2011 MLB Postseason

[gladdenguy]

October starts Saturday. Baseball playoffs essentially begin tonight.
Who are you rootin for?
Who is gonna win it all?
Still my favorite postseason in all of sports.

Me.....Rootin for Red Sox to get in first then to win it.
I think the World Series is Phillies vs. Tigers with Phillies win it.

I will try my hardest to root against the Phillies and Yankees.

[DC Muskie]

I'm looking forward to the Reds continuing to build what they started last season.

Oh wait. Sorry.

Anybody but the Red Sox, Trash, and Yankees.

I wouldn't mind Detroit winning, but I would mind having to hear how this will lift their spirits because they have no jobs and all of their houses downtown burned.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Rooting for Detroit and Milwaukee.



Unfortunately, I think its going to be a Phillies Yankees WS.

[GoMuskies]

I'm in Dallas Saturday, and I'm going to ALDS Game 2 if the Rangers win and/or Tigers lost tonight. Looking forward to it. Looks like it's gonna be the Red Sox at this point.

[BlueX]

Tigers over Phillies
As long as the Red Sox miss the playoffs I will be content with whoever wins.

[QueensbridgeMF]

Go Sox! and F the Yankees (except for tonight)

[PMI]

Come on O's. I hate the Red Sox, and nothing would be more satisfying than seeing their season end at Camden Yards.

[GoMuskies]

Welll, the Sox season certainly isn't going to end at Camdem with the Rays down 7-0, but it would be okay if the rain delay lasts until about 2 am, then they go about 15 innings and lose and the Sox have to play in Tampa about 12 hours after their game in Baltimore ends.

[ThrowDownDBrown]

Welll, the Sox season certainly isn't going to end at Camdem with the Rays down 7-0, but it would be okay if the rain delay lasts until about 2 am, then they go about 15 innings and lose and the Sox have to play in Tampa about 12 hours after their game in Baltimore ends.

Same thing happened to the Reds in 99. Only difference is they had to win their last game in Milwaukee to force a one game playoff against the Mets. Last game got delayed and didn't finish until real late then the Reds came back home and laid an egg against Al Leiter.

[GoMuskies]

Rays got 6 in the 8th....Damon left the tying run at 2nd. I wonder if the Yanks will use Mariano in the ninth. I doubt it.

[GoMuskies]

Holy fu$% Tampa Bay. Did anyone else just see that?!? AMAZING!

[paulxu]

161 games later we get some exciting baseball. Braves playing free baseball after Cards have won theirs.

[BlueX]

That was tremendous. Reading the Sox fans gamethread is hilarious.

[SixFig]

Corey Wade was a sleeper agent for the Rays all year apparently. Job well done 007

[STL_XUfan]

My hope is that the Phillies that lost 8 of 9 going into the Braves series returns so the Cardinals can roll into the NLCS. This hope may or may not be fueled by fanaticism and quite a few budweisers. Go Cards!!

[GoMuskies]

This could be the most painful way to blow it possible for the Sox. What a ridiculous night of baseball.

[GoMuskies]

Poor Sox... ha ha.

[gladdenguy]

I have never seen anything like what I just saw. Wow

[GoMuskies]

ESPN has already started their 30 for 30 on tonight.

[Masterofreality]

I have never seen anything like what I just saw. Wow

As Jack Buck said after the Kirk Gibson homer for the Dodgers in the World Series-

"I can't believe what I just saw."

Phenomenal night of baseball with the Braves and Red Sox blowing leads and the Tampa Bay Rays winning in dramatic fashion in front of tens of their fans. All within a few minutes of each other.

Unbelieveable.

[bobbiemcgee]

Poor Sox... ha ha.

Red Sox were 77-0 when leading after 8 innings. Rays score 6 in the eighth and get a HR from a guy hitting a buck 0h 8 in the ninth and had 1 other homer in April. Games ended within 3 minutes of each other. Former Ray Carl Crawford looked like he was trying to help the Rays. Braves and Phillies more crazy shit. WOW! I went to the first two Rays/Yankee games. Attendance 18k and 22k. Pathetic.

[XUFan09]

Games were crazy tonight, except for my Cards. They were the least interesting in leaving nothing to chance. Well, okay, I hate the Astros, so I actually found that blowout a bit entertaining in of itself, beyond it being a win :D

[GoMuskies]

I suppose I spoke too soon on the Sox season not ending in Baltimore.

I just read that the Yankees haven't lost a seven run lead in the last two innings in almost 60 years before tonight. It certainly didn't help their cause that they had the AAA lineup in late in the game, so once it was tied they basically had not chance to score. Plus, Girardi blew through 11 pitchers in nine innings, so he was stuck with the atrocious Scott Procter.

[Jumpy]

No matter what happens in this post season, it can't top what happened last night. That's it.
Done. Baseball shot it's load in a wild, fantastic finish in the AL wildcard race. The Braves have to be happy about how it all went down because no one is talking about their mega-collapse now, only Boston's. I don't care who you are. If you go 8-20 in the month of September (BoSox), you don't deserve to play in the playoffs.

[chico]

Red Sox were 77-0 when leading after 8 innings. Rays score 6 in the eighth and get a HR from a guy hitting a buck 0h 8 in the ninth and had 1 other homer in April. Games ended within 3 minutes of each other. Former Ray Carl Crawford looked like he was trying to help the Rays. Braves and Phillies more crazy shit. WOW! I went to the first two Rays/Yankee games. Attendance 18k and 22k. Pathetic.

Watching that reminded me of March Madness in the early 80's when there were 2-3 buzzer beaters (St. Joe's beating DePaul, US Reed's half courter against Louisville and I think one other) within 3 minutes of each other.

[bourbonman]

If you go 8-20 in the month of September (BoSox), you don't deserve to play in the playoffs.

And they started 2 - 10 for a combined start/end of the season of 10 - 30. Tough September to be a Red Sox fan, yet a great one to be a Cardinal fan.

[Fireball]

Watching that reminded me of March Madness in the early 80's when there were 2-3 buzzer beaters (St. Joe's beating DePaul, US Reed's half courter against Louisville and I think one other) within 3 minutes of each other.

Last night is probably about as close as baseball will ever get to March Madness, and it was awesome. I started trying to watch multiple games, and then just threw the TV on MLB Network for the rest of the night because they were switching between the key moments for all of them.

Awesome night of baseball, even though the Reds weren't involved. I'm not happy the WLBs made the playoffs, but glad the see the Rays come through and the Red Sox get eliminated.

[Porkopolis]

Last night was the most enjoyable single night of baseball in my lifetime. The fallout in Boston is making me smile. I wonder how Carl Crawford felt watching Longoria hit that walk off?

[GoMuskies]

I wonder how Carl Crawford felt watching Longoria hit that walk off?

Rich

[Porkopolis]

Rich

Ha ha good point.

[XU 87]

Watching that reminded me of March Madness in the early 80's when there were 2-3 buzzer beaters (St. Joe's beating DePaul, US Reed's half courter against Louisville and I think one other) within 3 minutes of each other.

Kansas State's Rolando Blackman shot a 15 foot jump shot at the buzzer to beat Oregon State?

[GoMuskies]

US Reed's half courter against Louisville

I was four at the time, and I still remember how devastated my parents were by this. That Louisville team had a great shot at back to back national championships without that miracle.

[XU 87]

I was four at the time, and I still remember how devastated my parents were by this. That Louisville team had a great shot at back to back national championships without that miracle.

It's on You Tube if you'd like to relive the moment.

[nuts4xu]

And some people don't like the Wild Card. Look for MLB to add 2 more WC teams to the playoff mix in the near future.

