America’s Bookie, Ask the Bookie, and The Brink would like to pass on our well wishes to the family and friends of Yogi Berra.  He died recently and was ninety years old.  Not many World War II vets that fought at Normandy are still around and one more is gone.  His time as Yankee was good but his personality and love for the game made him great.  Most times when I see a price increase at  my favorite bar I think “A Nickel aint worth a dime anymore.”  He is missed all over America today.

Cubs as Road Favorite?

If form holds true, the Pirates will host the Cubs in the one game playoff  for the NL Wildcard advancement.  Normally, the home team via the better record would be bestowed but Chicago has the ace in the hole.  Tweaking the rotation will get to send 20 game winner Jake Arrieta to the hill.  He got the magic mark in wins last night with a complete game shutout that sends an exclamation point on the whole season.  How hot has he been since the All-Star Game?  0.86 ERA would be the lowest in LB history during that stretch.  With his season ERA of 1.88, he is catching up to the Dodger duo in CY Young voting.  He could be considered the favorite in my eyes due to the split in votes for LA.  No matter what happens, look for Jake to start the aforementioned game and to be the favorite to advance even in the home of the enemy.

Johnny Still Saved his Career

Manziel will got back to his role as backup but with his potential more than intact.  After a horrible relief appearance in game one, Johnny shook things up by playing an above average complete game in a win over the Titans.  Cleveland has decided to go with Josh McCown but this does not mean that Johnny lost.  He gained something more that maintaining the starting role.  Hope and proof that he can play a complete game.  Congrats Johnny, if the Browns ever cut you then you have cemented a few more years around the league because of your last game.

Once again our heartfelt sympathies go out to the Berra family.  Come back for tomorrow’s issue of The Brink where we have Thursday Night football to feast over with our free pick.  Good luck with your sports investment today.