The Playoffs

[Bench]

TB up 3-0 in the 5th.  The Cleveland crowd has been pretty silent the last three innings.

[austro]

The camera angle has me completely screwed up. There have been at least half-a-dozen times that I was sure that Cobb was going to hit a guy, and then it misses without the batter even really looking concerned.

[geezerdonk]

Cobb is muy hombre coming back strong from the June beaning.

[JimR]

Cobb is muy hombre coming back strong from the June beaning.

Mr. Charley was in the house.

[Mr. Happy]

Clutch hitting by the Piroots in the eighth frame and enough pitching by Liriano on a night when he wasn't particularly sharp clips the fucking birds of St. Louis. A home game to ice for Pittsburgh? This is like game 5 for Pittsburgh in my opinion. If they don't win today, then they've got little chance of going back to Jakeville and winning another game there.

[Ebby Calvin]

Check out the Card/Pirates game.  8th inning, Wacha has allowed one walk.

[MusicMan]

Make it 2-1, no-no gone on HR from Alvarez.

[Ebby Calvin]

Check out the Card/Pirates game.  8th inning, Wacha has allowed one walk.

....and Alvarez breaks up the no-no with a solo shot.  2-1 Jakes.

[Ebby Calvin]

Make it 2-1, no-no gone on HR from Alvarez.

For the record, he still has allowed only one walk.

[Ebby Calvin]

For the record, he still has allowed only one walk.

...and Russel Martin walks, next batter.  I need to learn to use this power for good.

[Mr. Happy]

The Piroots had their chance but let it slip away. I don't give them much of a chance back in St. Louis. I did enjoy the Athletics pulling out the lumber yesterday and beating the Tigers at their own game. I'm hoping that the Athletics advance.

[Mr. Happy]

The Piroots had their chance but let it slip away. I don't give them much of a chance back in St. Louis. I did enjoy the Athletics pulling out the lumber yesterday and beating the Tigers at their own game. I'm hoping that the Athletics advance.

The BoSox advanced, but the A's are going to have problems with big money Verlander going against them. I'd probably start Gray over Colon, even though he is a rookie. He looked mighty good in game one. It'll be interesting to see who the A's run out there to the bump.

[Mr. Happy]

I had no idea that this season series is this close between these two teams. Go Buccos!!!

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Someone told Freese is was October. Cards up 2-0 after two.

[Mr. Happy]

And then there were four... Of how I came to become a Detroit Tigers fan.

[MusicMan]

I can't root for any of these teams.

[Mr. Happy]

I can't root for any of these teams.

I feel your pain. My wife is demanding that I support the local nine, in my case, Detroit. My heart won't be in it even if I decide to do so. Under no circumstances can I root for the Red Sox, Dojers or Jakes!

[austro]

I can't root for any of these teams.

When in doubt, go for the combination that will give Bud the smaller TV audience and the most pain. In this case, that's probably St Louis vs Detroit.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

When in doubt, go for the combination that will give Bud the smaller TV audience and the most pain. In this case, that's probably St Louis vs Detroit.

Since they are no longer division rivals I have no problem rooting for the Cardinals. A model organization.

[juliogotay]

What is the indifference  towards Detroit?

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

What is the indifference  towards Detroit?

Traditionally I have almost always rooted for the NL. But That cocksucker Selig fucked tradition so hard in its ass, that is not to be found. However, it is presumed to be curled up in a fetal position in some anonymous shower stall at the MLB head offices. So, if it comes to it, I'd easily root for the Tiggers over the Dojers.

[Mr. Happy]

Traditionally I have almost always rooted for the NL. But That cocksucker Selig fucked tradition so hard in its ass, that is not to be found. However, it is presumed to be curled up in a fetal position in some anonymous shower stall at the MLB head offices. So, if it comes to it, I'd easily root for the Tiggers over the Dojers.

+1

[juliogotay]

I still find myself pulling for the NL. Probably always will until they corrupt their game with the non-player being allowed to pinch-hit every time the pitcher's spot comes up.

[Mr. Happy]

I still find myself pulling for the NL. Probably always will until they corrupt their game with the non-player being allowed to pinch-hit every time the pitcher's spot comes up.

