2011 Playoffs

[HudsonHawk]

i'd like to know why LaGenius thiought Pujols was going to hit the ball on the ground to the right side on a 3-2 pitch.

I don't think that's what LaRussa meant. I think Verducci is misinterpreting. You've got a 3-2 count on the best hitter in the league who rarely strikes out and rarely swings at bad pitches but does hit into the double play  regularly. I thought it was a sound call.

[MusicMan]

I don't think that's what LaRussa meant. I think Verducci is misinterpreting. You've got a 3-2 count on the best hitter in the league who rarely strikes out and rarely swings at bad pitches but does hit into the double play  regularly. I thought it was a sound call.

Agreed... one of the few sound calls he made.

The bullpen clusterfuck and the entirely predictable finger pointing is the real issue.

[HudsonHawk]

Agreed... one of the few sound calls he made.

The bullpen clusterfuck and the entirely predictable finger pointing is the real issue.

I read bits and pieces about the bullpen fiasco, but he clearly wanted Motte instead of Lynn in the 8th.

[Ebby Calvin]

Done.

That's even more hypnotizing than das' cat avatar.

[austro]

That's even more hypnotizing than das' cat avatar.

It needs to get merged with the endless parade of Oswalts going down the tunnel.

[Bench]

Agreed... one of the few sound calls he made.

The bullpen clusterfuck and the entirely predictable finger pointing is the real issue.

Footer with some bullpen phone anecdotes from Scraps.

Including this delightful paragraph: That was one of Garner’s most endearing qualities. His thought processes stretched in dozens of different directions, yet he could compartmentalize better than anyone. When the Astros were 15-30 to start the 2005 season, during our pregame media sessions, Garner mostly just grumbled about the oil and gas industry. He’d jumble names when talking about his own players, which paved the way for new, fresh pitchers such as Queeler (Chad Qualls and Dan Wheeler) and Nueve (Fernando Nieve). He’d give his mind a break from baseball by watching the Lifetime Movie Network in the hours leading up to game time (“Watch,” he said to us as we filed into his office before a game in Cincinnati. “They’re going to take her baby away.”)

[Ebby Calvin]

Including this delightful paragraph: That was one of Garner’s most endearing qualities. His thought processes stretched in dozens of different directions, yet he could compartmentalize better than anyone. When the Astros were 15-30 to start the 2005 season, during our pregame media sessions, Garner mostly just grumbled about the oil and gas industry. He’d jumble names when talking about his own players, which paved the way for new, fresh pitchers such as Queeler (Chad Qualls and Dan Wheeler) and Nueve (Fernando Nieve). He’d give his mind a break from baseball by watching the Lifetime Movie Network in the hours leading up to game time (“Watch,” he said to us as we filed into his office before a game in Cincinnati. “They’re going to take her baby away.”)

That's fantastic.

[juliogotay]

I am not familiar with batters calling their own hit and runs, anyone with some insight on how it is done?

I assume he has some sort of signal....Touch your hat with your left hand, take 3 practice swings, or something of that nature?  Does the runner relay back that he got the sign?  Is there a way for the coach to still call it off?  Just simply call time out?

For someone who micromanages so much, I am surprised LaRussa even allows this.

McCarver mentioned last nite that when he played with Dick Groat in the 60's Groat used an open palm to signal the runner to hit-n-run. Groat, if you're not as old as me to remember him, had great bat control. He was a SS that won the MVP one year for the Cards. Also an AA cager at Duke.

[JimR]

I don't think that's what LaRussa meant. I think Verducci is misinterpreting. You've got a 3-2 count on the best hitter in the league who rarely strikes out and rarely swings at bad pitches but does hit into the double play  regularly. I thought it was a sound call.

I think starting the runner was the right call too,  but not because the second baseman was covering. Those were TL's words, not TV's.

[Ron Brand]

McCarver mentioned last nite that when he played with Dick Groat in the 60's Groat used an open palm to signal the runner to hit-n-run. Groat, if you're not as old as me to remember him, had great bat control. He was a SS that won the MVP one year for the Cards. Also an AA cager at Duke.

Groat was a hell of a shortstop. Won the 1960 MVP with the Pirates and finished second to Koufax while with the Cards in 1963.

[ValpoCory]

I read bits and pieces about the bullpen fiasco, but he clearly wanted Motte instead of Lynn in the 8th.

I think he clearly wanted Motte instead of Rzepczynski for the Napoli at bat.  But even with Motte, the odds of the Rangers winning that game at that point were around 80% according to the GameTracker.  It's not like that move was the reason they lost.

[VirtualBob]

McCarver mentioned last nite that when he played with Dick Groat in the 60's Groat used an open palm to signal the runner to hit-n-run. Groat, if you're not as old as me to remember him, had great bat control. He was a SS that won the MVP one year for the Cards. Also an AA cager at Duke.

Dick Groat was one of my heros when he played for the Bucs ... saw him along with Maz practicing the DP moves in ST one year and I still have the images.  I mourned when he was traded ... the beginning of my anti-Cardinal bias.

[Ron Brand]

Dick Groat was one of my heros when he played for the Bucs ... saw him along with Maz practicing the DP moves in ST one year and I still have the images.  I mourned when he was traded ... the beginning of my anti-Cardinal bias.

Traded in the winter of 1962 with Diomedes Olivo to the Cardinals for Don Cardwell and the immortal Julio Gotay.

Just knew there had to be an Astro link in there somewhere.

[austro]

Tank Commander working his magic:

With ugly weather looming over Busch Stadium, baseball officials were growing increasingly pessimistic Wednesday that Game 6 of the World Series would be played as scheduled Wednesday night.

[MRaup]

Tank Commander working his magic:

[LaGenius] This weather pattern looks like it will persist until... Carpenter is ready to pitch again... Whatever day that is. [/LaGenius]

[MusicMan]

MLB has officially cancelled tonight's game.

[Limey]

MLB has officially cancelled tonight's game.

You need to change your LaRussa avatar.

[Limey]

Also...anyone remember that they once played a WS game in a blizzard?  Well into extra innings?

FUCK...BUD...SELIG!!!

[ValpoCory]

Looking back at World Series since 1973, nine times have home teams won games 4 and 5 to go up 3 games to 2 in the series.   The winner of Game 6 has won all 9 series (three series ended 4-2 and six series ended 3-4).

[austro]

I'm hoping that the Cards will spend so much time tomorrow talking among themselves about whether to start Carpenter on 3 days' rest that they'll forget that they have to win Game 6 first.

[drew corleone]

Am I mis-remembering, or did the Astros have to play game one in a cold, steady drizzle? You play the game as scheduled until there is reason tom call it. Total horseshit. I hope it goes 7, and LaGenius trots out Carpenter, who promptly gets shelled.

[ValpoCory]

Am I mis-remembering, or did the Astros have to play game one in a cold, steady drizzle? You play the game as scheduled until there is reason tom call it. Total horseshit. I hope it goes 7, and LaGenius trots out Carpenter, who promptly gets shelled.

That was before the clusterfuck that was 2008 Game 5.

[ValpoCory]

I'm hoping that the Cards will spend so much time tomorrow talking among themselves about whether to start Carpenter on 3 days' rest that they'll forget that they have to win Game 6 first.

They won't "forget" to win Game 6.  They just won't win Game 6.

[Limey]

MLB and STL have achieved the impossible: I now want the Rangers to win the Works Series. 

[ValpoCory]

MLB and STL have achieved the impossible: I now want the Rangers to win the Works Series.  

What, St. Louis has never prematurely postponed a home game at their benefit.  Never.  

[OregonStrosFan]

Am I mis-remembering, or did the Astros have to play game one in a cold, steady drizzle? You play the game as scheduled until there is reason tom call it. Total horseshit. I hope it goes 7, and LaGenius trots out Carpenter, who promptly gets shelled.

Game 1, 2005 WS. ChiSox finish their BP and warmups fine.  Clemens, recently hobbled with hammy issues, start walking towards the mound to warmup and it starts sleeting. Warmup shortened, as was BP.  Clemens is gone 2 innings(ish) later - injury.  Pisses me off still...

[JimR]

Game 1, 2005 WS. ChiSox finish their BP and warmups fine.  Clemens, recently hobbled with hammy issues, start walking towards the mound to warmup and it starts sleeting. Warmup shortened, as was BP.  Clemens is gone 2 innings(ish) later - injury.  Pisses me off still...

not coincidentally Clemens was hit hard before his injury. go figure.

[drew corleone]

Yeah, I knew there was some bullshit in that one.

[Andyzipp]

Game 1, 2005 WS. ChiSox finish their BP and warmups fine.  Clemens, recently hobbled with hammy issues, start walking towards the mound to warmup and it starts sleeting. Warmup shortened, as was BP.  Clemens is gone 2 innings(ish) later - injury.  Pisses me off still...

Injury or "loser limp"?

[OregonStrosFan]

Injury or "loser limp"?

Dunno, but I remember telling my buddy during warmups that I didn't think Clemens' hammy (or groin, whatever it was) was going to hold up in that shit...  Still didn't frustrate me as much as watching the LOBster king taking ABs during that game...

[MusicMan]

not coincidentally Clemens was hit hard before his injury. go figure.

Entirely coincidental that Rajah would always come up with an injury when getting shelled.  ENTIRELY coincidental.

[OregonStrosFan]

Entirely coincidental that Rajah would always come up with an injury when getting shelled.  ENTIRELY coincidental.

FWIW, he never looked 'right' during warmups. 

[homer]

FWIW, he never looked 'right' during warmups. 

That's understandable. He had just applied ben-gay to his balls.

[ValpoCory]

How idiotic are the Baseball Tonight foursome?

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?categoryId=2459789&id=7155212

In that video, they talk about how Tony LaRussa is such a genius to move Lance Berkman to the 4 spot simply, according to these idiots, because he has a "hot bat".

They are all clueless.  They don't realize that Berkman bats 5th against lefties and bats 4th against righties.  That's it.  No complex adjustments are being made here.  In the unlikely event of a Game 7, Berkman will bat 5th and these blowhards won't know what to think.   They'll probably think of some way to collectively kiss LaGenius' ass.

[MusicMan]

How idiotic are the Baseball Tonight foursome?

They haven't canceled Baseball Tonight yet?

[Reuben]

They haven't canceled Baseball Tonight yet?

There must be some people out there who don't have the MLB Network.

[JaneDoe]

Hahahahahahahahahahaha.

I love to watch two Jakes fuck up for everyone to see.

[austro]

Hahahahahahahahahahaha.

I love to watch two Jakes fuck up for everyone to see.

And then another one, although it may have resulted in Napoli being done.

[austro]

Michael Young is having a series to forget.

[Guinness]

Somewhere, Bill Buckner is smiling...

[Ebby Calvin]

They haven't canceled Baseball Tonight yet?

No rain in the forecast.

[austro]

Fuck you, Albert. Go sit down.

[austro]

Can't anybody here play this game?

[Mr. Happy]

Fuck you, Albert. Go sit down.

Absolutely. It was a ball, but I always love to see Albert rung up. Dickhead.

[austro]

This is the craziest damn game I've seen in a while.

[chuck]

What a fucking idiot.

[T. J.]

This looks like one of my denial league games. What a pick off at third though. I'm still not sure he was out, but damn what a throw.

[Lurch]

Runners advanced on a wp that hit ump.  Shouldnt it have been a dead ball, holding the runners at their base?

[austro]

Runners advanced on a wp that hit ump.  Shouldnt it have been a dead ball, holding the runners at their base?

No, that's still in play. But it does bring to mind the play a few years ago where a pitch tipped off the catcher's glove and disappeared into the umpire's shirt pocket. I wonder at what point that becomes a dead ball.

[JaneDoe]

This is the craziest damn game I've seen in a while.

That isn't all bad.

[Ron Brand]

Well, mother fucker.

[Ron Brand]

No, that's still in play. But it does bring to mind the play a few years ago where a pitch tipped off the catcher's glove and disappeared into the umpire's shirt pocket. I wonder at what point that becomes a dead ball.

It's a dead ball when it lodges in the clothing.

[JaneDoe]

Well, mother fucker.

Welcome.  Pull up a chair.

[austro]

What on earth was Jay thinking/doing there? He had no chance at the plate, and then he just threw it into shitsville anyway. Meanwhile, Kinsler takes second.

Looks like LaRussa wasn't thrilled with the choice, either.

[Ron Brand]

This is a real shitrain of suck.

[austro]

This is a real shitrain of suck.

I don't think they'll be using it for the next Emansky video.

[JaneDoe]

This is a real shitrain of suck.

So great to see the Jakes falling apart.  Hate that it is the Rangers who will benefit.

[Ron Brand]

There is so much to hate here. McCarver, Buck, the end of the season, the NL losing, the Astros having the last nails driven into the coffin lid, the months of bandwagonning assholes who will come out of the woodwork, the fucking blue and red shirts and hats that are going to be everywhere. Fuck.

Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuckity fuck fuck.

I hate fucking Darrell Hammond too.

[remy]

I refuse to watch/listen to this happen, I'm sorry.  Good night.

[Ron Brand]

I refuse to watch/listen to this happen, I'm sorry.  Good night.

It's not a Void, it's a black hole.

[JaneDoe]

Well, whaddayaknow...

[austro]

There is so much to hate here. McCarver, Buck, the end of the season, the NL losing, the Astros having the last nails driven into the coffin lid, the months of bandwagonning assholes who will come out of the woodwork, the fucking blue and red shirts and hats that are going to be everywhere. Fuck.

Did you see the ad for the Fox early morning news crew? They put the faces of the crew on a bunch of dancing Ranger bodies with Rangers caps. I don't recall them ever doing that for the 'Stros.

[hostros7]

Elvis andrus, WTF???

[HudsonHawk]

Did you see the ad for the Fox early morning news crew? They put the faces of the crew on a bunch of dancing Ranger bodies with Rangers caps. I don't recall them ever doing that for the 'Stros.

Because Fox is all Dallas, all the time.  Fuck those guys.  I'm glad the Astros are dumping those assholes.

[Ron Brand]

Did you see the ad for the Fox early morning news crew? They put the faces of the crew on a bunch of dancing Ranger bodies with Rangers caps. I don't recall them ever doing that for the 'Stros.

It's a takeover. It's going to be horrible.

[austro]

Elvis andrus, WTF???

That was a most curious decision.

[JaneDoe]

Well, fuck.  I just wanted to see the Rangers fans get their little hearts broken on live TV.

[hostros7]

Well, fuck.  I just wanted to see the Rangers fans get their little hearts broken on live TV.

Fair-weathered fans don't care this much

[Ron Brand]

Maybe a comet will hit the stadium. Surely Musial is home by now.

[Ebby Calvin]

Go Cardinals.

Now excuse me while I plunge my head in my hotel's toilet.

[Ron Brand]

Go Cardinals.

Now excuse me while I plunge my head in my hotel's toilet.

You don't have to root for the Cardinals to win. You can just root for the Rangers to lose.

[Ebby Calvin]

Neftali's really got it tonight.

[Ron Brand]

Shit. Fooled. That was the last best chance they'll have.

[Ron Brand]

God damn I'm going to hate going to work tomorrow.

[hostros7]

Shit. Fooled. That was the last best chance they'll have.

Cement mixer

[Ebby Calvin]

Oh holy shit.

[Ron Brand]

Fuck you, Nolan.

[Nate in IA]

Holy cow!

