AZ Snakepit: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:



Around SBN: Read our new Phoenix Coyotes blog! Bar-right-arrows



Playoff Gameday Thread #2: 10/2/08

We had a pretty good turnout for yesterday's action, so we've decided to keep it going for a while longer. Interest will likely wane eventually, but after spending 6 months with you crazy people, I can't imagine going elsewhere to follow a team, even if it's not ours. But if you're interested, SBNation has a nice post-season section set up with links to all the other blogs.

MLB Postseason on SB Nation

Yesterday in a nutshell: the Phillies took advantage of Brewer miscues to win 3-1, the Dodgers slammed (literally) the Cubs 7-3, and the Red Sox came away with a 4-1 win over the Angels, running their streak to 10 straight wins over Anaheim in the post-season. (Interestingly, the last pair of teams to exhibit that kind of dominance/ineptitude was Oakland going 10-0 over Boston from '88-'03.)

 

2:37pm ET, TBS

sox_medium

Javier Vazquez
RHP, 12-16, 4.67

rays_medium

James Shields
RHP, 12-8, 3.56

Today brings our first look at the White Sox and Rays, and it will be a test for both teams. The Sox had to essentially play two extra games just to get to the post-season, and the nerves of the young Rays will be put center stage in their first ever playoff game. We know from experience that Javy Vazquez is like a coin - it can land on its head or its tail, but it is durable enough to always land somewhere. He has the experience that can overcome his sometimes gaudy-looking numbers, but he can just as easily implode on himself. A brief glance at Shields' numbers shows he can give up a lot of hits and walks but not necessarily a lot of runs. This looks like a toss up... either one of these teams can come away with this one.

 

6:07pm ET, TBS

mil_medium

CC Sabathia
LHP, 17-10, 2.70

Phi_medium

Brett Myers
RHP, 10-13, 4.55

Despite the score, Milwaukee played pretty well yesterday. Both offenses were weak, and Philadelphia's 3 runs came all in one inning and were all unearned for starter Yovani Gallardo. Milwaukee has to score for its ace CC Sabathia, who is running out there on 3 days' rest for the 4th straight time. Cole Hamels was masterful over the Brewers, but don't expect Brett Myers to be able to do the same thing. It should be Sabathia's turn to confound the offense, but you have to think that all these starts on short rest might backfire eventually. Edge to Milwaukee for having Sabathia on the mound.

 

9:37pm ET, TBS

Lad_medium

Chad Billingsly
RHP, 16-10, 3.14

Chc_medium

Carlos Zambrano
RHP, 14-6, 3.91

Cubs fans and Cubs alike were stunned by yesterday's 7-3 defeat. Lou Pinella left starter Ryan Dempster in there a bit too long, just long enough for James Loney hit a monster grand slam to pull the Dodgers from behind 0-2 to ahead 4-2. The Cubs never really threatened after that, and the Dodgers tacked on throughout the rest of the night. Glad to see Pinella isn't "saving" Zambrano for Game 9 or anything. Both of these starters are workhorses with similar numbers, but I give the edge to Z and the Cubs tonight. Do not expect them to go out as quietly this year as they did last.

 

0 recs | Comment 300 comments

Read Related

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

I turn on the pre-game for the Tampa game...

And they’re talking about the Cubs and the Dodgers. Typical.

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 2:19 PM EDT   0 recs

Glad to see the fans so involved for the Rays

First two games sold out, fans wearing mohawks and got the cowbells ringing!

by snakecharmer on Oct 2, 2008 2:36 PM EDT   0 recs

That is good to see

They seem pretty excited for the game.

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 2:40 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

The mohawks are pretty funny

Apparently, they had a big rally for the team, and part of that was bringing in barbers to give free mohawks.

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 2:54 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Tropicana Field is interesting

The way the concourse is decorated is kind of cheesy, but once you get to your seats, I really liked the field itself. Maybe it was just a matter of perspective from where our seats were, but it didn’t quite seem as vast as Chase.