Great way to end the season. Sucks ass the Reds aren't involved this year.

[bobbiemcgee]

Last night was the most enjoyable single night of baseball in my lifetime. The fallout in Boston is making me smile. I wonder how Carl Crawford felt watching Longoria hit that walk off?

The Rays put that notch in the wall so Crawford could make "over the fence" grabs which were his specialty. How odd is it Longo scorched one right thru the notch? Can't make this stuff up.

[PMI]

That was the most exciting night of baseball I can remember. I haven't felt that kind of excitement as an O's fan in many years. It really felt like a playoff win, even though they didn't win 70 games this year. I hate Boston more than any other baseball team by far, and the way their season just ended was more than gratifying. Baseball sometimes tends to drag for me during the hot months, but I'm so ready for the postseason. Also finished the betting year on an 11-4-1 run over the past several days. Now someone just beat Philly....

[X-band '01]

The funny thing about the AL is that we may well see the Tigers and Rangers facing off for the pennant when all is said and done. Justin Verlander is a huge ace-in-the-hole during a short series, and their closer (Valverde?) hasn't blown a save all season long.

[Porkopolis]

A Detroit-Milwaukee World Series is the stuff network nightmares are made of. I personally hope it happens.

[Fireball]

The funny thing about the AL is that we may well see the Tigers and Rangers facing off for the pennant when all is said and done. Justin Verlander is a huge ace-in-the-hole during a short series, and their closer (Valverde?) hasn't blown a save all season long.

Yup. I don't see the Yankees getting past Verlander and the Tigers, and I don't really think they have anyone other than Sabathia in their rotation who can really be counted on.

I think the Rays will take care of Texas, for no other reason than pitching. David Price's bad outing aside, they can throw him, Hellickson, and Shields in 4 of the 5 games.

[gladdenguy]

And some people don't like the Wild Card. Look for MLB to add 2 more WC teams to the playoff mix in the near future.

Great way to end the season. Sucks ass the Reds aren't involved this year.

In my book they haven't been involved since 1995. Last year I would have rather not even gone than witnessed that beat-down from the Phils, who then were beat by the Giants.

Its weird, I would never feel that angry towards a Xavier bball team or Michigan football team, I have just grown to have so much hatred towards the Reds and Bengals.

[nuts4xu]

The showing was embarrassing, but the journey and making the playoffs for the first time in 15 years was far better than any non play off season.

You don't hate the Reds GG, they just aggravate the ever living snot out of you.

[SixFig]

Yesterday was just what MLB needed. The season was kind of dull coming into the last month. Never, in the history of sports, has there been a regular season night like last night.

Now they just need to deliver multiple long playoff series with great games.

[PMI]

Yup. I don't see the Yankees getting past Verlander and the Tigers, and I don't really think they have anyone other than Sabathia in their rotation who can really be counted on.

I think the Rays will take care of Texas, for no other reason than pitching. David Price's bad outing aside, they can throw him, Hellickson, and Shields in 4 of the 5 games.

I think the Rangers have got it, actually. David Price was not just bad last night, he's hasn't looked sharp at all lately, and the Rangers have owned him of late. That should be fairly offensively entertaining for a playoff series.

[GoMuskies]

I know he's a rook, but the Rays should start Matt Moore in one of the games against Texas. He looked like Superman in his one MLB start (11Ks in 5 innings in Yankee Stadium), and he was unbelievable in the minors this year.

[BBC 08]

Alright, where's the love for my Cardinals? We owned the month of September. Came from 10.5 back of the wild card and won it.

Last night was amazing.

[chico]

Kansas State's Rolando Blackman shot a 15 foot jump shot at the buzzer to beat Oregon State?

How could I forget Rolando Blackman? One of my favorite names in college basketball. Nice memory.

[chico]

I'd love any match-up of Rays/Tigers and Brewers/D'Backs. 2 great managers on the American League side, and 2 great stories in the NL with the Brewers basically mortgaging their future for this year and the D'Backs with Gibson managing coming from nowhere. Gibson against his former team would be fun to watch.

More likely going to be Philly in the NL, but I really believe the AL is wide open. In any event, it will be exciting, and will be interesting to see how the Cards and Rays do after playing so well the final month.

[Masterofreality]

Last night was the most enjoyable single night of baseball in my lifetime. The fallout in Boston is making me smile. I wonder how Carl Crawford felt watching Longoria hit that walk off?


Rich

Uh, you guys do realize that Carl Crawford is now on the Red Sucks, right?

I don't believe that anyone on the Red Sucks is feeling very "rich" today. Probably pretty crappy since they now own the record for the biggest September choke job ever.

Although, I guess that Crawford now has more time to spend his money from Boston- money that he barely earned.

[Porkopolis]

Uh, you guys do realize that Carl Crawford is now on the Red Sucks, right?

Um, yes, I realize he plays for Boston. I believe that was the entire point of my comment.

[GoMuskies]

And he's got a nine figure contract. He feels rich every day.

[gladdenguy]

Go Tigers
Go Rangers
Go dbacks
Go Phillies
either tigers or rangers is fine
dbacks are the only team i dont hate in nL

[Fireball]

For the next month, I'm a Rays fan.

Or, at least, a fan of anyone but the WLBs and the Yankees.

[boozehound]

In my book they haven't been involved since 1995. Last year I would have rather not even gone than witnessed that beat-down from the Phils, who then were beat by the Giants.

Its weird, I would never feel that angry towards a Xavier bball team or Michigan football team, I have just grown to have so much hatred towards the Reds and Bengals.

Interesting point. I feel the same way. I think that is a fundamental difference for me between pro sports and college sports. I personally identify more with a University than I do with a pro sports team.

Perhaps another key distinction here would be that Xavier and Michigan have never had a run of futility (at least not in our adult lifetimes) that even approached what the Bengals and Reds are working on. Even Rich Rodriguez' reign of terror at Michigan, while horrible, only lasted 3 years. The Bengals are at 20+ years.

[BBC 08]

Halladay didn't no-hit us so that's a plus. Also shows how bad the Reds are.

[XU 87]

Halladay didn't no-hit us so that's a plus. Also shows how bad the Reds are.

FYI- you sound like a Dayton fan- "We're getting beat but they beat you worse so you suck."

Try to enjoy the playoffs instead of worrying about the Reds.

[Fireball]

Halladay didn't no-hit us so that's a plus. Also shows how bad the Reds are.

Yup...Cardinals are having an awesome showing against the Phillies, down 9-3. That's WAY better than the Reds did last year.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[DC Muskie]

God I hate the Phillies.

[BBC 08]

Yup...Cardinals are having an awesome showing against the Phillies, down 9-3. That's WAY better than the Reds did last year.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

I would say losing 11-6 is way better than being no hit. At least we put up a fight.

[Porkopolis]

I would say losing 11-6 is way better than being no hit. At least we put up a fight.

And yet the end result is the same.

[Fireball]

I would say losing 11-6 is way better than being no hit. At least we put up a fight.

Is being down 11-3 and scoring 3 gimme runs against the back end of the Phillies bullpen what you call putting up a fight?

Good luck with that.

[BBC 08]

Yeah, I shouldn't have even said something.

Oh well, the series is tied up. Time to go back to STL and win the damn thing.

[Porkopolis]

Ugh...this is like watching UD vs. UC. I can't stand STL but is Philly really much better for a Reds fan?

[X-band '01]

As long as Milwaukee takes the pennant this year, I could care less who wins the other half of the NLDS.

[X-band '01]

Adrian Beltre has 3 homers so far today for the Rangers; they're now up 4-2 on the Rays. That would be one impressive way to close out a series.

[gladdenguy]

See ya Rays....shouldn't have been there anyway. Good night.

Need the Yankees out and this will be an awesome ALCS.

Good job Philly.....close them out tomorrow.

[X-band '01]

We're now assured of at least a pair of Game 5s; it's looking like Arizona and Milwaukee are also setting up for a decisive game.

In the meantime, we're coming up on the 1-year anniversary tomorrow of the Reds-Phillies series opener. But as one illustrious poster once said, we got to witness history.

[XUFan09]

We're now assured of at least a pair of Game 5s; it's looking like Arizona and Milwaukee are also setting up for a decisive game.

In the meantime, we're coming up on the 1-year anniversary tomorrow of the Reds-Phillies series opener. But as one illustrious poster once said, we got to witness history.

I thought for sure that the Brewers were well on their way to some decent rest before playing for the pennant.

[BlueX]

Arod. HaHaHaHAHA.

[KingCole]

Glad I won't have to hear about how great the Yankees are anymore. Here we go Tigers.

[bobbiemcgee]

See ya Rays....shouldn't have been there anyway. .

Their 41m got about the same results as Yankees 200m and bettered the Sox 160m - not bad. Yankee and Sox fans are the suckers.

[X-band '01]

The funny thing about the AL is that we may well see the Tigers and Rangers facing off for the pennant when all is said and done.

This.

[Fireball]

In the meantime, we're coming up on the 1-year anniversary tomorrow of the Reds-Phillies series opener. But as one illustrious poster once said, we got to witness history.

No thanks. History happening is just fine as long as it doesn't involve my team on the wrong end of it. No-hitter or not, I was rooting for Phillips to beat out that dribbler and ruin the no-no.

...and I even like Halladay.

[Masterofreality]

Arod. HaHaHaHAHA.

How about A-FRAUD!!

No one in the history of baseball has done less in the postseason to justify his salary- whether it's $28 million or $28 dollars.

.118 batting average this year. Always a choker. Struck out with the bases loaded and one out and then, fittingly strikes out as the last out in the Yankee season.

Just keep calling him "Mr. May".

[SixFig]

How about A-FRAUD!!

No one in the history of baseball has done less in the postseason to justify his salary- whether it's $28 million or $28 dollars.

.118 batting average this year. Always a choker. Struck out with the bases loaded and one out and then, fittingly strikes out as the last out in the Yankee season.

Just keep calling him "Mr. May".

Not sure about that. In 2009 he hit clutch homer after clutch homer leading the Yanks to the Championship. Overall, a .277 postseason hitter with 41 RBIs in 68 games. Not great numbers, but in pressure situations against the best teams and pitchers in the game its not bad either.

[Juice]

Not sure about that. In 2009 he hit clutch homer after clutch homer leading the Yanks to the Championship. Overall, a .277 postseason hitter with 41 RBIs in 68 games. Not great numbers, but in pressure situations against the best teams and pitchers in the game its not bad either.

Not to mention that he is still dealing with some injurires.

I love when people make judgments based on small sample sizes.

I should also mention that I hate Arod and the Yankees, but I hate when people go nuts based on things they hear from writers, ESPN, and radio guys.

[SixFig]

Not to mention that he is still dealing with some injurires.

I love when people make judgments based on small sample sizes.

I should also mention that I hate Arod and the Yankees, but I hate when people go nuts based on things they hear from writers, ESPN, and radio guys.

Postseason Stats

Alex Rodriguez G: 68 AVG: .277 HR: 13 RBI: 41
Mickey Mantle G: 65 AVG: .257 HR: 18 RBI : 40
Joe DiMaggio G: 51 AVG: .271 HR: 8 RBI: 30
Bernie Williams G: 121 AVG: .275 HR: 22 RBI: 80

[Masterofreality]

Not to mention that he is still dealing with some injurires.

I love when people make judgments based on small sample sizes.

I should also mention that I hate Arod and the Yankees, but I hate when people go nuts based on things they hear from writers, ESPN, and radio guys.

Rodriguez had one huge playoff year- 2009....I'll give him that....but,

Since 2004 when he joined the Yankees, and removing 2009 from the equation, he's A-Fraud.

AB: 144
BA: .222
HR: 4
RBI: 15

That is NOT "all time Yankee" material when you produce one year out of 8.

[X-band '01]

He IS an all-time Yankee, MOR. Not based so much on on-the-field performance as his willingness to chase a lot of money for multiple rings. He did manage one in 2009, so that puts him a step above someone like LeBron James who is basically trying to put together his own fantasy team to help chase multiple rings.

[paulxu]

I have no idea how the Cards beat the Phillies in a 5 game series.

[BBC 08]

I have no idea how the Cards beat the Phillies in a 5 game series.

We're a better team. Figured it out for ya.

[Xavgrad08]

I hate Chris Carpenter, but he pitched a heck of a game tonight. If you are a Phillies fan you have to be a little dismayed. This was supposed to be the year becuase the window is closing.

[LutherRackleyRulez]

Chris C remains a whiny punk!


Gotta love that the HUGE $$$ teams are sittin' home during the rest of October.

[Porkopolis]

Chris C remains a whiny punk!


Gotta love that the HUGE $$$ teams are sittin' home during the rest of October.







There is only one team in the top ten in payroll left standing! It is amusing to see the AL East completely eliminated. And to see the Phillies $172 million buy a first round exit. :)

http://content.usatoday.com/sportsdata/baseball/mlb/salaries/team

[X-band '01]

Look at who's left standing - 3 Central Division teams and 1 West Division team. How badly does MLB want St. Louis to win the National League pennant right about now?

[GoMuskies]

Look at who's left standing - 3 Central Division teams and 1 West Division team. How badly does MLB want St. Louis to win the National League pennant right about now?

Can't imagine MLB really cares. Fox is probably quite interested, though.

[XUFan09]

I have no idea how the Cards beat the Phillies in a 5 game series.

It shouldn't be a complete surprise if you look at the matchups (and how the teams have been performing lately, especially the Cardinals bullpen). Yeah, the Phillies have the better team, but consider:

- The Phillies rotation, while fantastic, is facing a great offensive team. And it's not a great offensive team like the Reds, destroying bad and mediocre pitching while struggling against good pitching. No, this lineup can hold its own against aces and in general it did this past series. By the way, I did not mean to sleight the Reds by that but it made for a good comparison (and I was actually referencing a description originally used by a Reds fan).
- The Cardinals bullpen was finally coming together. It wasn't simply hot, though that's true; things were clicking after nearly an entire season of trying to figure out what works.
- The Cardinals' starting rotation, while of course sans Wainright it is not able to match the Phillies', it is pretty solid
- Finally, what is probably most important: the Phillies' bats. They are "inconsistent," which is just another way of saying above average but not that great. They blew up in the first game, scoring 11 runs, including some after the game was practically in the bag. They didn't score 11 more runs over the course of the rest of the series. Why? Because they're simply not that good, and it cost them in the end.

Another thing that might factor in is that the Cardinals managed to win 90 games while at times struggling against bad and mediocre teams. Last year, they were actually one of two teams with a better record against over-.500 teams than sub-.500 teams. I couldn't find hard numbers for this season, but at face value it seems to be the same story. So, that .555 record overall could actually be worse than the record against good teams, who luckily are the only teams left.

[X-band '01]

Can't imagine MLB really cares. Fox is probably quite interested, though.

Fox and TBS if you want to be specific. At least TBS will get a break with the Cardinals in terms of national following.