[hostros7]

Holeee shit.  Cruz, cant be scared of the wall when it's champ clinching

[Ron Brand]

It's an extra-inning battle of wits. Tank Commander vs. Crazy Windmill.

[JaneDoe]

Whoa Nellie!!  That looked friggin awesome!! 



I am just rooting for everyone to look bad.


Apologies to Keith.

[remy]

Well I didn't say anything about not watching it on gamecast on my iphone. FUCK YES!!!

[Ron Brand]

Either way, we're not going to be seeing that stupid interlocking hand jive much longer.

[JaneDoe]

I just noticed why I am enjoying watching this game so much.  I have the volume down enough that I can't hear the damn announcers.

Oh, hell.   That was a shot.

[Ron Brand]

As a closer, Motte is a real disappointment.

[JaneDoe]

Well I didn't say anything about not watching it on gamecast on my iphone. FUCK YES!!!

So YOU conjured up that HR...

[Mr. Happy]

Can the stRangers hold the lead this time?

[HudsonHawk]

Shitfuck.

[remy]

Well, at least Hamilton got the big blow after all.  I've felt bad for him since that fan got killed, even if he is a fucking Ranger.

And Jane don't you even fucking go there.

[HudsonHawk]

Can the stRangers hold the lead this time?

Only if God hates us.

[austro]

Only if God hates us.

Oh, but He does.

[HudsonHawk]

Isn't Darren Oliver like 100 years old?

[Ron Brand]

Isn't Darren Oliver like 100 years old?

He is the Undead.

[JaneDoe]

Isn't Darren Oliver like 100 years old?

Everyone knows you can't kill a zombie.

[Ron Brand]

Everyone knows you can't kill a zombie.

Head shot. Or helicopter blade to the top of the head.

[JaneDoe]

Head shot. Or helicopter blade to the top of the head.

Comebacker to the noggin?

[Ron Brand]

Comebacker to the noggin?

I like your style.

[JaneDoe]

Crap.

[hostros7]

Ferk, berkman coming up

[Ron Brand]

Ferk, berkman jakeman coming up

FIFY

[chuck]

Mike Maddux looks a bit like Frank Zappa.

[Ebby Calvin]

Evil Berkman

[austro]

Did these idiots really just wonder why the outfield is deep? Gee, I wonder if maybe it's because you LOSE on a double.

[Ebby Calvin]

Wow. Just wow.

[Ron Brand]

Lance Jakeman, hero.

[austro]

Mike Maddux looks a bit like Frank Zappa.

I think the same thing every time I see him.

[HudsonHawk]

Apparently God still loves me.

[JaneDoe]

I hope this game goes 56 innings, and they just collapse on the field from exhaustion.

[Ron Brand]

Mike Maddux looks a bit like Frank Zappa.

The Zomby Woof.

[austro]

I hope this game goes 56 innings, and they just collapse on the field from exhaustion.

I hope they run out of pitchers and Bud calls it a tie.

[remy]

That was a win-win AB for Lance..

He makes an out, he breaks Jakes' fans hearts.

He comes through, he breaks Nolaners' hearts.

[Ron Brand]

I believe JLo drives that little piece of shit Fiat just like I believe that the McRib is edible.

[Ron Brand]

Note to Westbrook: Cruz can hit the low fastball.

[Ron Brand]

Lance looks like a real adventure in RF.

[OregonStrosFan]

holy shit...

[austro]

Lance looks like a real adventure in RF.

He looked like a stumbling drunk on that one.

[JaneDoe]

I believe JLo drives that little piece of shit Fiat just like I believe that the McRib is edible.

I have never had a McRib.  However, I have friends that swear by them.

[Ron Brand]

He looked like a stumbling drunk on that one.

He looked the same on an earlier flyball.

[Ron Brand]

I have never had a McRib.  However, I have friends that swear by them.

Well, count yourself McLucky. Or McSmart.

[austro]

I have never had a McRib.  However, I have friends that swear by them.

If they're eating at McDonald's, their opinions are already pretty suspect.

