After a winter that seemed like it was never going to end, the warm weather that keeps popping up means a lot to Fordham students. Shorts and sundresses are getting dusted off, and so is our love for baseball. The 2011 Major League Baseball (MLB) season as of late has been pretty exciting to say the least, and the rest of the season is shaping up to be an electrifying one. So far the perennial favorites are at the top of the standings. The New York Yankees currently reign over the American League East and the Philadelphia Phillies are still the team to beat in the National League East. If you are a Yankee fan or a Phils fan, this may be good news, but if you are a Mets fan, I can’t say the same as they have been having a rough season. To get a better sense of what Fordham thinks about the season, we asked a Phillies fan and a Milwaukee Brewers fan for their predictions about the 2011 season.

Rebecca Hare
Brewers 
FCLC ‘14 

Observer: What do you think about the way the baseball season is shaping up?

Rebecca Hare: Well, it’s shaping up to be a pretty classic season. Yankees are on top with Tampa Bay in tow, and I like that the Phillies are doing so well. Their new pitching staff will dominate the National League.

Observer: How about your team, the Brewers? They’re not doing too bad either.

RH: It’s true! Third in the National League Central. I doubt anything will come of it, but it’s nice to see them doing well. Hopefully they can take down the Cincinnati Reds.

Observer: So now that you’re a New Yorker, how do you feel about the Yankees?

RH: I’ve always enjoyed poking fun at them, being a Brewers fan, but I never had any aversion to them. And I have to say, since coming to New York I’ve started to foster a bit of an affection for the team. A good Yankee game is always fun to watch.

Observer: So do you have any predictions about where the Yankees are headed?

RH: I think they’re going to do well this season. I don’t think their pitching is as good as it has been in the past, but their high-octane offense will carry them to the postseason.

Michael McMahon
Phillies
FCLC ‘14 

Observer: So Mike, what are your feelings on baseball this year?

Michael McMahon: I have to say it’s been a great start to the season. The teams are settling in, the divisions are competitive and I have high hopes for the rest of the year.

Observer: As a Phillies fan, how do you feel about their number one spot?

MM: Personally, I am very excited. I think our pitching rotation can get us not only to the playoffs, but also take us all the way. I am a little disappointed, though, because my favorite player, Chase Utley, is likely to miss half the season. His knee injury has only gone from bad to worse, and he’s their all-star second baseman.

Observer: Do you have any feelings about the Yankees, considering you now live in the city?

MM: The Yankees are a good team. I’m a little fearful of their hitting but I’m mostly glad we don’t have to deal with them in the standings.

Observer: Are there any teams you think could give the Yankees and the Phillies a run for their money when playoff season rolls around?

MM: Texas. The Rangers concern me a bit. They’re a very powerful team.

Observer: Are there any teams that you are surprised by so far this season?

MM: The Cleveland Indians have been incredibly surprising this season. They’re first in the American League Central when they usually finish in last place.

Observer: So do you think there could be another Yankees-Phillies World Series?

MM: Anything could happen. In fact, I expect and look forward to it.