Playoff Gameday Thread #6: 10/6/08
The National League Championship Series was set yesterday. Jeff Suppan's post-season experience was of no help, as the Phillies homered the Brewers right out of the series on their way to a 6-2 win. They get ready to host the Dodgers starting on Thursday. Today brings the possibilities of deciding the ALCS teams - or of going to Game 5s in both.
2:05pm AZT, TBS
Series: 2-1, Rays
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Andy Sonnanstine - who? Not a big name pitcher, but one the Rays need to rely on today. He didn't end the season on a positive note (losing his last 3) but he has handled the White Sox nicely this season, going 1-0 with a sub-3 ERA in 4 starts. But the White Sox finally hit with runners in scoring position yesterday to stave off elimination for at least one more day. They have been energized by their home crowd and send out the young Gavin Floyd to make his post-season debut (as will Sonnanstine) and keep the Rays from getting their big hits in scoring position. (Yahoo lists 17 LOB yesterday.) The Rays need to not let their loss disparage them, and the Sox need to keep their offense going. Should be an interesting matchup.
5:35pm AZT, TBS
Series: 2-1, Sox
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This is a rematch of Game 1 of this series. Can I just copy what I wrote then? ;) Probably not, as I don't think it played out as expected. This was a great low-scoring pitchers' duel. Jon Lester allowed 6 hits but only 1 unearned run, and John Lackey gave up 4 hits but 3 walks and 2 earned runs. Last night's 12-inning affair (won by the Angels) combined with the starters' short starts may have taxed the bullpen. This is particularly important for K-Rod, who threw over 33 pitches in one inning, and Papelbon, who threw 31 pitches in two innings. If Boston can keep Mike Napoli from hitting moon shots tonight, Boston has a good shot of winning this one.
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Am I all by myself today? :(
Boo that….
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 5:11 PM EDT
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I think so
I just got home, but about to head off to school. Looks like the Rays will be advancing to the ALCS, though.
We are gonna get drunk with Adam Dunn and we're gonna head-butt some damn kangaroos.
by soco on
Oct 6, 2008 6:49 PM EDT
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I was wondering where you were!
It was strange having nobody rooting against me. ;)
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 6:55 PM EDT
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I was at work
where I have no interwebs to enterain me. Now I’m frantically trying to finish an essay before I go to class in an hour.
We are gonna get drunk with Adam Dunn and we're gonna head-butt some damn kangaroos.
by soco on
Oct 6, 2008 7:39 PM EDT
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Hahaha
Gabe Gross leaps perfectly and robs Pierzynski of a home run!
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 5:21 PM EDT
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BOOOOOOOOOOOOO
We are gonna get drunk with Adam Dunn and we're gonna head-butt some damn kangaroos.
by soco on
Oct 6, 2008 6:49 PM EDT
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Go Rays
I wonder if dropping the word “Devil” from their name made all the difference?
by Jim McLennan on
Oct 6, 2008 5:30 PM EDT
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Not that it seems to have bothered
The New Jersey Devils. Or helped the San Diego Padres.
by Jim McLennan on
Oct 6, 2008 5:33 PM EDT
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Also, the Cubs' priest who blessed the dugout prior to the series
certainly didn’t help either!
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 5:35 PM EDT
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It made them sound better
“Tampa Bay Rays” is smooth, almost melodious. “Tampa Bay Devil Rays” sounds kinda clumsy. Although it does earn points for authentic local flavor.
I’m not sure what it does for their cosmic brownie points though.
"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson
by Scrbl on
Oct 6, 2008 6:12 PM EDT
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The last time I checked..
Tampa Bay didn’t even have a player named Ray on its roster.
Rockin' October
by Charlie77 on
Oct 6, 2008 8:03 PM EDT
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I wonder has a team ever
Gone from the worst record in the league one year, to the World Series the next? I know the 2000 D-backs reached the playoffs, but they weren’t the worst team in the league in 1999, just the worst in their division.
by Jim McLennan on
Oct 6, 2008 5:39 PM EDT
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I think they were saying
that the best turnaround was the Red Sox (a while ago) with a 33 or 34 game improvement. I don’t think they made it to the world series though….
