Playoff Gameday Thread, #4: 10/04/08
by Jim McLennan on Oct 4, 2008 4:30 PM EDT
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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
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.
?
Sounds like I missed something interesting.
"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson
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
I trust
That none of the $700 billion will go to cable companies. Unless TNT agree to bring back Witchblade, at least.
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 up reply actions
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!
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
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 up reply actions
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
Sounds like Livan
Or perhaps a bit like Doug Davis, though I think he can hurry it up there at almost 90 on occasion.
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
I've noticed that sometimes
Chad Qualls looks like he is about to fall down at the end of his pitches too.
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…
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
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."
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.
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."
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.
Wait, correct that. Delicious FREE food
I knew I married you for a reason! ;)
What a crazy random happenstance!
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."
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.
8 more outs for the Cubs
I’m the one who mentioned the Cubs wouldn’t go quietly this year… and yet, they are…..
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.
Cubs one out away from being swept
for the second straight post-season!!
I have to admit, that does give me a little satisfaction…
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."
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
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."
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
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."
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."
Heh
I just turned on the TV. Judging by the celebration, I thought LA won the World Series.
I guess 20 years of incompetent money soaked, utter futility will do that ;-)
You like LADs?
Well, there’s alot of that these days. You’ll find this a very open site, respectful of alternative lifestyles.
Excuse me
but as we have already mentioned above, please refrain from gloating and take your excessive celebrations elsewhere.
Like the dodger site?
novel idea, too bad he didn’t think of it earlier..
"So Long, and Thanks for all the Fish!"
by unnamedDBacksfan on Oct 5, 2008 1:32 AM EDT up reply actions
on OUR board?
"So Long, and Thanks for all the Fish!"
by unnamedDBacksfan on Oct 5, 2008 1:32 AM EDT up reply actions
thanks
that’s all we ask
"So Long, and Thanks for all the Fish!"
by unnamedDBacksfan on Oct 5, 2008 1:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Also
Snacks. We ask for snacks. But don’t really expect them.
"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."
+10
ALWAYS up for snacks
"So Long, and Thanks for all the Fish!"
by unnamedDBacksfan on Oct 5, 2008 1:36 AM EDT up reply actions
We're not trying to phase you
We’re laughing at how foolish, immature, unsportsmanlike and cowardly you are.
We've been there twice in the past 10 years
the dodgers?
"So Long, and Thanks for all the Fish!"
by unnamedDBacksfan on Oct 5, 2008 1:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Who's this lad he keeps talking to?
And are they really leaving?
"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."
Are you starting a cajun band?
I guess that’d be a good slogan for someone promoting good ol’ swamp rhythms.
"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."
A cajun band
that plays trance.
"So Long, and Thanks for all the Fish!"
by unnamedDBacksfan on Oct 5, 2008 1:35 AM EDT up reply actions
I felt the immediate need to Google to see if such a thing already existed.
"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."
Zydeco-Trance Fusion?
"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson
lol
"So Long, and Thanks for all the Fish!"
by unnamedDBacksfan on Oct 5, 2008 1:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Why is it that
Europe has T H E best Trance music on the planet?
It’s those damn cajuns spoilin’ things I guess.
Some of the newer Yank stuff is getting better, but give me some good ole Euro Trance.
"So Long, and Thanks for all the Fish!"
by unnamedDBacksfan on Oct 5, 2008 2:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Don't quite know
But if you’re looking for good trance or techno, you’re probably best checking east of the Atlantic. Just another reason I’m so glad the internet exists, otherwise I probably never would have heard of many bands I otherwise enjoy.
"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."
DJ Tiesto is a fave of mine as is
Arman Van Buuren.
Man, I soo want that job in Veldhoven, NL.
So, why do you want to work for our company over here?
So I can be closer to some clubs that play real trance?
"So Long, and Thanks for all the Fish!"
by unnamedDBacksfan on Oct 5, 2008 4:09 AM EDT up reply actions
ArmIn Van Buuren
that’s with an ‘I" not an ’a’
"So Long, and Thanks for all the Fish!"
by unnamedDBacksfan on Oct 5, 2008 4:24 AM EDT up reply actions
No luck
Despite a concerted (read: half-assed) effort. So, you’re in the clear, AZWildcats- you’ll be breaking new ground.
"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."
Hah.
I don’t really give a damn about MMA, but seeing that Kimbo Slice lost in a whopping 14 seconds tonight is extremely funny to me.
That was exactly what I thought of
"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."
Man I love this board.
I watched this episode, TODAY! :D
“GET UP! GET UP!”
What a crazy random happenstance!
Al
has nothing to say.
Bitter? Party of millions? Your date with destiny is ready.
"So Long, and Thanks for all the Fish!"
by unnamedDBacksfan on Oct 5, 2008 2:14 AM EDT reply actions
This Al (from bleedingcubbieblue)
I Have Nothing To Say
Yelloncard_tiny by Al on Oct 4, 2008 10:22 PM MST in News
And when I say “nothing”, I mean it.
I am not opening comments on this post. Eventually, I will post a recap of this utter disaster, but it may take me a day or so. Until then, I want this post to stand alone on the front page as a monument to the worst performance I have seen in 45 years as a Cubs fan.
Good night.
—————————————————————-
Whoa~
The Florida Marlins choke job comes to mind , you know cub fans, the one where you demonize one of your own?
"So Long, and Thanks for all the Fish!"
by unnamedDBacksfan on Oct 5, 2008 2:33 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm reminded of the lyrics fo Avenue Q
A few of the fanpost titles:
“Why, God Why?”
“Should fans take some blame?”
" I just sit here wondering…"
“The umpires sucked”
"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."
"Cubs ineptitude
is only for now?"
Ah, who are we kidding?
We are gonna get drunk with Adam Dunn and we're gonna head-butt some damn kangaroos.
not themselves
At least, not without the help of Captain Morgan.
"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."
Or maybe they are
Comment from another fanpost: “Example of a close to HOF player would be Grace.”
Really? Mark Grace? Hall of Fame? I’m not really sure on 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."
I've already got a sign
made up for the cubbies next visit to Chase.
Let’s just say there’s a very large blue “L” involved.
"So Long, and Thanks for all the Fish!"
by unnamedDBacksfan on Oct 5, 2008 4:25 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree
he’s borderline, but I doubt he makes it in. Of course, I’m putting the emphasis on “close,” assuming they mean in it in the “not quite” sense, not “almost there” that the poster probably meant it.
We are gonna get drunk with Adam Dunn and we're gonna head-butt some damn kangaroos.
Yeah,
Mark may be borderline in kind of a political sense (ie he’s well known, well-liked, and will likely benefit from a CHI campaign boost).
But in a substantitive, sabermetric sense (which I realize isnt the only susbstantive case to be made), he’s well below a “borderline” candidate. In the history of the game, there are hundreds of more deserving candidates who’ve been spurned. Literally hundreds.
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