the "baseball only" thread

[milagros317]

I got a chance to speak with Johnny Podres (who was then working as a coach for the Phillies) in Vero Beach, Florida, when the Phillies were playing a spring training game against the Dodgers. :D

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Well all good things come to an end. The Mets 5 game winning streak was halted by Jason Schmidt and the Giants 2-1. The Giants scored both runs in the 2nd inning as Edgardo Alfonzo blooped a single into centerfield with one out off of Tom Glavine and Devei Cruz doubled to set up second and third. On a 2 strike pitch Todd Linden grounded out to Kaz Matsui to give the Giants a 1-0 lead. Then Mike Matheny doubled to centerfield that Carlos Beltran gave up on and that allowed the Giants to jump out to a 2-0 lead. In the fourth Reyes lead the inning off with his 14th triple of the season. He scord when Kaz Matsui grounded out to second base the cut the Giants lead to 2-1. That is as close as they would get. Giants beat the Mets 2-1. Jason Schmidt goes to 11-6 as he picks up the win. Tom Glavine was the tough luck loser and his record falls to 10-11.

[milagros317]

Very sad indeed, I was really rooting hard for the Mets today, as I will tomorrow.

[unclebill]

Once again the Cubs lose to the Marlins. Former Cub farmhand Dontrelle Willis wins his 18th game of the season. The Cubs are toast. Wait till next year...

[milagros317]

Things look very, very bleak for the Dodgers as well. :(

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Cubs pounded on the Marlins today 14-3. :yowzer: The Red Sox beat up on the Tigers 11-3. The Yankees clubbed the Royals 10-3. The A's also won 10-3 over the Orioles. Lots of bullies out on the diamond today. The Cards shutout the Nationals 6-0 and the Reds beat the Pirates 7-2. Other scores and highlights after the ESPN game tonight as well as standings on the wildcards. See how they compare to a week ago. See ya later. :wavingguy

[milagros317]

Meanwhile, the Dodgers and Astros are still scoreless in the 8th inning. :eek:

[CaptainQuantum]

I will also remind everyone the Cubs have one of the more revered pitching staffs in the majors:D

I'm only a casual baseball fan, but my dad is a die-hard Cub fan and the way he gets into it makes it more interesting for me. Anyway, the Cubs may not have that revered pitching staff for long. Clement is already gone, Wood is way too pricey to keep around as a set-up man, and I hear will need surgery in the off-season. Prior is injury-prone and isn't quite what he was a couple years ago. Maddux isn't anywhere near as dominating as he used to be, and I knew he couldn't be if Atlanta was willing to let him go to free agency. Zambrano probably has the best stuff of any of the current Cub starting pitchers. But unless the Cubs have some good prospects they'll bring up next season or can sign some free agents, I think the Cubs' dominant starting pitching may be a thing of the past. That didn't take long. :disgust:

[milagros317]

The Dodgers don't have a single reliable starting pitcher this year. :(

[CaptainQuantum]

I especially liked the part about the batboy and the gallon of milk. :jester:

Beil's Spiel: The NL Worst

By Larry Beil, Yahoo! Sports

The Bible says the meek shall inherit the earth. Apparently, they've already started with the National League West, where it's quite possible the division champion will finish with more losses than wins. For the record, that has never happened before.

So what has gone so horribly wrong in this division, once dominated by fly balls into McCovey Cove and the pride of Dodger blue? You can make the case that division disintegration all started with the deteriorating knee of Barry Bonds.

Coming out of spring training, the Giants were labeled as the team to beat – and man, have they taken a beating. Bonds has been hurt all season, removing San Francisco's and perhaps the game's best hitter. The Giants also lost their two best pitchers, starter Jason Schmidt and closer Armando Benitez for huge chunks of the season. Moises Alou has been hurt frequently, as have Edgardo Alfonzo and Ray Durham. An under-performing starting rotation has led to overworked relievers, leaving Felipe Alou's bullpen with the sturdiness of his now infamous Cream of Wheat.

The Dodgers, who won the NL West last season with 93 victories, have also been decimated by injuries to key players. Eric Gagne, Milton Bradley, J.D. Drew, Jayson Werth and Jos Valentn are regulars on the disabled list. But the Dodger blues extend beyond that – with the clubhouse chemistry of a Molotov cocktail.

This week, perennially inflamed Milton Bradley accused Jeff Kent of being unable to deal with black players. The charge came after Kent chided Bradley for a perceived lack of hustle. Kent, who had well-publicized run-ins with Bonds, called Bradley's accusations offensive and pathetic.

The good news is that not all of the Dodgers are consumed by this controversy. According to the Miami Herald, L.A. pitcher Brad Penny recently bet a Marlins batboy that the kid couldn't drink a gallon of milk in an hour without vomiting. Several teammates kicked in, upping the ante to $1,000. The batboy drank it all, but it didn't stay down, leaving him feeling like many Dodger fans this year.

New Padres CEO Sandy Alderson eloquently describes the division as "a bit enfeebled," which is a kind way to put it. After going 22-6 in May, the Padres have been backsliding ever since, physically and mentally.

Mark Sweeney, one of only two Padres left from San Diego's 1998 team that went to the World Series, can see what is missing. "There was a confidence level on that team," Sweeney told MLB.com. "We knew we'd go out and win every day. I don't sense that we have that here right now."

The Arizona Diamondbacks should actually be considered a success story, coming back from the subterranean depths of a 111-loss season in 2004. The D-Backs are at least respectable in '05, hovering around 10-games under 500. But lumped in with the rest of the division, the desert snakes just look like another weakling.

Then there's the hideously poor Colorado Rockies, who seem to be in year 10 of their 25-year rebuilding plan.

The Padres will probably end up getting hot late, maybe winning 10 or 11 of their last 30 games and prevailing in this pillow fight.

Then they can move on and get spanked by the Cardinals in the first round of the playoffs. In the meantime, there are six more weeks of grotesque baseball to watch in this division. Like eating too much bratwurst or liverwurst, too much of the NL Worst can leave you feeling like an over-chugged batboy. :xlime:

[milagros317]

The 1973 Mets hold the record for the lowest winning percentage of any baseball team that reached postseason: .509

That record will likely be broken by some NL West team this year. I hope the Dodgers can catch the SD Pondscum and be that team. :D

[ticklingfeet4fu]

I especially liked the part about the batboy and the gallon of milk. :jester:

Beil's Spiel: The NL Worst

By Larry Beil, Yahoo! Sports

The Bible says the meek shall inherit the earth. Apparently, they've already started with the National League West, where it's quite possible the division champion will finish with more losses than wins. For the record, that has never happened before.

So what has gone so horribly wrong in this division, once dominated by fly balls into McCovey Cove and the pride of Dodger blue? You can make the case that division disintegration all started with the deteriorating knee of Barry Bonds.

Coming out of spring training, the Giants were labeled as the team to beat – and man, have they taken a beating. Bonds has been hurt all season, removing San Francisco's and perhaps the game's best hitter. The Giants also lost their two best pitchers, starter Jason Schmidt and closer Armando Benitez for huge chunks of the season. Moises Alou has been hurt frequently, as have Edgardo Alfonzo and Ray Durham. An under-performing starting rotation has led to overworked relievers, leaving Felipe Alou's bullpen with the sturdiness of his now infamous Cream of Wheat.

The Dodgers, who won the NL West last season with 93 victories, have also been decimated by injuries to key players. Eric Gagne, Milton Bradley, J.D. Drew, Jayson Werth and Jos Valentn are regulars on the disabled list. But the Dodger blues extend beyond that – with the clubhouse chemistry of a Molotov cocktail.

This week, perennially inflamed Milton Bradley accused Jeff Kent of being unable to deal with black players. The charge came after Kent chided Bradley for a perceived lack of hustle. Kent, who had well-publicized run-ins with Bonds, called Bradley's accusations offensive and pathetic.

New Padres CEO Sandy Alderson eloquently describes the division as "a bit enfeebled," which is a kind way to put it. After going 22-6 in May, the Padres have been backsliding ever since, physically and mentally.

Mark Sweeney, one of only two Padres left from San Diego's 1998 team that went to the World Series, can see what is missing. "There was a confidence level on that team," Sweeney told MLB.com. "We knew we'd go out and win every day. I don't sense that we have that here right now."

The Arizona Diamondbacks should actually be considered a success story, coming back from the subterranean depths of a 111-loss season in 2004. The D-Backs are at least respectable in '05, hovering around 10-games under 500. But lumped in with the rest of the division, the desert snakes just look like another weakling.

Then there's the hideously poor Colorado Rockies, who seem to be in year 10 of their 25-year rebuilding plan.

The Padres will probably end up getting hot late, maybe winning 10 or 11 of their last 30 games and prevailing in this pillow fight.

Then they can move on and get spanked by the Cardinals in the first round of the playoffs. In the meantime, there are six more weeks of grotesque baseball to watch in this division. Like eating too much bratwurst or liverwurst, too much of the NL Worst can leave you feeling like an over-chugged batboy. :xlime:Don't mince words, how do you really feel about the National League West :jester: :jester: Really, that was well written and unfortunately very truthful. But if an Eastern Division team gets the wildcard then San Diego will play the Eastern Division winner and not the Cardinals. Not that it really matters, you are right in that they will get spanked right back to San Diego.

[ticklingfeet4fu]

The 1973 Mets hold the record for the lowest winning percentage of any baseball team that reached postseason: .509

That record will likely be broken by some NL West team this year. I hope the Dodgers can catch the SD Pondscum and be that team. :DI would not count on it. The Dodgers couldn't catch a cold. :wowzer: :jester: :jester:

[milagros317]

Let us remember that the 1973 Mets, with their .509 winning percentage, were given little chance again the mighty Reds, but they beat the Reds, and went on to the World Series. :D

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Let us remember that the 1973 Mets, with their .509 winning percentage, were given little chance again the mighty Reds, but they beat the Reds, and went on to the World Series. :DI remember it well. You need not remind me. But that Mets team had good pitching and good defense and remember that the Mets team which was injury riddled throughout that entire season and got healthy in September. That was a very different team. No egos and no multi-year million dollars contracts.

[milagros317]

All we need is for two starting pitchers to get hot. :D
Of course, we have to catch SD first, now 5.5 games behind them.

[ticklingfeet4fu]

All we need is for two starting pitchers to get hot. :D
Of course, we have to catch SD first, now 5.5 games behind them.I see. All I need is 6 little numbers to win the the lottery. But I don't see that happening. Besides you guys can't seem to hit either.

