Jays all the way, though it will go down to the wire with the Orioles. Don't much care about the National League, but my money is always on the Cardinals - they excel at making late-season pushes.
Orioles look pretty strong. They came back from a 7-1 against San Francisco and Cueto today. Nat's look flat out unstoppable, I don't think the Cards or anyone else is getting in their way, they are a complete club. Orioles closer Britton is probably best closer in the league IMO, but I am an Os fan.
I hope for the same beltway brawl but with the O's winning it*. But I think Toronto, if they stay hot, has a good shot at the big dance as well. Which pains me to say, because Bautista annoys the feth out of me, and everyone else outside of Toronto, I think.
A Boston World Series would be a good send off for Ortiz as well.
On the National league side, if the Giants find their stride again, they'll have a great chance as well. But then I think the Dodgers are nipping at their heels. I don't watch much NL though, so I'm not sure.
I'll have to doublecheck the schedule, but we get a preview of your Nats/O's world series prediction in a few days, I believe.
*I'm biased and still amped up from the come from behind win today against the Giants. Erasing a 6 run deficit in the closing innings, feth me that was awesome and why I love the sport.
Outside of the Mariners springing to life while 2 games out of the wild card, I don't have much of a horse in this race. It'd be nice to see the Cubs win, only because I like seeing cruses be broken.
Honestly, I think this might be (finally) the Cubs year.
I don't watch much AL ball, outside of the Yankees, but when I marathon 2-3 games per night, I have tended to gravitate toward the Dodgers and Cubs.
The Dodgers seem to keep winning, despite everyone getting sick with everything, or hurt walking down a flat sidewalk. Seriously... the guys on MLB radio this morning compared it to a game of Oregon Trail on the computer. It's almost to the point where players are coming down with Disintery and just weird, off the wall stuff happening... but they keep on truckin' and the GIants have the worse record in the majors since the ASG.
The Cubs just look too damn good... and if Papelbon does the unthinkable and heads there, the back end of that Pen looks ridiculous (But, sorry Papelbon fans, when you got a dude throwing 105, Pap just aint closin) Plus, the young guns that carried the team so far last year is a bit more experienced this year, and are above 500 against teams they'd likely face come October. They aren't a shoe in for the crown, but I'd say they've got a VERY good chance
Ensis Ferrae wrote: Honestly, I think this might be (finally) the Cubs year.
I don't watch much AL ball, outside of the Yankees, but when I marathon 2-3 games per night, I have tended to gravitate toward the Dodgers and Cubs.
The Dodgers seem to keep winning, despite everyone getting sick with everything, or hurt walking down a flat sidewalk. Seriously... the guys on MLB radio this morning compared it to a game of Oregon Trail on the computer. It's almost to the point where players are coming down with Disintery and just weird, off the wall stuff happening... but they keep on truckin' and the GIants have the worse record in the majors since the ASG.
The Cubs just look too damn good... and if Papelbon does the unthinkable and heads there, the back end of that Pen looks ridiculous (But, sorry Papelbon fans, when you got a dude throwing 105, Pap just aint closin) Plus, the young guns that carried the team so far last year is a bit more experienced this year, and are above 500 against teams they'd likely face come October. They aren't a shoe in for the crown, but I'd say they've got a VERY good chance
The Cardinals might sneak in and repeat their 2011 run.
The thing with the O's is they are such a streaky team. They will have hot bats, then they all cool down at the same time, with maybe Alvarez or Schoop picking up the slack but it never seems to be enough. Can't believe we were in 3rd place this morning.
If Gausman had gotten a bit of run support during just half of his outings on the mound this season, the O's would still be in 1st and I feel by a wide margin.
Its going to be a rollercoaster till the playoffs I fear. But weirdly, on the other hand, I hope it stays this close going into the post season. Every game means something.
I'd like to see the pitching tightening up. Gausman was fortunate the bats were on fire because he gave up alot of runs himself.
When they're hot they sure can score. I was looking at the schedule and it's pretty tough. Got alot of Yankees games left, and the big Beltway series against the tough Nat's. I'm gonna try and make one of those games.
Looks like the Astros will get the last laugh. That's the danger of pimping a club on Game 1 of a series. You piss the whole other team off and give them a reason to play harder
Astros put the hurt on the O's, it looks like our neighbors on PA are getting us some payback tonight. I'm trying to catch the new guy, wonder if he's playing tonight
The Orioles look pretty good against the Nats so far. Trumbo just broke his 7 hit/7 homer streak with a base hit RBI.
If the Yankee's surpass them, and its very possible if they keep at it, and they make the playoffs in the wild card slot, Joe Girardi is coach of the year contender, regardless of how far they make it in the post season.
If the Yankee's surpass them, and its very possible if they keep at it, and they make the playoffs in the wild card slot, Joe Girardi is coach of the year contender, regardless of how far they make it in the post season.
I hope the O's can make their stand against the Blue Jays in this series starting tonight. Gasman pitched a hell of a GE yesterday at least.
If everyone sends positive vibes to the universe, Baltimore will make the playoffs. Do it! Baltimore has had an incredibly rough year!
(Quantum physics mandates that in one universe floating in the multiverse, this tactic will be the exact trigger that lands the Orioles to a WS victory...I live in that very universe, and it will happen.)
jasper76 wrote: If everyone sends positive vibes to the universe, Baltimore will make the playoffs. Do it! Baltimore has had an incredibly rough year!
(Quantum physics mandates that in one universe floating in the multiverse, this tactic will be the exact trigger that lands the Orioles to a WS victory...I live in that very universe, and it will happen.)
Yankees just won #5 in a row.... no vibes for you!!! All my vibes are belong to the Yankees!
Ohh... and apparently with the Cardinals losing tonight, the "magic number" for the Cubs is now 8
Red Sox/Cubs match up would be awesome. Diehard Sox fan here, but I think the Cubs would take that series in six with Bryant and Rizzo each hitting a thousand home runs off Rick Porcello.
Red Sox nor Cubs can handle the old PowerPlant, and Orioles pitching is coming around big time, ref. Dylan Bundy, Ubaldo Jimenez, Kevin Gausman, and we have the best closer in the sport bar none. I'm only afraid of the Nats, other National league teams aren't real threat. Cubs always fold and won't make the dance, and Red Sox don't have what it takes to earn a Wild Card this year, sorry Ortiz.
jasper76 wrote: Red Sox nor Cubs can handle the old PowerPlant, and Orioles pitching is coming around big time, ref. Dylan Bundy, Ubaldo Jimenez, Kevin Gausman, and we have the best closer in the sport bar none. I'm only afraid of the Nats, other National league teams aren't real threat. Cubs always fold and won't make the dance, and Red Sox don't have what it takes to earn a Wild Card this year, sorry Ortiz.
This seems like flawed thinking - are you wearing orange and black tinted glasses right now?
jasper76 wrote: Red Sox nor Cubs can handle the old PowerPlant, and Orioles pitching is coming around big time, ref. Dylan Bundy, Ubaldo Jimenez, Kevin Gausman, and we have the best closer in the sport bar none. I'm only afraid of the Nats, other National league teams aren't real threat. Cubs always fold and won't make the dance, and Red Sox don't have what it takes to earn a Wild Card this year, sorry Ortiz.
This seems like flawed thinking - are you wearing orange and black tinted glasses right now?
My guess is this is so... Considering that before July 31st, the Yankees had the de facto best closer in the game, and they traded him.... but not to a team with a bird for a mascot
I admit I'm biased for the Os in general, but Zach Britten is the best closer pitching. 0.63 ERA and a perfect 41/41 Save record. It's hard to argue with numbers. Give this man a Cy Young!
At one point, my Astros were within a game of the 2nd Wild Card spot. Now they're 4 back, having gone 2 - 6 in the last 8 games. Not a time to start a losing streak, guys!
kronk wrote: The Cubs are still a very strong team. They have good pitching, hitting, and fielding.
They've had that combination several times in the past and always came up short when it was Post-Season play time. The missing element, which has finally been addressed, is in the form of Joe Maddon.
jasper76 wrote: I admit I'm biased for the Os in general, but Zach Britten is the best closer pitching. 0.63 ERA and a perfect 41/41 Save record. It's hard to argue with numbers. Give this man a Cy Young!
Typically this Award goes to starters but 41/41 with a .63 ERA...This is worthy.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
jasper76 wrote: Red Sox nor Cubs can handle the old PowerPlant, and Orioles pitching is coming around big time, ref. Dylan Bundy, Ubaldo Jimenez, Kevin Gausman, and we have the best closer in the sport bar none. I'm only afraid of the Nats, other National league teams aren't real threat. Cubs always fold and won't make the dance, and Red Sox don't have what it takes to earn a Wild Card this year, sorry Ortiz.
I don't think they were when jasper76 made that post. Pretty sure the Jays were.
He also stated the Sox didn't have what it takes to win a Wild Card spot. Being in first indicates something different.
Also, when does Fenway get canonized for making Hanley into a consistently decent first baseman? That's a miracle I never saw coming.
This series starting today could cement the Red Sox in first place, and may well determine if the Orioles will make the playoffs. Alot at stakes in the standings. May the best team win. Honestly, I got blindsided by the Sox. I thought Toronto was just going to stay in first place with everybody chasing the wild card.
I'm routing for the Os, but it's really been a great season in the AL East. Like a moshpit and I've had alot of fun watching baseball this year.
I don't think they were when jasper76 made that post. Pretty sure the Jays were.
He also stated the Sox didn't have what it takes to win a Wild Card spot. Being in first indicates something different.
Also, when does Fenway get canonized for making Hanley into a consistently decent first baseman? That's a miracle I never saw coming.
This series starting today could cement the Red Sox in first place, and may well determine if the Orioles will make the playoffs. Alot at stakes in the standings. May the best team win. Honestly, I got blindsided by the Sox. I thought Toronto was just going to stay in first place with everybody chasing the wild card.