It's hard to believe that of all the teams left standing that the Rangers have the most postseason experience in the last 2-3 seasons. But when you look at who got eliminated in the first round, does it really matter this year?

[GoMuskies]

Fox and TBS if you want to be specific.

TBS doesn't get WS games (at least I assume they don't), the winners of the two LCS are not their problem.

Milwaukee vs. Detroit would not be so great for Fox, though.

[BlueX]

Of the teams remaining, I think the only way the World Series gets decent ratings is if it is a 6 or 7 game series. Seeing how 6 of the past 7 WS have been sweeps or 5 games hopefully we're due for a game 7.

[Masterofreality]

DC Muskie is ecstatic that the "Trash" has been taken out.

The entire east coast has been eliminated. Only thing left is "flyover" country.

[DC Muskie]

DC Muskie is ecstatic that the "Trash" has been taken out.

Ecstatic is an understatement.

There is going to be about 37 people who will watch the World Series and I couldn't be happier.

[X-band '01]

TBS doesn't get WS games (at least I assume they don't), the winners of the two LCS are not their problem.

Milwaukee vs. Detroit would not be so great for Fox, though.

TBS still covers the NLCS; it's not only Fox that's carrying TV games from tonight onward.

[BlueX]

Good game so far between the Brewers and Cards. Brewers are a fun team to watch.
On the other hand, thanks a lot MLB for postponing the ALCS game tonight when it isn't even raining in Dallas.

[Jumpy]

Man, what's up with the torrential downpours in Texas this week? They couldn't sell their souls for rain all year long, now when the ALCS comes to town, they can barely get one game in. It sucked that last nights game got cancelled. I was looking forward to it but was stuck watching that Green Bay/Atlanta football game. Not that it was a bad game, but I was in the mood for some playoff baseball.

[Jumpy]

For the record, I'm rooting for a Milwaukee/Detroit series. It could be dubbed the "Don't-cha know" series. Eh.

[BBC 08]

Two great games last night and all around great baseball this postseason.

[JimmyTwoTimes37]

Two great games last night and all around great baseball this postseason.

This postseason has been boring. No good stories, no underdogs winning, no late game dramatics, poor clutch play, poor pitching, meaningless series games, no underlying drama, no rivalries, and just horrible games all around.

Every game seems to be over after the 1st inning. Its just annoying. I'd rather watch Wicker Man and Gigli back to back

[BBC 08]

18th pennant and 3 WS appearance in 8 years. It's good to be a Cardinals fan.

[X-band '01]

18th pennant and 3 WS appearance in 8 years. It's good to be a Cardinals fan.

http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/statham-lovin_refit_579.png

[mohr5150]

The only way this could be a more terrible World Series for me would be if the Yankees made it. I detest the Cardinals and pretty much detest everything in the state of Texas. If it wasn't for my 3-year-old being completely infatuated with baseball, I probably wouldn't watch much of it.

[Cheesehead]

2011 World Series.....One Big yawn. Catch it!

I personally don't know anyone who gives a crap about this series.

Having said this, it would be nice to see the Rangers take it. I was never a fan of the Josh Hamilton trade. So, I hope he gets a ring.

[BlueX]

Fox must of went with the high powered mics for the World Series.

[X-band '01]

It'll never be as fun as the glowing puck.

[STL_XUfan]

Fox must of went with the high powered mics for the World Series.

I always laugh when people get upset when professional/college athlete/coach cusses on the field and a mic picks them up (as compared to an interview). I want to know what golf trip, pick up basketball game, or cornhole game they have ever played that didn't result in them cussing under their breath by their bad play. I am sure the frustration at the pro level is 100x greater than any backyard game we play.

[XUFan09]

I always laugh when people get upset when professional/college athlete/coach cusses on the field and a mic picks them up (as compared to an interview). I want to know what golf trip, pick up basketball game, or cornhole game they have ever played that didn't result in them cussing under their breath by their bad play. I am sure the frustration at the pro level is 100x greater than any backyard game we play.

Lol I heard Chris Mack is actually notorious for this (or was before he was a head coach). A friend told me that back when he was an assistant, whenever he was shooting around by himself he would loudly cussed with every missed shot. I can't say I'm different (except for the loud part :D)

[Fred Garvin 2.0]

Great situational hitting by Hamilton to get the RBI and advance the runner.

[Masterofreality]

It'll never be as fun as the glowing puck.

You forgot about "Scooter" the talking baseball. Another Fox "innovation".

[Juice]

So after game 1 ESPN was talking about how Larussa was the greatest manager ever. After game 2, is he still the greatest? Did he "out manage" Washington last night?

I love when writers and networks try to shove narratives down our throats that may or may not be true.

[Smails]

I love how LaRussa just had to comment on how Texas was fortunate to get a bloop hit and then played good baseball. Hey Tony, did you think St. Loius was fortunate in game 1 to win via a blood double and a seeing eye single that damn near bounced off the plate?

For the life of me I cannot figure out why the majority of baseball fans think he's a jackhole.

[Fred Garvin 2.0]

Per John Fay:


Speaking of why Reds fans despise the Cardinals …

Multiple reports have mentioned how several big-name Cards dodged the media after Thursday night’s World Series loss. From Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:

“Adding to the night’s strange finish was the postgame absence of the team’s veteran core. Following a tough loss on the game’s biggest stage, (Albert) Pujols, left fielder Matt Holliday, catcher Yadier Molina and right fielder Lance Berkman left the clubhouse before reporters were admitted. Club officials were aware of at least two players’ early departure but had no explanation for the quick exits.”

Here is Strauss’ game story.

– Also, from Jon Paul Morosi of FoxSports.com:

“It’s unclear how St. Louis will respond after fumbling away a grand chance to take command of this series. Pujols didn’t stick around to address the media after the game, after his botched cutoff of Jon Jay’s throw from center allowed the winning run to advance into scoring position. The lack of accountability was inexcusable from a man who is frequently described as a good teammate — and will soon want to be paid like the greatest player in the game.

In almost every case, answering questions from the media has little to do with whether a team wins or loses its next game. But this was one occasion when Pujols, as a team spokesman, should have accepted the blame for his defensive blunder and reassured those inside and outside the clubhouse that the Cardinals were going to be fine. (There is no doubt Texas leader Michael Young would have done so if the Rangers had lost.)”

– As an aside, I was among reporters in the Reds’ postgame clubhouse after Roy Halladay’s playoff no-hitter in Philly last year. For what it’s worth, I don’t recall any Reds players bailing on the media that night.

[X-band '01]

I wonder if MLB has a policy for fining players for skipping postseason interviews. That kind of thing certainly wouldn't happen on David Stern's watch.

[paulxu]

I'm not a Cardinal fan. Grew up listeneing to Reds on radio in Chattanooga.

But...this Pujols guy put on one hell of a show last night.

[XU 87]

Does anyone outside of Dallas and St. Louis care about this world series? I was in BW3 last night and the game was on 2 tv's, tied with some NHL game. ND/USC was probably on about 10 tv's.

[BlueX]

I'm not a Cardinal fan. Grew up listeneing to Reds on radio in Chattanooga.

But...this Pujols guy put on one hell of a show last night.

Pujols is an amazing talent. On the other hand, Texas has looked completely overwhelmed by the moment two World Series in a row.

[Fred Garvin 2.0]

Pujols is an amazing talent. On the other hand, Texas has looked completely overwhelmed by the moment two World Series in a row.

They have a hobbled Hamilton. If only Josh could have a miraculous recovery like Albert. Maybe Pujols can give him Dr. Galea's number.

[SixFig]

This has been the best World Series in quite some time. Very much needed. I hope people are watching.

Fox needs to go, however. Buck and McCarver are god awful. Buck is monotone and boring and McCarver is senile. Bring back NBC, CBS, ABC...anything. I watch with the TV muted and the ESPNradio broadcast on. The NFLonFOX theme song being played is a slap in the face to the sport. Fire Fox!

[gladdenguy]

Come on RANGERS!!!!!! One more game!!!!!!!!!!!!

[X-band '01]

This has been the best World Series in quite some time. Very much needed. I hope people are watching.

Fox needs to go, however. Buck and McCarver are god awful. Buck is monotone and boring and McCarver is senile. Bring back NBC, CBS, ABC...anything. I watch with the TV muted and the ESPNradio broadcast on. The NFLonFOX theme song being played is a slap in the face to the sport. Fire Fox!

Truth.

Only problem is that Tim McCarver has worked for all 4 networks at some point; he must have compromising photos of execs at all the TV networks.

[chico]

Pujols is an amazing talent. On the other hand, Texas has looked completely overwhelmed by the moment two World Series in a row.

How many hits does Albert have outside of game 3, anyway?

Great move by LaRussa sending Craig in the 9th, thereby distracting your best hitter. A true genius knows when to stop out-thinking himself.

[chico]

Truth.

Only problem is that Tim McCarver has worked for all 4 networks at some point; he must have compromising photos of execs at all the TV networks.

As bad as McCarver is at announcing - "3-2 count, the pitcher really needs to throw a strike here" - he's an even worse singer (http://www.amazon.com/McCarver-Sings-Selections-American-Songbook/dp/B002OJGGH6).

[Fireball]

You know what the best part of the latest Cardinals' loss is?

LaRussa is blaming it on the bullpen phone. Or the bullpen coach. I'm not sure which. He claimed he asked for Motte to warm up, and the bullpen coach warmed up Lynn instead. So, that's why Rzepczynski was in to face Napoli instead of a righty. Napoli hits the homer, Cardinals lose, and immediately begin to blame it on anyone but themselves.

Add that to Carpenter screaming an obscenity at Napoli after he flied out in the 6th inning. I guess Napoli didn't trot back to the dugout properly.

[Muskied]

It's funny how firm this reputation is. Yes, the Cardinals do often win...but when they don't win, they look like the world's biggest A-holes in defeat. Just tip your f-ing lid and move on you self righteous d bags. It's not only a red's problem..it's not only a brewers problem...it's a problem every time. It will be funny how they always want to bring up how they win...but if they lose the WS, they will be the ONLY 2nd place team folks remember, because they do is so poorly.

[BBC 08]

I cried by myself in a corner because of last night's game.

[Juice]

I cried by myself in a corner because of last night's game.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/05/Scott_Tenorman_Must_Die.jpg/250px-Scott_Tenorman_Must_Die.jpg

Your tears taste so yummy

[Fireball]

Awesome :)

Someone please rep Juice for me. I apparently have to spread it around.

[BBC 08]

Awesome :)

Someone please rep Juice for me. I apparently have to spread it around.

I already did. It was the perfect response to my post.

[Fireball]

Thanks, BBC...reps to you.

I've gotta admit, though...if I was a Cardinals fan, the outcome of that game on the actions of the "genius" manager during the game would pretty much have me pissed off until the start of the next game tomorrow night.

I couldn't blame any Cardinals fan for going ballistic after that game. Not only the pitching moves, but attempting to steal TWICE (!!!!) with Albert at the plate? Inexcusable.

[Fred Garvin 2.0]

In one of the NLCS games an announcer actually pointed out you'd think they'd have better technology now than the primitive bullpen phone. And it was Larussa who was on the horn at the time.

[paulxu]

you'd think they'd have better technology now than the primitive bullpen phone.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd96/Cuttietia321/signals.jpg

[SM#24]

This has been the best World Series in quite some time. Very much needed. I hope people are watching.

Fox needs to go, however. Buck and McCarver are god awful. Buck is monotone and boring and McCarver is senile. Bring back NBC, CBS, ABC...anything. I watch with the TV muted and the ESPNradio broadcast on. The NFLonFOX theme song being played is a slap in the face to the sport. Fire Fox!

bring back Keith Jackson & Howard Cosell

[XUFan09]

How many hits does Albert have outside of game 3, anyway?

One hit and three walks outside of Game 3, for a OBP of .267 (I believe). That's like half of the On-Base Percentage he had in the Brewers series.

[BBC 08]

Game 6 postponed until tomorrow. Might be able to put Carp out there for game 7 if we win tomorrow.

[BlueX]

This is one crazy intense game so far. And even the infrared camera is back.

[BlueX]

This is Cubsesque bad.

[GoMuskies]

Who's that in RF for the Rangers?!? That was a freaking horrific effort out there on Frease's "triple".

[QueensbridgeMF]

This is some '86 Mets type shit

[GoMuskies]

This is some '86 Mets type shit

Would have been if not for Napoli making a great block. Cruz is Buckneresque, though.

[GoMuskies]

Josh Hamilton tells St. Louis to suck it.

[GoMuskies]

LaGenius emptied the bench, so there's a good chance the World Series ends with a St. Louis pitcher striking out.

[QueensbridgeMF]

the '86 Met's had a reliever win 14 games, won against the Astros in like the 16th to win the NLCS and we all know what happened in 6and 7 in the WS vs. Sox. Only difference, the Mets won like 108 games, they were the cardiac kids sometimes though. this is crazy 2x 2 run rallys to tie with the endgame looming.

[drudy23]

LaGenius emptied the bench, so there's a good chance the World Series ends with a St. Louis pitcher striking out.

Not if Bud Selig ends it first

[GoMuskies]

Yes, but in that LCS game 6, it was the Astros who rallied to tie it in extra innings after the Mets had taken the lead in like the 13th inning. Obviously the Mets ended up winning in the end.

[GoMuskies]

I say the Cards win in the 11th and then win something like 15-1 tomorrow night (ala KC '85).

[QueensbridgeMF]

looked it up Roger MsDowel went 14-9 in 75 relief aps, does any reliever make that many aps or have that many decisions anymore? Of coarse they had to show the vuckner play again, f'ing fox, why not show the Stanley wild pitch that tied the game?

[QueensbridgeMF]

gamer
Cards win

[BandAid]

Man, I hate the Cardinals. So much.

[XUFan09]

I say the Cards win in the 11th and then win something like 15-1 tomorrow night (ala KC '85).

That would be called redemption.

Cards fandom aside though, that was one of the greatest (second half) World Series games I have ever witnessed. Just insane. Though one team will celebrate winning the title tomorrow night, I doubt Game 7 could match what happened tonight. Crazy.

[whiteyxu]

I know you Reds fans/Cardinals haters will despise me for this, but:

I was f'ing THERE! What a game! I don't know how you can look back at that game and not say that it was one of the most ridiculous, incredible, unbelievable games in World Series history. This Cardinals team just WILL NOT QUIT. You can hate 'em, but you gotta respect 'em.

Go Cards!!!

[Fireball]

Gotta admit, that is definitely up there with the greatest World Series games of all time, and of course I slept through most of it. Grrrr....

[BBC 08]

I don't believe what I just saw!

[drudy23]

If there wasn't SO MANY bad mistakes that major leaguers shouldn't be making, I would say greatest World Series game ever. Top 5 though.

[gladdenguy]

Twice Texas was up 2 and i knew it wasnt enough......i just knew Texas could not win it last night......and they wont win tonight. That would never happen to the Reds.....bein a Reds fan sucks.....at least its better than a cubs fan. of course any fan has it better than cubs fan.....even Indians fan.