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 2:39 PM EDT   0 recs

Frank TV reminds me of the words of Doctor McCoy, “I’d give real money if he’d shut up.”

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 2:42 PM EDT   0 recs

1-0!

Evan Longoria!

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 2:58 PM EDT   0 recs

Kishi — where is TBS on Direct TV?

It's like living with a six-year old.

by 4 Corners Fan on Oct 2, 2008 3:08 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Thanks!

It's like living with a six-year old.

by 4 Corners Fan on Oct 2, 2008 3:16 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Ooh, wow, that roof really is crazy..

Navarro knew exactly what was going to happen and made it to 2nd. Cool.

by snakecharmer on Oct 2, 2008 3:07 PM EDT   0 recs

Didn't we give Navarro to the Rays?

Or someone else? Or was that a different Navarro?

by snakecharmer on Oct 2, 2008 3:08 PM EDT   0 recs

Nope

He was originally with the Yankees, and was part of the Randy Johnson trade: “Before the 2005 season, Navarro was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-team deal that sent Randy Johnson from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Yankees, Javier Vázquez from the Yankees to the Diamondbacks, Shawn Green from the Dodgers to the Diamondbacks, and several other minor leaguers to the Dodgers.”

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 3:13 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Technically, we did

Per baseball-reference.com, this was two separate trades:

January 11, 2005: Traded by the New York Yankees with Brad Halsey, Javier Vazquez, and cash to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Randy Johnson.

January 11, 2005: Traded by the Arizona Diamondbacks with Danny Muegge (minors), William Juarez (minors), and Beltran Perez to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Shawn Green.

Another future All-Star dumped by the D-backs… :-(

by Jim McLennan on Oct 2, 2008 3:16 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeah, okay, that's what I thought

I knew we had some sort of connection to him when he was in the minors! I remembered him being part of a a 3-team trade.

See, I’m not crazy! ;) Thanks!

by snakecharmer on Oct 2, 2008 3:17 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I was under the impression

that he was one of the guys we sent to the Yankees to get RJ back, so…. shows how much I know.

"If the government's nuclear football ever were to fall into the wrong hands Chris Horton would be called upon to intercept it on behalf of the Pentagon."

by DbacksSkins on Oct 2, 2008 3:20 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Nope, that was

Alberto Gonzalez, Ross Ohlendorf, Luis Vizcaino, and Steven Jackson. No big.

by Jim McLennan on Oct 2, 2008 3:23 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

One of them

turned into a pretty shitty Attorney General, and another turned into a Pro Bowl RB for the Rams.

Hit and miss.

"If the government's nuclear football ever were to fall into the wrong hands Chris Horton would be called upon to intercept it on behalf of the Pentagon."

by DbacksSkins on Oct 2, 2008 3:27 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Running back?

No, he started a RPG company.

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 3:28 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I remembered him being a Dodger

I just couldn’t remember our connection to him.

by snakecharmer on Oct 2, 2008 3:26 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Whoops...

3-run HR for Sox… :( ALMOST out of the inning, too!!

by snakecharmer on Oct 2, 2008 3:18 PM EDT   0 recs

Any info

On why the Rays replaced Pena with Aybar at first?

by Jim McLennan on Oct 2, 2008 3:18 PM EDT   0 recs

Not that I heard

They mentioned it was a concern that they already had to do that, I think he was battling an injury, but I wasn’t listening that closely.

by snakecharmer on Oct 2, 2008 3:20 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

3-2

Nice RBI triple there.

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 3:28 PM EDT   0 recs

Woohooo!

TRIPLE and a run scores!

by snakecharmer on Oct 2, 2008 3:28 PM EDT   0 recs

C'mon BUp....

Bring the runner home….

by snakecharmer on Oct 2, 2008 3:29 PM EDT   0 recs

Wouldn't it be

BJUp?

"If the government's nuclear football ever were to fall into the wrong hands Chris Horton would be called upon to intercept it on behalf of the Pentagon."

by DbacksSkins on Oct 2, 2008 3:29 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Hmmm.....
You've already surpassed your inadvertent innuendo quota for the week?