[milagros317]

Not likely, but I can still hope. :D

[natural tickler]

Well, the Cubs aren't mathematically out, but the signs of whiteflag surrender are starting when they are making the decision on Wood, and thinking about trading some guys. And reality is sinking in, and I say get ready for 2006. With about 45 million dollars in freed money, I believe Hendry will get the players we need, and make a good run next year. You know I believe its over when I am not watching ball games any more, and preparing for football season. See ya next year at Clark and Addison

[milagros317]

Ah, so you will not be seeing my Dodgers tonight at Wrigley Field.

[CaptainQuantum]

With about 45 million dollars in freed money, I believe Hendry will get the players we need, and make a good run next year.

I was listening to WSCR radio after the game Saturday, and they were saying basically "yeah, the Tribune would LIKE to win, but they're not COMMITTED to winning like some owners are. There's a big difference." They say that the Tribune will spend just enough to keep the Cubs competitive, and that's it.

Although I have a question: weren't the Cubs the first NL team to go over the $100M mark in salary leading up to this season? True several NL teams have probably passed them up again since then, and a lot of that went to Sammy Sosa I'm sure. But still, if that's the case then for a short, short time, the Cubs had the highest payroll in the NL. Pretty impressive knowing what a bunch of tightwads the Tribune have been known to be.

[CaptainQuantum]

I looked it up at http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/baseball/mlb/wires/08/26/2014.ap.bbo.baseball.payrolls.list.0337/, which has a list of all the teams' payrolls as of opening day, and it has the Mets as the only NL team over 100M at $104,770,139. Maybe they don't count the money the Cubs have to pay Sammy Sosa this season. But I'm sure I heard the Cubs went over the 100M dollar mark.

[ticklingfeet4fu]

I did not get on last night. Here are the standings in the American League before any games were played today.

AL EAST
Boston 74 - 54 ----
New York 73 - 56 1 1/2


AL WEST
Oakland 73 - 56 -----
LA ANGELS73 - 57 1/2

AL WILDCARD
New York 73 - 56 -----
LA ANGELS73 - 57 1/2
Cleveland 73 - 58 1
Minnesota 68 - 62 5 1/2

NL EAST
Atlanta 74 - 56 -----
Philadelphia70 - 61 4 1/2
Florida 69 - 61 5
New York 68 - 62 6
Washington67 - 63 7

NL WEST
San Diego 64 - 65 -----
Arizona 60 - 72 5 1/2
LA 59 - 71 5 1/2
SF 57 - 72 7


NL WILDCARD
Philadelphia 70 - 61 -----
Florida 69 - 61 1/2
METS 68 - 62 1 1/2
Houston 68 - 62 1 1/2
Washington 67 - 63 2 1/2
Milwaukee 64 - 67 6

Today the A's won their 74th game by beating the Orioles in 12 innings 10-5. Today's schedule of importance includes
Detroit at Cleveland
Tampa Bay at Boston
Minnesota at Kansas City
New York at Seattle
St Louis at Florida
Arizona at San Diego
Colorado at San Francisco
Los Angeles at Chicago ( There you are Milagros.)
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh and Washington at Atlanta were both postponed because of rain. Maybe I will catch you later. Enjoy the games everyone. :wavingguy

[milagros317]

I note that you have left the Dodgers/Cubs game off your list, thus damning it as of no importance.

[ticklingfeet4fu]

I note that you have left the Dodgers/Cubs game off your list, thus damning it as of no importance.Oversight on my part. It has now been added to the list of important games. Though I am still trying to figure out if that is a pennant race in the West or a joke. I am REALLY leaning toward the joke aspect of it. So you got your game listed as important. YAY :xpulcy: :wavingguy

[milagros317]

Glad to hear it. At only 5.5 games back of SD with over a month to play, and considering that both teams are under .500, we can indeed overtake the Pondscum and make it to postseason play. :D

[unclebill]

Chris Carpenter pitched 7 and 2/3 innings to earn his 19th victory of the season as the Cardinals pounded the Marlins 6-1. The Cardinals magic number to clinch the NL Central is 17.

[milagros317]

The Cardinals will finish with the best record in the NL, most likely.

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Last night scores:
In the American League:
Oakland in 12 innings knocked off the Orioles 10-5. The Indians outslugged the Tigers 10-8. The Tigers scored 5 in the 1st inning and then allowed the Indians to take a 6-5 lead in the bottom of the 1st. A long night for the Tigers in Cleveland. The Red Sox waited out a very long rain delay and outlasted the red hot Tampa Bay Devil Rays 10-6. Tampa has the 2nd best record in the American League since the All-Star Break. Texas beat the slumping White Sox 7-5. The White Sox lead in the American League Central is now down to 7 games. With 6 games left against the Indians well that could tighten up even more. The Twins beat the Royals in 10 innings 3-1 and the Yankees who trailed 4-0 at one point beat the Mariners 7-4.

In the National League:
The Cardinals behind Chris Carpenter beat the Marlins 6-1. Carpenter has now run his record 19-4 with an ERA of 2.29. To those who think that Clemens should win the Cy Young award look at those numbers. Carpenter will probably win 24 games. In my opinion, Carpenter is your NL Cy Young winner. The Dodgers moved to within 4 1/2 games of the San Diego Padres, as they jumped out to an 8-0 lead after 2 1/2 innings and coasted to a 9-6 victory. The Diamondbacks also moved to within 4 1/2 games as they beat the Padres 7-5. With the Padres losing their record dropped to 64-66 as they continue to lead the NL West. The Rockies nipped the Giants 2-1 as the Giants failed to gain ground on the Padres.
Scheduled games of importance to the standings today:
In the American League:
The White Sox have a doubleheader in Texas.
Tigers are in Cleveland
Tampa Bay is at Boston
Twins are in Kansas City
The Yankees are at Seattle
The A's play the Angels for 1st place in the West.
In the National League:
The Cardinals are in Florida
The Mets host the Phillies
The Nationals play in Atlanta
Cincinnati is in Houston
The Dodgers are in Chicago to play the Cubs
The Pirates are in Milwaukee
Arizona plays San Diego
Colorado plays San Francisco.
Enjoy the games and we'll talk later.

[milagros317]

As you noted, the defending NL West Champion Dodgers are just 4.5 games back, with a little over a month to play. Hope springs eternal, especially for me for the Dodgers. :D

[ticklingfeet4fu]

As you noted, the defending NL West Champion Dodgers are just 4.5 games back, with a little over a month to play. Hope springs eternal, especially for me for the Dodgers. :D
I think if the team from the West finishes with less than .500 record then they should not even bother to show up to the play-offs. I mean if you are under .500 after 162 games and you have won your division haven't you embarrassed yourself enough already? :confused:

[milagros317]

I'm sure they would mange to take the field rather than forfeit the opening best-of-5 series. :D

[ticklingfeet4fu]

I'm sure they would mange to take the field rather than forfeit the opening best-of-5 series. :DThe NL West is an embarrassment and a complete joke. I hope that they are swept in that first round to complete a storybook ending.

[milagros317]

I will have to wait to see who is the NL West winner before I commit myself as to whether I want to see them also win in the best-of-5 series. :p

[ticklingfeet4fu]

I will have to wait to see who is the NL West winner before I commit myself as to whether I want to see them also win in the best-of-5 series. :pTo me it will not matter. If the Dodgers are under .500 or any other team is under .500 and make the play-offs, they should and I will root for them to be swept for being an embarrassment. :ermm:

[milagros317]

While I understand your point, I do root for the Dodgers under all circumstances. :D

[ticklingfeet4fu]

While I understand your point, I do root for the Dodgers under all circumstances. :DI appreciate your understanding because I will root hard against the team that finishes under .500 and makes the playoffs. :rolleyes:

[milagros317]

Imagine how embarrassing for MLB it would be if the team which is under .500 and in the playoffs should somehow get hot (as the Dodgers were in April) and win the World Series. :p

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Imagine how embarrassing for MLB it would be if the team which is under .500 and in the playoffs should somehow get hot (as the Dodgers were in April) and win the World Series. :pLet's all pray that that does not happen. :wow:

[milagros317]

If the Dodgers win the NL West at 80-82 or below, then I will pray for it to happen. :D

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Should know I will not share your sentiment.

[milagros317]

Meanwhile, AL fans are oblivious to all that, and have a close wildcard race to look at. :D

[ticklingfeet4fu]

There is also a close wildcard in the National League as 5 teams are separated by 2 1/2 games. :wowzer:

[milagros317]

Both of those races could come down to the last weekend of the regular season. :D

[ticklingfeet4fu]

You are probably right. Funny thing is if the Mets are really close the last weekend of the season the Mets are playing the Rockies at Shea for 4 games. So if the Mets are still this close it does tilt in their favor.

[milagros317]

With an odd number of teams in the NL West and NL East, one team must be playing out of their Division even as the season ends.

[CaptainQuantum]

Milagros, it seemed odd to me for a second that, if the Dodgers do get really hot they will catch the NL West leading Padres before they catch Philadelphia and Florida, currently tied for the lead in the Wild Card race. Then I remembered, it's the NL West! The Phillies and Marlins are REAL teams! :jester:

Being in Chicago though, I don't have any room to talk. I'm sure everyone is aware that the list of teams that have gone the longest without winning a World Series goes like this:

1. Chicago Cubs
2. Chicago White Sox
3. Boston Red Sox

Not one, but BOTH Chicago teams have to be at the top of that dubious list! :sowrong:

Also, a question: It is believed that some of the White Sox players intentionally played bad during the 1919 World Series in exchange for money. Is this still speculation, or has it been proven that they were trying to lose intentionally?

[milagros317]

Read "Eight Men Out" by Eliot Asinof.

While nobody was convicted in a court of law, it is a fact that some of the players took money from gamblers, and that some (not all) of those who took money purposely played badly.



http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0805065377/qid=1125492113/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-1643738-7065441?v=glance&s=books

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Milagros, it seemed odd to me for a second that, if the Dodgers do get really hot they will catch the NL West leading Padres before they catch Philadelphia and Florida, currently tied for the lead in the Wild Card race. Then I remembered, it's the NL West! The Phillies and Marlins are REAL teams! :jester:

Being in Chicago though, I don't have any room to talk. I'm sure everyone is aware that the list of teams that have gone the longest without winning a World Series goes like this:

1. Chicago Cubs
2. Chicago White Sox
3. Boston Red Sox

Not one, but BOTH Chicago teams have to be at the top of that dubious list! :sowrong:

Also, a question: It is believed that some of the White Sox players intentionally played bad during the 1919 World Series in exchange for money. Is this still speculation, or has it been proven that they were trying to lose intentionally?I guess this means that after tonight when the Mets beat Philadelphia and the Marlins lose to the Cardinals that the Mets and maybe the Astros will be the real teams. What a win last night for the New York Mets. The Phillies on a homerun run by Kenny Lofton and a 2 run jack by Pat Burrell ( his 29th against the Mets in his short career ) gave the Phillies a 3-0 lead before the Mets even came to bat. With 2 out in the bottom of the inning Carlos Beltran hit his 14th homer of the year to make it 3-1. The Phillies scored again in the 2nd inning to give the Phillies a 4-1 lead. It stayed that way until Carlos Beltran knocked in Jose Reyes with the Mets 2nd run in the 5th to make it 4-2. The Mets scratched out a run in the 7th to make it 4-3. In the 8th Urbina walked David Wright and struck out Mike Jacobs. Victor Diaz then drew a walk and with men on first and second and one out Ramon Castro took a 1-0 hanging slider and crushed it into the Pepsi picnic area at Shea Stadium giving Mets fans a reason to think "Why not the Mets." So as 36,505 left Shea last night they know that tonight Pedro who is 13-5 and a 2.77 ERA will try to put the Mets on top in the wildcard race. Those fans left happy as the Mets in a come from behind effort defeated the Phillies 6-4.

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Read "Eight Men Out" by Eliot Asinof.

While nobody was convicted in a court of law, it is a fact that some of the players took money from gamblers, and that some (not all) of those who took money purposely played badly.



http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0805065377/qid=1125492113/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-1643738-7065441?v=glance&s=booksAn absolutely fantastic book. A great read.

[milagros317]

Yes, it's one of the best baseball books I've ever read. :D

[CaptainQuantum]

"Teach Yourself to Win" by longtime Chicago Cubs announcer and Cy Young winner Steve Stone. It centers around Stone as he's toward the end of his career, a .500 starting pitcher at best his whole time in the majors.

He's the #5 starter on an otherwise very powerful Baltimore Orioles rotation. Toward the end of the regular season, the Orioles are the likely winners of the AL East. Manager Earl Weaver basically tells Stone "the book on you is you're a loser. We have 4 quality starters. If you can't pull your weight, we can do it without you. Win your next 2 starts or we go to a 4 man rotation."

Basically Stone practices visualization, practicing in his head ahead of time the game he will pitch. Almost overnight after beginning his visualization, he becomes a winning starting pitcher. The next season (his next to last season before his arm had finally had it) he won the Cy Young Award. Fascinating story, and Stone explains how the reader can use these techniques for success.

[milagros317]

I haven't read it, but it sounds good. Thanks for the recommendation. :D

[Etienne]

I predict the World Series will be St Louis vs the Chicago White Sox and the Cards win in 7.

But my heart belongs to Boston so I have to say it will be a repeat of last year's World Series only this time it will go to seven. :rotate:

Etienne

p.s. actually my heart belongs to isabeau but that is a different story

[CaptainQuantum]

Anyone who read that article I posted about the "NL Worst" might have wondered "what was he talking about? I didn't see anything about a batboy and a gallon of milk." :confused: When I was copying and pasting that article, trying to avoid advertisements on the page, I missed this paragraph which I have edited into the original post:

The good news is that not all of the Dodgers are consumed by [the Jeff Kent/Milton Bradley] controversy. According to the Miami Herald, L.A. pitcher Brad Penny recently bet a Marlins batboy that the kid couldn't drink a gallon of milk in an hour without vomiting. Several teammates kicked in, upping the ante to $1,000. The batboy drank it all, but it didn't stay down, leaving him feeling like many Dodger fans this year. :xlime:

[ticklingfeet4fu]

I predict the World Series will be St Louis vs the Chicago White Sox and the Cards win in 7.

But my heart belongs to Boston so I have to say it will be a repeat of last year's World Series only this time it will go to seven. :rotate:

Etienne

p.s. actually my heart belongs to isabeau but that is a different storyThat White Sox? What are you smoking? Can they beat the Yankees or Red Sox when the chips are down? They don't have the experience to beat either team. White Sox if they make the play-offs will exit in the 1st round.

[CaptainQuantum]

They have had arguably the best pitching in the American League this season, certainly much better than the shaky pitching of either the Red Sox or Yankees. And as a general rule, good pitching beats good hitting. If Oakland is the Wild Card though, and the White Sox have to play them in the 1st round, the A's probably scare White Sox fans more than either Boston or New York, believe it or not. The White Sox just have not done very well against the A's.

[CaptainQuantum]

Anyone know of a website where I could find every team's all-time record against every other team? Also, does anyone know the Yankees all-time record against the Red Sox at Yankee stadium? I know at Fenway they are separated by only a couple games or so.

[Etienne]

Much as I love the Red Sox, their pitching has no depth this year. Much as i hate and fear the yankees their pitching sucks this year too. Its the teams with some pitching depth that will make it through the post season, hence the White Sox have a shot.

Etienne

[ticklingfeet4fu]

I have a question for everyone. In the last 5 years has the Oakland A's had the best staff in baseball with Zito, Mulder and Hudson? How many championships have the A's won in the last 5 years? Sometimes pitchers do a bad job at crunch time. Anyone expecting the White Sox to win with ABSOLUTELY no experience up and down the roster in post-season ( I mean really experience not just 3 games.) you are fooling yourself. Only one you will be able to count on is Orlando Hernandez. He has been a PROVEN winner through the years with the Yankees. Don't expect Garland or Buehrle to go in and be world beaters. Think about this: The Yankees made the play-offs in 1995 and lost in heartwrenching fashion to the Seattle Mariners in 5 games. They got the experience and then won 4 of the next 5 World Series. Expect the White Sox to take their lumps. If they return to that stage next year then I will give them a better shot. But this season expect the White Sox to say SEE YA :wavingguy in the 1st round.

[drew70]

I'm a Washington Nationals fan! Yippee!! :blaugh:

[milagros317]

Yesterday, Derek Lowe pitched a one-hit shutout against the Cubs. Now if only he could pitch like that consisently. :p

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Well the Mets blew chunks again to Philadelphia as they were beaten 3-1 in the 3rd and final game of the homestand. The Phillies now lead the Mets by 2 1/2 games in the wildcard. But I feel sorry for Tom Glavine. Tom Glavine since the All-Star game is 4-5 and 1 no decision. But his 5 losses he gave up a total of 9 runs. He has gotten NO RUN SUPPORT from the Mets this season. Since the All-Star break he is 4-5 with a 2.61 ERA. Any baseball fan knows that in this day in age of baseball if you throw to that low an ERA that you are winning lots of ballgames unless your name is Tom Glavine. He has pitched 69 innings and has given up 65 hits and walk 12 and struck out 31. And has only given up 20 runs. That covers 10 starts. Do the math. He has pitched into the 7th inning in almost every start and has given up an average of 2 runs a game. If you are the Mets fan that I am, you look no further as to why the Mets won't make the play-offs than the lack of run support for Tom Glavine. He should have been to this point 14-7, but he is 10-12 on the season.

[milagros317]

It's really frustrating for us fans when our team wastes a good pitching performance and loses by a score of 2-0 or 3-1. :(

[ticklingfeet4fu]

It's really frustrating for us fans when our team wastes a good pitching performance and loses by a score of 2-0 or 3-1. :(Picture this Milagros, Tom Glavine has lost 3 games since the All-Star break by 2-1 scores, he has also lost by a 2-0 score which he gave up only 1 run in that game to Houston and he lost yesterday 3-1 in which he gave up 2 runs in 7 innings. Imagine how Glavine feels giving up so few runs and coming away with a loss. I mean a 2.61 ERA in the last 10 games is pretty darn good. Especially by today's standards. I know 35 years ago that is middle of the road but now that is outstanding work. The fact that he has lost 5 games giving up 9 runs is just bad :sowrong:

[milagros317]

Yes, it must be even worse for the pitcher who puts forth the effort than it is for us watching it.

[CaptainQuantum]

My dad seems to think that the reason why the Padres are struggling so much this season is because they're a team that is built to hit for power, but their new stadium is so much of a pitcher's park. He thinks the San Diego hitters are discouraged because it is so hard to hit a HR in their new park. What do you all think?

[unclebill]

Chris Carpenter becomes the majors first 20 game winner, pitching a complete game as the Cardinals defeat the Astros 4-2.

[milagros317]

The Dodgers lost again tonight. :Grrr: :(

[Newcastle Uni]

Baseball tis a silly game.

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Chris Carpenter becomes the majors first 20 game winner, pitching a complete game as the Cardinals defeat the Astros 4-2.Do people real think that Roger Clemens as great a year as he has had to this point deserves a Cy Young award over Chris Carpenter? I think they should reconsider that thought.

[milagros317]

Baseball tis a silly game.

You were warned by the title of this thread, NU. Come here at your own risk, then. :p

[unclebill]

Do people real think that Roger Clemens as great a year as he has had to this point deserves a Cy Young award over Chris Carpenter? I think they should reconsider that thought.
You bring up a good point ticklingfeet4fu. Carpenter has clearly been the best pitcher in either league this year. And from what I have been seeing on ESPN as of late the national media has jumped on his bandwagon.

[ticklingfeet4fu]

You bring up a good point ticklingfeet4fu. Carpenter has clearly been the best pitcher in either league this year. And from what I have been seeing on ESPN as of late the national media has jumped on his bandwagon.I have been saying dispite how great Roger Clemens has been that the object is to get wins. If Carpenter wins like 24 games ( and that seems VERY likely ) and Clemens wins the Cy Young Award winning 13 games then there is something WRONG with the voting procedures. I mean I do not believe that the Cardinals are where they are without Carpenter. I mean he is 20-4 with an ERA of 2.28. Now everyone is saying that Clemens is 43 and a 1.56 ERA is incredible. Should age be factored in? I mean Jae Seo is pitching for the Mets and in 9 starts he is 7-1 with a 1.79 ERA. Should we make an assumption that if he gets 30 starts that he would finish 22-3? NO, we should not so age should not be a factor to consider. Look at the records. See how they impact their respective teams and vote. Forget run support because the Astros entire staff has not gotten run support. So if we figure that if they got run support they would have better records. I mean if we figure in run support let's make the Astros World Series Champions. So Chris Carpenter hands down is the NL Cy Young Award winner.

[unclebill]

The Cardinals beat the Cubs this afternoon by a score of 6-4. Ray (burger) King picks up the victory. I attended the game today and I gotta tell you all that Derek Lee is playing hurt. He looks like he is favoring his right leg. Nomar is swinging the bat well these days. And Mark Prior looked very sharp in his 6 innings of work. I realize anything anything can happen in a short playoff series, but my Cardinals look like the team to beat this year even without Scott Rolen.

[milagros317]

Currently watching the game between the Dodgers and the hated jints on ESPN. Lowe is pitching very well, but the Dodgers haven't scored yet either. 0-0 in the 4th inning.