Even with the hated fucking Dojers and Jakes??? Where are your memories, man?

[Bench]

I've always been a big fan of Jim Leyland, and I enjoy watching a lot of the Tigers play:  Verlander, Cabrera, Scherzer, Jackson, etc... I even like Prince now that he's not wearing a Brewers uniform.  I would love to see Iglesias stick it to the Red Sox.

I have a soft spot for the Dodgers.  First, I was too young in the early 80's to really be aware of that rivalry with the Astros.  But more significantly, I grew up in San Antonio going to over half of the Missions games each season, who were the AA club for the Dodgers for my entire childhood.  Getting to know and root for those players naturally led to affinity for the Dodgers once they made it to the big club. 

I guess my ideal at this point would be Tigers over Dodgers because fuck Donnie Baseball.

[Mr. Happy]

I've always been a big fan of Jim Leyland, and I enjoy watching a lot of the Tigers play:  Verlander, Cabrera, Scherzer, Jackson, etc... I even like Prince now that he's not wearing a Brewers uniform.  I would love to see Iglesias stick it to the Red Sox.

I have a soft spot for the Dodgers.  First, I was too young in the early 80's to really be aware of that rivalry with the Astros.  But more significantly, I grew up in San Antonio going to over half of the Missions games each season, who were the AA club for the Dodgers for my entire childhood.  Getting to know and root for those players naturally led to affinity for the Dodgers once they made it to the big club. 

I guess my ideal at this point would be Tigers over Dodgers because fuck Donnie Baseball.

I totally get what you are saying. I'm much older and remember the Dojers well. Too well. I have a picture of me and Tommy Lasorda in his Dojer uni on my desk. There's a funny story behind that pic. Tommy was a buddy of my former boss in the LSU Athletics Dept, who was a state representative. When the Dojers and Athletics were playing an exhibition game in the Superdome, my former boss had a fund raiser, and his buddy Lasorda showed up for it. I identified myself as an Astros fan, and he immediately berated me, screaming that he couldn't believe that I pulled for such a "horseshit organization." I fire back that I remember 1981 very well, that I've always hated the Dojers and that I always would. We're in each other's face (Tommy is quite a bit shorter than I am), but when the camera rolled by, we take the most serene picture that looks as if we're chums. Just 15 seconds earlier, we were screaming at each other too!

[JimR]

Dodgers v. Tigers is my ideal WS. Brooklyn was my favorite team from when i started watching baseball until the Dodgers moved west. Detroit was my Dad's favorite team because they tried to sign him out of HS. I will root for the Dodgers.

[OregonStrosFan]

Dodgers v. Tigers is my ideal WS. Brooklyn was my favorite team from when i started watching baseball until the Dodgers moved west. Detroit was my Dad's favorite team because they tried to sign him out of HS. I will root for the Dodgers.

LAD v. DET is preferred 2013 WS at this point as well.  Frankly, I'm a big fan of Jim Leyland, like a number of the DET players, and wouldn't exactly mind DET getting a ring.  As for LAD, first and foremost, they are not the Cardinals, so they have that going for them.  And lastly, the chance to catch Vin call a World Series game on the radio is enough for me to root for LAD to make it in and of itself...

[NeilT]

All 4 teams have pretty great uniforms, but Dodgers/Tigers are really outstanding.

[Bench]

And lastly, the chance to catch Vin call a World Series game on the radio is enough for me to root for LAD to make it in and of itself...

Fantastic point.  Can you get the Dodgers radio feed over the interwebs?

[OregonStrosFan]

Fantastic point.  Can you get the Dodgers radio feed over the interwebs?

I've been picking it up via MLB.com Gameday, but honestly don't know if it will continue through the WS (though'd be inclined to think it will).

[juliogotay]

Dodgers v. Tigers is my ideal WS. Brooklyn was my favorite team from when i started watching baseball until the Dodgers moved west. Detroit was my Dad's favorite team because they tried to sign him out of HS. I will root for the Dodgers.

Before Texas had pro sports, my dad always pulled for Detroit for some reason. Both Tigers and Lions. I think he liked the Lions because they had a few Texas guys up there. Layne, Walker and Lary of course.

[juliogotay]

All 4 teams have pretty great uniforms, but Dodgers/Tigers are really outstanding.