"If the government's nuclear football ever were to fall into the wrong hands Chris Horton would be called upon to intercept it on behalf of the Pentagon."

by DbacksSkins on Oct 2, 2008 4:03 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Ouch

K. No luck.

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 3:30 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Iwamura scores!!

Man that guy is FAST!

by snakecharmer on Oct 2, 2008 3:31 PM EDT   0 recs

Why can't

WE get guys like that?

"If the government's nuclear football ever were to fall into the wrong hands Chris Horton would be called upon to intercept it on behalf of the Pentagon."

by DbacksSkins on Oct 2, 2008 4:03 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

4-3!

That kid is having a hell of a game.

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 3:32 PM EDT   0 recs

Carlos Pena

I think they just said he was taking out because of an eye problem?

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 3:39 PM EDT   0 recs

That's what I heard

He scratched his eye last night at home and he tried to play through it but it’s probably safer to keep it out.

by snakecharmer on Oct 2, 2008 3:40 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Alright, I gotta go

kishi, it’s your job to hold down the fort. I have a feeling that’ll be pretty easy today. ;)

by snakecharmer on Oct 2, 2008 3:44 PM EDT   0 recs

I'll do what I can

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 3:45 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Wow

Cliff Floyd has just crushed a few pitches that went foul.

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 3:48 PM EDT   0 recs

I will say this

I think the ray tank is just about the coolest non-baseball addition to any stadium in the majors.

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 3:59 PM EDT   0 recs

Cooler

than the people tank at Chase?

"If the government's nuclear football ever were to fall into the wrong hands Chris Horton would be called upon to intercept it on behalf of the Pentagon."

by DbacksSkins on Oct 2, 2008 4:04 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

In my opinion, yes.

Tropicana gets bonus points for the fact that anyone can go up to the ray tank, as opposed to having to spend the money to rent the pool at Chase.

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 4:07 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

What if

Ray Romano wanted to rent the tank at the Trop for him and his friends?

"If the government's nuclear football ever were to fall into the wrong hands Chris Horton would be called upon to intercept it on behalf of the Pentagon."

by DbacksSkins on Oct 2, 2008 4:14 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Ray Romano has friends?

Really?

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 4:17 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

An ex of mine

saw him coked up in Las Vegas once?

"If the government's nuclear football ever were to fall into the wrong hands Chris Horton would be called upon to intercept it on behalf of the Pentagon."

by DbacksSkins on Oct 2, 2008 4:18 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Really?

That’s the second saddest celebrity sight I’ve ever imagined.

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 4:19 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Really really.

"If the government's nuclear football ever were to fall into the wrong hands Chris Horton would be called upon to intercept it on behalf of the Pentagon."

by DbacksSkins on Oct 2, 2008 4:20 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Of course

Everybody Loves Raymond

by Jim McLennan on Oct 2, 2008 4:30 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Well, I didn't vote for him.

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 4:33 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Don't blame me,

I voted for Kodos.

"If the government's nuclear football ever were to fall into the wrong hands Chris Horton would be called upon to intercept it on behalf of the Pentagon."

by DbacksSkins on Oct 2, 2008 4:35 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Was that your way

Of giving kudos for Kodos?

by Jim McLennan on Oct 2, 2008 4:37 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

::groan::

In reality, though, I voted for Kang.

"If the government's nuclear football ever were to fall into the wrong hands Chris Horton would be called upon to intercept it on behalf of the Pentagon."

by DbacksSkins on Oct 2, 2008 4:39 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I thought he

was feuding with Kirk.

Bob Melvin: Black Denarian in disguise.

by nargel on Oct 3, 2008 4:22 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Nice play there

Pierzynski out by a mile on that steal. Didn’t even bother to slide coming into second.

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 4:03 PM EDT   0 recs

Did he

punch the catcher in the testicles?

"If the government's nuclear football ever were to fall into the wrong hands Chris Horton would be called upon to intercept it on behalf of the Pentagon."

by DbacksSkins on Oct 2, 2008 4:07 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

5-3 Rays

Two on, Longoria at the plate, and he gets a single? Psh. Come on, man, disappointing.

And now Ozzie goes to the bullpen. You didn’t want to pull the starter until after Longoria?

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 4:16 PM EDT   0 recs

My boss

is getting his TS clearance renewed as I type this.

Hmmm….

"If the government's nuclear football ever were to fall into the wrong hands Chris Horton would be called upon to intercept it on behalf of the Pentagon."

by DbacksSkins on Oct 2, 2008 4:20 PM EDT   0 recs

TS?

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 4:21 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Top Secret

"If the government's nuclear football ever were to fall into the wrong hands Chris Horton would be called upon to intercept it on behalf of the Pentagon."

by DbacksSkins on Oct 2, 2008 4:26 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

If you don’t want to tell us, don’t bring it up in the first place.

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 4:28 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

NO

TS=Top Secret

"If the government's nuclear football ever were to fall into the wrong hands Chris Horton would be called upon to intercept it on behalf of the Pentagon."

by DbacksSkins on Oct 2, 2008 4:29 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Or

did I miss your humor?

"If the government's nuclear football ever were to fall into the wrong hands Chris Horton would be called upon to intercept it on behalf of the Pentagon."

by DbacksSkins on Oct 2, 2008 4:29 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

You missed my humor.

It happens.

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 4:31 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Was afraid of that.

I had a BFF in HS whose middle name was “Kay”. She’d be asked, “What’s your middle name?” “Kay.” “No, your NAME?” “KAY!!” etc.

"If the government's nuclear football ever were to fall into the wrong hands Chris Horton would be called upon to intercept it on behalf of the Pentagon."

by DbacksSkins on Oct 2, 2008 4:35 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm familiar with the routine

I high school, one of my friends had the last name of Guess.

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 4:36 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

We heard a kid at our Temple

Who has the unfortunate last name of Pantsing. I flinched when I heard it, if not for now, for in 14 years when he enters high school.

What a crazy random happenstance!

by mrssoco on Oct 2, 2008 6:32 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I work in a hotel

And we just had someone check in by the name of Flame Vallentine. That’s just mean.

I want to be in Haren's harem.

by luckycc on Oct 2, 2008 6:33 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Lemme guess.....

stripper? Or “escort”?

"If the government's nuclear football ever were to fall into the wrong hands Chris Horton would be called upon to intercept it on behalf of the Pentagon."

by DbacksSkins on Oct 2, 2008 6:34 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed!

Parents should have to go through a naming permission board.

What a crazy random happenstance!

by mrssoco on Oct 2, 2008 6:34 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Oh! I remembered

My freshman room mate was, “Holly Holiday.” Her parents thought it was, “so cute.” I just stared at her when she said that.

What a crazy random happenstance!

by mrssoco on Oct 2, 2008 6:35 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Still doesn't touch my buddy,

“Happy Johnson”.

"If the government's nuclear football ever were to fall into the wrong hands Chris Horton would be called upon to intercept it on behalf of the Pentagon."

by DbacksSkins on Oct 2, 2008 6:36 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

As I read this

There’s a Viagra ad on the TV…

"Now, this is the dumbest thing I've ever heard [Hank Steinbrenner] say, and this is the third time I've said that this season."

by kishi on Oct 2, 2008 6:37 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

That is child abuse!

Seriously? Who does that?

Were his parents on drug?

What a crazy random happenstance!

by mrssoco on Oct 2, 2008 6:39 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

His parents on drug.

Make funny name.

"If the government's nuclear football ever were to fall into the wrong hands Chris Horton would be called upon to intercept it on behalf of the Pentagon."

by DbacksSkins on Oct 2, 2008 6:40 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Its been a loooong day

And obviously I am on drug as well. ;)

Granted, my drugs are benedryl but whatever. ;)

What a crazy random happenstance!

by mrssoco on Oct 2, 2008 6:41 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs