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Playoff Gameday Thread, #4: 10/04/08

Mrsnakepit_tiny by Jim McLennan on

MLB Postseason on SB Nation

You have to feel some sympathy for TBS, who hardly getting bang for their buck in their playoff coverage. Last year, the five series they covered [the four division ones, plus the NLCS] lasted a single game past the bare minimum, with only one not ending in a sweep. This year, all four division series are 2-0, so hardly promise to be a marathon ratings bonanza - everything could be over by dinner-time tomorrow night in Arizona. Yesterday, we saw the Rays keep their perfect play-off record intact, beating the White Sox again, while the Red Sox stunned the Angels with an ninth-inning homer off K-Rod, that probably knocked several million dollars off his free-agent value. Today, it's back to the National League, with the Cubs and Brewers both facing elimination games.

3:35pm AZT, TBS

phi_medium

Jamie Moyer
LHP, 16-7, 3.71
mil_medium

Dave Bush
RHP, 9-10, 4.18

Jamie Moyer was the oldest player in his league...back in 2005. Needless to say, he won that title again this season, and tied the record for most wins by a pitcher 45 or older, set by knuckleballer Phil Niekro in 1984 and 1985. He won't overpower you, but after twenty-three years pitching in the majors, you should have a good idea of how to pitch. As one of only a handful of players that are older than me and still active, I'll be pulling for Moyer, from my recliner with a beer. You really wouldn't want to send up a pitcher with a losing record in an elimination game, but the Brewers turn to the mediocre talents of Dave Bush, a career 43-46. The loss of Sheets was a hammer-blow to the Brewers' changes, and they look all but done.

7.05pm AZT, TBS

chc_medium

Rich Harden
RHP, 10-2, 2.07
lad_medium

Hiroki Kuroda
RHP, 9-10, 3.73

Quick trivia question. Which three former Cubs were on the D-backs World Series-winning team in 2001? One should be obvious, one you'll probably guess, but the third one surprised me. Anyway: Chicago desperately needs to end its streak of eight consecutive post-season defeats, stretching back to 2003, but I have to say, looking at the pitching match-ups the next couple of days, they do seem to have the edge. On the other hand, if any team can find a way to lose, when victory seems possible, that would be the North siders. Harden proved a great pick-up for the Cubs, defying expectations by remaining healthy; Kuroda has been mercurial, sometimes unhittable, but other times looking nothing special.

I'll be about in the afternoon, but we're off to watch SnakePit Jr. in a comedy show tonight, so I doubt I'll be seeing much of the Cubs-Dodgers game. My main hope for that series was that one or other team would be utterly humiliated [I wasn't too concerned who], so I will be cheering on the NL West representatives there, even though I will then immediately dump them in favor of the Phillies [almost certainly] for the NLCS. The poll today is now who you think will win the World Series, and I've only explicitly named the four teams who are winning. Really, if you think the Brewers can come back from 2-0 down, I admire your optimism.

And the answer to the trivia question: the three ex-Cubs who won with us in 2001 were: Mark Grace [if you didn't get that, how was Siberia?]; Luis Gonzalez [traded from the Astros to the Cubs in mid-1995, left as a free agent in 1996]; and this is the one that I didn't guess, Miguel Batista. He was plucked off waivers from the Marlins by Chicago in December 1996, and started six games for them the next year. Since he went 0-5 with a 5.70 ERA, he's probably grateful it's largely been forgotten ever since.

Poll
Who do you think WILL win the World Series?
Dodgers
14 votes
Phillies
4 votes
Rays
23 votes
Red Sox
10 votes
One of the teams down 2-0
5 votes

56 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs | Comment 135 comments

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Comments

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I had no idea

that Moyer was so good this year.

"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson

by Scrbl on Oct 4, 2008 5:37 PM EDT   0 recs

I did

In fact, he and the Phillies beat AZ 11-4 early in the season.

by TwinnerA on Oct 4, 2008 6:50 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I remember the win

or, in our case, the loss. But I thought it was an aberration. But it looks like he’s been good all season. I’m very impressed.

"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson

by Scrbl on Oct 4, 2008 7:09 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Brewers threaten early

Two men in scoring position with no outs.

by Jim McLennan on Oct 4, 2008 6:57 PM EDT   0 recs

Without a hit

Two walks and a wild pitch by Moyer thus far.

by Jim McLennan on Oct 4, 2008 6:58 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

2-0 to the Brewers at the end of the first

They’re already looking much better than they were in the first couple of games in this series.

by Jim McLennan on Oct 4, 2008 7:06 PM EDT   0 recs

No no no.

I don’t have to feel any sympathy for TBS.

by Azreous on Oct 4, 2008 7:23 PM EDT   0 recs

?

Sounds like I missed something interesting.

"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson

by Scrbl on Oct 4, 2008 7:24 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

You must have missed the first paragraph

Or are you foulpole in disguise? :-)

by Jim McLennan on Oct 4, 2008 7:25 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Wow

That’s so much simpler than the thing I made up in my head. I’ve been reading about the recent financial bailout bill all day and thought that TBS was in some kind of financial distress. Then I thought that…well, sometimes these things get away from me.

Now that I’m back on the same page as everyone else, no I don’t feel much sympathy either. But I would like some of the trailing teams to show a little life this weekend.

"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson

by Scrbl on Oct 4, 2008 7:35 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

And yes

I read the intro, but missed the sympathy thing altogether. Time to work on my reading comprehension.

"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson

by Scrbl on Oct 4, 2008 7:37 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I trust

That none of the $700 billion will go to cable companies. Unless TNT agree to bring back Witchblade, at least.

by Jim McLennan on Oct 4, 2008 7:52 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Amen to that

"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson

by Scrbl on Oct 4, 2008 8:14 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Hi ppl

=p

Wikipedia is accurate. (citation needed)

by Muu on Oct 4, 2008 8:01 PM EDT   0 recs

Hi!

Thought about you yesterday, as we saw a number plate here that said, MNAMNAH. :-)

by Jim McLennan on Oct 4, 2008 8:02 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

lol

I went to a party last weekend and saw a girl wearing a shirt that said “got manah?” =p

Wikipedia is accurate. (citation needed)

by Muu on Oct 4, 2008 8:09 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Bush keeping the Phillies in check

Five shutout innings so far. Part of me does want the Brewers to win this, as that’ll be another game to watch tomorrow. This charity does not extend to the Cubs, however; they need to go down tonight!

by Jim McLennan on Oct 4, 2008 8:14 PM EDT   0 recs

Anything to stretch out this series

I have the free time to actually watch some of the games this weekend.

But I agree wholeheartedly about the Cubs.

"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson

by Scrbl on Oct 4, 2008 8:16 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

sounds good, but

I’d like to see the Phillies well rested before they meet the Ladies in the nlcs…

Wikipedia is accurate. (citation needed)

by Muu on Oct 4, 2008 8:18 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

When Jamie Moyer

left the game, they put up a graphic showing his range of pitch speeds.

Fastest: 86 mph
Slowest: 66 mph

I’m amazed that a non-knuckleballer can pitch that slow and be so successful.

"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson

by Scrbl on Oct 4, 2008 8:15 PM EDT   0 recs

Sounds like Livan

Or perhaps a bit like Doug Davis, though I think he can hurry it up there at almost 90 on occasion.

by Jim McLennan on Oct 4, 2008 8:22 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Mike Cameron stil 0-for-0

Two walks and now a HBP.

by Jim McLennan on Oct 4, 2008 8:23 PM EDT   0 recs

I didn’t realize that Gagne was playing for the Brewers.

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

by 4 Corners Fan on Oct 4, 2008 9:45 PM EDT   0 recs

Did he always

look so out-of-control? It’s not quite “Wild Thing” but he almost falls over at the end of some of those pitches.

"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson

by Scrbl on Oct 4, 2008 9:54 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I've noticed that sometimes

Chad Qualls looks like he is about to fall down at the end of his pitches too.

by TwinnerA on Oct 4, 2008 10:03 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Top of the 9th for Milwaukee!!

Hold on to this one, Brew Crew….

by snakecharmer on Oct 4, 2008 9:56 PM EDT   0 recs

Well damn

Bases loaded and no out is NOT the way to SAVE a ballgame, dude!

by snakecharmer on Oct 4, 2008 10:06 PM EDT   0 recs

Brewers win!!! 4-1

Whew, no sweep there!!

by snakecharmer on Oct 4, 2008 10:10 PM EDT   0 recs

That

was a fun game. I’m glad I got to watch it.

"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson

by Scrbl on Oct 4, 2008 10:36 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Woooh!

I’m still hoping for the full slate tomorrow.

"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 4, 2008 11:04 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Cubs/Dodgers game joined already in progress

2 on, 2 out in the top of the 1st.

by TwinnerA on Oct 4, 2008 10:16 PM EDT   0 recs

Okay, Cubs, let’s at least make this interesting.

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

by 4 Corners Fan on Oct 4, 2008 10:20 PM EDT   0 recs

Rich Harden is pitching!!

I hate the Cubs but I LOVE Richie!! I met him once, he was nice and super cute… oh and yeah, being a damn good pitcher, that too…

by snakecharmer on Oct 4, 2008 10:21 PM EDT   0 recs

Setting aside who he plays for

I’m glad he’s had a good (and full) season. It’s nice to see him last the whole yera.

"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson

by Scrbl on Oct 4, 2008 10:48 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Oh, bad call there.

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

by 4 Corners Fan on Oct 4, 2008 10:23 PM EDT   0 recs

Cubs aren't doing much yet

Dodgers up 2-0 in the middle of the third.

"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 4, 2008 10:59 PM EDT   0 recs

Yeah, this is discouraging. Seems like they could play a better game and make the series competitive. (You know, for TBS’s sake.)

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

by 4 Corners Fan on Oct 4, 2008 11:06 PM EDT   0 recs

Kishi, can you get on gchat?

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

by 4 Corners Fan on Oct 4, 2008 11:11 PM EDT   0 recs

Okay! Now! Cubs! Let’s get some runs!

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

by 4 Corners Fan on Oct 4, 2008 11:16 PM EDT   0 recs

I want a full slate

of games tomorrow, but I’m not going to be around after 4pm to enjoy them. Damn these prior commitments!

We are gonna get drunk with Adam Dunn and we're gonna head-butt some damn kangaroos.

by soco on Oct 4, 2008 11:21 PM EDT   0 recs

You and your lame sense of priorities

Geez.

"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 4, 2008 11:23 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I know

heaven forbid I spend time with my wife. Geez. And eat delicious food.

We are gonna get drunk with Adam Dunn and we're gonna head-butt some damn kangaroos.

by soco on Oct 5, 2008 1:56 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Wait, correct that. Delicious FREE food

I knew I married you for a reason! ;)

What a crazy random happenstance!

by mrssoco on Oct 5, 2008 1:58 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeeeeeeeeeeah!

We are gonna get drunk with Adam Dunn and we're gonna head-butt some damn kangaroos.

by soco on Oct 5, 2008 1:59 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Hmm

Looks interesting, let’s just scroll down the page a bi-

Wait, what’s this? “Who’s on the Menu”

Who? Who? Guys, if they offer you the soylent green, just say no.

"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 5, 2008 3:45 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Will they taste good?

Yes? Sign me up!

We are gonna get drunk with Adam Dunn and we're gonna head-butt some damn kangaroos.

by soco on Oct 5, 2008 4:02 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Harden out...

Poor Richie….

by snakecharmer on Oct 4, 2008 11:49 PM EDT   0 recs

8 more outs for the Cubs

I’m the one who mentioned the Cubs wouldn’t go quietly this year… and yet, they are…..

by snakecharmer on Oct 5, 2008 12:20 AM EDT   0 recs

Wasted chance there.

Can’t get anything out of two on, one out. Sounds just like us.

Cubs better pull their heads out of their rears if they want this season to last more than six more outs.

by Azreous on Oct 5, 2008 12:30 AM EDT   0 recs

There is

a certain slump-shouldered quality to the Cubs dugout right now. Wish it didn’t look so familiar

"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson

by Scrbl on Oct 5, 2008 12:43 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Cubs one out away from being swept

for the second straight post-season!!

I have to admit, that does give me a little satisfaction…

by snakecharmer on Oct 5, 2008 1:10 AM EDT   0 recs

I can’t help but wonder if Lou doesn’t get heavily blamed for a second consecutive sweep.

"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 5, 2008 1:13 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

He'd lead them to great regular-season records

but two straight sweeps is pretty bad….

by snakecharmer on Oct 5, 2008 1:14 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Plus

These are Cubs fans. They’re probably going to blame everyone on down to the groundskeeping crew.

"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 5, 2008 1:19 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

The Cubs looked awfully flat

but aside from that, did he make any obvious managerial blunders this series?

"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson

by Scrbl on Oct 5, 2008 1:19 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

The Cubs looked flat

Do the media and the fans need anything more?

I’m not saying he’ll be fired, but public opinion has been pretty heavily on his side for the most part. I’m just curious if it’ll swing the other way, and how long it’ll stay like that.

"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 5, 2008 1:28 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

To be fair

I blame our manager for the D-Backs’ lackluster play too.

I was curious if there was a signature mishap. It’s easier to put on a website or a t-shirt that way.

"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson

by Scrbl on Oct 5, 2008 1:32 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Congratulations, Cubs

On a full century of futility.

"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 5, 2008 1:11 AM EDT   0 recs

I agree

Feel free to go to another blog for your celebration.

"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 5, 2008 1:18 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs