MLB Corner

[Karafan1]

Sheesh..Nothin' from the Twins again!!

[myankskent]

They're coming up again in the 9th.

Lead-off double. You have to score this inning.

[Karafan1]

That was horrible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[myankskent]

One more out to get.

Inning over!

They have to put Nathan into this game in the 10th whether they are winning or if it's still tied. This is a must win game for the Twins here.

[Karafan1]

Guy on 2nd now because of a wild pitch..They need to get this guy in!!!!!

----- Added 34 Seconds later -----

Another wild pitch!! now he's on 3rd!!

[myankskent]

Wild pitch him around the bases if you can't get a hit.

Twins lead!

[Karafan1]

2-1 Twins!!

[myankskent]

Don't stop there. Keep scoring.

[Karafan1]

More wild pitches would be nice..

[myankskent]

1st and 2nd now.

Now 2nd and 3rd with the sacrifice.

They need to get these two runs in.

[Karafan1]

3-1!!

[myankskent]

Awesome stuff. How about a key two out hit to make it 5-1?

Not going to happen but a two run lead is better than it being tied. It's Nathan time.

Ouch. Lead off home run...3-2 Twins. Now that I think about it, Nathan hasn't really been Nathan this year. He's blown a lot of games.

[Karafan1]

I wonder if my cousin has his cell phone on at school..He gets updates on his phone whenever the Twins score. We were fishing back in May and his phone kept beeping so I asked him who keeps texting him and he said it was Twins updates.....Crap!!! homerun Tigers:mad:

[myankskent]

Two outs. One more to get.

Game over!

[Karafan1]

Twins win!!!!!!! They had to give a heart attack first though:lol:

[myankskent]

Now I am really pumped up for tonight. It doesn't get any better than this if you are a baseball fan.

[Karafan1]

Nope!!!! I'll be flipping between that game and the Braves/Marlins game..

[nicmar]

great night of games tonight

[Karafan1]

Yep..I was hoping the Twins woulda won both games though..And my Braves 7 game winning streak was snapped..

[nicmar]

Yep..I was hoping the Twins woulda won both games though..And my Braves 7 game winning streak was snapped..

I was pulling for the twins too, but as for the Braves they were not going to run the table but it hurts their chances. The Philies magic number is down to 1 but they way they are playing they scare me I think they might be 1 and done

[myankskent]

Well, it looks like the Braves could be done. They really had to run the table, especially since they don't have any games left against Colorado. As for the Twins, the DH kind of killed them. It's just tough to sweep them. They have to win the next two games in order to have a shot, but Greinke is also lurking when they face the Royals this weekend. Not going to be easy.

[nicmar]

Yeah your right Greinke is probably pitching for his chance at the CY Young so he will be motivated.

[Karafan1]

Well, it looks like the Braves could be done.

That's why I need the Rockies to go on a 5 game losing streak now!!!!!

[myankskent]

That's why I need the Rockies to go on a 5 game losing streak now!!!!!

Do you think it's going to happen?

[Karafan1]

No, but I would like it to..I guess I could jinx them again by saying...Wow, the Rockies look unstoppable after blowing that lead last night and still finding a way to win!!

[Night_Hawk90]

another complete game for halladay [possibly his last start for Toronto damn shame the jays suck, atleast the future looks bright with snider, lind, and hill. swept the sox cant complain too much.

[myankskent]

Well, it looks like the Twins and Braves are dead. It's kind of strange how there doesn't seem to be any drama in the last weekend of the season. Where are the Mets to blow a division lead? K-Rod knew that baseball fans were disappointed that there was no drama with the Mets blowing anything this year so he decided to blow another save in the 9th inning. The Mets were up 4-2 against the Nationals and they won on a walk-off grand slam, 7-4 final.

And yes elvis jagger abdul jabbar, Halladay did look great tonight. The Red Sox don't seem to want to win anymore games this season, at least until the playoffs.

[Karafan1]

I see Jobba Chamberlain* didn't pitch very well again tonight...

[Night_Hawk90]

Well, it looks like the Twins and Braves are dead. It's kind of strange how there doesn't seem to be any drama in the last weekend of the season. Where are the Mets to blow a division lead? K-Rod knew that baseball fans were disappointed that there was no drama with the Mets blowing anything this year so he decided to blow another save in the 9th inning. The Mets were up 4-2 against the Nationals and they won on a walk-off grand slam, 7-4 final.

And yes elvis jagger abdul jabbar, Halladay did look great tonight. The Red Sox don't seem to want to win anymore games this season, at least until the playoffs.

thats an awesome name you gotta admit it, red sox have no lost seven i dunno it's pretty stupid imo to suddenly stop caring after you secured a playoff spot.

[myankskent]

I see Jobba Chamberlain* didn't pitch very well again tonight...

Well that's because the Yankees ruined him this year. I've been saying this all season long, he's not a good starting pitcher. Maybe he can be a good one in time, but right now, he's a major liability. He can't even pitch out of the bullpen this weekend because he threw too many pitches tonight so the Yankees have essentially painted themselves into a corner. When Joba got lit up out in Seattle a couple of weeks ago, the Yankees should've realized that it would've been best to see what he has in the bullpen. Now they can't even do that.

[Karafan1]

Sounds like they shouldn't play him at all in the playoffs unless they wanna make a series very interesting..

[myankskent]

thats an awesome name you gotta admit it, red sox have no lost seven i dunno it's pretty stupid imo to suddenly stop caring after you secured a playoff spot.

Yeah, it's not pretty, that's for sure. But I remember the Yankees losing a ton of games in September of 2000 and they still managed to win the world series. I think they lost 6 or 7 straight games at the end of the year. Even in 1998, their incredible year, they struggled through September and Torre had to actually call a team meeting to get everyone back on track. World series win that year too.

----- Added 1 Minutes later -----


Sounds like they shouldn't play him at all in the playoffs unless they wanna make a series very interesting..

Three words....mop up role.

BTW, I've been listening to the radio and I just heard that Jose Reyes has a new injury. He apparently tore his hamstring and after this whole season was spent trying to rehab him, he's now going to have to have surgery. I just cannot believe that the Mets waited this long to get this taken care of. They've been out of it for a very long time now, doesn't it make sense to make sure that all of your players are able to come back healthy next year?

[Karafan1]

BTW, I've been listening to the radio and I just heard that Jose Reyes has a new injury. He apparently tore his hamstring and after this whole season was spent trying to rehab him, he's now going to have to have surgery. I just cannot believe that the Mets waited this long to get this taken care of. They've been out of it for a very long time now, doesn't it make sense to make sure that all of your players are able to come back healthy next year?

It does make sense, but when was the last time the Mets did anything that made sense??:lol: It's been all downhill for them since Beltran looked at strike 3 in game 7 of the 2006 NLCS..

[nicmar]

Every year the Mets make a big splashey move that does not help their team any, With the money they spend on names they could make two or three subtle moves to build towards something.

As for the Red Sox I guess they feel that since they can't move anywere in the standings they should just rest guys. From what I have seen of them they really don't look like they are putting in much effort. This may come back to bite them.

I also I agree about the lack of drama I might as well just tune out till the playoffs start. Every race has been decided although with the Dogers losing the Philies may have a chance at homefeild advantage yet.

[myankskent]

I think that they need to change the playoff format a bit. I would have two wild card teams from each league and on the Monday after the season ends, those two teams play a one game playoff to decide who gets into the postseason. This will provide more incentive to win the division and it will also put the wild card teams at more of a disadvantage going into the divisional series, since they will likely have to burn their best pitcher in that one game playoff.

[nicmar]

That is an intresting idea and it would provide some drama, also I would consider implemnting a playoff game in the event of a wild card tie correct me if i'm wrong but they would not play one now. Also I would get rid of the stupid rule were if the wild card and the team with the best record are in the same division they can't play in the first round. If you have the best record then you deserve to play the weakest compition.

[myankskent]

That is an intresting idea and it would provide some drama, also I would consider implemnting a playoff game in the event of a wild card tie correct me if i'm wrong but they would not play one now. Also I would get rid of the stupid rule were if the wild card and the team with the best record are in the same division they can't play in the first round. If you have the best record then you deserve to play the weakest compition.

Well, that wouldn't work out that way this year. The Yanks would be playing the Red Sox, who have a better record than the Tigers. So if you're the Yankees, you want to play the Tigers rather than playing the Red Sox. But obviously it doesn't always work out this way.

[nicmar]

Yeah and let's face it MLB would not allow the Yankees and Red Sox to play in the first round anyway because it's their biggest ratings draw

[myankskent]

Yeah, they want a 7 game series with those two. I'm sure MLB is hoping a praying that they get a Yankees/Red Sox ALCS this year. I think that either way, the ratings will probably be up this year because many of the big market teams are in the playoffs. Dodgers/Cardinals ALDS should do very well.

[nicmar]

Well you have the number 1,2, and 4 markets with New York, LA, and Philly I guess you could count LA twice for the Angles. Boston is number 7 and beleive it or not St Louis is only number 21 http://www.tvb.org/rcentral/markettrack/us_hh_by_dma.asp so yes I think ratings will be up

[Karafan1]

The Twins are trying to make a miracle happen..There are ahead of the Tigers 4-1 in the 5th..

[nicmar]

even if they win they are what 2 back with 3 to play

[Karafan1]

Yep..It's next to impossible for them to pull this off, but who knows!!

[myankskent]

8-3 Twins in the 9th, but Nathan is struggling with his control. There's one out and a runner on first.

Game over.

[Karafan1]

Yep, but I think it's too little too late...Rockies are ahead 5-0 now..Looks like the wild card race is over..

[myankskent]

I just want to see the Twins win tonight so that the Tigers don't clinch until tomorrow. The longer this gets dragged out, the better it is for the Yanks because the Tigers will have to play everybody, and have all of their pitchers go.

[nicmar]

Yeah being able to set your rotation is a huge advantage especially if your opponet can't. From the Philies I am just looking to see them look sharp in two games in a row. I know last night was a trap game but with the Fish in town they need to show they can turn it on before it's too late.

[TheWidowmaker]

lets get this postseason started already....sucks the braves couldnt make a run but im still excited to see what can happen.

just saw this q&a with buck martinez (http://tbshotcorner.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/10/buck-martinez-blogger-qa-session.html)..lots of good insight

[myankskent]

lets get this postseason started already....sucks the braves couldnt make a run but im still excited to see what can happen.

just saw this q&a with buck martinez (http://tbshotcorner.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/10/buck-martinez-blogger-qa-session.html)..lots of good insight

What team do you root for?

BTW, I just heard that there's a very good chance that the Yankees will play at 6:30pm on Wednesday for game 1 and 8pm on Friday for game 2. So if this is accurate, then the other games will obviously be scheduled around those times.

[lifelovedestiny]

Poor Twins!!!! Good run though... hope they do the metrodome proud!

[myankskent]

Poor Twins!!!! Good run though... hope they do the metrodome proud!

Don't say "poor twins" until they are officially eliminated. Chances are slim but strange things do happen in baseball from time to time.

[lifelovedestiny]

Don't say "poor twins" until they are officially eliminated. Chances are slim but strange things do happen in baseball from time to time.


Very true! COME ON TWINS!!!!!

is that better!

[Karafan1]

My uncle and cousin are up at the dome for the game tonight..

[myankskent]

Very true! COME ON TWINS!!!!!

is that better!

Oh that's better, and because you said that, it's 7-0 Twins in the 4th inning and 8-0 White Sox in the 9th. If these scores hold up, the Twins will live to see another day and shave a game off the lead. Tomorrow, Greinke pitches and that will be a must watch.

Sabathia got lit up tonight and I have to be honest, I'm a little concerned. It really bothers me that people think that Sabathia is a slam dunk this year in the postseason when his postseason stats have stunk. This team still has a lot to prove. I said it when it came to them getting into the playoffs and they proved that they could do it. They still have to prove that they can win in the postseason.

----- Added 3 Minutes later -----


My uncle and cousin are up at the dome for the game tonight..

And my guess is that they will have a lot of trouble hearing on their way home tonight because the Metrodome is a rockin'.

[WickedJenn]

Are they not caring about this TB game Matt?

LOL

[myankskent]

Are they not caring about this TB game Matt?

LOL

Is that all you have to say to me? We, as fans, go through losing 8 straight to the Red Sox and end up tying them 9-9 in the season series while winning the division by beating them. I want your thoughts about the Yankees season this year.

I don't think it's that they don't care about this game. Sabathia was going for his 20th win of the season so I'm sure everyone had their heart in this game. The bottom line is that Sabathia was awful. He's entitled to a bad start because he's been great, but there's two things that I take out of this game. One, Sabathia isn't winning the cy young. Second, there are still concerns about how Sabathia is going to pitch in the postseason given his track record. He's needs to prove that he can get the job done.

And was Smallville good tonight? I can't watch it until tomorrow because of the Mets game and I don't want to go into the episode discussion thread.

[Karafan1]

And my guess is that they will have a lot of trouble hearing on their way home tonight because the Metrodome is a rockin'.

I bet it was really rockin' when they showed the Tigers/White Sox score..

[WickedJenn]

Is that all you have to say to me? We, as fans, go through losing 8 straight to the Red Sox and end up tying them 9-9 in the season series while winning the division by beating them. I want your thoughts about the Yankees season this year.

I don't think it's that they don't care about this game. Sabathia was going for his 20th win of the season so I'm sure everyone had their heart in this game. The bottom line is that Sabathia was awful. He's entitled to a bad start because he's been great, but there's two things that I take out of this game. One, Sabathia isn't winning the cy young. Second, there are still concerns about how Sabathia is going to pitch in the postseason given his track record. He's needs to prove that he can get the job done.

And was Smallville good tonight? I can't watch it until tomorrow because of the Mets game and I don't want to go into the episode discussion thread.

Oh no Matt hahaha I'm sorry. I've been absentee from this thread during all the incredible Yankees moments lately, I know. I had wedding stuff for my sister since that happened last weekend and I am working two jobs now so that got me a little busy.

Anyway, what a win that was last weekend, I saw the last game against Boston. It was hilarious because the first game of that series, we were all in the hotel for my sister's wedding weekend and ALL my Mass. family was there wearing Red Sox stuff and my other cousin and his friend wore their NY stuff, it was just a comical scene.

The Yankees just own the entire MLB right now, IMO. They've got over 100 wins and are looking solid and strong. They acquired home field advantage and their pick on how they want the playoffs to go. They will be able to rest a lot of their bullpen.

I felt like once A Rod got back after surgery, they just went on this huge boom, despite some setbacks with the bullpen and losing their first 8 to Boston. They've come back every time and shown that they are the team to beat, especially with how they've toppled Boston and everyone else in the AL East. They are united and I have a very good feeling about October for the Yankees!

ETA: SV rooooooooooocked! I guarantee you will love it, if you don't I'll be very surprised!

[Karafan1]

I see the Twins tried their best to blow that insane lead, but they held on to win 10-7...I agree with you Jenn, the Yankees look unstopable..

[nicmar]

Amazingly the only race still going is the NL west the Dodgers are on the verge of a pretty epic meltdown. The Yankees do look good but the Playoffs are never what you expect.

[myankskent]

The Yankees just own the entire MLB right now, IMO.


Congratulations to your sister.:)

I agree that the Yankees are looking good, but in the playoffs, anything can happen. I thought the Yankees would beat the Tigers in 2006 and the Indians in 2007 but they lost both series. So I'm cautiously optimistic at this point, but I just want these series to start already.

[Karafan1]

Looks like the AL Central might be decided tomorrow!! Twins blew a lead but came back to win saturday and the Tigers lost so they are tied for 1st!!

[myankskent]

It's like I said before, the Twins aren't dead yet. A one game playoff on Tuesday is certainly possible.

[Karafan1]

Yep..I don't like how the Twins are pitching Pavano on only 3 days rest tomorrow..I'd rather have a fresher guy..I see the Tigers will have Verlander pitch tomorrow...

[myankskent]

Yep..I don't like how the Twins are pitching Pavano on only 3 days rest tomorrow..I'd rather have a fresher guy..I see the Tigers will have Verlander pitch tomorrow...

Well, Blackburn pitched on three days rest yesterday and was brilliant. I just think that the Twins have a lot going for them right now and if they start the game and see that the White Sox have an early lead on the Tigers, that's going to give them even more energy. Whatever happens, along with all of the football, it should be an exciting baseball day as well.

[nicmar]

Well, Blackburn pitched on three days rest yesterday and was brilliant. I just think that the Twins have a lot going for them right now and if they start the game and see that the White Sox have an early lead on the Tigers, that's going to give them even more energy. Whatever happens, along with all of the football, it should be an exciting baseball day as well.


Yeah today should be fun, the Twins have all the momentoum on their side they just need to win today even if the Tigers pull one out they have homefeild for the playoff game. If I were the Twins I would throw my best because there is to tommarow, for them guys have a long history of going on short rest and being very good as long as you don't have a CC Sabathia situation from last year were the Brewers ran him into the ground. I was hoping the Dodgers would lose so the day would have extra drama but with football, two baseball games to watch and the NHL starting up it is a good time for sports.

[Karafan1]

Twins up 7-0..They're livin' off the long ball..2 3 run homers by the same guy and a solo homerun..

[Night_Hawk90]

7 rbi's for a-rod making him reach the century mark for the 12th straight season despite missing a month unreal.

[Karafan1]

Barring a major collapse by the Twins today, we'll be getting a Twins/Tigers 1 game playoff at the dome on tuesday!!

[myankskent]

7 rbi's for a-rod making him reach the century mark for the 12th straight season despite missing a month unreal.

That really was incredible. I couldn't believe he went deep twice in the same inning to get 7 RBI's.

So we have Tigers/Twins at 5pm on Tuesday. I'm pumped up for it. Anyone else?

[Karafan1]

I am!! I love 1 game playoffs!! The 1st one game playoff I watched was Mariners/Angles in '95...Wasn't quite old enough to remember the Bucky Dent game in '78..lol..

[nicmar]

I am really looking foward to this all the drama of a game 7 none of the waiting

[myankskent]

I am!! I love 1 game playoffs!! The 1st one game playoff I watched was Mariners/Angles in '95...Wasn't quite old enough to remember the Bucky Dent game in '78..lol..

I wasn't quite alive enough for that one.:lol:

[Karafan1]

I was, but I wasn't old enough to remember stuff yet:lol:

[myankskent]

I just checked the postseason schedule. I think that it's hysterical that there are two different versions of the schedule, one for if the Yankees take the series with more off days and one for if the Yankees take the series with less off days. I have to say that I do like the start times, though. The start times are all either 2:37pm, 6:07pm and 9:37pm. I remember that in past years, there were times where those west coast games didn't start until 11:00pm, which was ridiculous.

[Karafan1]

Back in '99 I could only watch the 1st inning of games 1 and 2 of the Diamondbacks/Mets NLDS because it started around 10pm here and I had to get up early to go fishing the next day..

[myankskent]

Yup, that's the series that I remember too. It seems like since TBS took over the first round of the playoffs, the starting times, although they are kind of weird, are much earlier. Sunday is going to be the key. Unless there are sweeps, every team will play on Sunday.

Alright...my prediction for tonight....Twins win 6-4. I can't pick against the Twins, at this point, given how far they have come and the fact that the game is in the Metrodome.

[Karafan1]

I'm not liking this Tigers/Twins game..3-1 Tigers so far..I see the fans chanting "Alcoholic" to Cabrerra didn't affect him to much..He his a 2 run homer when they were chanting that.

[nicmar]

Is anyone else watching this this game is why playoff baseball is great lots of drama and big plays

[myankskent]

I'm watching it. It really is an incredible game. 5-5 in the top of the 11th. It's got everything that you could possibly ask for.

Well, there's no doubt that this game is an instant classic. The Tigers had the bases loaded with 1 out and did not score, although the Twins got a huge break. Inge was hit by the pitch and the umpire didn't call it. That would've and should've forced in the go ahead run. But, the Tigers still had an enormous opportunity and failed.

[WickedJenn]

It's at 12 innings, wow what a battle.

[The Dark Knight74]

Game over. Twins win!!!

[myankskent]

So it's the Yankees and the Twins. Very interesting. I do have to say that the Yankees better get the job done at Yankee Stadium because I think it's going to be harder this year to beat the Twins at the Metrodome than ever before.

[Karafan1]

That was an awesome game!!! I was happy to see the Twins win, but I don't like the fact they didn't beat the Yankees in the regular season this year..Hopefully that will change starting tomorrow..

[myankskent]

That was an awesome game!!! I was happy to see the Twins win, but I don't like the fact they didn't beat the Yankees in the regular season this year..Hopefully that will change starting tomorrow..

Hopefully it won't. :D

[Night_Hawk90]

lol i was waiting for matt to respond, i dunno all season my buddy has been telling me the yankees are going all the way and i always said people always say that and they blow it in the first round. I think this time however the result will be different i will be honestly shocked if the yanks dont sweep the twins (hope i didnt jink the yanks)

[myankskent]

lol i was waiting for matt to respond, i dunno all season my buddy has been telling me the yankees are going all the way and i always said people always say that and they blow it in the first round. I think this time however the result will be different i will be honestly shocked if the yanks dont sweep the twins (hope i didnt jink the yanks)

I'm cautiously optimistic as a Yankees fan. I've been in this position before. Nobody thought the Tigers and Indians had any shot to beat the Yanks in 2006 and 2007, and sure enough, they did. I want to believe that this year will be different, but the Yanks still have to go out there and prove it. Given what just happened tonight at the Metrodome, game 1 becomes a must win for the Yanks. They cannot afford to lose it, especially with Sabathia on the mound. If they do lose it, the Yanks play right into the magic that the Twins have going for them.

I think that the biggest advantage for the Yanks is that the Twins don't really have a dominant starter like a Verlander or Beckett who can shut the Yankees down multiple times in a short series.

[Karafan1]

I know the Yankees had to come back to win 3 of the games vs. the Twins so if the Twins get the lead, they should try their best not to screw it up again!!!!!

[nicmar]

First what a great game it had so many big monents they could not have scripted a better more entertaing baseball game. That said I think it is cautious optimism all around, The Yankees certainly will be fresher and will have the chance to set their rotaion, while the Twins just played a gruling game and burnt through their bullpen. I agree that the Twins lack that ace which is so imprortant in a short series and I also agree that the Yankees can't afford to give the Twins hope

The other games look intresting as well My Philies start with the Rockies, in a bit of a suprise they went with Lee in game one and Hammles in game two, Lee has been a bit shakey but usally dominates lefty lineups which is what Colorado has. This is the match up we wanted but the Rockies have been hot and the Phils have been limping their way through September, so I have my concerns

The final game is Cards/Dodgers and everyone is picking St. Louis I can see why neither team has been great lately.

[myankskent]

The Rockies get a bad break because De La Rosa isn't going to pitch after that groin problem out in LA. That's a lefty that I would want going up against that tough Phillies lineup. It's going to come down to the bullpen for the Phillies.

[nicmar]

The Rockies get a bad break because De La Rosa isn't going to pitch after that groin problem out in LA. That's a lefty that I would want going up against that tough Phillies lineup. It's going to come down to the bullpen for the Phillies.

I agree that is the Philies achilies Heel has been all year, I think if we can get through this series then we can get back to the worls series, the Dodgers have been going downhill since the hot start adn the Cards are alot less scary in a 7 game series. but first things first, in Philly we have learned the hard way not to tempt fate

[myankskent]

I also think that it would certainly help if the Phillies got hot offensively out of the gate. Scoring a lot of runs, especially in that ballpark, will take the pressure off the bullpen and maybe then they can gain some confidence before things get more pressure packed later on.

[nicmar]

The line up can certianly hit the cover off the ball during their slump they still avaraged 5 runs a game, but they were still losing games late. I think that they can and will hit the Rockies pitching but the starters need to put them in a position were the bullpen only has to deal with the late innings because closer by committie is the only option they have left

[Karafan1]

If the Phillies have a 1 run lead in the 9th on wednesday do you think they'll bring in Lidge?? He's kinda falling apart this year..

[nicmar]

If the Phillies have a 1 run lead in the 9th on wednesday do you think they'll bring in Lidge?? He's kinda falling apart this year..

god I hope not, they can either stick with Madson or do closer by committie

[Karafan1]

I see Cole Hammels isn't happy with the 2pm start time for games 1 and 2..I wonder if he'll use that as an excuse if they lose 1 or both games...

[myankskent]

I guess the Phillies get stuck with the 2:30pm start time because they are playing the Rockies. Yankees/Twins isn't exactly a great match-up for 6pm, but the Cardinals are playing the Dodgers on the west coast so they have to start later.

My predictions for the ALDS....

Phillies beat Rockies in 5 games
Cardinals beat Dodgers in 4 games
Red Sox beat Angels in 5 games
Yankees beat Twins in 4 games

Which means that none of the above will actually happen.

[nicmar]

I see Cole Hammels isn't happy with the 2pm start time for games 1 and 2..I wonder if he'll use that as an excuse if they lose 1 or both games...

No if anything it will be the bullpen but be that as it may Philies looked great today 5-1 Lee went the complete game, however it is just game one so I'm trying not to get to excited

----- Added 1 Minutes later -----


I guess the Phillies get stuck with the 2:30pm start time because they are playing the Rockies. Yankees/Twins isn't exactly a great match-up for 6pm, but the Cardinals are playing the Dodgers on the west coast so they have to start later.

My predictions for the ALDS....

Phillies beat Rockies in 5 games
Cardinals beat Dodgers in 4 games
Red Sox beat Angels in 5 games
Yankees beat Twins in 4 games

Which means that none of the above will actually happen.

It is the least appealing match up I think the team you predicted will win I don't know about the number of games.

[Karafan1]

No if anything it will be the bullpen but be that as it may Philies looked great today 5-1 Lee went the complete game, however it is just game one so I'm trying not to get to excited



I'd want my starter pitch a complete game too if Lidge was my closer:lol:

[Karafan1]

Well, not surprisingly the Yankees won 7-2..I'm already ticked off at the Cardinals/Dodgers game..2-1 Dodgers in the 1st..

[WickedJenn]

I'm sorry but I have to:

"I want to be a part of it New York, Neeeeeeeeeeew York!"

Ah, I love being a Yankee fan. Despite the rocky start, I knew they'd find their rhythm. Thank you Jeter for kick-starting the Murderer's Row takedown :D

[myankskent]

It was a great Yankees win tonight. I just thought that this was a game that the Yankees had to have considering the state of the Twins after that long game last night. Friday's game is very important as well because if the Yankees lose, all of a sudden home field advantages shifts to the Twins and the Metrodome scares the hell out of me this year. I don't care how much talent the Yankees have vs. the Twins, I want to make sure that the Yanks are guaranteed a game 5 after these two games at the stadium.

Phillies had a great win today. When you have bullpen problems, it definitely takes the pressure off when your starter goes 9 innings. That's exactly what the Phillies needed.

Don't worry Jim. It's still very early in the Dodgers/Cardinals game. The one thing that would concern me is that they had Wolf on the ropes in the first inning and he got a big double play ball.

[Karafan1]

I've been in the dome(3 Vikings games only)and I know how loud it can get in there..it's insane!! If the Yankees do lose game 2, it will be interesting to see what happens in the rest of the series! 3-1 Dodgers now..Carpenter isn't doing to good for some reason..

[Night_Hawk90]

i am just happy that a-rod produced 2 hits with 2 rbi's enough to silence his critics for a few days Aj burnett worries me though . cliff lee was fairly dominant in his first start i still expect a rockies a victory in at least 5 games.

[myankskent]

Yeah, it was good to see A-Rod get off to a good start in the postseason. Agreed about Burnett. I hate that Posada is not going to be catching him. Now the Yanks are going to have an automatic out in Molina at the bottom of that lineup. This won't be a problem if Burnett pitches well. If he doesn't, then I don't care how much better he has pitched to Molina this year, I want Posada in there. The Yankees have a relentless offense, which we got to see last night, and I don't want it being weakened unnecessarily.

[Karafan1]

I'm hoping the Cardinals can rebound from last night's mess and win today..I really don't wanna see them in a 0-2 hole..

[myankskent]

Yeah, that's not where you want to be. I can't believe how many guys were left on base last night in that game. I think there were about 30 guys in total, which might have been a postseason record, or close to it.

[Karafan1]

I see Cole Hammels isn't happy with the 2pm start time for games 1 and 2..I wonder if he'll use that as an excuse if they lose 1 or both games...

Looks like he'll have to use this excuse..3-0 Rockies..


Yeah, that's not where you want to be. I can't believe how many guys were left on base last night in that game. I think there were about 30 guys in total, which might have been a postseason record, or close to it.

That was insane! 30 guys left on base!! I hope the Cardinals will get everybody in later today..

[nicmar]

This was the concern all Philies fans had Hammels has been inconsistant all year and the bullpen could not limit the damage, the Philies got 4 back but in the end it was just too much. It looks like who ever wins game 3 will take the series.

[Karafan1]

Holliday needs to go back to whereever the Cardinals got him from!!!!!:mad: He cost them the game by dropping the 3rd out in the 9th!!:mad: It looked like he didn't know how he wanted to catch that ball..Now I gotta hope for a 0-2 comeback by the Cardinals:\

[myankskent]

I couldn't believe that the Cardinals lost that game. It's ironic how everyone wants to get Holliday and his error ends up costing the Cardinals the game, and perhaps the series. Manny and Pujols have done nothing so far, as well.

It's going to be interesting in Colorado this weekend. Check out this forecast for Denver..
Saturday: Snow showers High: 34 Low: 29
Sunday: Rain/Snow Showers High: 48 Low: 35

[Karafan1]

I'm guessing 1 of those games will be cancelled because of the weather..I'm a few states east of Colorado and we will have the same kind of weather this weekend..It's too early for nasty weather like that here!!

[myankskent]

We're getting rain tomorrow in New York so the Yankees/Twins game could be in some trouble. It really bothers me when I look at games played in LA and Anaheim this time of year and the weather is perfect. It's like it never rains out there.

BTW, why is Dan Orsillo doing the Red/Sox Angels game on TBS? He does all of the Red Sox games on NESN so how about putting him on another series? That's just not right. That would really bother me if it was a Yankees/Red Sox series.

[Karafan1]

We're getting rain tomorrow in New York so the Yankees/Twins game could be in some trouble. It really bothers me when I look at games played in LA and Anaheim this time of year and the weather is perfect. It's like it never rains out there.



The Twins could use another day to sleep in:lol: I think the weather is perfect in L.A. 365 days a year:lol:

[Karafan1]

Angels win 5-0..1st ever playoff shutout for the Angels..

[myankskent]

Yeah, impressive win for the Angels and a great pitching performance by Lackey. They really seem motivated to beat the Red Sox this year given how many times that they have lost to them in the past. Big game for Beckett tonight. He's a big game pitcher so I'm sure he'll step up. The question is, will the Red Sox offense wake up?

[nicmar]

I don't know the Sox were playing so badly for so long somtimes it's hard to find that intensity again, It's funny the Angles are a really good team that is flying completly under the radar nationally I have looked at a lot of the playoff prediciton and the Yankees get most of the love and they should but the other teams I haves seen picked are the Red Sox, the Cards and the Dodgers. I'm not saying that the Angles will win it all or anything but alot of people are not giving them a chance in this series.

[myankskent]

I don't think that the Angels are being given a chance because they always lose to the Red Sox in the first round.

[nicmar]

yeah that's true,

[TheWidowmaker]

angels pulled it out last night....been a wacky postseason so far...ripken did a nice breakdown (http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=7028059) on the rockies win yesterday

[myankskent]

It was 3-1 Twins in the bottom of the 9th AND......ARod hits a two run homerun. Now win this game Yanks!

Tex with the walk-off tonight. It's always nice to see a new guy get the pie in the face. What can I say about this game? It wasn't the best played game by the Yanks. Gardner made a mistake and was doubled off third. No excuse for that. The Yankees got the benefit of one of the worst calls that I have ever seen down the third base line when Mauer should've led off the inning with a double. Instead, he got a single. That's a tough break for the Twins but they still had the bases loaded with nobody out and didn't score. As a matter of fact, they left a lot of runners on base because they couldn't get the big hit. I think the Twins kind of had their climax when they beat the Tigers on Monday. I don't think they have anything left. We'll see if that changes at the Metrodome on Sunday.

[Karafan1]

Who paid off that umpire to make that horrible call of an obviously fair ball by Maurer?? Yankees win on a walk off home run..No surprise there, I was expecting that because they've been doing it all season..The playoffs just aren't going my way again this year..

[myankskent]

If it's any consolation Jim, I don't think that the Cardinals are done yet.

[Karafan1]

I'm almost afraid to watch the Cardinals game tomorrow..I hope they can make an 0-2 comeback, but game 5 would be in L.A. and who knows what could happen then..

[myankskent]

True, but if they get to a game 5, that would mean that the Dodgers would have lost two straight games, which changes everything. I understand why you are afraid, though. But if I were down 0-2, I'd really like to be going home to my ballpark, which the Cardinals are doing.

[Karafan1]

I do like the fact the next 2(hopefully)will be in St. Louis..If they were down 0-2 going to L.A. I'd say it would basically be over..

[nicmar]

see I still think the Cards are in trouble Carpenter and Wainright are head and shoulders above the next two guys and LA only needs one more

[myankskent]

Well, if Pujols doesn't wake up for the Cardinals, they're dead. Sometimes you need to have your offensive players beat up on good pitching.

[Karafan1]

That's if they even pitch to him!! Holliday better hit 2 grand slams or something to make up for his major screw up yesterday!!

[myankskent]

Didn't Holliday hit a homerun last game as well? No doubt he screwed the Cardinals with that play in the 9th but at least he has done something positive.

Meanwhile, the Red Sox are in a lot of trouble. They only have 1 run so far in the series and they need three to tie in the 9th, providing they don't give up anymore in the bottom of the 8th. I want to see the Angels win this series. If the Yankees make it past the Twins, I want a piece of Anaheim because they have always taken care of the Yankees in the playoffs. It's payback time. I feel like the Yankees have already done what they had to do with the Red Sox. They were down 0-8 in the season series to them and they ended up going 9-9 against them.

[Karafan1]

Yep, Holliday hit a solo homer yesterday..I would have prefered him to have hit a grand slam in game 1 after they walked Pujols with 0 out, but instead he just stood there and looked at 3 strikes..

[nicmar]

Philies game has been push to tomarrow

[myankskent]

Yeah, it's really cold in Denver today. At least we get one baseball game today, with the Cardinals needing a win to stay alive. I just can't believe that TBS put the Boston/Anaheim series on at 12pm ET tomorrow. I guess they had no choice, but it's just very strange to see two big teams in Boston and Anaheim play at 12.

[Karafan1]

I'll be too busy watching football to see much of the Red Sox/Angels game, but I'm sure the Red Sox will win..They have the Angels right where they want them..up 2-0..The Red Sox like to make comebacks in the playoffs..

[nicmar]

Dodgers sweep in a fairly suprising series, I have been saying all along that if you get past Carpenter and Wainright the Cards pitiching falls of the table, Also the Philies might be a bit desperate they are pitiching Happ, then Lee in games 3 and 4 make you really wonder just how lucky they got with the delay

[Karafan1]

Yeah that was a bad series the Cardinals had..They had game 2 in the bag, but when they lost that, I figured they wouldn't come back from that eventhough they were home tonight..

[myankskent]

Yeah, the Cardinals being swept was a shocker to me. Holliday killed them with his defense and with his offense. The Dodgers were also able to handle Pujols. Let's be honest, a hot Pujols could carry the Cardinals through a series and that just didn't happen. I still think that the winner of the Phillies/Rockies will go to the World Series. Should be a very interesting game to watch tomorrow. I also want to see if the Red Sox can make this thing a series with Angels. Plus, Pavano goes up against the Yanks. I hope they pummel him.

[melissan02]

^^^Pavano's goin' down!:p:lol:

Yanks to World Series, baby! Yanks for the WIN!:D;)

[WickedJenn]

WOOT Melissa! I sure hope so, if they win today, that's it, they go to the championship!

So Matt...*rubs hands together* what do you think about tonight?

[myankskent]

WOOT Melissa! I sure hope so, if they win today, that's it, they go to the championship!

So Matt...*rubs hands together* what do you think about tonight?

I think that the Yankees will win tonight.

And how about the Angels coming back on Papelbon in the 9th? We'll see you in 2010 Red Sox. Oh, and how about that 8-0 against the Yanks? I just wanted to see them out. If the Yanks get past the Twins, they'll have their work cut out for them against the Angels.

[Backward Galaxy]

Those poor poor Red Sox fans. How sad for them to watch their king Papelboner get blown up when they needed him most.

Awwwwwwwwwwwww.

Let's. Go. Yankees!

[nicmar]

I think that the Yankees will win tonight.

And how about the Angels coming back on Papelbon in the 9th? We'll see you in 2010 Red Sox. Oh, and how about that 8-0 against the Yanks? I just wanted to see them out. If the Yanks get past the Twins, they'll have their work cut out for them against the Angels.

It should be a good series I have been saying peoplel have been underating the Angles almost all year. I still think the Yankees will win but I don't think it's a forgone conclusion

[WickedJenn]

Those poor poor Red Sox fans. How sad for them to watch their king Papelboner get blown up when they needed him most.

Awwwwwwwwwwwww.

Let's. Go. Yankees!

Hahahaha, I LOVE your nick for Papplebum (that's what I call him).

[Karafan1]

Well Matt and Jenn, this is hard for me to say, but congrats on your Yankees making it to the ALCS..I'll be picking the Angels in that series of course:lol: Since they both have the same ammount of time off before game 1, I wonder if 1 or both teams will be a little rusty..

[myankskent]

Thanks Jim. I definitely think that the time off could hurt the offense for both teams. As ridiculous as this might sound, since the Yankees did sweep, their offense wasn't exactly on fire. They really survived on the long ball but their team batting average was only about .220. But it's important to repeat, if you pitch, you win. Sabathia, Burnett and Pettitte were the reasons why the Yankees won this series. It wasn't so much the offense. I also feel really bad for the Twins. That's a class organization and if the Yankees weren't in the postseason, they would certainly be the team that I would be rooting for.

Now, I have to say that it is going to be extremely difficult for the Yankees to get past Anaheim. They really match up well against the Yanks because they have good pitching, 1-4 in the rotation, and an offense that is loaded with speed. Plus, I really do think that they have something special going with everything that they went through when they lost Adenhart. It's going to be a wild ride.

[Karafan1]

I'd like to see that series go 6 or 7 games..I'm tired of these one-sided beat downs..

[WickedJenn]

First:

"Staaaaaaaaaart spreading the news. I"m leaving today. I want to be a part of it - New York, Newwwwwwwwwww York."

Then:


Now, I have to say that it is going to be extremely difficult for the Yankees to get past Anaheim. They really match up well against the Yanks because they have good pitching, 1-4 in the rotation, and an offense that is loaded with speed. Plus, I really do think that they have something special going with everything that they went through when they lost Adenhart. It's going to be a wild ride.

I am nervous as hell, Matt. It IS going to be a wild ride.

[Karafan1]

First:

"Staaaaaaaaaart spreading the news. I"m leaving today. I want to be a part of it - New York, Newwwwwwwwwww York."


Great, now I have that song in my head!! Thank's for using that totrure device Jenn!:rotfl:

[WickedJenn]

Great, now I have that song in my head!! Thank's for using that totrure device Jenn!:rotfl:

Us Yankee fans can't help it, they play it at the end of EVERY game at Yankee Stadium and well, I've been playing it daily on my iPod, blasting out of my car windows.

And well, yes, my car has two Yankees decals on it, straight from the Yankee store at the South Street Seaport in NYC...

:p

----- Added 44 Seconds later -----

And no, the basement in our house is NOT devoted entirely to the Yankees, painted in Yankee blue...

[Karafan1]

Us Yankee fans can't help it, they play it at the end of EVERY game at Yankee Stadium and well, I've been playing it daily on my iPod, blasting out of my car windows.

And well, yes, my car has two Yankees decals on it, straight from the Yankee store at the South Street Seaport in NYC...

:p

----- Added 44 Seconds later -----

And no, the basement in our house is NOT devoted entirely to the Yankees, painted in Yankee blue...

I think you're obsessed:lol: Nothing wrong with that though!!! Are you sure the house isn't devoted entirely to the Yankees?? It kinda sounds like it is:lol:

[melissan02]

First:

"Staaaaaaaaaart spreading the news. I"m leaving today. I want to be a part of it - New York, Newwwwwwwwwww York."

Then:



I am nervous as hell, Matt. It IS going to be a wild ride.

Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO YANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D:D:D

[Karafan1]

I'm surrounded by Yankees fans!!!!!:eek:

[nicmar]

I'm surrounded by Yankees fans!!!!!:eek:

you and me both., but anyway great game last night although now I will be useless at work today, it did not end untill about 2:30. There was too much drama for my taste the Philies blew two two leads and then the Rockies had first and third no body out I was getting nervious. Then I think I had two seperate heart attacks when they brought in Lidge the announcers say that the save will get him over the hump I say he still can't throw strikes and he got lucky. If the Philies want to go back to the series they had better win today, or they will have to burn their top two starters, and have to go out to LA with no rest

[myankskent]

I'm surrounded by Yankees fans!!!!!:eek:

It's good for you, though. It'll make you stronger.:D

----- Added 3 Minutes later -----


you and me both., but anyway great game last night although now I will be useless at work today, it did not end untill about 2:30. There was too much drama for my taste the Philies blew two two leads and then the Rockies had first and third no body out I was getting nervious. Then I think I had two seperate heart attacks when they brought in Lidge the announcers say that the save will get him over the hump I say he still can't throw strikes and he got lucky. If the Philies want to go back to the series they had better win today, or they will have to burn their top two starters, and have to go out to LA with no rest

That was a good game for the Phillies. I was cold just sitting on the couch watching it. Now you have to go through it all again later on today. I think it's a 6:07pm ET start.

[nicmar]

I am kind of emotionaly drained I was going to dvr the game because I do have to work today, but a I kept getting texts and so I tuned it in but my tbs did not cut away from the Yankee game so I did not see anything before the bottom of the second and then I could not turn it off, but by 2:30 and about 4hours sleep I don't know what I have left.

[myankskent]

When your team is playing in the playoffs, you have to make some sacrifices. At least staying up late led to a win for you. I want Colorado out now. They're the only team that could hurt the world series because nobody really cares about them. Plus, it's just very cold out there.

[nicmar]

Yeah your right being a fan is all about sacrifice, I think that the cold is a little over blown, Philly, New York, Denver are all going to have cold night in the middle of October. I hope the Philies can close this out not just because I'm a fan but also because I honestly think that it will produce a better LCS. The Dogers dominiated the Rockies which is the reason the won the NL West. I don't see that changing now.

[myankskent]

I agree that it is cold in Philly and New York too, but Denver could get really cold and snowy at any point in October. That doesn't usually happen in New York and Philly. We don't usually get below freezing temperatures until November.

The Dodgers are an interesting team. Offensively, they really need Manny to hit. If he hits, he can carry them. The strength for the Dodgers is the bullpen. They have pitchers down there who can shut you down from the 6th inning on. That's the challenge that the Phillies will face if they fall behind early. I really would like to see a Phillies/Dodgers LCS. My money would be on the Phillies. The offense is ridiculously good and something tells me that the bullpen might hold things together a bit more in the postseason since they have been there before.

[nicmar]

Your right out side of Manny the Dodgers line up is just ok, as is their starting pitiching, if the Philies can jump on them early like they have been doing then I see the series playing out alot like last year. I honestly think that last night J Happ had a case of the jitters he usally commands his pitches well but last night he had trouble finding the zone. The LCS may well come down to Cole Hammels if the good Cole shows up then the Philies one two punch is pretty good if not alot falls on the shoulders of Lee which is fine but alos Happ, and possibily Pedro which is kind of scary.

[nicmar]

Phils win in another great game to watch had all the drama that only post season baseball can provide. Here is a bit of Irony Brade Lidge who was the worry of Philies fans everywere 2 saves this one with inhedited runners but the Rockies closer blew a lead and a save

[Karafan1]

The Rockies had that game in the bag, it was as over as yesterday's Red Sox/Angels game, but just like the Angels, the Phillies came back from the dead to win. I think I jinxed the Rockies though when with 1 out in the 9th I said it looks like everybody will be flying back to Philly after the game:lol:

[nicmar]

The philies actually have a history of hitting their closer, but I thought that the game was over too,

[myankskent]

Once again, the Phillies have a clutch offense that gets it done when needed. The Rockies played well but Street couldn't close the game out.

[Karafan1]

So is Lidge gonna be their full time closer again?? He made the last 2 games interesting by putting guys on base, but he ended up saving those games..

[nicmar]

he actually only pitiched to one guy last night, so the base runners were not his. However I still think that the situation will dictate who comes in.

[myankskent]

The weather is not looking good in New York this weekend. If the forecast is accurate, Friday will be rained out and showers are being predicted for Saturday and Sunday. The Phillies might have a problem when they are home on Sunday.

[nicmar]

Could be it's not unheard of for a Phlilies playoff game to be affected by weather, I hope that the amount of weather realated issues this year does not give rise to the redicoulus talk at the end of last year were the sporting news said that the world series should be played at a nutrual warm weather site

[myankskent]

Oh, that better not happen. That's the thing that drives me crazy with the super bowl. All playoff games/championship games should be played at the site of one of the teams playing in the game.

[nicmar]

I get it with the Superbowl because that is the way it always has been,dating back to when they were two seperate legues but with everything else it bothers me it is a rip off to the teams who worked so hard to get were they are and to the fans of thoes teams who deserve to see their team play for a championship

[myankskent]

I know that it's always been this way for football, but I've always been bothered by it. Then again, as a football fan, I really don't like the super bowl because it's just not about the game anymore. It's this grand "show" that is designed to appeal to people out there who couldn't care less about football.

But I agree about the other sports as well. I love it how MLB won't add another round to the playoffs because then the playoffs would be too long and the weather would be too cold. Meanwhile, they start the playoffs a full week into October and add an extra off day in the league championship series between games 4 and 5. If they would just start the playoffs every year on October 1st, it wouldn't be a problem.

[Karafan1]

What do you think about the Yankees using a 3 man rotation for the ALCS??

[myankskent]

I think that they should definitely do it. You're talking about pitching Sabathia in games 1, 4 and 7 and he's the only one who would have to pitch on three days rest, which would be in game 4. For every other game, each pitcher would be pitching on normal rest. The problem is that if there are rain outs, which now seem likely, that might not be an option for the Yanks.

[Karafan1]

They won't run Sabathia into the ground by doing that??

[myankskent]

I don't think so. The Yanks were very careful with Sabathia down the stretch, giving him some extra off days and limiting his innings. Last year, his final three starts were all on three days rest for the Brewers just to get them into the postseason. Then he started on three days rest in the postseason as well. One start on 3 days rest is not going to kill him, especially when in 3 of the 4 starts last year on 3 days rest, he was brilliant.

[Karafan1]

Sounds like he might be getting a few extra days off because of the weather..

[nicmar]

there is also that off day in the middle of the seires so that helps too

[myankskent]

It's going to be interesting to see what happens if game 1 of the ALCS does get rained out. That would mean that game 2 would have to be played on Sunday. The NLCS is already scheduled to play at 8 that night. The ALCS, in this case, should be played at 4pm, but FOX has football. This might be a night where both series will be played at the same time, which I hate.

[nicmar]

That would suck but since tv ratings are sadly the most imporatant thing to the networks and mlb because it effects how much money they make I don't think they would put them on at the same time I see another 10:00 start for the Philies

[myankskent]

I don't think that they would start an LCS at 10:00. I don't remember that ever being the case. Plus, FOX probably wouldn't be able to start the ALCS until 7:30 because some of the football games might run past 7pm, so you're still going to have the first game running right into the second one. The only other thing that might happen is MLB moving the NLCS to 4pm, since TBS doesn't have a conflict with football.

[nicmar]

yeah I do think that yours is the more likely senario although outside of the cities involved my guess is even the LDS would fair badly against the NFL

[myankskent]

Well, that's not what the Phillies wanted out of Hamels. He gets a 5-1 lead then gives up three runs to make it 5-4. Now the Phillies need a lot of outs from their bullpen.

[Karafan1]

I forgot the NLCS started tonight:lol: That just shows how much intrest I have in it..It was in the 6th inning when found it flipping channels..

[nicmar]

Well, that's not what the Phillies wanted out of Hamels. He gets a 5-1 lead then gives up three runs to make it 5-4. Now the Phillies need a lot of outs from their bullpen.

I am afraid that this is what Cole Hammels is this year a guy who was pitiching well then all of a sudden can't get out of innings. He had two outs with one run in and makes a mistake to Manny and all of a sudden it's a one run game. Yes that was a dead double play ball and Utlely should have made that throw but still. The Line up has saved the Philies 3 games in a row they are on fire but I still beleive that piticing wins championships so I hope some one besides Lee can step up.

[myankskent]

The Phillies dodged the bullet last night. If their offense is going to hit like this, they won't need a lights out bullpen.

[Night_Hawk90]

if theres one game the yanks have to win its tonight going up against john lackey as both sabathia and a-rod have struggled immensely against this team. personally i think the angels will win this series in 6 ( dont worry matt im usually wrong).

[myankskent]

Yeah, A-Rod has destroyed the Angels but he doesn't hit Lackey. The bottom line is that other guys need to step up. It's going to be freezing cold tonight and damp so that will impact this game. I'm not sure if tomorrow's game will be played.

[Night_Hawk90]

what a great performance from cc sabathia they guy was on fire, too many errors and misques by the angels especially on the 2nd run by the yankees. the play at the plate with a-rod was some intense stuff great play by the catcher

[myankskent]

I thought that A-Rod was safe at the plate. He was never tagged but it was a great game for the Yanks. Sabathia was awesome and the Yanks got the hits at the right time, in addition to taking advantage of all of the bad plays by the Angels. This was a really sloppy game for them but I'm sure they'll get things straightened out for game 2.

[Night_Hawk90]

I thought that A-Rod was safe at the plate. He was never tagged but it was a great game for the Yanks. Sabathia was awesome and the Yanks got the hits at the right time, in addition to taking advantage of all of the bad plays by the Angels. This was a really sloppy game for them but I'm sure they'll get things straightened out for game 2.

yeah but did a-rod even cross the plate? and the teixera call was a bit iffy though that one is hard he definitely did fall off the plate when making the out at first but i dunno if his toe was still touching tough call.

[myankskent]

yeah but did a-rod even cross the plate?


I thought that there was a chance he touched the plate as he knocked into the catcher but he hit the plate after the collision, obviously because he thought that he was never tagged. But at least that run didn't come back to bite them.

[WickedJenn]

WOOT! Off to a nice start for the Yanks with Cano's RBI triple. Glad to sit back and chill and watch after working all day.

BTW Night_Hawk, LOVING the avi.

[WickedJenn]

Back in here to squeeeeeeeeeeeee even if by myself.

It was a...very...very...very long game. Man am I glad it paid off in the end. Pie time happened!!

[myankskent]

As I type at 3:22am after returning home from the Yankees game, I have no voice.....I'm extremely cold....I'm exhausted...but the hell with all that because that game was a classic and the stadium was rocking just like the old one. Two wins away....

[Atomic girl]

Well I will say it was an exciting game, it didn't go my way, but I did enjoy it. I felt bad for all the guys playing, it looked miserable.

They're on Angels turf next time ~ here's to hoping some California weather and the home field inspire them to play a bit better!

[myankskent]

I think that the Angels will play better out there. As good as the Yankees have played, I would be surprised if the series doesn't get back to New York. However, if you're the Angels, I'd do everything in my power to stop A-Rod from beating me. In a big spot this year, he's going to come through.

[melissan02]

As I type at 3:22am after returning home from the Yankees game, I have no voice.....I'm extremely cold....I'm exhausted...but the hell with all that because that game was a classic and the stadium was rocking just like the old one. Two wins away....

Man oh man, Matt! You get yourself rested up and warm after an exciting game like that was last night!:eek::D
I'm jealous that you were there though and I wasn't!:(
Two down...two to go through!:D
May not happen in L.A., but I believe it'll happen!;)

What a game, eh?

[Karafan1]

As I type at 3:22am after returning home from the Yankees game, I have no voice.....I'm extremely cold....I'm exhausted...but the hell with all that because that game was a classic and the stadium was rocking just like the old one. Two wins away....

Woah, you were there??:eek: Awesome!! How did you manage to get tickets to that game?????

[myankskent]

Woah, you were there??:eek: Awesome!! How did you manage to get tickets to that game?????

I wasn't just there, I was sitting 9 rows behind home plate in the free food section! How did this happen? Let's just say that I love my brother to death. He got free tickets through his work. I've been to Yankees playoff games in the past, but this was the best game that I have seen in person. I think that the cold weather really added to how fired up the crowd was. Now I just hope that I don't pay the penalty and get sick. My head hurts a little today, but that probably has more to do with me being hung over.:)

[Karafan1]

Cool..So I may have seen you and not even know it:lol: Any chance he can get tickets for a possible game 6 or 7?? If you do get sick I'd say it was worth it..

[myankskent]

Not sure if he'll get tickets for games 6 and 7. He usually finds out the day before the game. I won't mind watching on the tv, though. It takes a lot out of you to go to these playoff games, mainly because they end so late.

[WickedJenn]

As I type at 3:22am after returning home from the Yankees game, I have no voice.....I'm extremely cold....I'm exhausted...but the hell with all that because that game was a classic and the stadium was rocking just like the old one. Two wins away....

Wait! Wait! You were there?? You were there?? Nooooooooooo faaaaaaaaaaaair!

And this is what sucks living two hours away from NYC :(

[myankskent]

Wait! Wait! You were there?? You were there?? Nooooooooooo faaaaaaaaaaaair!

And this is what sucks living two hours away from NYC :(

There are positives and negatives about going to these games. I was lucky enough to see a great game, but it took me a long time to get home.

Something cool the Yanks are doing today is opening the doors to the stadium and allowing fans to watch the game on the big screen in the outfield from the field level seats.

[Karafan1]

Sheesh..1-0 Yankees already..

[myankskent]

Maybe I don't have a right to be angry after this game, considering the fact that this is only the first loss for the Yanks, but man, this game bothered me. For starters, the Yankees aren't hitting. It's like they're falling back into the HR or nothing offense with 4 solo HR's. They're 0 for their last 19 with runners in scoring position. Tex, Cano, Swisher and Cabrera are not hitting. They're not even having productive outs. So the offense better step up.

But here's the real problem I have. Girardi is over-managing these games. You can't use every pitcher in the bullpen every single game. I know that these are extra inning games, but sometimes you need to let a pitcher pitch an entire inning rather than just facing one batter. I have no idea why Rivera even pitched in this game. I know that he got out of trouble in that one inning, but the Yanks are on the road here. You need to save your closer for when you take the lead. This is not game 7 of the world series. The Yankees didn't have to win this game and now they go into tomorrow with every pitcher outside of Gaudin being used. That's unacceptable. If Girardi is going to manage like this, he could seriously screw up this series. A move that he makes one game could come back to bite the Yankees in the next and today, he had Rivera pitch in a game that the Yanks lost. As a matter of fact, Rivera has pitched in every single game this postseason, and for multiple innings as well.

I hope that things turn around tomorrow. The Yanks can't lose all three out in Anaheim. They need to win one of the next two and then they'll have two shots to close this thing out in New York.

[Night_Hawk90]

teixera has really been a disappointment besides a few great defensive plays he has been non-existent, he is paid the big bucks for a reason. I dont agree with girardi decision to take out johnny damon, though i really thought the game was the yankees after that huge brain cramp by abreu wtf was he thinking lol and also when the yankees got out of that bases loaded jam. it was a great game we were kidding ourselves to believe the angels wouldnt at least make this series competitive. the next game is a must for the yankees though.

[Karafan1]

Not that I'm cheering for the Yankees, but they do need to work on that 0-19 with RISP..They can't expect to live of the long ball all the time, especially on the road in a bigger stadium. I don't like the multiple pitchers in an inning at anytime! It slows down the game and it sometimes blows up in their face..They shouldn't be burning their bullpen like that with 2 games in a row left in Anahiem.

[myankskent]

When you really think about it, the Yanks haven't hit all postseason, so far, outside of the long ball when they really need it. They've been surviving on brilliant pitching. Coming into today, their pitching staff hadn't given up a home run in the postseason, which is very impressive. If Pettitte doesn't make that bad pitch to Vlad, the Yanks probably win and their pitching covers up their bad hitting again, but there are going to be games where you give up runs. It's time for the offense to break out.

[melissan02]

I'm all for exciting baseball, but this....this....(speaking about the last couple Yanks v. Angels games) is too much to take!!:eek:
I'm concerned about my Yanks' lack of hitting and the usage of the bullpen.:(
Why was my 'Mo' in the game tonight?
Yes, he (as always) masterfully:D got out of that bases loaded jam...(I might add w/ some great back up by Damon and Texiera), but why was my 'Mo' out there?:confused:
Girardi's managing is aggrevating me a bit.
Now let's win the next and wrap this all up back in the 'Big Apple'!!!:D

[Atomic girl]

Well I can't say that I agree with the coaching decision for pitchers, but woot-woot, it helped the Angels tonight.

[WickedJenn]

Maybe I don't have a right to be angry after this game, considering the fact that this is only the first loss for the Yanks, but man, this game bothered me. For starters, the Yankees aren't hitting. It's like they're falling back into the HR or nothing offense with 4 solo HR's. They're 0 for their last 19 with runners in scoring position. Tex, Cano, Swisher and Cabrera are not hitting. They're not even having productive outs. So the offense better step up.

But here's the real problem I have. Girardi is over-managing these games. You can't use every pitcher in the bullpen every single game. I know that these are extra inning games, but sometimes you need to let a pitcher pitch an entire inning rather than just facing one batter. I have no idea why Rivera even pitched in this game. I know that he got out of trouble in that one inning, but the Yanks are on the road here. You need to save your closer for when you take the lead. This is not game 7 of the world series. The Yankees didn't have to win this game and now they go into tomorrow with every pitcher outside of Gaudin being used. That's unacceptable. If Girardi is going to manage like this, he could seriously screw up this series. A move that he makes one game could come back to bite the Yankees in the next and today, he had Rivera pitch in a game that the Yanks lost. As a matter of fact, Rivera has pitched in every single game this postseason, and for multiple innings as well.

I hope that things turn around tomorrow. The Yanks can't lose all three out in Anaheim. They need to win one of the next two and then they'll have two shots to close this thing out in New York.

QFT Matt, you said everything that crossed my mind tonight.

[Karafan1]

The Phillies won when they were down by 1 run with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th. I like seeing games end like that! Why do they have the day off on tuesday?? That's stupid..I doubt it will kill the Phillies momentum though..

[myankskent]

Well, the Yanks restored order tonight. No silly pitching changes. Just CC Sabathia blowing guys away with A-Rod, Melky and Damon driving the runs in. Great game after the tough loss yesterday.

[Karafan1]

I saw the majority of that game and couldn't believe all the hits you guys got in the late ininngs..If they do that again thursday, champaigne* will be popping in Anaheim..

[melissan02]

I saw the majority of that game and couldn't believe all the hits you guys got in the late ininngs..If they do that again thursday, champaigne* will be popping in Anaheim..

Well I'm not in Anaheim, but I've got my bottle ready!;):rotfl:

[Karafan1]

As a Cubs fan, I'll never have my bottle ready:rotfl:

[Night_Hawk90]

The third Base Umpire for last night game needs to be fired 2 brutal calls " in my heart he was out" LMAO

[myankskent]

The game last night was the worst game that I have ever seen when it came to the umpires. I'm just glad that the Yanks didn't score any additional runs as a result of those blown calls. I think that we're going to see more instant replay next season because stuff like what happened last night simply cannot go on. What if this was a close game rather than a blowout? What if this was game 7 of the world series? I was listening to the radio today, as I always do, and everyone was talking about the umpiring. That really is a shame. I want to hear Yankees talk and nothing else. I hope that from here on out, no other huge mistakes are made.

[Karafan1]

I'm sure there will be a huge blown call in the World Series this year that will basically force them to expand replay to more than just homeruns/fan interference..

[The Dark Knight74]

I'm sure there will be a huge blown call in the World Series this year that will basically force them to expand replay to more than just homeruns/fan interference..

Only if it causes the Yankees to lose the WS. If helps them, then they won't change anything.

[Karafan1]

True..As bad as this sounds, I kinda want a call to cost somebody a W.S. game this year so Selig will be forced to change the rules on what can be looked at on replay..

[The Dark Knight74]

True..As bad as this sounds, I kinda want a call to cost somebody a W.S. game this year so Selig will be forced to change the rules on what can be looked at on replay..

I wouldn't anybody to be lose a WS game on bad call(other than the Yankees). As far as replay in baseball goes, I am old school. I get the reasoning behind having it but I prefer to leave it to the umps. At least until it costs the Dodgers a game or the entire series. Then, I might to rethink my position.:lol:

Speaking of the Dodgers, it looks like they are finishing their annual folding like a cardtable against the Phillies. The only good thing I can take from this series is that we didn't get to WS and lose to the Yankees. I am in bad mood already as it is. Losing to the Yanks would have caused to go Doomsday on my tv.:lol:

[Karafan1]

Losing to the Yanks would have caused to go Doomsday on my tv.:lol:

Well if you need a new tv, you might as well go Doomsday on it in a few hours..I really don't see the Dodgers coming back tonight..

[The Dark Knight74]

Well if you need a new tv, you might as well go Doomsday on it in a few hours..I really don't see the Dodgers coming back tonight..

Nah. They were done Monday night and didn't even show up tonight. Zero heart. :mad:

[Karafan1]

8-3..Now it's defenatly over....Zero heart..Kinda like the Titans in the 2nd half of last sundays game..

[myankskent]

Well if you need a new tv, you might as well go Doomsday on it in a few hours..I really don't see the Dodgers coming back tonight..

Well, not now. If they kept the lead at 3, they still had a shot if the Phillies bullpen faltered one inning.

----- Added 3 Minutes later -----


8-3..Now it's defenatly over....Zero heart..Kinda like the Titans in the 2nd half of last sundays game..

It's just tough to hold down the Phillies offense in that ballpark. Balls are really flying out of there tonight.

Hmmm....9-4 and the Dodgers have the bases loaded with nobody out.

[Night_Hawk90]

how do you get nothing out of that bases loaded jam just awful, sorry to say but joe torre once again has been way outmanaged

wow their pitching sucks

[WickedJenn]

Wow. So, yeah I live 20 mins from Philly, and I am 5 mins from the PA border. I am a Yankees fan.

If they go to the WS tomorrow night, do you all KNOW what this will be like? LOL

Oy.

[Karafan1]

You will be banned from every place you go if you're wearing a Yankees jersey??

[WickedJenn]

You will be banned from every place you go if you're wearing a Yankees jersey??

More like I'll get crap from every single person I know who is a Phillies fan, which is...mostly everyone in this state haha.

But I am someone who does not talk any pewp beforehand because you JUST never know.

I am nervous honestly.

[Karafan1]

Why?? You guys are gonna destroy the Phillies..Homefield advantage will help..

[WickedJenn]

Why?? You guys are gonna destroy the Phillies..Homefield advantage will help..

Because Jim, I just never take advantage of things in the world of sports lol. This is OT but it is in relation to why I feel like this regarding Yanks/Phillies--everyone was so sure the Pats would beat the Giants in the SB.

What happened?

I'm not saying something like this will happen but, I just proceed with caution.

[myankskent]

Why?? You guys are gonna destroy the Phillies..Homefield advantage will help..

Destroy the Phillies? I don't think so. Not with the offense that they have. The Yankees might rip apart their bullpen, and I'd like to think that this is where the series will be decided, but that Phillies lineup is extremely scary. They'll trade punches with the Yanks all series long. But, of course, let's first get to the world series. After 2004, I don't consider anything a given.

[WickedJenn]

Destroy the Phillies? I don't think so. Not with the offense that they have. The Yankees might rip apart their bullpen, and I'd like to think that this is where the series will be decided, but that Phillies lineup is extremely scary. They'll trade punches with the Yanks all series long. But, of course, let's first get to the world series. After 2004, I don't consider anything a given.

See Matt, you read my mind!

I didn't even mention 2004 but, it was on my mind as I was typing my response. Like I said, nothing is a guarantee no matter how much it's predicted to be by this sportscaster or that.

[Karafan1]

everyone was so sure the Pats would beat the Giants in the SB.

What happened?



I picked the Patriots in that game and I was never so happy to lose a S.B.:lol: I HATE the Patriots, and I do mean HATE, but they were the logical pick and I needed to keep my S.B. winning streak going..So much for that:lol:

I've seen 3-1 leads blown too many times so you guys are right to say nothing is a given..

[WickedJenn]

The Yankees were stronger last night, much stronger. But, there were still some issues at bat in the beginning. The game before was horrible in regards to that, not to mention just about the entire bullpen pitched.

Last night was how it should have went before...you get CC up after he's rested well and he can pitch that many innings, allowing only one run (backed up by the awesome Yankees in/outfield).

Yes there were some absolutely horrid calls by the umps. I facepalmed at least three times. It annoys me to no end, and makes things feel like they're cheapened.

I hope that is non-existent tonight.

[myankskent]

See Matt, you read my mind!

I didn't even mention 2004 but, it was on my mind as I was typing my response. Like I said, nothing is a guarantee no matter how much it's predicted to be by this sportscaster or that.

Yup. I still think that tonight is going to be a tough game and it would not surprise me if we see a game 6. I expect Lackey to have a better showing than Kazmir. Burnett is making his first road start in the postseason and while there isn't a lot of pressure on him, I really don't know what to expect. I can see him being dominant or walking a ton of guys. We'll just have to wait and see.

In games like these, you have to score early as the road team. Not scoring early will keep the pressure off of Anaheim and give them a better chance of pushing some runs across late.

[Karafan1]

I think the umps will try their best not to screw up that bad from now on..

[myankskent]

As far as the umpires go, I think that they really need to get rid of all umpires over the age of 60, for starters. Give them a nice retirement package and send them on their way. Then they should also expand the replays. Why not have someone in every stadium, at least for postseason games, look at all of the replays if a bad call is made. Then they can radio down to the field letting the umpires know what the right call is. This might be extreme, but it's better than having the umpiring be the main topic of conversation after a postseason game.

[WickedJenn]

Yup. I still think that tonight is going to be a tough game and it would not surprise me if we see a game 6. I expect Lackey to have a better showing than Kazmir. Burnett is making his first road start in the postseason and while there isn't a lot of pressure on him, I really don't know what to expect. I can see him being dominant or walking a ton of guys. We'll just have to wait and see.

In games like these, you have to score early as the road team. Not scoring early will keep the pressure off of Anaheim and give them a better chance of pushing some runs across late.

I laughed, Matt, because Joe Buck and Tim McCarver were talking Kazmir up a bit much the other night, and man he played way below their bar they set for him. Now, granted, he gave them reason to say that prior but, it was kind of ironic to see that wasn't the case in that game.

Now, with Burnett...I think he just needs to keep his confidence and he will be okay, but yeah he could go either way.

[myankskent]

I laughed, Matt, because Joe Buck and Tim McCarver were talking Kazmir up a bit much the other night, and man he played way below their bar they set for him. Now, granted, he gave them reason to say that prior but, it was kind of ironic to see that wasn't the case in that game.

Now, with Burnett...I think he just needs to keep his confidence and he will be okay, but yeah he could go either way.

Yeah. The thing that worries me about Burnett is that he could be dealing and then he'll go through a stretch where he loses the strike zone and starts walking guys. It happens in most of his starts, even the good ones. So the key is to not unravel during these stretches and hand the Angels a big inning.

[Karafan1]

You guys have game 6 and 7 at that little league park, so if they mess up today, they should beable to long ball their way to victory in game 6 or 7..

[WickedJenn]

Yeah. The thing that worries me about Burnett is that he could be dealing and then he'll go through a stretch where he loses the strike zone and starts walking guys. It happens in most of his starts, even the good ones. So the key is to not unravel during these stretches and hand the Angels a big inning.

I saw that happen tonight in the Phillies game, exactly that. If he starts to mess up, Posada can always wave his newly-painted white fingernails in his face to wake him up :p

----- Added 9 Minutes later -----


You guys have game 6 and 7 at that little league park, so if they mess up today, they should beable to long ball their way to victory in game 6 or 7..

Little league park :rotfl:

[WickedJenn]

OMG I'm the only one here but AAHHH!

I'm flipping out.

[Karafan1]

I figured you would be..The Angels just won't go away..

[WickedJenn]

I'm sorry but the dayum constant thumping at the Angels' stadium has GOT to stop, it is beyond annoying.

[Karafan1]

They've had those beatin' sticks(that's what I like to call them)since 2002, and I don't see them getting rid of them anytime soon..

[WickedJenn]

They've had those beatin' sticks(that's what I like to call them)since 2002, and I don't see them getting rid of them anytime soon..

I don't mean those. I mean the "boom boom POW" "We Will Rock You" stadium sounds, it's constant, they are doing those sounds way too closely together.

[redkryptoniteisthebest]

Hey guys. First time posting here.

Last night was a sad night for me, as the Dodgers lost to the Phillie's. They could have done a lot better, quite honestly.

Maybe next year.

[melissan02]

I'm sorry but the dayum constant thumping at the Angels' stadium has GOT to stop, it is beyond annoying.

Oh it will now!;):p
Though I would have preferred as a Yankee fan to end things tonight:\, we'll be heading back to N.Y. now where there won't be any thumping red sticks...just the sounds of rejoicing Yankee fans as they win the ALCS to face the Phillies for the coveted prize.;)

[WickedJenn]

Hey guys. First time posting here.

Last night was a sad night for me, as the Dodgers lost to the Phillie's. They could have done a lot better, quite honestly.

Maybe next year.

Dodgers are a great team redk! Keep having hope.

I had a feeling we wouldn't win this one. I know that if the Yankees win to go to the WS, it HAS to be in The Bronx, nowhere else.

----- Added 1 Minutes later -----


Oh it will now!;):p
Though I would have preferred as a Yankee fan to end things tonight:\, we'll be heading back to N.Y. now where there won't be any thumping red sticks...just the sounds of rejoicing Yankee fans as they win the ALCS to face the Phillies for the coveted prize.;)

I am happy no more red sticks LOL. And then if the Yanks win we can hear the lovely "New York, New York" by Frank Sinatra.