[SM#24]

looked it up Roger MsDowel went 14-9 in 75 relief aps, does any reliever make that many aps or have that many decisions anymore? Of coarse they had to show the vuckner play again, f'ing fox, why not show the Stanley wild pitch that tied the game?

which really should have been a passed ball on Gedman

[SM#24]

If there wasn't SO MANY bad mistakes that major leaguers shouldn't be making, I would say greatest World Series game ever. Top 5 though.

Best ever because I can't think of a better one. I know there was some bad play, but this game had everything. Small ball, big ball. Goats turned to heros (Freese), heros turned to goats (Cruz). Blown lead, redemption, blown lead again.

[drudy23]

OK...maybe top 3...I'm thinking the Twins game 7 that went 10 innings at 0-0 is probably numero uno. After thinking, last night's game may be #2...1975 Reds/Red Sox #3.

[GoMuskies]

1975 Reds/Red Sox #3.

The only problem with that one is that you have to remind Red Sox that they actually played a Game 7.

[Porkopolis]

This is the best postseason in living memory.

[SM#24]

OK...maybe top 3...I'm thinking the Twins game 7 that went 10 innings at 0-0 is probably numero uno. After thinking, last night's game may be #2...1975 Reds/Red Sox #3.
I always hate arguing who/what's the "best" because you end up putting down what you think is #2, even though you actually think #2 is great as well.

Your top three is my top 3, I just have them in different order. The thing I liked about last night was the constant moves and decisions and the fact that five times Texas was ahead and every time StL came back including the 9th and 10th innings down to their last strike.

Also, for some reason that I can't exlain, I find Game 6 more intriguing than Game 7 (not that I don't like a winner take all Game 7).

[GoMuskies]

At least I won a hundred bucks betting on St. Looey tonight. One of those win/win bets.

[MHettel]

2011 MLB World Champs = St. Louis Cardinals

I'm sure many crickets will respond to this.

[whiteyxu]

At least I won a hundred bucks betting on St. Looey tonight. One of those win/win bets.

That's awesome, but check out this guy. I know him, the lucky asshole. Check out the tickets. Who the f**k bets $500 on the cardinals at that point? Still 4.5 out of wild card, 6.5 out of the division. Now he just won $375,000 on a bet he had to make when he was wasted.

Whatever, WE WON!!!! Suck it Texas!!!

http://www.theshowspeak.com/2011/10/st-louis-cardinal-fan-takes-250000-off.html

[XUFan09]

What a glorious night/early morning :D

[XUFan09]

Just fantastic.

[Bylarkin Rulz]

Sublime.

[xavierj]

They are still a bunch of whinny bitches and them winning is a testament to how bad baseball has become. Baseball is very mediocre and that is because no one cares and because kids do not play baseball very much nor do they really care about baseball. It is a very boring, watered down sport. I would bet in America today for people 15-25 baseball is way down the list in regards to popularity.

The media was bitching because no one was watching the World Series and they blamed it on Texas and St. Louis not being New York and Boston. The real reason, that no one wants to admit, is that baseball is really not all that important to the vast majority of people in the US.

[Muskied]

Congrats to all you Cards fans. I've been one of the biggest critics of the Cards, and I still don't like their persona, but damn that was amazing. What a great thing for guys like Frease (That's the only way I spell it), and for Pujols and Burkman...I hope the Reds took some notes.

Enjoy your championship-it was well earned.

[RealDeal]

Congratulations.

[Fireball]

Sour grapes aside, I'm happy for you Cardinals fans on the board. I hate your baseball team, but we're all Musketeers here, and so congratulations on the win.

[PMI]

They are still a bunch of whinny bitches and them winning is a testament to how bad baseball has become. Baseball is very mediocre and that is because no one cares and because kids do not play baseball very much nor do they really care about baseball. It is a very boring, watered down sport. I would bet in America today for people 15-25 baseball is way down the list in regards to popularity.

The media was bitching because no one was watching the World Series and they blamed it on Texas and St. Louis not being New York and Boston. The real reason, that no one wants to admit, is that baseball is really not all that important to the vast majority of people in the US.

I think there is some truth to this, but don't blame them winning on baseball being bad. They hit clutch hit after clutch hit the last two games. Texas' pitching looked worn out and really let them down, but baseball still has a ton of talent and is in pretty good shape in that regard. Maybe that changes down the road with other spring sports gaining popularity around the country. Baseball was the third most popular spring sport at my high school when I was there, and professionally, it's no better than the third most popular sport amongst my age group in my area, but I think in other areas of the country it's still huge.

But really your post just reeks of sour grapes. I'm no Cards fan, but they deserved to win the World Series. I have no idea if they're whiny bitches or not, but that doesn't change how impressive what they've done the last two months was. In any other pro sport playoff format, the Cards would've been comfortably in before the last day of the season, which makes their improbable run even more impressive in my opinion.

[PMI]

Every time I watch a team celebrate a championship, I get a weird feeling. It's a mix of jealousy, starvation, and some other empty feeling I can't put my finger on. Just once I want to experience it for one of my teams. I was six when I last celebrated a Super Bowl, and was too young to appreciate it. Michigan winning the Rose bowl to share the title wasn't really the same. Just once I need to taste that sweet taste.

[smileyy]

Their winning is based more on the fact that in baseball, the more rounds of playoffs you have, the less likely it is for the best team to win the World Series.

[Cheesehead]

I still hate the Cards as the beat my Brewers this year and in '82 but I have to give them some credit as a franchise. They were 10 games back in August and now they have picked up their 11th WS title. Anyway, you cut it, this is impressive. I cannot believe the Rangers bullpen blew the series for them. Colossal meltdown of epic proportions.

[PMI]

Their winning is based more on the fact that in baseball, the more rounds of playoffs you have, the less likely it is for the best team to win the World Series.

I'm not sure I follow. Baseball has fewer rounds of playoffs than the other pro sports and the Cards. still won. Are you saying the Cards were the best team going into the playoffs? Or are you saying there should only be 4 playoff teams?

[Porkopolis]

If I had my way there would be only two playoff teams just like the pre-divisional era. But I'm realistic enough to know that will never, ever happen.

[danaandvictory]

They are pretty much the model franchise and have been since Rickey was running things. I have no problem with the franchise or the fans, but they just have so many guys on the team I find objectionable.

Berkman is one of my favorite players ever, though, so I was happy to see him get a ring.

[THRILLHOUSE]

They are pretty much the model franchise and have been since Rickey was running things. I have no problem with the franchise or the fans, but they just have so many guys on the team I find objectionable.

Berkman is one of my favorite players ever, though, so I was happy to see him get a ring.

Agreed, just like the steelers, both have many unlikeable players but are both excellent franchises that other teams should model themselves after. If it weren't for LaRussa, Carpenter and Molina I wouldn't hate the Cards.

[MHettel]

Their winning is based more on the fact that in baseball, the more rounds of playoffs you have, the less likely it is for the best team to win the World Series.

I dont get this either.

There are 30 teams, and only 8 total get in. The NBA has 16 teams out of 30. Hockey has 16 teams. Football has 12, right?

So by definition, each of THOSE sports already has included between 4 and 8 teams that are eligible to win the championship that baseball would have excluded. Thats just ONE Point.

And, anyone will tell you that a one game format (i.e.football) always favors the underdog team. Over a 7 game series, it's understood that the best team will likely prevail. Do you think the NY Giants would have beaten the undefeated Patriots in a best of 7 series?

cardinals got hot right when they needed to. They made the right deals for the right guys at the right time. They lost Adam Wainwright, who finished SECOND in the Cy Young award last year, before the season started. they took a chance on a washed up Berkman. They have guys like Allen Craig, David Freese, Skip Schoomaker, Nick Punto and Ryan Theriot.

