecast: 22 carries, 96 rushing yards, 3 receptions, 10 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 12.8 fantasy points
Willis McGahee, Den, RB (67-percent started)
Matchup: at SD
McGahee's birth may have preceded the construction of Stonehenge, but the ageless wonder has staved off Father Time, displaying nimble feet, versatility and burst reminiscent of his pre-injury days with the Bills. He's averaged 4.5 yards per carry and is on pace for a 1,204 rushing yard, 10-TD campaign. If he continues on that track it would be his finest fantasy season since 2004. Despite him losing a critical fumble last week against New England, Peyton Manning and cohorts remain committed to getting McGahee the ball in multiple situations. However, the Bolts are a stiff adversary. Corey Liuget and Shaun Phillips have done an excellent job sniffing out the run. As a whole, San Diego has yet to allow a 100-yard rusher this year and has limited opposing rushers to a modest 3.8 yards per carry. In a pivotal intradivisional game, McGahee may get jolted.
Fearless Forecast: 16 carries, 66 rushing yards, 3 receptions, 13 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 10.1 fantasy points
Jordy Nelson, GB, WR (91-percent started)
Matchup: at Hou
The newest spokesperson for the Wisconsin Department of Tourism isn't exactly luring travelers. His underwhelming performance on the field is bad for business in reality and fantasy. With or without Greg Jennings in uniform, Nelson, no longer a secret, has folded under added pressure. Only once this season has he reached double digits in fantasy scoring. And that was against the New Orleans Aints. On a per game basis teammates James Jones and Randall Cobb have outperformed him. Still, he's enticed a healthy 7.2 targets per game, but with only one TD on the season, some owners are strongly considering keeping their pair of Jordache in the closet, especially this week. Jonathan Joseph and Kareem Jackson are a defensive tandem to fear. According to Pro Football Focus, both rank inside the top-25 in pass coverage among cornerbacks. Their stellar play combined with J.J. Watt's disruptive nature at line are major concerns for Jordy. Unless Green Bay recently signed a group of ogres to protect the pocket, Aaron Rodgers will likely be under duress early and often, limiting Nelson targets downfield.
Fearless Forecast: 4 receptions, 45 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 7.5 fantasy points
Brian Hartline, Mia, WR (50-percent started)
Matchup: vs. StL
Two weeks ago the Barracuda devoured everything in his path accomplishing what Mark Duper and Mark Clayton never did in their illustrious careers. His 253 yards against Arizona set a new franchise record, at the time a "bittersweet" accolade for the humble receiver. No surprise Hartline crashed back down to earth last week in Cincinnati. Attracting extra attention on numerous occasions, he caught just four passes for 59 yards on five targets. Another vanilla effort could be on tap versus visiting St. Louis. The Rams, no longer 'rancid' defensively, have locked down the pass fairly consistently. Corners Bradley Fletcher and Janoris Jenkins combined have surrendered a mere 10.7 yards per catch to their assignments. Throw in St. Louis' aggressive pass rush, and Hartline is more deep league WR3 than 12-team WR2 material in Week 6.
Fearless Forecast: 4 receptions, 51 receiving yards, 0 touchdowns, 8.1 fantasy points
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