[ticklingfeet4fu]

The Cardinals beat the Cubs this afternoon by a score of 6-4. Ray (burger) King picks up the victory. I attended the game today and I gotta tell you all that Derek Lee is playing hurt. He looks like he is favoring his right leg. Nomar is swinging the bat well these days. And Mark Prior looked very sharp in his 6 innings of work. I realize anything anything can happen in a short playoff series, but my Cardinals look like the team to beat this year even without Scott Rolen.I do not favor this one way or another so please do not take this the wrong way. Last year the Cardinals won more games than any team in baseball. They after having an intense series with the Astros laid over and died for the Red Sox. DO NOT put the cart before the horse here. The Cardinals are a GREAT TEAM. I support Chris Carpenter's run to the Cy Young award. Plus having a HEALTHY Carpenter goes a long way in the Cardinals quest for a title. I agree with all of that. But you NEVER know who you run across in a short series that has MOMENTUM. The Cardinals are probably the best team out there. But in this league a short series has a way of going the way of the team with momentum or a team that gets hot suddenly. The fact that you ran away and hid from this division means that you have not played a meaningful game since probably last October. Sometimes these teams playing meaningful games in September and October ride that wave and suddenly they ride it to a World Series title. Let's all keep in mind that it has been the WILDCARD team to win the World Series in each of the last 4 years and I think it is because they have to fight for that spot usually up to the VERY LAST DAY of the season. Trust me. I am a National League fan. I don't want to see the American League win again and heck why not the Cardinals? But be careful. There are still 25 games to be played and injuries do happen. NEVER PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE!!!

[unclebill]

As I stated in my last post, anything can happen in a short series. I think the Cardinals were truely embarrased by their poor showing in last years World Series, and they have used that as motovation for this year. Believe me, I am not putting the cart before the horse. You are correct in everything you said. In my opinion any team who makes the playoffs is dangerous. I believe the last 3 World Series winners were wild card teams. For the most part I consider myself a well rounded baseball fan who doesn`t drink his home teams koolaid. But I gotta tell you I think this may be the Cardinals year.

[ticklingfeet4fu]

As I stated in my last post, anything can happen in a short series. I think the Cardinals were truely embarrased by their poor showing in last years World Series, and they have used that as motovation for this year. Believe me, I am not putting the cart before the horse. You are correct in everything you said. In my opinion any team who makes the playoffs is dangerous. I believe the last 3 World Series winners were wild card teams. For the most part I consider myself a well rounded baseball fan who doesn`t drink his home teams koolaid. But I gotta tell you I think this may be the Cardinals year.
You know I understand what you are talking about in regards to the home teams koolaid. As you know, I am a Mets fan. I have been for 33 years. My dad helped build Shea Stadium with his crane operating expertise. But I really believe I am a realistic Mets fan. I called WFAN ( that is the radio station in New York ) and tried to get the Mets fans from jumping off the bridge ( ha ha). When this season started for the Mets ( keep in mind they won 72, 66 and 71 in the last 3 seasons ) with all the changes they made in the off-season the Mets were a huge improvement over the last 3 seasons. But with David Wright and Jose Reyes started the season they were 21 years old. Cliff Floyd had been injuried a lot over the last 2 years, and their bullpen my 12 year old son could probably hit about .600 off of when the season started. Lots of people were saying the Mets could win 80 to 84 games. I believed that as well. They were also saying if the Mets were to play meaningful games in September they had a good season. Well the Mets have done all of that and yet the Mets fans now expect the play-offs because they are with-in a few games of the wildcard. Well that in my opinion is not what we walked into this season with. They got good starting pitching all season long. Their bullpen has improved but still I get nervous and they DO NOT get clutch hits. But now the fans can't understand why the Mets are having their struggles down the stretch. Well to me that is crazy. You knew what you had walking into the season. What has changed? Nothing. If we make it, great. If we don't you know that have talent is some areas and some areas where we need to improve. Next year we will be stronger and teams will have to respect us more. As for this year, I have had fun all year long and I hope for an even better season next year.
In regards to the Cardinals, you have really good pitching and a very good offense. You have to make sure that the offense continues to keep up with your pitching. LaRussa is a great manager and is starting to show the fans of St.Louis why he was brought on board back in 1996. I can't believe he has been managing your Cardinals for 10 seasons. I hope( only because St.Louis is a great baseball town) the Cardinals put on a better performance than they did in the World Series a year ago. Could St.Louis win their 10th World Series? Absolutely.

[milagros317]

Walkoff 2-run homerun by Jeff Kent yesterday in the bottom of the 10th inning, and he had 3 RBI on the day. Final score was Dodgers 4, hated jints 2. :D :D

[unclebill]

Ticklingfeet4fu, you are a very smart baseball fan.

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Ticklingfeet4fu, you are a very smart baseball fan.Thank you. I appreciate that. Some of the big game last night included the Astros coming from behind to beat the Phillies 8-6. Craig Biggio's 3 run blast off of Billy Wagner in the 9th inning was the difference in this game. Braden Looper blew the lead twice to Atlanta last night as the Mets were swept away by Atlanta 4-3. In this game, Tom Glavine's 7 1/3 innings of great work went down the toilet along with the Mets hopes of a play-off spot. Mets fans got a dose of reality. If Looper is your closer, you are no better than a team that has Armando Benitez closing as the Mets did from 1999-2003. Speaking of Benitez he coughed up an 8-6 lead last night as the Dodgers beat the Giants 9-8. Benitez gave up a 2 run homerun to Oscar Robles with one out in the ninth to tie the game and after walking Jeff Kent, Benitez was gone and so were the Giants. Mike Edwards bases loaded RBI single provided the Dodgers their 4th walk-off victory against the Giants this season. Final score from la la land Dodgers 9- Giants 8.

[milagros317]

I have watched the highlight clips of that 3-run rally six times. :D :D

[unclebill]

Albert Pujols hits two home runs, numbers 38 and 39, and Chris Carpenter wins his 21st game of the season as the Cardinals defeat the Mets 5-0. The Cards magic number to clinch the Central Division is now 10.

[milagros317]

The Dodgers have today off. I can only hope that the Pondscum and the hated jints lose today. :D

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Albert Pujols hits two home runs, numbers 38 and 39, and Chris Carpenter wins his 21st game of the season as the Cardinals defeat the Mets 5-0. The Cards magic number to clinch the Central Division is now 10.I would expect that the Cardinals will take 3 out of 4 this weekend. Though ( and you might disagree ) I do believe that the Mets have the better pitching match-ups on Saturday and Sunday as Trachsel matches up with Suppan Saturday and Martinez gets Morris on Sunday. I am not selling either Suppan or Morris ( who is from my home county in Orange County, New York as he went to Valley Central High School and his parents still live in Circleville, New York ) short at all. They are 2 of the guys who got the Cards there. But the Mets have offered NO RUN SUPPORT to Glavine or Martinez or Zambrano this season or this would be a very different kind of season. Whereas the Cardinals have offered up lots of run support this season. But Chris Carpenter I would think HAS to win the Cy Young Award. Though there is Dontrell Willis moving up on the outside. Either or but it can not go to Clemens. Though he is deserving of about 8 more wins this season the fact that he has been a victim of NO RUN SUPPORT cannot win on maybes. I am not asking anyone to consider Glavine ( especially with the 2nd half he has had ) or Pedro who has been as advertised for the Mets. But because of NO RUN SUPPORT, I can not endorse either one. Tom Glavine and Pedro should both have 20 wins easy with any kind of run support as should Clemens. Carpenter cannot be penalize for being on a great team. He is 21 - 4 with an ERA of 2.21. He will probably win 25 games. Can any of the above compete with that?

[natural tickler]

As far as MVP goes, we might have co-MVP's. it's that close. As far as Cy Young goes, I still say Clemens should get it, because Carpenter has the luxury of a potent offense. The Astros do not score for Clemens, and yet and still, he has a 1.56 ERA. Think about that, for a 43 year old, that's amazing. And besides, I believe Carpenter is a one year wonder. You guys really think he will do this next year???

[ticklingfeet4fu]

As far as MVP goes, we might have co-MVP's. it's that close. As far as Cy Young goes, I still say Clemens should get it, because Carpenter has the luxury of a potent offense. The Astros do not score for Clemens, and yet and still, he has a 1.56 ERA. Think about that, for a 43 year old, that's amazing. And besides, I believe Carpenter is a one year wonder. You guys really think he will do this next year???That does not matter if he will do it again next year. How can you give the Cy Young award to a guy who has won 11 games? You can't do that. So what you are saying is we have to assume that Roger would have won more if he got run support. Then lets assume that for Pedro and Glavine. Glavine has has 12 starts since the All-Star break and has lost 8 game giving up 2 runs or less. I don't hear you singing his praises for Cy Young. And Glavine would easily have 20 win as would Pedro with any kind of run support. It does not matter what Carpenter will do next year. They vote on what they do this year. I mean if Carpenter who outpitched Clemens last Saturday wins 25 games ( which he might ) how come he has to share it with a guy who won 11 games? I gave you the stats earlier he is 21-4 with an ERA of 2.21.

Okay here are the stats and you compare:
Roger Clemens
11-6 1.57ERA
28 games started
1 complete game
189 1/3 innings pitched
124 hits
38 runs
33 earned runs
51 walks
169 strikeouts
Career Clemens is 339-170 with a 3.18 ERA
Chris Carpenter
21-4 2.21
29 games started
7 complete games
4 shutouts
220 innings pitched
168 hits
59 runs
54 earned runs
45 walks
198 strikeouts
Career record is 85-59 with a 4.18 ERA
Which means that he was 64-55 coming into this season. Not bad for a guy who pitched for the Toronto Blue Jays.
BTW, Clemens has NO shutouts as oppose to Carpenter having 4 shutouts. Numbers don't lie. They can be manipulated but they don't lie. Carpenter is the NL Cy Young Award winner.

[milagros317]

IF the Dodgers can sweep the SD Pondscum this weekend, then we will right back in the race for the NL West pennant. :D

But that is a big "if". :p

[unclebill]

On a Larry Walker home run, the Cardinals beat the Mets 3-2. Jason Marquis picks up the victory. Ticklingfeet4fu, I believe Marquis is a New York native. What`s your opinion of him? I know he has a losing record, but he has great stuff. Atlanta gave up on him, and they have perhaps the best pitching coach in baseball. He also can hit, his average is over 300.

[ticklingfeet4fu]

On a Larry Walker home run, the Cardinals beat the Mets 3-2. Jason Marquis picks up the victory. Ticklingfeet4fu, I believe Marquis is a New York native. What`s your opinion of him? I know he has a losing record, but he has great stuff. Atlanta gave up on him, and they have perhaps the best pitching coach in baseball. He also can hit, his average is over 300.I see that he has 26 hits with 8 doubles, a triple and 1 homerun and 10 RBI. That is impressive. I think the jury is still out on him. He is a good pitcher. Lifetime he is 41-35. This year hasn't been bad for him either. Despite a 12-13 record his ERA is 4.11 which is not considered bad in this era of baseball. Plus he is ONLY 27 so he probably has it all in front of him. If Dave Duncan continues to work with him he could be a real good pitcher. Right now for your Cardinals he serves you well as a fifth starter and in the playoffs as a long reliever. I liked his stuff last night and he seems to be better suited for the Cardinals. I am not sure why Atlanta gave up on him. How was he aquired by your team? Refresh my memory. Usually the only time Atlanta gives up on a young pitcher is when they realize that he will not be a super outstanding pitcher. Which is why Bruce Chen is no longer in Atlanta. By the way, Roger Clemens ERA went up from a 1.57 to a 1.78 as the Brewers beat him up in 3 innings for 5 runs as the Astros lost 5-3. Cardinals magic number is down to 8 and Clemens record falls to 11-7.

[milagros317]

IF the Dodgers can sweep the SD Pondscum this weekend, then we will right back in the race for the NL West pennant. :D

But that is a big "if". :p

Not going to happen. :(

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Mets have lost to the Cardinals 4-2 to up their losing streak to a season high 6 straight games. The Mets are now 1-8 on their current 10 game road trip. Today marked the return of Mike Piazza as he homered in his first at-bat then was removed from the game because JULIE ( printed the way I wanted it printed ) Tavarez decided to hit Mike Piazza with a fastball in the head. If the Mets were as classless as the Cardinals reliever was they would have drilled Pujols or Edmonds in the head instead of hitting Eckstein in the knee. But because the Mets are a classy organization the only hit Eckstein. Sorry there Bill but you have to admit what Tavarez did was classless. There was NO REASON to hit Piazza. For that move someone had to be hit. And PLEASE spare me that it slipped. Funny that everytime Piazza gets hit it just slipped. Maybe the bat that Clemens threw at Piazza slipped too. :disgust:

[unclebill]

I see that he has 26 hits with 8 doubles, a triple and 1 homerun and 10 RBI. That is impressive. I think the jury is still out on him. He is a good pitcher. Lifetime he is 41-35. This year hasn't been bad for him either. Despite a 12-13 record his ERA is 4.11 which is not considered bad in this era of baseball. Plus he is ONLY 27 so he probably has it all in front of him. If Dave Duncan continues to work with him he could be a real good pitcher. Right now for your Cardinals he serves you well as a fifth starter and in the playoffs as a long reliever. I liked his stuff last night and he seems to be better suited for the Cardinals. I am not sure why Atlanta gave up on him. How was he aquired by your team? Refresh my memory. Usually the only time Atlanta gives up on a young pitcher is when they realize that he will not be a super outstanding pitcher. Which is why Bruce Chen is no longer in Atlanta. By the way, Roger Clemens ERA went up from a 1.57 to a 1.78 as the Brewers beat him up in 3 innings for 5 runs as the Astros lost 5-3. Cardinals magic number is down to 8 and Clemens record falls to 11-7.
He was obtained along with Ray King and pitching prospect Adam Wainright for J.D. Drew and Eli Mararro. It has turned out to be a pretty good trade for the Cardinals especially if Wainright develops. He is a 6 ft. 7 inch righthander who throws hard. Drew and Mararro are no longer in Atlanta.

[milagros317]

Drew is, unfortunately, on the disabled list for the Dodgers. :(

[unclebill]

Mets have lost to the Cardinals 4-2 to up their losing streak to a season high 6 straight games. The Mets are now 1-8 on their current 10 game road trip. Today marked the return of Mike Piazza as he homered in his first at-bat then was removed from the game because JULIE ( printed the way I wanted it printed ) Tavarez decided to hit Mike Piazza with a fastball in the head. If the Mets were as classless as the Cardinals reliever was they would have drilled Pujols or Edmonds in the head instead of hitting Eckstein in the knee. But because the Mets are a classy organization the only hit Eckstein. Sorry there Bill but you have to admit what Tavarez did was classless. There was NO REASON to hit Piazza. For that move someone had to be hit. And PLEASE spare me that it slipped. Funny that everytime Piazza gets hit it just slipped. Maybe the bat that Clemens threw at Piazza slipped too. :disgust:
I have to admit it looks fishy. Tavarez is a sinkerball pitcher. He and Tony LaRussa had words in the dugout after the incident and both had to be separated. I hope Piazza is OK. In my opinion there is no excuse for a big league pitcher to bean a batter in the head. At that level you should have better control.

[ticklingfeet4fu]

I have to admit it looks fishy. Tavarez is a sinkerball pitcher. He and Tony LaRussa had words in the dugout after the incident and both had to be separated. I hope Piazza is OK. In my opinion there is no excuse for a big league pitcher to bean a batter in the head. At that level you should have better control.Mike Piazza has a concussion and he as well as Cliff Floyd are listed day to day.

[natural tickler]

I have to admit it looks fishy. Tavarez is a sinkerball pitcher. He and Tony LaRussa had words in the dugout after the incident and both had to be separated. I hope Piazza is OK. In my opinion there is no excuse for a big league pitcher to bean a batter in the head. At that level you should have better control.

Well, this isn't a surprise, because Tavarez never has any control. Why do you think the Cubs got rid of him??? Besides, the Cardinals it seems to me, always drill teams they know cannot win a beanball contest. Why do you think when they play the Cubs, they don't do this??? It is because we are the one team you do not want to have a beanball war with. Forget the DL, we can put you in the morgue :D

[milagros317]

There are a lot fewer beanball wars now then in the 1960's, with Drysdale and Gibson around.

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Well, this isn't a surprise, because Tavarez never has any control. Why do you think the Cubs got rid of him??? Besides, the Cardinals it seems to me, always drill teams they know cannot win a beanball contest. Why do you think when they play the Cubs, they don't do this??? It is because we are the one team you do not want to have a beanball war with. Forget the DL, we can put you in the morgue :DYou know that is a crock. When you watch Tavarez pitch he didn't come close to anyone before or after beaning Piazza. :ranty: Then when you have Pedro pitching the next day ( and we all know he is a loose cannon ) and the Mets frustrated and pissed how the trip was going that is the last thing the Cardinals wanted to have. The Cardinals never dug in on Pedro. They barely were in the batter's box. They knew the Mets were pissed. As far as putting people in the morgue, how about some of your guys getting off the DL first before threatening to put people in the morgue. The Cubs with Dusty Baker have NO HEART. The Mets, at least, decided to show some character and pound the Cardinals yesterday. But don't tell me that my team couldn't get into a beanball war because Pedro, Aaron Heilman, Juan Padilla, Roberto Hernandez and Braden Looper all throw 92 MPH and over.

[unclebill]

The problem with the Cubs is those darn broadcasters on WGN. Chip Carey and Steve Stone got run out of town because they were critical of the teams September swoon last year and that got the Cub players upset. This year they have new broadcasters and the players are still whining whenever they are criticized. :cry1: I used to be a fan of Dusty Baker, but I think the pressure of not winning a World Series in almost 100 years has gotten to him.

[milagros317]

I didn't know that Carey and Stone had been fired. (My cable system doesn't have WGN.) :eek:

[unclebill]

Chip Carey is with the Braves and Steve Stone works some games for ESPN. I believe technically they both resigned, but the incident that really caused the trouble was when both of them were denied seats on the teams charter plane upon returning from a roadtrip. Some of the players were upset that Stone and Carey had criticized their poor play. So they complained and had both of them bumped off the team flight. I place full blame on the manager. Why should a balplayer worry about a broadcasters comments?

[natural tickler]

You know that is a crock. When you watch Tavarez pitch he didn't come close to anyone before or after beaning Piazza. :ranty: Then when you have Pedro pitching the next day ( and we all know he is a loose cannon ) and the Mets frustrated and pissed how the trip was going that is the last thing the Cardinals wanted to have. The Cardinals never dug in on Pedro. They barely were in the batter's box. They knew the Mets were pissed. As far as putting people in the morgue, how about some of your guys getting off the DL first before threatening to put people in the morgue. The Cubs with Dusty Baker have NO HEART. The Mets, at least, decided to show some character and pound the Cardinals yesterday. But don't tell me that my team couldn't get into a beanball war because Pedro, Aaron Heilman, Juan Padilla, Roberto Hernandez and Braden Looper all throw 92 MPH and over.


First off, lemme tell ya we have plenty of heart. Although wild card chances are slim, they are still busting their asses off trying to compete. And the fact we have an infirmary on the DL, and guys are still playing hard. If that isn't heart, I dunno what is. The score you beat someone with isn't the only factor in determining heart. Secondly, with the exception of Greg Maddux, every one on the Cubs pitching staff has fastballs in the mid-90's. So I'll say again, we are the last team you want to have a beanball war with. We can aim at your head and send you to the morgue. And thirdly, tf4f, I didn't say the Mets couldn't get in a beanball war, they might not win one
And lastly, yes, we do have people in the DL, but there in still, you guys with a fully healthy team, are only a half game ahead of us, so what does that say for your squad???

[milagros317]

Weaver pitched a fabulous game last night, as the Dodgers closed to within 5 games of the Division leading Pondscum. :D

[ticklingfeet4fu]

First off, lemme tell ya we have plenty of heart. Although wild card chances are slim, they are still busting their asses off trying to compete. And the fact we have an infirmary on the DL, and guys are still playing hard. If that isn't heart, I dunno what is. The score you beat someone with isn't the only factor in determining heart. Secondly, with the exception of Greg Maddux, every one on the Cubs pitching staff has fastballs in the mid-90's. So I'll say again, we are the last team you want to have a beanball war with. We can aim at your head and send you to the morgue. And thirdly, tf4f, I didn't say the Mets couldn't get in a beanball war, they might not win one
And lastly, yes, we do have people in the DL, but there in still, you guys with a fully healthy team, are only a half game ahead of us, so what does that say for your squad???How would you know if they are busting their butts? According to a post you made you weren't even watching the Cubs anymore this season. So I am a bit confused. The Cubs have NO HEART. You know it and I know it. After Victor Diaz hit that homerun against you guys last year you have shown NO BALLS at all. That is a fact.

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Chip Carey is with the Braves and Steve Stone works some games for ESPN. I believe technically they both resigned, but the incident that really caused the trouble was when both of them were denied seats on the teams charter plane upon returning from a roadtrip. Some of the players were upset that Stone and Carey had criticized their poor play. So they complained and had both of them bumped off the team flight. I place full blame on the manager. Why should a balplayer worry about a broadcasters comments?Like I was telling Natural earlier, they ( the players and manager ) have NO HEART. They would rather bitch and whine like little girls when a broadcaster is critical of them. The Cubs as HISTORY has PROVEN are a bunch of LOSERS. Beanball wars? Worry about staying of the disabled list and stop worrying about announcer have to say. Players do their jobs and let the announcers do their jobs.

[natural tickler]

How would you know if they are busting their butts? According to a post you made you weren't even watching the Cubs anymore this season. So I am a bit confused. The Cubs have NO HEART. You know it and I know it. After Victor Diaz hit that homerun against you guys last year you have shown NO BALLS at all. That is a fact.


Well, if the Cubs have no heart (as you claim they don't) notice the underlined word, then your team has no fuckin brains. Hello, Jose Offerman?? Damn, at least we can run the bases right. What is also a fact is that, the Cubs have a better record right now than your brainless Mets. Put that in your pipe and smoke it. Secondly, all that complaining they did was last year (notice the underlined word again), there were no complaints this year. Injuries did us in, incompetence did the Mets in, and that is a definite fact. What is even more fact is that both teams will watch the postseason from the sidelines.

So tf4f, before you start talking smack, at least have your team winning before you do, but then again, the last year the Mets had a winning record..... still thinkng about that one.

Besides, baseball no longer interest me now, I am in football mode, oh btw, I am beating you in that too

And one last thing: The Mets are the biggest losers in sports. At least the Cubs get in the newspapers, good or bad, the Mets have to literallybeg to get some ink

[milagros317]

Yesterday's Dodgers/Rockheads game, televised on ESPN2, made me physically ill. :Grrr: :Grrr:

[blondie46]

ooh we are celebrating here in Cardinal country. Or shall we celebrate tomorrow? Next week? Any day will do.

[milagros317]

On Thursday, the Dodgers beat the hated jints 7-1, with a great pitching performance from Derek Lowe. :D

[unit5610]

I miss Derek Lowe. I don't miss Pedro very much but I miss Derek.

(60-second rule...arrghgh!) :)

[milagros317]

He has been a hot and cold pitcher for us. Some days great, some days worthless.

[CaptainQuantum]

This was written before Bonds actually came back, but hey...
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/brennan/2005-09-07-brennan-bonds-return_x.htm
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not everyone would be happy if Bonds plays
Christine Brennan USA Today

Not everyone would be happy if Bonds plays
We interrupt our coverage of the worst natural disaster in the history of the nation to bring you this news from a batting cage in Dodger Stadium: Barry Bonds is hitting home runs in batting practice and is threatening to return to baseball before season's end.
Oh joy. Just what the country needs, a surly, self-absorbed, steroid-using cheater (according to leaked grand jury testimony) to cheer us all in our days of gloom.

If sports play any role at all during a fortnight like the aftermath of Katrina, it is to brighten, even for a moment, the life of a child or adult whose world has been turned upside down by a monumental national tragedy.

The idea is simple. Sports as a sidelight, nothing more, to make someone feel just a little bit better, to allow a poor soul who has lost a home, a business, a way of life, to forget his or her troubles, even for a minute.

During these days, it's a one-way street for sports in this nation. It's all give from sports, all take from the fans. There is no reason at all for sports to exist if they make us feel worse.

But if there's one guy in all of sports who can send us into a deeper funk, it's Barry Bonds. The minute he steps to the plate for the first time, he dredges up every ugly reminder of the continuing steroid saga that has swallowed the national pastime this season.

By simply showing up, Bonds siphons off a sizable portion of the national media's interest in the great races and stories of a long season finally winding down.

He dwarfs the Yankees' quest to not be left out of the playoffs for the first time since 1993. He steals the thunder from the improbable and delightful Washington Nationals. Even if you don't want to turn your head, he will force you to pay attention to him. He's that kind of guy. The White Sox, the Red Sox, the Cardinals and the Angels; they're all second fiddle when this big lug shows up at the plate in San Francisco sometime soon.

How we wish it weren't so. How we wish we could just avoid Bonds once and for all, have him and those muscles, however they were made, fade away, never to return.

How we wish he would do what was best for his game and leave the records of Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron intact. How we wish he would never threaten to take the greatest numbers in sports — Babe's 714 home runs, and Hank's 755 — and make a mockery of them.

How we wish he could be an afterthought, an inconsequential blip on the radar screen, lost in a sea of national perspective and a September sports calendar filled with too many good things to spend one second thinking of a guy like Bonds.

How we wish he played hockey, so he would have been locked out.

But Barry Bonds is too selfish to see what's best for the game, for the season, even for the nation. What's worse, he will think he's right because he will be encouraged by tens of thousands of baseball fans in San Francisco who will cheer him as if he were a relief worker returning from the Gulf Coast. When that happens — and rest assured it will — it will be enough to make anyone outside of San Francisco want to shake his or her head in disbelief.

Bonds' Giants open an 11-game homestand today. If only Bonds were on the road, he would get an idea of what the nation really thinks of him. Imagine Rafael Palmeiro, only worse. Palmeiro, the Ben Johnson of baseball, had to wear earplugs because the booing in visiting ballparks was so vociferous. He had two measly hits in 26 at-bats after returning from his ster oid suspension. Finally, pathetically, he was sent home with "an injured ankle."

His experience was the 21st-century version of being ridden out of town on a rail.

Knowing what Palmeiro went through, Bonds is probably hoping for a 162-game homestand next season.

Right now, though, Bonds, lucky son-of-a-gun that he is, will find himself in the middle of a most unlikely pennant chase. His Giants are just six games behind the San Diego Padres as of Thursday in the awful National League West. Wouldn't it be something if Bonds returns, hits some home runs to draw dangerously close to Ruth and somehow helps the Giants make the playoffs?

It's Major League Baseball's worst nightmare. Within the world of sports, a world that's supposed to make us feel good when so much else is wrong, it's ours too.

[milagros317]

I am very glad to see a mainstream press article criticizing the Evil One (as I call BB). He has all the bad qualities mentioned in that article, and more. Here is an exert from an article about his potential legal troubles:


Bonds and the American Judicial System

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, on March 17, a woman named Kimberly Bell strode into a San Francisco courthouse, under subpoena and full-immunity, to testify about Barry Bonds' steroid history and his finances. Simply put, she testified that Bonds had divulged to her that he began using steroids in 2000 and also that Bonds' provided her with $80,000 in cash - which he earned from selling autographed memorabilia - to serve as a down payment on a home for her near the Giants' spring training facility in Scottsdale Arizona. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that he conveniently forgot to inform the IRS about the $80,000 he made signing baseballs and how he bestowed the money on Ms. Bell in $9,000 stacks. You know, just a guess.

Kimberly Bell went on to corroborate the story of their nine-year affair with hotel and airline receipts in Bonds' handwriting. As if that isn't bad enough, the government also subpoenaed her bank records and 90, yes 90, minutes of voice mail messages that Bonds left on her phone. The contents of the messages were not disclosed, but I can't imagine there is anything there that Bonds wants federal prosecutors to hear.

Bell's testimony coupled with the previous testimony of BALCO founder Victor Conte and Vice President James Valente stating that Bonds had received steroids (the "clear" and the "cream") and the fact that the BALCO grand jury has documents citing Bonds' use of steroids and human growth hormone, doesn't bode well for the baseball star.

Perjury? Tax evasion? Can you say "jail-time?"

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Quote:
Originally Posted by unit5610
I miss Derek Lowe. I don't miss Pedro very much but I miss Derek.

(60-second rule...arrghgh!)


Well I must admit that that was probably the most assinine thing I have ever heard. Pedro is 14-7 with an ERA of 2.93. If he were with the RedSox with as much as they score he would have won probably 22 games right now. Derek Lowe at 11-13 with a 3.57 ERA (and that has come down because he pitched to a 3.07 over his last 10 starts). To say you miss Derek more than Pedro is STUPID. Maybe you could have won the World Series last year without Pedro too, right? So you fans get burned then you start thinking retarded things. The ONLY reason Pedro came to the Mets was because the Mets offered him a GAUREENTEED 4th year. The Red Sox and NOBODY else were willing to make that kind of commitment. Did he leave because of money too? Probably. But so did Derek Lowe. How does he get a mulligan and Pedro does not? The guy won about 117 and lost 37 over his career as a Red Sox and you miss a guy who was 70-55 with a 3.80 ERA over his time with the Red Sox. Please give me a F***ing break. You are saying you would rather have Derek Lowe on your team than Pedro? You BETTER stop drinking that water in RI. It is obviously contaminated with stupidity pills or something. Pedro vs.Derek. You can have Derek Red Sox fan. I take Pedro knowing I have a chance to win everytime he takes the mound. I have heard it all now. "I miss Derek Lowe but I don't miss Pedro" :sadcry: :sadcry: Let me cry you a river.

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Well, if the Cubs have no heart (as you claim they don't) notice the underlined word, then your team has no fuckin brains. Hello, Jose Offerman?? Damn, at least we can run the bases right. What is also a fact is that, the Cubs have a better record right now than your brainless Mets. Put that in your pipe and smoke it. Secondly, all that complaining they did was last year (notice the underlined word again), there were no complaints this year. Injuries did us in, incompetence did the Mets in, and that is a definite fact. What is even more fact is that both teams will watch the postseason from the sidelines.

So tf4f, before you start talking smack, at least have your team winning before you do, but then again, the last year the Mets had a winning record..... still thinkng about that one.

Besides, baseball no longer interest me now, I am in football mode, oh btw, I am beating you in that too

And one last thing: The Mets are the biggest losers in sports. At least the Cubs get in the newspapers, good or bad, the Mets have to literallybeg to get some inkBiggest losers in SPORTS. When have you last won a WORLD SERIES and then have a conversation with me when you get done how many years ago that was. You know Natural , I saw the other day that the Cubs offered FREE ADMISSION to those that were actually alive when the Cubs last won a World Series. I will let you know that the Stadium was empty. :wowzer:

[CaptainQuantum]

As I have said in the past, I am only a casual sports fan, although I probably enjoy baseball season more than any other. And talking to my dad, who is a lifetime (67 yrs) diehard Cub fan, about baseball is always fun because he gets so into it.

Anyway, I don't know if this speaks to the question of the Cubs having "heart" or not, but when I listen to Ron Santo (who hopefully will FINALLY get into the Hall of Fame soon. LONG overdue) announce the Cub games on the radio, his frustration with this team is very evident. This is a guy who was on the '69 Cub team that blew that big lead to the "miracle Mets", he loves the Cubs and desperately wants to see them win a World Series (or at least GET TO a World Series I guess at this point) in his lifetime. Wasted opportunities, stupid mistakes, this team has not played anywhere near as well as they should have, given the talent they have on that team.

Santo doesn't go as far as to criticize the players or manager as Steve Stone and Chip Caray apparently did (I have always preferred listening to Santo and Pat Hughes on the radio), but when your radio color commentator, who is paid by the owner of the Cubs, the Chicago Tribune, is getting clearly upset with your team's play ON THE AIR, that can't be a good sign.

Also, I go back to a post I made maybe a couple weeks ago on this thread, about listening to WSCR radio after a Cubs loss and them talking about how the Tribune will spend just enough to keep the Cubs competitive. As one of the guys on the radio said, they'd LIKE to win, but they're not COMMITTED to winning, and there's a big difference. True, the Yankees and Red Sox have far & away the highest payrolls in baseball and they aren't exactly dominating the rest of the AL, but as a general rule I think the old saying applies to baseball these days: You get what you pay for.

[milagros317]

So much fight over the Cubs, I don't understand it. To me things are simple, the only team that I hate is the hated jints. :D

[unit5610]

Quote:
You BETTER stop drinking that water in RI. It is obviously contaminated with stupidity pills or something. Pedro vs.Derek. You can have Derek Red Sox fan.

Well excuuuse me! What brought all that on??
I never said Pedro wasn't a great pitcher...he absolutely was, and still is. What I don't miss was his prima donna attitude over the last few years...how he became too good for the fans, for the media, for the city. It was time for him to leave Boston.
That's all you should read into it.

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Well excuuuse me! What brought all that on??
I never said Pedro wasn't a great pitcher...he absolutely was, and still is. What I don't miss was his prima donna attitude over the last few years...how he became too good for the fans, for the media, for the city. It was time for him to leave Boston.
That's all you should read into it.If that is what you REALLY meant then I owe you a BIG, HUGE APOLOGY. I am really SORRY about that then. I hope you will accept my apology and that we can be friends from this point forward. I REALLY thought you were claiming something different and I am REALLY SORRY!!!. A great win in 12 innings by you guys last night BTW. Sadira and I watched the end of that game. I really hope you guys don't let the Yankees by you. I have been hoping that with that payroll that they DON'T make the playoffs. I am also hoping that the Indians bypass the White Sox but that will probably not happen. Again Unit5610, I hope you accept my apology.Please note unit5610 that you do have a PM.

[milagros317]

Yesterday's results were not good, not good at all. :Grrr: :(

[CaptainQuantum]

I'm still waiting for my struggling Tigers to figure it out. Latest is Pudge is very unhappy and hinting he wants out.

Yeah I think after 12 years with the Rangers, I-Rod finally got a taste of winning that one year with the Marlins and now he knows: winning is more fun. :jester:

[milagros317]

To be realistic, the Dodgers need to win at least 13 of their last 15 games to have a good chance of making postseason play. Not likely. :(

[ticklingfeet4fu]

To be realistic, the Dodgers need to win at least 13 of their last 15 games to have a good chance of making postseason play. Not likely. :(To be realistic you guys have been out of the race since June. :(

[milagros317]

Not if we get hot and go 12-2 as we did in the first 14 games of the season. :D (Otherwise, wait till next year.)

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Not if we get hot and go 12-2 as we did in the first 14 games of the season. :D (Otherwise, wait till next year.)Then you must really believe in Santa Claus too. :D

[milagros317]

I believe that double sixes can come up three times in a row on a pair of honest dice, that's all. :D

(I've seen that happen, and the odds against it are 46,655 to 1.)

[ticklingfeet4fu]

The Mets are already losing 3-0 as David Wright committed an error to start a huge rally. :(

[CaptainQuantum]

The Cubs make yet another baserunning mistake, blowing another good scoring opportunity. Pat Hughes and Cub legend Ron Santo are broadcasting.

Santo: Well I thought we'd seen it all.
Hughes: Not until game 162 I guess, Ron. :sowrong:

[ticklingfeet4fu]

As much as I like Ron Santo ( and feel bad about his health issues ) I really do believe that baseball should be called by imparial broadcasters and should not be cheerleaders in the broadcast booth. That is the reason Carey and Stone were forced out after last season. ( Though Chip Carey is awful and is a cheerleader ). But it nice to know that some broadcasters can put their pompoms away and give an honest account to what is really going on. :wow:

[milagros317]

I like Vin Scully as a broadcaster for that reason, he is honest in describing what goes on. :D

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Vin Scully is the BEST of the BEST. He calls a game by himself and he does not sit there and say we need a hit here or we need an out here. He calls the game right down the middle. That is the mark of a great broadcaster. White Sox announcers, Braves announcers and Cubs radio announcers always have their pompoms out. :(

[milagros317]

Vin Scully is also in his mid 70's, so I don't know how much longer he wants to broadcast.

[ticklingfeet4fu]

The Mets have now cut the Braves lead to 5-2 with Cliff Floyd hitting his 31st homerun of the season. :veryhappy :cool2:

[CaptainQuantum]

I was listening to the White Sox/Twins game on the radio last night. One of the announcers was saying how the Twins would love to play "spoilers" in the Sox's bid to hang on to the Incredible Shrinking Lead that they have in the AL Central. Well that wasn't surprising, until he said "the Twins hate the White Sox. The Indians hate the White Sox too."

I never really thought of the White Sox and Indians as being a heated rivalry. I can see the Twins and White Sox being a heated rivalry because they've been in the same division longer (they were both in the old AL West, while the Indians were in the old AL East, before they went to 6 divisions). But even then, being division rivals doesn't necesarilly mean there's a "hatred" there. I mean, I don't think Red Sox fans really hate the Orioles or Blue Jays, or that Dodger fans really hate the Diamondbacks.

Maybe there's some history between the Indians and White Sox that I don't know about. :idunno:

[milagros317]

Speaking as a Dodger fan, the only team that I hate is the hated SF jints.

I merely dislike the Arizona Dickheads, the Colorado Rockheads, and the San Diego Pondscum. :p

[ticklingfeet4fu]

I was listening to the White Sox/Twins game on the radio last night. One of the announcers was saying how the Twins would love to play "spoilers" in the Sox's bid to hang on to the Incredible Shrinking Lead that they have in the AL Central. Well that wasn't surprising, until he said "the Twins hate the White Sox. The Indians hate the White Sox too."

I never really thought of the White Sox and Indians as being a heated rivalry. I can see the Twins and White Sox being a heated rivalry because they've been in the same division longer (they were both in the old AL West, while the Indians were in the old AL East, before they went to 6 divisions). But even then, being division rivals doesn't necesarilly mean there's a "hatred" there. I mean, I don't think Red Sox fans really hate the Orioles or Blue Jays, or that Dodger fans really hate the Diamondbacks.

Maybe there's some history between the Indians and White Sox that I don't know about. :idunno:What you have to think about here though is that before divisional play the White Sox and Indians played each other 22 times a year until 1961. So from 1901 until 1961 the White Sox and Indians played against each other a few times. With the exception of 1918 the season were 154 games. They were 8 team leagues until 1961 in the American league when they expanded to 10 teams ( in the NL they expanded to 10 teams 1962 ). That is also when they expanded the season to 162 games. Then the White Sox played the Indians 18 times a season. When divisional play started in 1969 with the East Division and West Division the teams inside their division played each other 18 times. The East teams and the West teams played each other 12 times a year. Now with interleague and 3 divisions you do not play teams as often. Now you play within your division 19 games and 15 games in the other league and the rest of the games are played within your league. General you play teams that are not in your division 6 to 7 times a year. But that is why the Indians and White Sox hate each other because over their history they have played each other about ( I do not have exact numbers but I bet I could research it ) 1900 times. So I really hope this answers your question as to why the announcers say that the Indians and White Sox hate each other.

[CaptainQuantum]

ok cool. thanks tickling. I should've figured as much simply because the White Sox and Indians are 2 of your older franchises anyway, so they have played each other a lot.

[ticklingfeet4fu]

I would say they have played each other an awful lot. I am trying to research what their records are head to head. When I have gotten that I will, in fact, post it so that you will know. By the way, whom are you a fan of? Are you a fan of the Twins ( who used to be the old Washington Senators. So there is a long history for the Twins against the Indians and the White Sox ), the Indians or the White Sox?

[CaptainQuantum]

By the way, whom are you a fan of? Are you a fan of the Twins ( who used to be the old Washington Senators. So there is a long history for the Twins against the Indians and the White Sox ), the Indians or the White Sox?

I was only listening to the White Sox game that night because the White Sox seem to be on the verge of blowing a HUGE lead (15 games at the start of August that I know of), and I know my dad hates the White Sox :D

I'm just a casual fan, but my dad got me interested in it cause he's a lifelong diehard Cub fan. If I root for any team (and I know a lot of folks here won't like this), it's probably the Yankees because I like George Steinbrenner's commitment to winning. Of course I like what the Red Sox have done in recent years also. Those long suffering fans in Boston deserve a winner and I'm glad they finally got one.

As cheap as the Chicago Tribune (owner of the Cubs) have been known to be, I enjoy seeing an owner who's willing to spend whatever it takes to win. Assuming of course, that the owner has that kind of money, and the Tribune certainly does so there's no excuse for them not to have (at least) the highest payroll in the NL almost every year.

As I said a few days ago, I realize having the highest payroll doesn't guarantee a World Series, especially with the longer playoffs now. But as a general rule, I do think you increase your chances dramatically if you get the best talent you can possibly afford. And the Yankees and Red Sox, and the Mets, even though their season wasn't as good as hoped, have done that. The Phillies Angels and Cards are no slouches either, with what they spent as of the start of the season.

Amazingly the Cubs (87M) spent 12M more than the White Sox at 75M, but I think the Sox benefitted from being in a very weak division this year, as 3 of the teams in that division were in the bottom half of baseball in payroll. Although on of them is the Indians, who are really scaring the crap out of White Sox fans right now. :D

[milagros317]

The Dodgers 2005 season can be described are early joy, followed by misery, misery, misery, and misery. :(

[CaptainQuantum]

The Dodgers 2005 season can be described are early joy, followed by misery, misery, misery, and misery. :(

As of the start of the season, the Dodgers had the 2nd highest payroll in thier division, at 82M while the division leading Padres (and soon to be whipping boys of whoever they play in the playoffs) spent a measly 63M. That was of course before injuries decimated every team in that division that had any talent.

[CaptainQuantum]

I was in the college football chatroom on AOL last night. I forget how it came up but someone said that Los Angeles isn't a college football city, it's a pro sports city, and he said that the Dodgers and Angels are in the top 3 in attendance along with the Yankees. Is that true? If it is, it's surprising because I always thought that as much as there is to do in southern California, sports teams there must draw modestly unless they're having a really great season. And I read that the only reason Houston got a new NFL franchise was because LA didn't want one.

[milagros317]

As of today, the Cardinals are second behind the Yankees in attendance.

Attendance in 2005 through games of 9/18:

1. Yankees 3,726,965
2. Cardinals 3,314,217
3. Dodgers 3,309,456
4. Angels 3,167,654

[CaptainQuantum]

Wow. Good to know that baseball is that big in L.A.

[ticklingfeet4fu]

As of today, the Cardinals are second behind the Yankees in attendance.

Attendance in 2005 through games of 9/18:

1. Yankees 3,726,965
2. Cardinals 3,314,217
3. Dodgers 3,309,456
4. Angels 3,167,654
The problem with this attendance figure is that they all show up in the 3rd inning of Dodger games. They eat 2 Dodger Dogs and leave by the 7th inning stretch. So no support before the 3rd inning and no support after the 7th from their fans. :evilha: :jester: :yowzer:

[milagros317]

Very funny. :p
Some fans do leave early. Many, like me, stay until the game is over.

[unclebill]

As much as teams charge for tickets these days you should stay. I`m in my mid forties and I can remember going to Busch Stadium on many a Sunday afternoon to watch Bob Gibson pitch and spending one dollar to sit in the left field bleachers. I would go to the game with a few of my neighborhood buddies and our parents would drop us off at the gate and pick us up when the game was over. Man those were the days.

[milagros317]

Tickets are just the beginning of the cost of attending a game. Do not forget parking, $4 hot dogs, and $5 beers.

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Well the Padres dropped a tough game last night. The Rockies beat the Padres in a close one 20-1. In conjunction with the Giants beating the Nationals 4-3 the Padres lead in the NL WEST drops to 5 games.
The White Sox needed extra innings in Chicago but was worth their while as Joe Crede hit his 2nd homer of the game including the game-winning walk-off homerun to beat the red-hot Indians 7-6 in 10 innings. With the win the White Sox increase their division lead back up to 3 1/2 games.
The Red Sox beat-up the Devil Rays 15-2 while the Yankees beat the Orioles 12-8. The Red Sox continue to lead the Yankees by 1/2 game.
The Indians lead the wildcard by a 1/2 game over the Yankees.
The Angels beat the Rangers 2-1 and the A's clobbered the Twins as the Angels maintain a 1 1/2 game lead.
The Astros beat the Pirates 7-4. A big game for the Astros because they gained a game on the 3 teams chasing them. The Phillies were beaten by the Braves 4-1. The Giants beat the Nationals 4-3 ( as mentioned earlier ) and the Mets needed 12 innings but beat the Marlins 3-2.

[milagros317]

Even in Colorado, 20-1 is absurd. :eek:

[Mitchell]

With the Braves win over the Phillies in Atlanta last night, the magic number needed for the Braves to clinch their 14th straight division title is down to 6. For those who dont know what a "magic number" is. It is the combination of both Braves wins and Phillies losses needed to total six to give Atlanta the title. Each Braves win, and each Phillies loss counts as 1, and each time Atlanta beats the Phillies in head to head play, it counts as 2 toward the magic number. If Atlanta wins one more game in this series, the magic number will be 4. If they win the remaining 2 games, the magic number would be 2, which would mean then that any Braves win combined with a Phillies loss on the same day, gives the Braves the NL East. Each time Atlanta loses, and the Phillies win on the same day, the magic number stays the same. Realistically, the Braves should probably clinch the division by this weekend or sometime early next week.

Mitch

[ticklingfeet4fu]

With the Braves win over the Phillies in Atlanta last night, the magic number needed for the Braves to clinch their 14th straight division title is down to 6. For those who dont know what a "magic number" is. It is the combination of both Braves wins and Phillies losses needed to total six to give Atlanta the title. Each Braves win, and each Phillies loss counts as 1, and each time Atlanta beats the Phillies in head to head play, it counts as 2 toward the magic number. If Atlanta wins one more game in this series, the magic number will be 4. If they win the remaining 2 games, the magic number would be 2, which would mean then that any Braves win combined with a Phillies loss on the same day, gives the Braves the NL East. Each time Atlanta loses, and the Phillies win on the same day, the magic number stays the same. Realistically, the Braves should probably clinch the division by this weekend or sometime early next week.

MitchWell Mitch is right about everything he has said. Nicely done Mitch. I must say though after losing 2 straight to the Phillies in tough fashion clinching will not be easy. The Phillies down the stretch have Cincinnati ( who has been playing so much better in the second half of the season ), the New York Mets ( who are desparately trying to finish .500 or better ) and the Washington Nationals ( who are trying to do the same ). The Atlanta Braves meanwhile have the face that great pitching staff in Florida this weekend then have to play Colorado ( whom has taken to playing spoiler very well ) and then finish against Florida. So this will could be their toughest clinch since 1993 when they played in the NL West.
In the meantime, did anyone notice the the Florida Marlins Dontrell Willis pitched and won his 22nd game of the season last night? What was even more impressive is that when Jack McKeon worked his starting line-up last night he batted Dontrell 7th in the starting lineup. The first time that a pitcher has been batted that high in a lineup since 1972. So to those who believe that pitchers are automatic outs and that the DH is good well look at the Marlins lineup and think again. All pitchers have to do is work at hitting and maybe the American League can stop being ARENA BASEBALL.
Also last night ( speaking of ARENA BASEBALL ) the American League Central race tightened up a bit more as the Chicago White Sox lost in 11 innings to the Minnesota Twins in Chicago and the Indians beat the Kansas City Royals 11-6. So now the lead that once was 15 games is now down to a game and a half. Also the Yankees extended their lead over idle Boston to one full game in the AL East as they beat the Orioles 7-6. Tonight, Toronto comes to Yankee Stadium while the Red Sox go and visit Baltimore. This is Boston's last road trip of the season as they finish their last 7 at home and the Yankees finish their last 7 on the road which includes a season finale at Fenway Park. The races down the stretch. This will be fun. As the commercial says " I live for this." Enjoy the games everyone.

[natural tickler]

Well it seems to me that every team in the East this weekend will be Cubs fans, no doubt ;)

[CaptainQuantum]

Well it seems to me that every team in the East this weekend will be Cubs fans, no doubt ;)


You mean they're gonna suffer like all the rest of the cub fans? :D

[natural tickler]

That's OK, make your jokes. When we are fully healthy nest season, watch out. We have unfinished business

[CaptainQuantum]

That's OK, make your jokes. When we are fully healthy nest season, watch out. We have unfinished business


Hey my dad is a lifelong diehard Cub fan, so I've seen what Cub fans go through. The ones who take it as seriously as he does anyway. I heard that late last season when the Cubs just missed making it in the playoffs, my dad was almost in tears and yelling "those assholes are gonna let me down again! I've been a fan for over 60 years! I deserve better than this!" Now that's taking it seriously!

Which brings up (I think) an interesting question. Have you or anyone you know ever gotten this upset over your team (any sport) losing a big game or having a bad season? I would think that, with internet and so many other things to do today that there aren't as many people who take it that seriously as there used to be.

[Catwoman]

I am so very proud of one of my fave teams: The Atlanta Braves. They have come from a long way. With they way they played this week and last week, I hope to see more of great playing from them. :) :cool2:

[CaptainQuantum]

What is it? 14 straight Division Championships? I think the NL East is officially the Atlanta Braves' bitch. During the regular season anyway. :D

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Well it seems to me that every team in the East this weekend will be Cubs fans, no doubt ;)Not really NT. My team trails by 8 1/2 games with 9 to play. Don't really care what your Cubs do this weekend or next weekend. BTW, are you still going to give us the old when we are healthy bit watch out. Didn't we suffer through that enough this season. Every team has their injuries. Why don't you say that about the Braves or the Mets or the Phillies or the Cardinals. None of these teams are completely healthy yet we just play ball ( not well mind you ). So stop with the "when we get healthy watch out" crap. You guys have every excuse in the book why you have sucked now for 97 years. Not that I am counting or anything.

[unclebill]

I think it would be cool if the Cubs win the World Series in 2008, that would make it an even 100 years since their last championship.

[ticklingfeet4fu]

I think it would be cool if the Cubs win the World Series in 2008, that would make it an even 100 years since their last championship.Nah. Make them wait 200 years. :p

[milagros317]

On behalf of all Dodger fans I can only say, "Wait til next year." :(

[CaptainQuantum]

Me & my dad were talking wednesday about Barry Bonds and I said that Bonds is still obviously juiced to be able to still hit home runs like he is. Because look at what happened to Sammy Sosa. No matter what he says, he was juiced up till last year cause look at all the weight he's lost and his HRs are way down. And both Bonds and Sosa started out as nothing special in terms of HR hitting, then really bulked up.

But my dad said he can't be on steroids now because there is random drug testing and he would be one of the first (if not the first) guy they'd check.

What do you all think?

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Me & my dad were talking wednesday about Barry Bonds and I said that Bonds is still obviously juiced to be able to still hit home runs like he is. Because look at what happened to Sammy Sosa. No matter what he says, he was juiced up till last year cause look at all the weight he's lost and his HRs are way down. And both Bonds and Sosa started out as nothing special in terms of HR hitting, then really bulked up.

But my dad said he can't be on steroids now because there is random drug testing and he would be one of the first (if not the first) guy they'd check.

What do you all think?I am not a Barry Bonds fan. Let me start there. I happen to agree with your father. Bonds did not need to get on steriods. You look at his numbers prior to the 2001 season and he is a Hall of Famer. But I have to admit that it is not Bonds I have a problem with. It is Rafael Palmerio. Palmerio came into this league a singles type hitter. Got on the juice, lied and compiled his numbers then can't seem to keep from putting his foot in his mouth. Palmerio has disgraced himself and the Orioles. But to be honest MLB Commissioner Bud Selig is really to blame. He has denied ever knowing that steriods was ever in this sport until it was too late. Which is a crock. The reason steriods entered MLB was because of the strike of 1994. They needed a gimmick to get the fans back into the stadiums. So blame MLB for all this crap. Everybody turned their heads the other way when asked what happened with steriods. Bud Selig thanks for putting this great game in the crapper.

[milagros317]

I am now rooting for the SD Pondscum to win their games over the hated jints, since the Dodgers are mathematically eliminated from the pennant race.

[unit5610]

I may be stating the obvious, but if the White Sox and Indians both have a bad week and the Red Sox and Yankees both do well in their current series, they could conceivably both clinch a playoff spot on the same day, on the same field. I'm thinking this doesn't happen often.

[milagros317]

If I remember correctly, the Dodgers and SD Pondscum went out onto the field on the last weekend of the 1996 season having both clinched a spot via a loss by the Expos, and were playing only to determine who would be the NL West winner and who would get the Wild Card instead. (Mike Piazza said something like "Why bother to play today?" for which he was blasted by the reporters.)

[CaptainQuantum]

If I remember correctly, the Dodgers and SD Pondscum went out onto the field on the last weekend of the 1996 season having both clinched a spot via a loss by the Expos, and were playing only to determine who would be the NL West winner and who would get t