When I first put the game, Tom Glavine was pitching in the bullpen. I thought, Oh blank, the Mets are in trouble. Then I realized that he was wearing a BP jersey.
2 I'd rather whatever material wealth I leave behind go towards helping people than lining the coffers of the likes of David Glass, Carl Pohlad, etc.
That was brilliant! How in the name of Stan Musial did the Cards ever get this far playing Juan Encarnacion everyday?!
And yes, I did just remember that Encarnacion was the starting RF for the Marlins in '03.
That FOX graphic about the percent of the time the leadoff run came around to score, given the number of outs, is fantastic evidence of why sac bunts are awful alomst all of the time.
20 I sorta understand your point during AL games (although I would probably still bunt more than you would like), but in NL games would you not bunt with the pitcher up?
22 Good idea. Going to the NL like Milwaukee did a few years ago... wait, we have a half dozen DH types on our roster, scratch that. Let's just get some pitching and win in the AL ;-)
Problem: for admission to the NL, seven of your eight(!) batters have to lay down great bunts.
(As Ken Tremendous at firejoemorgan would say, it's what they do instead of being good hitters.)
Mark this down, David Wright will do something to win this game and the NY media will have a field day about how clutch the Mets 3Bman is vs. the Yanks 3Bman.
Perez does not look terrible. I expected him to look terrible.
I know the Cardinals are mostly bad hitters, but I feel like besides a little control trouble (he's bounced quite a few) Perez does look pretty good.
Adrenaline?
53 I'm really trying to keep my faith in the guy, but when the news broke that he was behind the NFL dirty-bomb hoax, that's it. Trade him. To the San Diego RiverDogs for Henderson straight up. I don't care...
2 I might be tempted. My family is Buddhist. It's traditional to keep the urn full of ashes in the home for a year or so before burying it. Might as well have a decorative container.
74 I'll put in my will. "Put my ashes in a Yankees urn. Forget about the incense and crap. Just put my urn on a shelf in the living room so I can watch the games on TV."
I, like Willie, have faith in the futility of Juan Encarnacion. When he was on the Marlins, my roommate (a Marlins fan) would get calls from his dad, betting him $10 that Encarnacion wouldn't ground into a double play. My roommate got a lot of beer money that way...
So Willie gets saved by Endy Chavez on the catch of Rolen's near-HR, and he leaves Heilman in for 2+ who gives up the same home run to Yadier...it's going to be a terrific winter of second-guessing isn't it??
Who said it here before that the Yankees might end up as the only team which had won one game against the Tigers in PS? Man, you might have got that right...
173 Sigh...that's history. But for what is worth, Torre was confident enough Wang was going to pitch for Game 5 that he made Wang stayed in NYC when the Yanks were playing in Detroit in Game 4, didn't he?
Awww, Willie. So it goes sometimes. Just enjoy knowing that Cardinals and smug LaRussa about about to be CRUSHED like a pinata with a stick, like the Iceburg into the Titanic, like a shark munching on fish ...
201 I... I don't think that's how he imagined that ending...
From a Yankees perspective... so it IS possible for hitters on other to take curveballs for strike threes (See: A-Rod, Sheff, Giambi versus Verlander).
I'm not entirely sure Detroit will crush St. Louis. Yes, I think Detroit will win, but c'mon...haven't we seen enough that anything can happen? I feel like the Mets got their just desserts for '73.
223 Oakland has 10 times better pitching than the Cardinals and the Tigers crushed them. The Cardinals are in for a beat down like the one the Red Sox gave them in 2004.
Please assemble a Wild Card level team for 2007. About 85 to 89 wins. A few more shot players. Throw in some never-weres. Don't worry. Just get in, and we'll get hot when it counts. Trust me.
236 LOL! He had a team like that. Maybe he should have kept them. Shawn Chacon would have played the part of Jeff Weaver, Bubba Crosby would have played the part of Endy Chavez, and Kelly Stinnett would have played the part of Yadier Molina.
Poor Willie, but the Mets' best pitchers (Pedro and Duque) are old and they broke down before the playoffs. It happens. However, it goes to show how bad the NL is that the Mets could get this far with that kind of patched together pitching.
OK. It's really over now. I'm good for the winter. World Zzzeries can start whenever it wants. Jints and 'Boys Monday night. Halloween around the corner. Hot stovin' 24/7 with A-Rod talk until the snow melts. It's my favorite time of the year...
242 You're probably right, but with two strikes, especially when a single ties the game, you can't be looking for anything. You have to shorten your swing and protect the plate.
That, to me, is an example of horrendous situational hitting. If he starts playing pepper there, anything could happen.
254. This baseball great sure did! vr, Xei
http://tinyurl.com/yeljpg
Before each season starts, one of Anderson's golfing buddies asks him for his World Series picks.
"I said the Cardinals are going to win the National League this year, and I'll give you another one nobody is talking about — the Detroit Tigers. They will win the World Series," Anderson said.
The thing is, Simone, when I was a kid, and was learning to play baseball, I remember those shows with the baseball wizard: do you guys remember those?
Every week they focused on a fundamental or two and talked about execution.
I seem to remember learning about playing pepper and how that's a fundamental skill that every ballplayer should master.
My point is, I'm not expecting everyone to succeed each time, but I do expect every player to be fundamentally sound.
It seems to me that protecting the plate is a fundamental skill and that knowing when to rely on that skill is a matter of approach.
In other words, you can't control the outcome, but you can control the approach and that's all I ask from the players.
If you disagree with any of this, please let me know which part, because I'm open to the idea that I'm wrong.
262263 How do you stand watching all these great players who never do "all" you ask of them? It must be extremely painful. You must not enjoy watching professional baseball most of time. These flawed hitters who fail more than they succeed in most of the time they are at the plate.
Simone, you're missing my point. It's not failure that bothers me, it's poor approach.
Anyway, I'm not sure what else I can say. Perhaps the tone of my concerns isn't adequately conveyed on the screen--I'm not as traumatized by these things as you seem to think I am, but I do notice them because I take the game seriously.
Again, if you want to explain to me exactly why expecting players to be fundamentally sound is unrealistic or if you want to explain to me how Beltran's strikeout had nothing to do with approach, fine, I'm all ears.
You know, I don't even think Matthews Jr.'s catch over the summer was the best of his career. Anyone remember that ridiculous sliding catch of his when he was on the Cubs? Glove to air to bare hand while sliding forward?
265 For what it's worth, I think you've got a fair criticism. It certainly didn't help Beltran that Wainwright settled in starting w/ Floyd and was throwing some nasty pitches. That 12 - 6 curve is some pitch. But I cringed a little when he let the 1st pitch pass. I think a lot of people had the same thought/reaction (at least they did in the bar I was in):
267 Thanks. I was indeed mystified that he let that first pitch go, knowing that that sick breaking ball was looming.
What was he looking for?--and I'm not asking that rhetorically, I'm really curious as to what his plan was, if any.
I realize players aren't perfect but that at-bat just seemed poorly planned and having a good plan is a skill I think hitters can develop.
And I don't mean to bring up Arod here but I'm going to just because that's the part of his game that exasperates me--he often seems to have no plan at the plate and that's a pet-peeve of mine.
That game sure was a classic; but how in Hades is Jeff Weaver starting a World Series game? Yankees didn't want him. Dodgers didn't want him. Angels sure as hell didn't want him.
Well being the Yankee fan that I am, I had been rooting for the Cardinals to win mostly due to the fact that I have been receiving so much grief from the Mets fans I know and work with. But after watching the game last night and coming to work I find I just don't have the heart to gloat at their expense. I had what I guess could be called a psychic premonition last night. During the bottom of the first inning I said to myself, the game is going to end 3-1 Cardinals. I knew it sounded crazy, even to me, since I know that score seemed ludicrous due the sluggers on the Mets team. But sure enough my premonition came true, I am not a gambler and have never bet on anything in my life...but I sure wish I had bet last night, could have won quite a bit of money. Of course the Met fans I work don't really believe I predicted the final score accurately and it doesn't really matter to me anyway, since at least I know it's true. So rather than antagonize my coworkers, I have decided to take the high road instead since I know all too well what it feels like to have your team choke/freeze up when it matters most. Well New York, Met and Yankees fans alike, are all united for a change and we can definitely sympathize with one another as this season of baseball fizzles out.
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BP: Mets: 58.6%
My Magic 8 Ball: Try again later.
vr, Xei
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2630637
Joe Morgan would have loved that.
Where is everybody? No Queens Banter tonight?
I would be pissed too. Maybe there is something there.
2 I'd rather whatever material wealth I leave behind go towards helping people than lining the coffers of the likes of David Glass, Carl Pohlad, etc.
That was brilliant! How in the name of Stan Musial did the Cards ever get this far playing Juan Encarnacion everyday?!
And yes, I did just remember that Encarnacion was the starting RF for the Marlins in '03.
But swoln with wind, and the rank mist they draw,
Rot inwardly, and foul contagion spread.
I'm gonna need some excitement in this game, or I'm not long for consciousness...
And of course, following the bunt, neither of them mentions that the odds of Belliard scoring just went from 43% down to 30%.
Missed opportunity.
But when Ek. got HBP, the bunt turned into a complete waste.
(As Ken Tremendous at firejoemorgan would say, it's what they do instead of being good hitters.)
Also, the fact that it's a game seven and Luis Gonzalez is involved makes me a little sick.
I know the Cardinals are mostly bad hitters, but I feel like besides a little control trouble (he's bounced quite a few) Perez does look pretty good.
Adrenaline?
http://tinyurl.com/ya2vb9
35 Hmm... it's the Mets, so the hero is going to come from the Todd Pratt/Robin Ventura/Mookie Wilson mold... I feel Michael Tucker.
Either that, or the Cardinals score 4 runs against Billy Wagner and make it a laugher.
Oliver says he feels good.
Endy. Who'd a thunk?
That was the clutchiest catch of the year. Beat's Melky's rob of Manny.
Wow.
Holy sh*t! What a play by Endy!
Also, I wonder if A-Rod is watching the game. Just mentioned that because there has been over ten posts without a reference to him.
This game has turned on defense once; now maybe it's about to turn again.
Call me a diehard fan. ;-)
And I was so impressed, too, when I heard about all that accounting work he'd been doing for Wesley Snipes.
Valentin sucks.
Ha. Told you Chavez wouldn't do a thing.
one pitch out
76 What? How can you leave now?
It's starting to rain harder. If this game goes to extra innings, it's going to be sloppy.
No more of that! I gotta believe that there is one decent team in the NYC area, especially with the NBA about to get underway..
What's up Bklyn?
I'm hoping I'm wrong, and lookin' for a walk off double, bottom 9 — Lo Duca. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it...
Right?
I have weird feeling that Shawn Green brought his 3 wood to the ballpark. Look for a line shot over the wall. Book it.
(twitch... twitch)
No love for Valentin? I had to say it.
I'm telling you, Shawn Green will get it done.
Here we go, Stormer, your boy gets his shot...
Well, he gave it a good try, a pellet down the line.
It is game 7, and it's the Mets. I guess it had to come to this.
Shawn Green playing the part of Giambi...
I think you have to go to him here.
However, the way he has been pitching, it's a very tough decision for Willie this inning. It could go either way.
You should go to your closer, except in this case he's not your best pitcher.
Unlikely hero.
The Tigers are going to absolutely dominate the Cardinals.
I know why we lost now, we shoulda started Cairo over A-rod, Phillips over Sheff and DHed Sal Fasano and started Melky ....
On a positive note, the Tigers sweep the Cardinals like the Red Sox did two years ago. In fact, the Tigers CRUSH the Cardinals.
"Where was Wagner?"
Just get Beltran to the plate.
Don't get me started.
Doesn't really fit in the cadence, does it...
Okey dokey, here we go!
But.
Ya know?
HUGE moment for Beltran right here...
Carlos: Okay guys, two outs, bottom of the ninth, bases loaded... game seven...
Now how could Beltran not be looking for the big curve?????
Wow. What a finish.
Condolences to the Mets' fans, and esp. to Simone's friend.
Well, that's it for the New York baseball fans.
From a Yankees perspective... so it IS possible for hitters on other to take curveballs for strike threes (See: A-Rod, Sheff, Giambi versus Verlander).
Congrats, Cards.
I can't wait for Weaver versus Rogers.
212 I accept them on behalf of my friend. I will be playing the role of therapist tomorrow as she mourns.
Well, sometimes.
That and the Mets fans will have to stop dissing the Yankees! :-D
Unless Detroit forgets how to play baseball, with their long layoff...
I can't believe he went down looking.
Condolences to the Mets fans.
Too bad for Willie.
Please assemble a Wild Card level team for 2007. About 85 to 89 wins. A few more shot players. Throw in some never-weres. Don't worry. Just get in, and we'll get hot when it counts. Trust me.
Thanks,
A Die Hard Yankee Fan
117 121 123
The ninth was the moment for your best pitcher, but maybe Wagner isn't your best pitcher.
Well, here in Red Sox Nation (southern fringe), they still curse Mookie.
Work tomorrow's going to be interesting. All those sad faces.
(heheheh)
See youse at the Serious.
These are indeed the end of days, my friend...
DodgerSims: Cards 55.6%
BP: Mets: 58.6%
BP lost this battle.
vr, Xei
That, to me, is an example of horrendous situational hitting. If he starts playing pepper there, anything could happen.
Fair enough.
http://tinyurl.com/yeljpg
Before each season starts, one of Anderson's golfing buddies asks him for his World Series picks.
"I said the Cardinals are going to win the National League this year, and I'll give you another one nobody is talking about — the Detroit Tigers. They will win the World Series," Anderson said.
My point is, though, that it seemed as if he was looking for something rather than protecting, which is to say, reacting to the ball as pitched.
With one strike it seems appropriate to look for something; with two, it seems like the proper approach is to protect.
If this is unreasonable, please let me know how because I'm not trying to be.
It just seems to me that his approach was ill-suited to the situation. Why is that an unreasonable assessment?
Every week they focused on a fundamental or two and talked about execution.
I seem to remember learning about playing pepper and how that's a fundamental skill that every ballplayer should master.
My point is, I'm not expecting everyone to succeed each time, but I do expect every player to be fundamentally sound.
It seems to me that protecting the plate is a fundamental skill and that knowing when to rely on that skill is a matter of approach.
In other words, you can't control the outcome, but you can control the approach and that's all I ask from the players.
If you disagree with any of this, please let me know which part, because I'm open to the idea that I'm wrong.
Anyway, I'm not sure what else I can say. Perhaps the tone of my concerns isn't adequately conveyed on the screen--I'm not as traumatized by these things as you seem to think I am, but I do notice them because I take the game seriously.
Again, if you want to explain to me exactly why expecting players to be fundamentally sound is unrealistic or if you want to explain to me how Beltran's strikeout had nothing to do with approach, fine, I'm all ears.
I'm sorry I exasperate you so much.
"That may be the best pitch you see this AB!"
Turns out it was.
What was he looking for?--and I'm not asking that rhetorically, I'm really curious as to what his plan was, if any.
I realize players aren't perfect but that at-bat just seemed poorly planned and having a good plan is a skill I think hitters can develop.
And I don't mean to bring up Arod here but I'm going to just because that's the part of his game that exasperates me--he often seems to have no plan at the plate and that's a pet-peeve of mine.
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