These guys turned it on for the stretch run, and proved themselves absolute champions.

Just wait till the 2011 ESPYs. Game of the year, team of the year.

[xudash]

I'm not really a fan of baseball. I never got into it when I was young and haven't followed it much over time.

To the extent I am a fan, I'm a Reds fan, comes with growing up in Portsmouth and living in Cincinnati.

With that noted, I tuned into Game 6 around the bottom of the 7th inning. What an outcome. It isn't necessary to write anything else about it.

[chico]

I've historically liked the Cardinals - the franchise of Stan Musial, Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, Willie McGee, Whitey Herzog, Enos Slaughter and Red Schoendist. The franchis that also was kind enough to let bob Howsam go os he could construct he Big Red Machine. So I congratulate the franchise and their fans. It was an amazing run and Game 6 was the second greatest Game 6 in history.

It's too bad, though, that there are certain players and coaches on the current roster that give the franchise a bad name. And saying Yadier Miolina is the greatest catcher ever shows extreme ignorance.

[DC Muskie]

Just wait till the 2011 ESPYs. Game of the year, team of the year.

Oh.





My.



God.


Did you just use the ESPYS as some sort of "In your face" argument?

[chico]

Oh.





My.



God.


Did you just use the ESPYS as some sort of "In your face" argument?

Hettel is kind of the Coors Lite of smack talk. It's just not in his skill set. He's the master of the RPI, but asking him to bring the hammer is sort of like asking Tu Holloway to jump center.

[Benxman]

MHettel, I've got to hand it to you on this one. You said it and you did it. You got the crickets chirpin'. LOL

I'm not a super baseball fan either, although growing up and in my youth (up to about 40 :rolleyes:) I did follow it pretty closely. Outside of the Reds (born, raise and lived my life in Cincy), my favorite team has always been the Cards. I can remember Stan Musial, Red Schoendienst (sp?), Mr. Shortstop Marty Marian (my first glove was a Marty Marion model), Enos 'Country' Slaughter (scored from 1st base on a single!!!), and on and on and on. Great memories. In fact seeing Stan Musial at the World Series was really special for me.

Having said all that, I have a soft spot for Dallas Texas, and it would have been neat to have the Mavs and Rangers be champions in the same year. For me it was a win, win series. I like both teams and both cities. --And you have to admit, Albert Pujols is a fantastic player, and home town boy Dave Frease sure gave the St. Louis fans something to cheer about.
But I'm glad it's over. Now let's cast our eyes on the MUSKIES!

GO MUSKIES!

:sword:

[Benxman]

It's me again. :D
Just a couple more thoughts on the World Series. I think home field advantage in a championship scenario is underrated for several reasons.
For instance, in game 6, the Texas right fielder chased that fly ball to the fence. (I forget whether it was in the ninth inning or extra innings) He got a good jump on it and was in position to make the catch, but he slowed down as he neared the fence, and the ball was curving away from him, causing him to come up short by about a foot. Would he have slowed down at home, where he new the field like the back of his hand? Probably not; thus he would probably have made that catch at home. Game over, Texas champions.
Also, in game 7, I could actually feel and observe the results of the energy in that stadium. The Cardinal fans were loud and intense, and you could see the effect it had on the players of both teams. The Cards were upbeat and confident, while the Rangers were downbeat and tentative. I could even see it in Ron Washington's mannerisms.

I'm glad I watched. It was sport at a high level.

GO MUSKIES!

:sword:

[gladdenguy]

Every time I watch a team celebrate a championship, I get a weird feeling. It's a mix of jealousy, starvation, and some other empty feeling I can't put my finger on. Just once I want to experience it for one of my teams. I was six when I last celebrated a Super Bowl, and was too young to appreciate it. Michigan winning the Rose bowl to share the title wasn't really the same. Just once I need to taste that sweet taste.

I couldn't put it any better myself. I think the same thing EVERY time I watch a team celebrate.

[MHettel]

general replies.

1. The sour grapes are predictable.

2. The Inevitable Espy selection simply hammers home the one little last grasp of hope that anyone of you could say anything other than the Cardinals Won the F'IN WORLD SERIES.

WHAT YOU SAW WAS CHAMPIONS BEING CHAMPIONS.

3. As far as the home-field-advantage leading to the win due to Nelson Cruz not catching the ball that he would have caught at home is horseshit as well. Nelson Cruz is a lousy outfielder, but a big bat. Why didn't Washington switch him out? Not my problem. And the cards got HF advantage fair and square. They didn't complain about going into Boston in 2004 for game 1&2 right after Boston came off being down 3-0 to beat the Yanks...

4. If Game 6 was the SECOND best game 6, then what was the first? I could consider 1975 Reds / Red Sox as a good game with a great finish, but not all packed into such a short time frame. We saw at LEAST 4 absolutely heroic plays in the last 3 innings, including the hometown kid hitting the walkoff. Also, Game 6 of Mets / Red Sox in '86 was memorable as well, but thats just about a goat.

[XUFan09]

It's me again. :D
Just a couple more thoughts on the World Series. I think home field advantage in a championship scenario is underrated for several reasons.
For instance, in game 6, the Texas right fielder chased that fly ball to the fence. (I forget whether it was in the ninth inning or extra innings) He got a good jump on it and was in position to make the catch, but he slowed down as he neared the fence, and the ball was curving away from him, causing him to come up short by about a foot. Would he have slowed down at home, where he new the field like the back of his hand? Probably not; thus he would probably have made that catch at home. Game over, Texas champions.
Also, in game 7, I could actually feel and observe the results of the energy in that stadium. The Cardinal fans were loud and intense, and you could see the effect it had on the players of both teams. The Cards were upbeat and confident, while the Rangers were downbeat and tentative. I could even see it in Ron Washington's mannerisms.

I'm glad I watched. It was sport at a high level.

GO MUSKIES!

:sword:

Although I agree that home-field advantage is underrated, I disagree with your example. Nelson Cruz is notorious for not running into the wall to catch a ball. Sure, he bumped it, but he'll never be one to really sacrifice his body in order to catch a ball. He still might not have caught the ball, because it was a hard ball to catch in the first place, but he definitely hurt his chances because of that. Rangers fans will probably always wonder about that play.

[chico]

general replies.

1. The sour grapes are predictable.

2. The Inevitable Espy selection simply hammers home the one little last grasp of hope that anyone of you could say anything other than the Cardinals Won the F'IN WORLD SERIES.

WHAT YOU SAW WAS CHAMPIONS BEING CHAMPIONS.

3. As far as the home-field-advantage leading to the win due to Nelson Cruz not catching the ball that he would have caught at home is horseshit as well. Nelson Cruz is a lousy outfielder, but a big bat. Why didn't Washington switch him out? Not my problem. And the cards got HF advantage fair and square. They didn't complain about going into Boston in 2004 for game 1&2 right after Boston came off being down 3-0 to beat the Yanks...

4. If Game 6 was the SECOND best game 6, then what was the first? I could consider 1975 Reds / Red Sox as a good game with a great finish, but not all packed into such a short time frame. We saw at LEAST 4 absolutely heroic plays in the last 3 innings, including the hometown kid hitting the walkoff. Also, Game 6 of Mets / Red Sox in '86 was memorable as well, but thats just about a goat.

Bernie Carbo - ex-Red, drafted before Bench, then released years later after alcohol problems. Looks utterly helpless going 0-2 before taking a pitch over the center field wall for a 3 run homer to tie the game. Then yelling at Rose rounding third asking Pete if he wished he could be that strong.

Dewey Evans' game saving catch of Joe Morgan's laser to right, then doubling Griffey off first. Griffey thought it was such a clear hit he was near third before it was caught. Evans' catch is widely considered one of the best in series history. This was in the 11th inning.

Foster's catch and throw nailing Denny Doyle and keeping the game going. Foster, by teh way, was not a defensive specialist in the least and he made the catch in foul ground up against the wall, then threw a strike to Bench. To this day, Don Zimmer - then third base coach - swears he said "No" when Doyle swears he heard "go." Oh, and this was the bottom of the 9th.

Flynn going all out and nearly killing himself in center chasing down Griffey's (?) hit, collapsing on the wall but still staying in the game.

Rose telling Fisk how great a game it was to be playing in, and Fisk just looking at him in total disbelief.

And I haven't even mentioned Fisk's home run, or any of the companion story of how they got the shot of him waving the ball fair.

The game was delayed by rain for not one day, but three days. Then played under a full moon.

That's just off the top of my head. I may watch it again for old time's sake since I have the DVD of the '75 series. If you'd like to watch it and see what the greatest Game 6 was really like, let me know.

This was the game that brought baseball back. MLB was in a funk and this game is what people look to as the moment when baseball got its momentum back.

[chico]

Or you can watch it here (http://mlb.mlb.com/network/games_airdates/), where it was voted by MLB network as the greatest game ever.

[X-band '01]

general replies.

1. The sour grapes are predictable.

2. The Inevitable Espy selection simply hammers home the one little last grasp of hope that anyone of you could say anything other than the Cardinals Won the F'IN WORLD SERIES.

WHAT YOU SAW WAS CHAMPIONS BEING CHAMPIONS.

3. As far as the home-field-advantage leading to the win due to Nelson Cruz not catching the ball that he would have caught at home is horseshit as well. Nelson Cruz is a lousy outfielder, but a big bat. Why didn't Washington switch him out? Not my problem. And the cards got HF advantage fair and square. They didn't complain about going into Boston in 2004 for game 1&2 right after Boston came off being down 3-0 to beat the Yanks...

4. If Game 6 was the SECOND best game 6, then what was the first? I could consider 1975 Reds / Red Sox as a good game with a great finish, but not all packed into such a short time frame. We saw at LEAST 4 absolutely heroic plays in the last 3 innings, including the hometown kid hitting the walkoff. Also, Game 6 of Mets / Red Sox in '86 was memorable as well, but thats just about a goat.

I'll tell you who SHOULD be pissed at the world - Dave Henderson. His homeruns in Game 5 of the ALCS and Game 6 of the 1986 World Series are forgotten outside of Boston. He helped turn the tide of the ALCS against the Angels. His homerun should have been the clincher against the Mets back in 1986, but we know how that story ended.

[Fred Garvin 2.0]

Congrats to the Cards. Game 6 was epic. It's just too bad MLB insisted on giving them that rain cancellation so they could get Carpenter another start.

[MHettel]

Congrats to the Cards. Game 6 was epic. It's just too bad MLB insisted on giving them that rain cancellation so they could get Carpenter another start.

The cancellation was certainly a break that fell for the cards. But imagine the disaster if they let Game 6 go as planned, and we end up with a rainout after 6-7 innings, and say Texas was winning by 1. Imagine having a world series game called due to rain. We never get to see a real finish, and we never get to see the team thats training take their last shots....



MLB HAD to postpone it.

[SixFig]

The cancellation was certainly a break that fell for the cards. But imagine the disaster if they let Game 6 go as planned, and we end up with a rainout after 6-7 innings, and say Texas was winning by 1. Imagine having a world series game called due to rain. We never get to see a real finish, and we never get to see the team thats training take their last shots....



MLB HAD to postpone it.

MLB has a rule that every postseason game that begins must finish, even if it gets suspended by rain. In the NY vs DET series the first game got suspended after 2 innings, and they picked up from inning 3 the next day.

[XUFan09]

MLB has a rule that every postseason game that begins must finish, even if it gets suspended by rain. In the NY vs DET series the first game got suspended after 2 innings, and they picked up from inning 3 the next day.

That would suck to have a World Series game broken into two. The continuity of the game would be lost.

[BandAid]

3. As far as the home-field-advantage leading to the win due to Nelson Cruz not catching the ball that he would have caught at home is horseshit as well. Nelson Cruz is a lousy outfielder, but a big bat. Why didn't Washington switch him out? Not my problem. And the cards got HF advantage fair and square. They didn't complain about going into Boston in 2004 for game 1&2 right after Boston came off being down 3-0 to beat the Yanks...


I have to disagree with the bolded statement. Home field advantage should not be determined by whichever league wins the All-Star Game. It's an exhibition game. Fans choose who the starters are. Every team must be represented. And managers try their damnedest to get everyone on the field. It's almost on par with some of those little league games that have the absurd rules like every kid on the team must have an at-bat before they move on to the next inning. MLB should return to determining home field advantage by which team had the better regular season record.

But thats neither here nor there.

Hats off to the Cardinals. Congratulations on yet another World Series Championship.

It is documented that I hate the Cardinals, being a Cubs fan and so forth. But it is a rather reasonable hate. It is not like my hate of the Flyers or UC which is emotionally based. My hate of the Cardinals is much more based on prinicple than anything else. For example, I would be quite comfortable watching Cubs/Cardinals play-off game (which i realize as a Cubs would rarely, if ever happen) at bar with a Cardinals fan, but if I were to try to watch a Xavier/UD NCAA tournament game (which would be an even more rare experience!) with a Flyer fan, I just might assault the person, even if the Muskies were winning.

But, once again, hats off to the Cards.

[paulxu]

That's awesome, but check out this guy. I know him, the lucky asshole. Check out the tickets. Who the f**k bets $500 on the cardinals at that point? Still 4.5 out of wild card, 6.5 out of the division. Now he just won $375,000 on a bet he had to make when he was wasted.

Get wasted and put down a C note on X right now at 6000 to 1. Then you can catch your friend.

http://www.mysportsbook.com/sports_lines/525.html

[BlueX]

I have to disagree with the bolded statement. Home field advantage should not be determined by whichever league wins the All-Star Game. It's an exhibition game. Fans choose who the starters are. Every team must be represented. And managers try their damnedest to get everyone on the field. It's almost on par with some of those little league games that have the absurd rules like every kid on the team must have an at-bat before they move on to the next inning. MLB should return to determining home field advantage by which team had the better regular season record.


It was never this way. Prior to the All Star Game determining home field, it simply alternated every year to who got home field.

As for the postponing of games, it is complete garbage to do it 5+ hours before the game. MLB did it twice this playoff and each time the games could have been played with no delays. It just simply is not right to unnecessarily impact a series.

[X-band '01]

I have to disagree with the bolded statement. Home field advantage should not be determined by whichever league wins the All-Star Game. It's an exhibition game. Fans choose who the starters are. Every team must be represented. And managers try their damnedest to get everyone on the field. It's almost on par with some of those little league games that have the absurd rules like every kid on the team must have an at-bat before they move on to the next inning. MLB should return to determining home field advantage by which team had the better regular season record.


The All-Star game has always been an exhibition, but people overreacted when they had the tie game back in 2002. This was the first time that a World Series went 7 games since the rule was instituted that the winning league got the benefit of hosting a Game 7.

It's not like people are complaining when spring training games end in ties.