I'm routing for the Os, but it's really been a great season in the AL East. Like a moshpit and I've had alot of fun watching baseball this year.
O's are a great team. The whole AL East is great. I certainly didn't think the redsox would even be a top 3 team in the east this year. These guys just never ceases to amaze me. O's need to sweep. Not sure they can do it.
This is true IMO. As a Yankees fan, I certainly didn't expect this season to be all that great (let's be honest, the team was old in Spring Training), but it's turned into something crazy with us even being in the conversation at this stage of the season.
Next season will be crazy for sure. I mean, the Yanks are getting younger and that talent is largely proving itself. The Os and Sox are probably gonna be similar to this year. Tampa Bay is crap right now, but we can already see that they've got some talent coming up as well, especially in their franchise's historical strong point: pitching.
As trends go, I think we're seeing something the Cubs started come out in other clubs, and I think it will ultimately lead to another "high point" in baseball's popularity.
Ensis Ferrae wrote: Tampa Bay is crap right now, but we can already see that they've got some talent coming up as well, especially in their franchise's historical strong point: pitching.
They've been surprisingly good the past few weeks. I think swept, or won their series, against the Jays, then came up even with the O's in their most recent 4 game series. The Rays had a lot of key injuries early and that put them in the basement for the majority of the season. Their hitting coach getting canned seemed to change things up and they are playing high level ball. A lot of raw talent on the team though, which hurt them against the O's.
And yeah, AL East will be a damn madhouse next year.
Generally I don't concern myself with Left Coast sports, but I've been watching the odd Dodgers games here and there lately, just to experience Scully a bit more before he retires.
Just pulled a video at random and its vintage Scully. The references he drops man... Mentioning Greek Gods, a minority sect of Islam, Zodiac signs etc. Dude is a national treasure.
Incidentally, I hate the new Wild Card system. It's absurd that a team would play 162 friggin games and establish a superior record, and risk their season in a 1 game playoff against an opponent with an inferior record.
They should just make it a 3 or better yet 5 game series and let the best team win.
EDIT: Or just have the 2 Wildcard teams play in the first round and give the league leader a by.
jasper76 wrote: Incidentally, I hate the new Wild Card system. It's absurd that a team would play 162 friggin games and establish a superior record, and risk they're season in a 1 game playoff.
They should just make it a 3 or better yet 5 game series and let the best team win.
Or just not do either. You're either a play-off team or you are not.
Each league gets 3 division winners, 1 wild card team, and the rest can feth off.
The one game series is either to break a division lead tie or a wild card tie.
Haven't watched Baseball in years, but I was raised a Cubs fan in Cardinals territory. My grandparents are getting old and my Grandma might not have many years left. Hoping she gets to see an end to the drought before she goes.
Alpharius wrote: Born and raised in Massachusetts, and I don't really know many people with that accent!
Maybe it's just a Boston thing?? Like... you grew up in a "normal" part of Massachusetts, and you guys just don't talk all weird.... In my 10 years in the army, I knew 3 dudes from the Boston area, all of them had that accent, whereas the other 3 or 4 people I knew from the rest of MA didn't.
Dreadwinter wrote: Haven't watched Baseball in years, but I was raised a Cubs fan in Cardinals territory. My grandparents are getting old and my Grandma might not have many years left. Hoping she gets to see an end to the drought before she goes.
Soo, lets go Cubbies!
This is the strongest Cubs team I can remember... so they have a great chance this year.
Dreadwinter wrote: Haven't watched Baseball in years, but I was raised a Cubs fan in Cardinals territory. My grandparents are getting old and my Grandma might not have many years left. Hoping she gets to see an end to the drought before she goes.
Soo, lets go Cubbies!
This is the strongest Cubs team I can remember... so they have a great chance this year.
As a Cards fan, I have to do this:
Completely Useless By September.
As a fellow Cardinals fan, I have to give you an exalt!
Dreadwinter wrote: Haven't watched Baseball in years, but I was raised a Cubs fan in Cardinals territory. My grandparents are getting old and my Grandma might not have many years left. Hoping she gets to see an end to the drought before she goes.
Soo, lets go Cubbies!
This is the strongest Cubs team I can remember... so they have a great chance this year.
As a Cards fan, I have to do this:
Completely
Useless
By
September.
Useless in September? Would that be as useless as the Cardinals' bats during today's Cubs 5-0 Arrieta 5 H, 10 SO shutdown of the Cards...W-H-A-A-A-A-A-A-T!!!!
Dreadwinter wrote: Haven't watched Baseball in years, but I was raised a Cubs fan in Cardinals territory. My grandparents are getting old and my Grandma might not have many years left. Hoping she gets to see an end to the drought before she goes.
Soo, lets go Cubbies!
This is the strongest Cubs team I can remember... so they have a great chance this year.
As a Cards fan, I have to do this:
Completely
Useless
By
September.
Useless in September? Would that be as useless as the Cardinals' bats during today's Cubs 5-0 Arrieta 5 H, 10 SO shutdown of the Cards...W-H-A-A-A-A-A-A-T!!!!
Hey... that's Arrieta. When he's on... no one can hit him.
But, yeah the Cards have a bunch of wiffers on the team (leading the league in HR!).
I'm just submitting the obligatory dig to contribute the Cubs-Cards rivalry.
Dreadwinter wrote: Haven't watched Baseball in years, but I was raised a Cubs fan in Cardinals territory. My grandparents are getting old and my Grandma might not have many years left. Hoping she gets to see an end to the drought before she goes.
Soo, lets go Cubbies!
This is the strongest Cubs team I can remember... so they have a great chance this year.
As a Cards fan, I have to do this:
Completely
Useless
By
September.
Useless in September? Would that be as useless as the Cardinals' bats during today's Cubs 5-0 Arrieta 5 H, 10 SO shutdown of the Cards...W-H-A-A-A-A-A-A-T!!!!
Hey... that's Arrieta. When he's on... no one can hit him.
But, yeah the Cards have a bunch of wiffers on the team (leading the league in HR!).
I'm just submitting the obligatory dig to contribute the Cubs-Cards rivalry.
When I used to go to Wrigley as a kid, the Cards and Phillies were my favorite visiting teams to see a game against.
Dreadwinter wrote: Haven't watched Baseball in years, but I was raised a Cubs fan in Cardinals territory. My grandparents are getting old and my Grandma might not have many years left. Hoping she gets to see an end to the drought before she goes.
Soo, lets go Cubbies!
This is the strongest Cubs team I can remember... so they have a great chance this year.
As a Cards fan, I have to do this:
Completely
Useless
By
September.
Useless in September? Would that be as useless as the Cardinals' bats during today's Cubs 5-0 Arrieta 5 H, 10 SO shutdown of the Cards...W-H-A-A-A-A-A-A-T!!!!
Hey... that's Arrieta. When he's on... no one can hit him.
But, yeah the Cards have a bunch of wiffers on the team (leading the league in HR!).
I'm just submitting the obligatory dig to contribute the Cubs-Cards rivalry.
When I used to go to Wrigley as a kid, the Cards and Phillies were my favorite visiting teams to see a game against.
I've been to at least 10 ballparks... and I'd have to say, the fans at Wrigley was so-much-fun. Just seems like everyone's out to have a good time and party.
The Blackhawk fans? Man... they're way too serious. But, then again, when the 'hawk fans came to the old St. Louis Arena during the Hull & Oates days... it wasn't uncommon to see brawls in the stands.
Dreadwinter wrote: Haven't watched Baseball in years, but I was raised a Cubs fan in Cardinals territory. My grandparents are getting old and my Grandma might not have many years left. Hoping she gets to see an end to the drought before she goes.
Soo, lets go Cubbies!
This is the strongest Cubs team I can remember... so they have a great chance this year.
As a Cards fan, I have to do this:
Completely
Useless
By
September.
Useless in September? Would that be as useless as the Cardinals' bats during today's Cubs 5-0 Arrieta 5 H, 10 SO shutdown of the Cards...W-H-A-A-A-A-A-A-T!!!!
Hey... that's Arrieta. When he's on... no one can hit him.
But, yeah the Cards have a bunch of wiffers on the team (leading the league in HR!).
I'm just submitting the obligatory dig to contribute the Cubs-Cards rivalry.
When I used to go to Wrigley as a kid, the Cards and Phillies were my favorite visiting teams to see a game against.
I've been to at least 10 ballparks... and I'd have to say, the fans at Wrigley was so-much-fun. Just seems like everyone's out to have a good time and party.
The Blackhawk fans? Man... they're way too serious. But, then again, when the 'hawk fans came to the old St. Louis Arena during the Hull & Oates days... it wasn't uncommon to see brawls in the stands.
Having been to Busch Stadium to see plenty of Cards games, I can say that 100% Cardinals fans are some of the biggest douches for no reason.
I take that back, it isn't just Cardinals fans, it is really just fans from the St. Louis area. They really take the fun out of sports rivalries by ramping it up to 12 for no reason.
Dreadwinter wrote: Haven't watched Baseball in years, but I was raised a Cubs fan in Cardinals territory. My grandparents are getting old and my Grandma might not have many years left. Hoping she gets to see an end to the drought before she goes.
Soo, lets go Cubbies!
This is the strongest Cubs team I can remember... so they have a great chance this year.
As a Cards fan, I have to do this:
Completely
Useless
By
September.
Useless in September? Would that be as useless as the Cardinals' bats during today's Cubs 5-0 Arrieta 5 H, 10 SO shutdown of the Cards...W-H-A-A-A-A-A-A-T!!!!
Hey... that's Arrieta. When he's on... no one can hit him.
But, yeah the Cards have a bunch of wiffers on the team (leading the league in HR!).
I'm just submitting the obligatory dig to contribute the Cubs-Cards rivalry.
When I used to go to Wrigley as a kid, the Cards and Phillies were my favorite visiting teams to see a game against.
I've been to at least 10 ballparks... and I'd have to say, the fans at Wrigley was so-much-fun. Just seems like everyone's out to have a good time and party.
The Blackhawk fans? Man... they're way too serious. But, then again, when the 'hawk fans came to the old St. Louis Arena during the Hull & Oates days... it wasn't uncommon to see brawls in the stands.
Having been to Busch Stadium to see plenty of Cards games, I can say that 100% Cardinals fans are some of the biggest douches for no reason.
I take that back, it isn't just Cardinals fans, it is really just fans from the St. Louis area. They really take the fun out of sports rivalries by ramping it up to 12 for no reason.
Yeah... the whole "Best Sports fan in America" is gotten way out of hand here that's simply too much.
Ensis Ferrae wrote: I don't know how many of you guys have seen... but I've been seeing all over the place, that Jose Fernandez died in a boating accident...
Wow, that's horrible about Fernandez. I wish his family and friends well.
In much less serious news, the Nationals lost Wilson Ramos to an injury for the rest of the season. That's a big loss to lose your starting catcher right before the playoffs.
I did and always will remember him as making that insane catch off of a line drive. The bewildered look on the hitters face, and the huge ass smile on Fernandez's face, shaking his head "Yes I caught that".
Tex's walkoff grandslam was spectacular. I went to High School with him , he was a year older but we had some electives together, and I'm happy to see him going out with a bang!
But then up in Toronto, another of my former classmates(2 years younger), Gavin Floyd, who pitches for the Blue Jays is injured, and may be going out on a decline.
Alpharius wrote: It probably doesn't matter anyway - the Giants snuck in to the playoffs, it is an even 'every other year' for them and, well, you know the rest!
While true, I just don't see it this year. Here's to curse breaking
I agree. Crazy good, wouldn't have it any other way.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
Horrible sportsmanship from some d-bag chucking a full water bottle at Kim mid-play in left field.
I thought Canadians were cool, man!
Automatically Appended Next Post: I cant believe they are holding off on Britton. They should put him in, the game is on the line and a runner is in scoring position.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Congrats Blue Jays fan. Excellent game. Showalter should have had Britton in there. I can't believe they didn't go to him.
Horrible sportsmanship from some d-bag chucking a full water bottle at Kim mid-play in left field.
I thought Canadians were cool, man!
Just as a general observation, it seems that stereotypical Canadian politeness doesn't really apply to the Toronto fan base and, in this case, much of the Blue Jays team (if you hadn't noticed, damn near every time there was a major incident involving batters getting plunked and things getting hostile, Toronto was involved)
Well, my interest has mostly waned now that the Cardinals are out. However, as much as it is stereotyped that Cards fans hate the Cubs, I actually would not mind seeing them win, considering it's been like over 100 years.
With the Os out, I'll be following Nats games just to stay in it, but I also wouldn't mind seeing the Cubs win it all. It would be awesome for their fans.
Horrible sportsmanship from some d-bag chucking a full water bottle at Kim mid-play in left field.
I thought Canadians were cool, man!
Just as a general observation, it seems that stereotypical Canadian politeness doesn't really apply to the Toronto fan base and, in this case, much of the Blue Jays team (if you hadn't noticed, damn near every time there was a major incident involving batters getting plunked and things getting hostile, Toronto was involved)
That's a good point - and Toronto is definitely a rather unlikable team filled with a bunch of hardos.
ZergSmasher wrote: Well, my interest has mostly waned now that the Cardinals are out. However, as much as it is stereotyped that Cards fans hate the Cubs, I actually would not mind seeing them win, considering it's been like over 100 years.
ZergSmasher wrote: Well, my interest has mostly waned now that the Cardinals are out. However, as much as it is stereotyped that Cards fans hate the Cubs, I actually would not mind seeing them win, considering it's been like over 100 years.
ZergSmasher wrote: Well, my interest has mostly waned now that the Cardinals are out. However, as much as it is stereotyped that Cards fans hate the Cubs, I actually would not mind seeing them win, considering it's been like over 100 years.
ZergSmasher wrote: Well, my interest has mostly waned now that the Cardinals are out. However, as much as it is stereotyped that Cards fans hate the Cubs, I actually would not mind seeing them win, considering it's been like over 100 years.
Yeah, that wasn't pretty. Oh whale. We lost to the Rays in game one of the ALDS in a similar fashion but went on to win the series. Darvish goes tomorrow. Just hope he's ready for it.
Yeah, that wasn't pretty. Oh whale. We lost to the Rays in game one of the ALDS in a similar fashion but went on to win the series. Darvish goes tomorrow. Just hope he's ready for it.
Ouch. That could have gone better. Darvish and Hamels pooping the bed was just...unbelievable. Thing that sucks the most is, Astros, Athletics and Mariners will only get better. Seems like Hamels may have hit a wall. We traded away Roark to the Nats in 2010 for a catcher that I don't remember (we cut him the same year, too) and Kyle Hendricks and Carl Edwards to the Cubs in 2012 for Demster. Ugh. Darvish won't be back after 2017.
Brutal end to the season. Always next year, though. Congrats to the Jays.
Amen, come join the Nats bandwagon. Anyone but the Jays. Toronto trash threw a full beer can at Kim, its on tape, and I haven't seen anyone come to account over that international fiasco!
Washington is carrying the torch of Mid-Atlantic pride, decency, and sportsmanship!
Amen, come join the Nats bandwagon. Anyone but the Jays. Toronto trash threw a full beer can at Kim, its on tape, and I haven't seen anyone come to account over that international fiasco!
Washington is carrying the torch of Mid-Atlantic pride, decency, and sportsmanship!
I'm all about franchises getting their first title. Go Nats!
Bold prediction there - you should wait until the two league championship series are done to really lock that in!
No risk, no reward. Certainly gives me incentive to stay on top of the playoffs and hopefully keep my mind from focusing too much on the election gakpile.
Ensis Ferrae wrote: Ohh my.... what a game the Giants/Cubs game is tonight....
You don't have to be a fan of either team to appreciate October baseball
I just had a cup of coffee to stay up and watch. West Coast games are killers to watch! Cubs clutch in top of 9th to keep game alive. C'mon Montgomery!
And we go to the 11th, 5-5...
Top of the 13th, still 5-5, but I feel the Cubs are about to open this thing up...lots of good contact in EI, just gotta find where they ain't! Men on first and second, one out...
Double Play by pinch hitter...epic sadness.
whembly wrote: Dayum... That Giants "magic" is rearing it's ugly head now...
Cubs are in trouble...
You know, I've become accustomed to your false equivalency nonsense in the US Politics thread, don't start sprinkling Giants fairy dust nonsense over here as well!
Cubs are fine. Still up 2 games to 1, but Lackey goes tonight. Not their best starter by far, but get him some early run support and they'll close out the series tonight.
Otherwise, you have Johnny Cueto on Thursday night.
Frankly I don't think anyone can take anything for granted this year. All the Division series have been total upsets to date. Even the Jays beating the O's was a surprise (given the Jays awful, awful September). Then you have Boston getting swept to boot.
I'll be honest...I want the Nats to beat the Dodgers but I wanted Kershaw/The Dodgers to win that game so that people will stop pooping all over his lack of mental toughness.
I would like the CUBS to win it all, but I'd be OK with the INDIANS taking it all too...
This right here for me... EXCEPT for that I would most definitely NOT be Ok with the Indians winning it. And literally, this is for the simple fact that the Cavaliers won the NBA title this year, and I'd really fething hate to hear about Lebron in a fething baseball conversation.
I would like the CUBS to win it all, but I'd be OK with the INDIANS taking it all too...
This right here for me... EXCEPT for that I would most definitely NOT be Ok with the Indians winning it. And literally, this is for the simple fact that the Cavaliers won the NBA title this year, and I'd really fething hate to hear about Lebron in a fething baseball conversation.
Now, now. I'm not at all a Cavs fan, but nothing but absolute respect for the way Lebron brought it on the cusp of elimination. That's MJ level awesomeness! MJ reference brings it back on topic as he played for the White Sox, who are enjoying the other Chicago baseball team in the post season from beaches of their choosing.
Cubs doing what the Rangers couldn't. That rotation, hurt as it is, is coming around at the right time.
I'd be okay with Indians or Cubs winning as well. But man, it's gonna suck for someone if both teams get into the World Series. 100+ vs 70+ year drought.
I would like the CUBS to win it all, but I'd be OK with the INDIANS taking it all too...
This right here for me... EXCEPT for that I would most definitely NOT be Ok with the Indians winning it. And literally, this is for the simple fact that the Cavaliers won the NBA title this year, and I'd really fething hate to hear about Lebron in a fething baseball conversation.
But Cleveland isn't going for one world series...not two...not three...not even four...
I will also agree with Holy Clayton Kershaw Batman!!... even though there were a couple pitches that definitely were called wrongly in his favor....
Also, is it just me, or are the lights at Wrigley ONLY on the home plate side of the park? The outfield, and outfield facing shadows on the players is a bit wonky for TV viewing.
Jays battled their way out of a September slump that nearly cost them a spot in the ALDS (from first place in August), and now they're just sliding right back into it.
So terrible. I wouldn't mind them getting beaten in big games, but these little under 10 run total games are not the kind of ball we've been used to seeing them play all year.
Totally agree, just annoyed they aren't playing to their potential. Cleveland has great pitching, but the Jays have done well against their full pitching staff this season and on top of that they're 3 men short.
More Dakka wrote: Totally agree, just annoyed they aren't playing to their potential. Cleveland has great pitching, but the Jays have done well against their full pitching staff this season and on top of that they're 3 men short.
Seems like Cleveland is running out of pitching finally. If the Jays had won just 1 other game I would say they would win this series but they dug the hole as deep as possible before they started hitting.
As much as I thought Jays momentum would carry them to the Series, it's nice to know that jerk-off beer can throwing Jay's fan will now be sitting out the festivities.
BigWaaagh wrote: As much as I thought Jays momentum would carry them to the Series, it's nice to know that jerk-off beer can throwing Jay's fan will now be sitting out the festivities.
GO CUBS!!!!
Was listening to a tiny bit of game 5 yesterday, and apparently they had some kind of wall jumping fan event during the game. Of course, the XM feed I was listening to must have been the Cleveland feed because of the commentator reactions
Not a Cubs fan, but I'll root for them this World Series. But that's probably a death sentence as anything I root for starts losing immediately! I won't be sad if Cleveland finally gets their win, either.
You might well be right, but it's just one game. The Cubs did score, what, 16 runs in the last 3 games? Also, the Cubs' ace goes today.
This.... And the "experts" last night were talking at the end of the game about how ridiculously deep the Cubs rotation is, with Lester or Lackey going in game 5....
Also, if the series goes 6 or 7 games, the bullpen usage will most likely be a key factor, what with Andrew Miller throwing 40-something pitches last night.
BigWaaagh wrote: FYI, due to weather, Game 2 has now been moved up 1 hour!!!!! Plan accordingly.
If ya ain't watching, y'all better hurry up... it's already the 5th inning. Although I will say that depending on your allegiances this season, you may just want to avoid it altogether
Heck of a game tonight... It's pretty clear that no matter the outcome of the series, the losing team will most likely not have lost due to any sort of curses, especially if the remaining games are played like the first three have.
kronk wrote: Yep, even with the loss, the Cleveland pitching has been impressive this series.
Advantage is still to the Indians in my book (and probably most people's), but the Cubs showed some life last night.
Yep... but the problem, as I see it for Cleveland is that tomorrow night, the series is back in Cleveland, where the Cubs can use Schwarber, who's been hitting extremely well this series... I also suspect that Madden may move Baez down the batting order some more. Clearly the Cubs love his glove (and rightly so, it's ridiculous), but his bat right now is a bit of a liability.
So, with Schwarber DHing, and the Cubs starting rotation, which even Francona is wary of... I think this series is much closer than we really think.
As a Clevelander all I have to say is look at the strike zone they have been giving the Cubs. The Umps have appeared to favor the Cubs on many pitches. Rather win at home, so Im fine with the games coming back. I never imagined we would take two from the Cubs at Wrigley anyway.
Alpharius wrote: ...you're not seriously Ump-Blaming here, are you?
I thought the Seahawks fans over in the NFL thread were bad enough!
Lol.. the truth is, certain umps are known for a particularly "generous" strike zone to certain pitchers... If you really need evidence, look back at Kershaw's first start against the Cubs in the CS.
The thing is, with *those* umpires, the good/best hitters will change their approach, sometimes successfully, sometimes not. And I cannot recall a time where it cost a team an entire series, since the crew does rotate from game to game.
We’re not sure what’s more expected, a Cleveland team in the World Series, or the instance of ties in back to back weeks in the NFL.
The Cardinals and Seahawks found themselves at 6-6 when the clock struck zero in overtime and the Bengals and Redskins brought a tie to the UK in their game in London.
Regardless, the two do have a connection. The last time the NFL saw two ties in a single season was 1997, the same year the Cleveland Indians lost in seven games to the Florida Marlins.
The Chicago Cubs of course won Sunday night at Wrigley Field, holding off elimination and climbing somewhat back into the series at 3 game to 2 heading back to Cleveland for the final two games.
Andrew1975 wrote: As a Clevelander all I have to say is look at the strike zone they have been giving the Cubs. The Umps have appeared to favor the Cubs on many pitches. Rather win at home, so Im fine with the games coming back. I never imagined we would take two from the Cubs at Wrigley anyway.
You did take 2! The Indians won 2 of the 3 games in Chicago!
This is a great Series! Hoping the Cubs pull it off! Just so all the "3-1" comments in reference to the Golden State Warriors blowing their 3-1 lead against the Cleveland Cavaliers on every sports page I go to subsides a bit.
Looking at the first page of this thread was pretty funny at how wrong some of us were. I think only Ensis predicted the Cubs to go to the big dance.
Alpharius wrote: ...you're not seriously Ump-Blaming here, are you?
I thought the Seahawks fans over in the NFL thread were bad enough!
Lol.. the truth is, certain umps are known for a particularly "generous" strike zone to certain pitchers... If you really need evidence, look back at Kershaw's first start against the Cubs in the CS.
The thing is, with *those* umpires, the good/best hitters will change their approach, sometimes successfully, sometimes not. And I cannot recall a time where it cost a team an entire series, since the crew does rotate from game to game.
They do. Game 7, 2011 World Series...I'm not saying the umps cost the Rangers that game, but even some Cards fans have gone "Yeah...Carpenter got some calls there for sure."
Some? 15 Ball/Strike calls went against the Rangers as opposed to 3 for the Cards. Electronic Strike zone...it's easy and it's almost 100% accurate.
With that salty rant over....
Congrats, Cubbies.
Just 4-ish months till pitchers and catchers report.
Now, hopefully, when a team doesn't win, it can just be down to not getting it done on the field, or maybe an inept manager or front office!
Death to Baseball Curses - Hallelujah!
Yeah... before the game I heard talk of a trade Cleveland made in the 50s or so that had lead some to say there was a "curse".... but I'm glad that never caught on and people realized the team just sucked.
And my FB feed has been blowing up with the "happy riots" going on in chicago... Apparently revelers broke in to Wrigley, there was a naked dude on the mound, some light poles got taken down and paraded around (with live wires).... and apparently a Taco Bell sign as well.
All I can say is that for as long as I've been watching baseball... a good 25 years now, I've seen some bad, bad, horrible Cubs teams and I never thought I'd see the day the Cubs would win the World Series. Congrats to those players, their actual fans and everyone involved on the win. Congrats to Cleveland to making it that far, and playing so damn tough for 7 games, the Baseball Gods had already decided this game though.
Now, hopefully, when a team doesn't win, it can just be down to not getting it done on the field, or maybe an inept manager or front office!
Death to Baseball Curses - Hallelujah!
Yeah... before the game I heard talk of a trade Cleveland made in the 50s or so that had lead some to say there was a "curse".... but I'm glad that never caught on and people realized the team just sucked.
And my FB feed has been blowing up with the "happy riots" going on in chicago... Apparently revelers broke in to Wrigley, there was a naked dude on the mound, some light poles got taken down and paraded around (with live wires).... and apparently a Taco Bell sign as well.
All I can say is that for as long as I've been watching baseball... a good 25 years now, I've seen some bad, bad, horrible Cubs teams and I never thought I'd see the day the Cubs would win the World Series. Congrats to those players, their actual fans and everyone involved on the win. Congrats to Cleveland to making it that far, and playing so damn tough for 7 games, the Baseball Gods had already decided this game though.
I said the same thing to my wife last night. I never thought I'd see this in my life time. Over the years, the Cubs have had some notably horrible teams, management and ownership, obviously, but they've also had some really stacked and talented teams as well. What's the difference this year? It's all about the Maddon, baby!
Oh, yeah, the Ricketts family who brought in Theo Epstein...who brought Maddon in...was just a little responsible as well! Vertical, winning integration!
As an old colleague of mine was fond of saying, "The proof is in the pudding.". Every time JM shuffled that line-up the Cubs bats responded! On the other side of the coin, I wouldn't have wished that relief/closer pitching shuffle on anybody, but the job got done! (Cues Queen's "We are the Champions")
Alpharius wrote: So, "Even a blind squirrel can find a nut" would also apply too then?
If he can find it best of seven, after two best of fives and with the best record for the year against all the other blind squirrels, sure.(Cue Queen's "We will rock you.")
Well, this Cardinals fan says congrats to the Cubs. Just remember, for the Cubs, it's a once in 4 generations thing. For the Cardinals, it's a tradition.
Maddon just about out-managed himself in Games 6 and 7 here, and came REAL close to becoming the New Goat himself!
IMO... as BigWaagh pointed out, Maddon's moves in the lineup worked.... IIRC, he had similar effect on players in Tampa as well. However, and this also comes as a Yankees fan who "got" to see a lot of Maddon down there, I think that dealing with pitchers just may be his achilles' heel.
Still... an amazing game that should be filed alongside other "all-time great game 7s"
The line up moves worked well, no doubt. Over using Chatman was damn near criminal. Especially on a team with a recent history of destroying pitchers through over use. (Kerry Wood, Mark Prior)
Why the feth did they bring him in Game 6 when they were up by 5, leave him in when up by 7, when you might need him at 100% (And they fething did) for Game 7. Do not tell me that a rested Chapman would have blown that Game 7 lead. Nearly lost the whole damn thing right there.
It was a great series for baseball, and I'm very happy for the Cubs and their fans. However, I'm still scratching my head over his misuse of Chapman.
kronk wrote: The line up moves worked well, no doubt. Over using Chatman was damn near criminal. Especially on a team with a recent history of destroying pitchers through over use. (Kerry Wood, Mark Prior)
Why the feth did they bring him in Game 6 when they were up by 5, leave him in when up by 7, when you might need him at 100% (And they fething did) for Game 7. Do not tell me that a rested Chapman would have blown that Game 7 lead. Nearly lost the whole damn thing right there.
It was a great series for baseball, and I'm very happy for the Cubs and their fans. However, I'm still scratching my head over his misuse of Chapman.
To be fair, I think the Indians were in the exact same situation with Kluber and Miller.
My son just texted me that the crowd is INSANE downtown for the rally and parade!!!!! I asked him to take some pictures and hopefully I'll figure out how to put them up on Dakka before tonight.