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 5:43 PM EDT
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Maybe best in the AL
Ours was 35 games in 1999. Of course, we almost went bankrupt in the process, I don’t think the Rays have spent in quite the same fashion as Jerry C!
by Jim McLennan on
Oct 6, 2008 5:45 PM EDT
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I can't find a way to look that up specifically
at least, not in B-R… :(
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 5:50 PM EDT
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Who is this
Jerry C you speak of?
Sounds like a winning sort of fellow ;-)
by Diamondhacks on
Oct 6, 2008 6:15 PM EDT
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I just found
what I think is the biggest turnaround in terms of games. The 1899 Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers) placed 1st in the NL, 50.5 games ahead of their 1898 record (10th in a 12 team league).
They didnt win the World Series either, but hey, who can blame them.
There was no World Series :-)
by Diamondhacks on
Oct 6, 2008 7:11 PM EDT
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I'm not sure
In terms of standings, the 69 Mets won the series after finishing 9th in a 10 team league the year previous. The 67 Red Sox lost the series after finishing ninth also. The Washington Senators of the 1920’s were notoriously up and down, but never went worst to first. So, I’m not sure.
by Diamondhacks on
Oct 6, 2008 6:11 PM EDT
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ANOTHER HR for BJ!!
Third time in two days! Rays up 2-0!
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 5:52 PM EDT
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Let's hope this augurs well
For his kid bro doing the same during the playoffs for an expansion franchise in a couple of years. :-)
by Jim McLennan on
Oct 6, 2008 5:57 PM EDT
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Tampa scores again!!
Double and and error for Floyd scores Crawford from first!
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 6:12 PM EDT
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Looking good for the Rays now
Not over yet, but it’s 4-0 now, and they’re still batting.
by Jim McLennan on
Oct 6, 2008 6:14 PM EDT
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The Rays get that run back!! 5-1!
This team is looking good….
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 6:36 PM EDT
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Another HR for the Sox
This time, it’s Dye. But again it was a solo shot.
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 7:01 PM EDT
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Dotel in
and gives up a leadoff double. Hahaha.. one batter, adios Dotel!
(Not a fan of Dotel, in case you couldn’t tell.)
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 7:14 PM EDT
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Hehe
Nice play on words… or do you really want to know?
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 7:15 PM EDT
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Had to leave the computer for a while
(ie wasnt ignoring you)
Lay it on me. Why does Octavio make you go Achhh?
by Diamondhacks on
Oct 6, 2008 8:07 PM EDT
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No worries!
Dotel is kind of like a Richie Sexson for Oakland. He played for Oakland several years back and was no good. We traded for him mid-season, he was okay but not terribly consistent. He was big on imploding in close games. Yet we gave him a big contract and the next year he was out for the season after like a month for elbow surgery. We couldn’t trade him, he left as a FA that off-season. So basically, he was no help to us at all, and Oakland likes to see him struggle. Yes, we’re mean.
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 8:17 PM EDT
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Down with Dotel
is what I say! It’s all coming together for me. Thanks!
by Diamondhacks on
Oct 6, 2008 8:34 PM EDT
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Hehe, you're welcome!
It was a long time ago but it’s one of those things that, as a fan, you just never let go. :D
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 8:38 PM EDT
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Oooh, drama!!
A REALLY close non-strike-3 call to Peña results in an extended at-bat and RBI single. Six to twooooo…. in the 7th.
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 7:24 PM EDT
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Hehe, this is funny
Cub Curse Hits Facebook (ESPN Page 2 article)
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 7:51 PM EDT
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Glad the game's been going well while I was gone
I’m currently looking up recipes for tiramisu.
"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 6, 2008 8:04 PM EDT
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mmhhh....dessert of the gods
Have you tried Olive Garden’s Tirimasu shake? It’s delicious and fits in a cup.
Rockin' October
by Charlie77 on
Oct 6, 2008 8:11 PM EDT
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Why is tiramisu
unlike anyone on this board?
A) It agrees with me.
Wah Hahhhhhhhhhaaaaahaaaaaaahaaahahahahahahaha!
by Diamondhacks on
Oct 6, 2008 8:14 PM EDT
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B)
It’s a delicious foodstuff made from the flesh of gods.
We are gonna get drunk with Adam Dunn and we're gonna head-butt some damn kangaroos.
by soco on
Oct 6, 2008 11:03 PM EDT
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Sounds like
it might be time to nibble on mrssoco again ;-)
by Diamondhacks on
Oct 6, 2008 11:13 PM EDT
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Hard not to root for
our sister expansion franchise. They’re a great story.
by Diamondhacks on
Oct 6, 2008 8:21 PM EDT
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Boooooooooooo
We are gonna get drunk with Adam Dunn and we're gonna head-butt some damn kangaroos.
by soco on
Oct 6, 2008 11:03 PM EDT
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6th expansion team to win their first post-season series
I didn’t see who the others were, I think Milwaukee and San Diego were in that list.
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 8:21 PM EDT
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Hmm, not good for Boston
Lowell placed on the DL for ALDS & ALCS.
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 8:32 PM EDT
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Wouldnt mind
watching the Angels come back. Both are well run teams, but Boston’s kinda supplanted the Yankees as the big spending bogeyman, in my eyes.
Villian Heirarchy (worst to most angelic)
Dodgers
Red Sox
Angels
Phillies
Angel Rays
by Diamondhacks on
Oct 6, 2008 8:39 PM EDT
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I would agree with that
Although I really am torn on the placement for the Red Sox and Angels. I don’t know which one I’d rather see lose more. As Evil Empire #2, I don’t like Boston, but as an AL West team fan, I don’t like Anaheim. I guess at this point I root for Game 5 so we get a game on Wednesday!
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 8:44 PM EDT
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Somewhat agree
Dodgers
Red Sox
Rays
Angels
Phillies
I can’t bring myself to cheer totally for the Rays, since as noted before, I’d rather we remain the youngest team with a World Series ring. The presence of the Dodgers atop the list, probably explains why the Phillies are at the bottom of it…
by Jim McLennan on
Oct 6, 2008 9:14 PM EDT
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I hear ya
I guess the Rays dont threaten me, seeing as we’ll always be the quicker to get there.
At least we’re one mind on the Dodgers.
by Diamondhacks on
Oct 6, 2008 9:23 PM EDT
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Yeah, that's my thought too
We’re not going to lose our spot of “youngest to win a title” until more expansion teams come about. I fully support us remaining the youngest! But I know what you mean about wanting to stay the “most recent”, I guess, the “latest” team to win a title. To me, tho, it’s not as important as the youngest.
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 9:27 PM EDT
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I'm not sure
how much I buy that argument. Sure the Red Sox buy a lot of talent, but they also develop or trade for minor leaguers that become excellent players. I’d say it’s more their fanbase and media that deserve the scorn, not the team.
We are gonna get drunk with Adam Dunn and we're gonna head-butt some damn kangaroos.
by soco on
Oct 6, 2008 11:05 PM EDT
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The fanbase is my main annoyance
They went from “beleaguered martyrs” to “arrogant jackasses” in the blink of an eye.
"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 6, 2008 11:08 PM EDT
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Very true
but that’s more of a fanbase annoyance to me. It seems Boston fans are cut from a particular cloth that includes Cubs fans and yes, even Bills fans.
We are gonna get drunk with Adam Dunn and we're gonna head-butt some damn kangaroos.
by soco on
Oct 6, 2008 11:12 PM EDT
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I agree with both you
and kishi, and said the Sox were “well run”. You guys nailed my source of annoyance better than I did.
by Diamondhacks on
Oct 6, 2008 11:18 PM EDT
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Actually,
I just looked up the two team’s salaries, and they’re closer than I thought.
Red Sox still ahead, but suffice it to say, both sufficiently EVIL for passionate condemnation!
by Diamondhacks on
Oct 6, 2008 8:50 PM EDT
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Ooh, hey I remember last season
that much was made of the Rockies’ low salary rank. 26th, or somewhere thereabouts. Were they the lowest to advance to the WS? NLCS? Well this year’s Rays are 29th! And yet I haven’t heard a peep about it.
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 8:59 PM EDT
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I've heard the Rays payroll
referenced a few times.
The 29th rank would be a record if they won the pennant.
by Diamondhacks on
Oct 6, 2008 9:08 PM EDT
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Oh okay, neat
I just seem to remember it being a much bigger deal last year. Here’s hoping they go on and set the record! :) ::knock on wood::
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 9:11 PM EDT
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Howie Kendrick
bears a striking resemblance to, like, half our lineup.
by Diamondhacks on
Oct 6, 2008 8:58 PM EDT
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Since I have the floor
I thought I might inquire if anyone would be interested in purchasing from the fine array of surprisingly affordable AMWAY products?
by Diamondhacks on
Oct 6, 2008 9:15 PM EDT
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Are they still going?
A guy at college tried to get me to sign up. Could have sworn they’d got shut down by now. Or replaced by…is it Quixtar or something like that?
by Jim McLennan on
Oct 6, 2008 9:17 PM EDT
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I'll count you
as a “maybe” then?
by Diamondhacks on
Oct 6, 2008 9:19 PM EDT
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I've ordered you a supply
of Satinique, our salon quality total hair car system. It’s total, Jim. You’ll love it.
Satinique is endorsed by internationally reknowned hair stylist, Scotsman John Gillespie. His refreshing approach and philosophy make him the ideal spokesperson for the SATINQUE brand.
by Diamondhacks on
Oct 6, 2008 10:11 PM EDT
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Replaced by Quixtar.
My parents had an unfortunate short stay with them a few years ago. No good came of it.
by Azreous on
Oct 6, 2008 11:45 PM EDT
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Just been working
On the “Play of the Year” nominations. Fun to go back and look over some of the candidates, including plays we’d forgotten about. Remember Reynolds’ three-run homer to tie it up in Shea with two outs in the ninth?
by Jim McLennan on
Oct 6, 2008 9:20 PM EDT
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It's funny you mention that one
I was going to nominate that earlier but got sidetracked. I think for “get up out of your chair and yell "yeah!” at the top of your lungs" pizzazz, that was it for me. Sure, we lost, but a great moment, especially since Wagner was pitching better at the time. And to hear the boos at Shea. Priceless.
by Diamondhacks on
Oct 6, 2008 9:27 PM EDT
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And the faces of the Mets' fans in the stands
They looked like someone just shot their dog, or something. Children were crying. Fathers consoling. Just after everyone was methodically clapping the Mets to victory. I didnt even care that much whether we won at that point – it just really made me laugh.
by Diamondhacks on
Oct 6, 2008 9:34 PM EDT
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Angels dodge a bullet
Two on with one out, but Drew flies out deep and Bay is also retired, with the go-ahead run on third. Still scoreless after four. This game is looking every bit as tight as last night’s.
by Jim McLennan on
Oct 6, 2008 9:50 PM EDT
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Two of the three best
teams in baseball, I think. Maybe the two best.
High quality series and kinda getting the feeling the winner here should win it all.
by Diamondhacks on
Oct 6, 2008 9:58 PM EDT
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Boston takes the lead
Only one run, but feels a lot more in this game.
by Jim McLennan on
Oct 6, 2008 10:12 PM EDT
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Make that 2-0
Angels need to stop the bleeding before it’s terminal.
by Jim McLennan on
Oct 6, 2008 10:13 PM EDT
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Every time
I watch Lester (which isnt that often), he looks pretty unhittable. Excellent control to go with his stuff.
by Diamondhacks on
Oct 6, 2008 10:20 PM EDT
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Nine outs left for the Angels
Or their season will be over almost as quickly as the NL’s “best” team…
by Jim McLennan on
Oct 6, 2008 10:23 PM EDT
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I think that's
the only real reason I’m rooting for Boston tonight, is to see the ‘best’ teams both ousted. :)
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 10:31 PM EDT
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Kotsay playing well tonight..
He is probably the only Red Sock I like.
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 10:34 PM EDT
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Not over yet...
Wild pitch/passed ball moves the Angels runners to 2nd & 3rd…
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 10:57 PM EDT
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Very cool
Let’s put some more interest into the series!
"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson
by Scrbl on
Oct 6, 2008 11:00 PM EDT
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Another extra innings game would be fun
Who doesn’t love extra innings? If we got enough, we could get an answer to that curfew question!
"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 6, 2008 11:02 PM EDT
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Holy s---
I just tabbed over to iTunes and this is what I saw.
We are gonna get drunk with Adam Dunn and we're gonna head-butt some damn kangaroos.
by soco on
Oct 6, 2008 11:14 PM EDT
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You're being watched!
It’s ET…. or the Dursley’s car…
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 11:17 PM EDT
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Weird!
Opera, Firefox, and IE? How many browsers do you need?
"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 6, 2008 11:18 PM EDT
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IE is preloaded
I used to use Firefox exclusively but switched to Opera. The only problem with it is that a few websites don’t load well so that’s when I’ll use it in Firefox.
We are gonna get drunk with Adam Dunn and we're gonna head-butt some damn kangaroos.
by soco on
Oct 6, 2008 11:19 PM EDT
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You're not weird, I use 3 too (on my Mac)
I mainly use Safari, but some pages load better in a Mozilla-based browser. I used to use Camino but Firefox 3 has worked pretty well lately so I don’t use Camino much.
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 11:21 PM EDT
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See!
I’m not crazy!
We are gonna get drunk with Adam Dunn and we're gonna head-butt some damn kangaroos.
by soco on
Oct 6, 2008 11:24 PM EDT
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Well, not for that reason at least!
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 11:25 PM EDT
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Valid reasoning
I 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 6, 2008 11:22 PM EDT
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Leadoff double + successful bunt
Looks eerily familiar to last night….
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 11:16 PM EDT
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Come on!
You know, I’d find Heroes far less annoying if I didn’t see at least three scenes each week where one of the characters could have solved something so much easier if they just used their damn superpowers.
"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 6, 2008 11:21 PM EDT
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Boston got lucky there
The squeeze fails, but the umps are using the football rule – the ground cannot cause a fumble.
Wow, Boston’s out of the jam!
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 11:22 PM EDT
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Runner on second for the Red Sox
Bottom of the ninth.
"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 6, 2008 11:29 PM EDT
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Angels look shell shocked....
and Scioscia (sp) is sure to have plenty to whine about in the postgame press conference…
by snakecharmer on
Oct 6, 2008 11:30 PM EDT
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Wherein I start complaining about playoff schedules
What’s with having afternoon games on Friday and Monday, but not Saturday or Sunday? I understand it’s a travel day- NL travels on Saturday, AL travels on Sunday- but why not, say, step the series back a day, have a double header on Saturday, and then the NL travels Sunday and the AL travels Monday? It wouldn’t affect the World Series- this would mean the LCSes would end on the 20th at the latest, and the World Series isn’t scheduled to start until the 22nd anyway.
I know it doesn’t really make much difference, but I like having Saturday afternoon baseball.
"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 7, 2008 1:37 AM EDT
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I agree
I’m seeing reports that the TV ratings for this year’s playoffs are down quite a bit from last year. Some of this may have to do with who’s playing. But how much higher would they be if they played the games when more fans could watch them?
"We...probed them all the way through. They're completely meat." — Terry Bisson
by Scrbl on
Oct 7, 2008 7:57 PM EDT
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