For me, Tigers home whites are the best in baseball. I wish they still played in the old park. It looked great on tv.

[mrpink]

Why in the hell is Ron Darling on TV? I'd rather listen to James Woods than that smug prick.

[Aussie Astro]

I can't root for any of these teams.

Same here, my only thought is anyone but Boston.

The season has been a shocker from start to finish and for about ther third year in a row the OWA forum has been more entertaining than the Astros games.  I am looking forward to November 1st, live baseball on warm evenings with cold beer (and our guys win a lot which helps).

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

  I am looking forward to November 1st, live baseball on warm evenings with cold beer (and our guys win a lot which helps).

Is Melbourne still shitty?

[Bench]

Bottom of the 13th and I still hate the cardinals.

[Bench]

Beltran lives for the postseason.  I'm glad the Astros had him when he was at his best.

[Mr. Happy]

Beltran lives for the postseason.  I'm glad the Astros had him when he was at his best.

He really does, but I still detest him.

[Mr. Happy]

Rosenthal came out throwing gas in the ninth frame. The Dojers were overmatched. That 3-2 pitch to Puig was fucking perfect.

[Aussie Astro]

Is Melbourne still shitty?

In a baseball sense, yes.  In a general sense, HELL YES!

[Ron Brand]

Scherzer is dominating right now. 7 Ks in three innings.

[Ron Brand]

I'm tired of the beard. Really.

[Bench]

The red sox can't seem to get a hit off any tigers starter and Verlander hasn't even pitched yet.

[Uncle Charlie]

The red sox can't seem to get a hit off any tigers starter and Verlander hasn't even pitched yet.

It seems they were waiting for the bully tonight.  I think the Tigers still win the ALCS though.

[remy]

I think the Tigers still win the ALCS though.

If not, looks like we could be in for a 2004 WS rematch.  Oh joy.

[NeilT]

2004 was good because it was the year before 2005.

[JimR]

Before Texas had pro sports, my dad always pulled for Detroit for some reason. Both Tigers and Lions. I think he liked the Lions because they had a few Texas guys up there. Layne, Walker and Lary of course.

Night Train Lane

[juliogotay]

Night Train Lane

Great player...didn't realize he was from Austin until I just Googled him.

[JimR]

Great player...didn't realize he was from Austin until I just Googled him.

old Anderson HS

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

old Anderson HS

Same school as "Hollywood" Henderson.

[Mr. Happy]

Pitchers are dominating these playoffs in both leagues. Ryu tossed a gem last night, and Wainright didn't make many mistakes either. Go pitchers!

[roadrunner]

I love Puig.

[Mr. Happy]

I love Puig.

He's a great talent, no doubt about that. However, his behavior on the field needs a lot of work.

[MusicMan]

He's a great talent, no doubt about that. However, his behavior on the field needs a lot of work.

Very good point by Nomar on the radio: Most players iron that out in the minors.  He didn't have much time there.

[Mr. Happy]

Very good point by Nomar on the radio: Most players iron that out in the minors.  He didn't have much time there.

I agree with Nomar. Hopefully, some of the veterans in the Dojers clubhouse will impress upon him how a big leaguer is to carry and deport himself.

[Mr. Happy]

Is anyone else watching Verlander this afternoon? He is absolutely fucking filthy. Six punchouts in a row and counting. He threw what Joe Morgan would have described as a motherfucking curve ball to catch Ellsbury looking. Lackey now has four K's in a row too. Go pitchers!

[roadrunner]

He's a great talent, no doubt about that. However, his behavior on the field needs a lot of work.

I don't know.  It's not like he's Miley Cyrus.  He's just playing really hard with a lot of emotion.  I know that is against unwritten rules, but is it really that bad to play 110% and have fun while doing it? 

[remy]

He's just playing really hard with a lot of emotion.  I know that is against unwritten rules, but is it really that bad to play 110% and have fun while doing it? 

Lima time!

[Mr. Happy]

I don't know.  It's not like he's Miley Cyrus.  He's just playing really hard with a lot of emotion.  I know that is against unwritten rules, but is it really that bad to play 110% and have fun while doing it? 

You can have fun without showing the opposition up like he's doing, and he clearly intends to show them up too. He's earned some chin music.

[Mr. Happy]

The Jakes-Dojers game last night didn't feature particularly sharp starting pitching, but both bullpens did great jobs. The Dojers have a 1.64 ERA in the four games thus far, but the Co-ards are even better at 1.62. The Jakes have hit .148 and still have won three of four games. The Dojers have only hit .223.

[VirtualBob]

Is anyone else watching Verlander this afternoon? He is absolutely fucking filthy. Six punchouts in a row and counting. He threw what Joe Morgan would have described as a motherfucking curve ball to catch Ellsbury looking. Lackey now has four K's in a row too. Go pitchers!

I agree (though I was sorry to see Verlander leave a fat one for Napoli).  I much prefer a pitching-and-defense gem to a slugfest.

[Ebby Calvin]

You can have fun without showing the opposition up like he's doing, and he clearly intends to show them up too. He's earned some chin music.

I'm not sure he's clearly intending to show up the opposition - I just think he's trying to pump up his own team/crowd and he's a fiery guy.  This is coming from a guy who didn't mind Greenvalley's antics on the mound, either.

[roadrunner]

You can have fun without showing the opposition up like he's doing, and he clearly intends to show them up too. He's earned some chin music.

I don't think he's trying to show the opposition up.  Just plays with emotion like they do in Cuba

[Mr. Happy]

I don't think he's trying to show the opposition up.  Just plays with emotion like they do in Cuba

He's not in Cuba; this is the Show. Act like you belong there. That's my point.

[Bench]

FYI you can listen to ESPN radio's coverage of the games online on espn.com. 

[Bench]

FYI you can listen to ESPN radio's coverage of the games online on espn.com. 

I got to say, the annoying coke ads might not be as bad as the 90 second prerecorded HOT SPORTS TAKES running between innings listening via espn.com.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Cards score four runs in the third. The Dojers have their work cut out for them.

[Uncle Charlie]

Gear catch by Beltran.

[Bench]

God I hate the cardinals.  I would even root for the red sox over them.  And I lived in Boston for 8 years, I know how awful those fans are.

[NeilT]

God I hate the cardinals.  I would even root for the red sox over them.  And I lived in Boston for 8 years, I know how awful those fans are.

It's cathartic to realize how much I hate the Cardinals.  I'd rather see the Dodgers win, and that's saying something.  But Boston?  This is going to end badly.

[Bench]

It's cathartic to realize how much I hate the Cardinals.  I'd rather see the Dodgers win, and that's saying something.  But Boston?  This is going to end badly.

It will end badly.

[Mr. Happy]

Well, that settles it. Go AL!!!

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I'm glad an organization, that built their team the way the Cardinals did, beat the Dodgers with their $216 million payroll. Fuck teams that try to buy a title.

[Mr. Happy]

I'm glad an organization, that built their team the way the Cardinals did, beat the Dodgers with their $216 million payroll. Fuck teams that try to buy a title.

I agree. It is a good sign for the Astros.

[Bench]

Bless his heart, the fellow can hit.  But other than that Prince Fielder is a horrible baseball player.

[subnuclear]

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/193qqclin4calgif/original.gif

[Bench]

http://img.gawkerassets.com/img/193qqclin4calgif/original.gif

That gif is so wonderful.  He totally thought the bag would be there when he fell down. 

[Reuben]

That gif is so wonderful.  He totally thought the bag would be there when he fell down. 

I thought he was trying to get a piece of that fielder standing there, so he could be safe on interference.

[Bench]

The tigers have done everything they can to lose this game, but I totally recognized that 0-2 pitch from Veras. 

[Reuben]

By the way, a tad excessive there, all the chest-thumping by Victorino?

[Bench]

By the way, a tad excessive there, all the chest-thumping by Victorino?

He's been an asshole for many years. 

[Mr. Happy]

He's been an asshole for many years. 

But the dude is money.

[Mr. Happy]

The Jakes cranked out 13 hits to raise their series BA to .211, where the Dojers also finished. But there was over a run difference in the team series ERA.

[VirtualBob]

Bless his heart, the fellow can hit.  But other than that Prince Fielder is a horrible baseball player.

+10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000