[Ron Brand]

Ron Washington is inscrutable.

[drew corleone]

This game is excruciating

[austro]

Ron Washington is inscrutable.

I think he just fucked himself by hitting for the pitcher.

[Nate in IA]

Game 7

[JaneDoe]

Well, lookie there...

[Ron Brand]

Wow. That was an amazing game.

I can go to work tomorrow.

[austro]

At least it wasn't Pujols.

[JaneDoe]

Nolan looks like he hasn't had a shit in 3 weeks.

[Ron Brand]

Fuck. You. Nolan.

[Ebby Calvin]

Nolan looks like he hasn't had a shit in 3 weeks.

Hahahahahahaha

[Rebel Jew]

Ron Washington is inscrutable.

I haven't watched much Rangers this year or playoffs but is Nelson Cruz known as a poor defensive outfielder? Should Washington have brought in a defensive replacement in the 9th?

[Nate in IA]

They seemed to imply that he was gimpy

[HudsonHawk]

I haven't watched much Rangers this year or playoffs but is Nelson Cruz known as a poor defensive outfielder? Should Washington have brought in a defensive replacement in the 9th?

To better defend against the screaming line drive off the wall?

[Ron Brand]

I haven't watched much Rangers this year or playoffs but is Nelson Cruz known as a poor defensive outfielder? Should Washington have brought in a defensive replacement in the 9th?

I don't think he had a better option. Cruz isn't bad.

[Rebel Jew]

I don't think he had a better option. Cruz isn't bad.

yeah i don't know much about the rangers players. either way, i'm sure we'll see lots of stories about how washington got out-lageniused again.

[JaneDoe]

I've played in several post season games, but this one takes the cake---Lance Jakeman

You can take your cake and shove it....

[Ron Brand]

yeah i don't know much about the rangers players. either way, i'm sure we'll see lots of stories about how washington got out-lageniused again.

If someone is trying to sell you on the Genius of Ron Washington, they've got a damned tough sell.

[Ron Brand]

I've played in several post season games, but this one takes the cake---Lance Jakeman

You can take your cake and shove it....

Well, he waited until this one to actually make a difference in the game...

[roadrunner]

I hate both teams, but shit this game was phenomenal.  Even with the shitty defense.

[drew corleone]

It was exciting, but it was pretty sloppy.

[OregonStrosFan]

I've played in several post season games, but this one takes the cake---Lance Jakeman

You can take your cake and shove it....

Meh, I can't really be too pissy about him being excited about the game last night.  Elimination game, fought back a couple of times, down to their last strike, and Berkman pretty much carried the Jakes on top of it all. I can see where he'd feel that way immediately following that win...

[MusicMan]

Meh, I can't really be too pissy about him being excited about the game last night.  Elimination game, fought back a couple of times, down to their last strike, and Berkman pretty much carried the Jakes on top of it all. I can see where he'd feel that way immediately following that win...

That beard makes him look like gay Curious George's grandpa.

[JimR]

I've played in several post season games, but this one takes the cake---Lance Jakeman

You can take your cake and shove it....

why should he not be elated? i don't see anything wrong with that.

[ValpoCory]

Did you see the ad for the Fox early morning news crew? They put the faces of the crew on a bunch of dancing Ranger bodies with Rangers caps. I don't recall them ever doing that for the 'Stros.

Yep.  No one did anything for the Stros, except send one reporter to MMPUS one time.  Fuck Austin's Houston-hating Dallas leanings.

[Bench]

Grantland with another head-scratcher:

For some time now, Lance Berkman has been in the category of athletes who genuinely believe they were as good as one of their more buzzed-about teammates...Lance is a two-time member of this club, first as an Astro with Jeff Bagwell and currently as a Cardinal with Albert Pujols. Comparing Bagwell and Pujols' numbers with Berkman, it seems insane for him to think he's as good, if not better. What's interesting, though, is that guys in this fraternity don't care about stats and accolades. They just know, deep down inside, they are better than anyone else in their respective sport, and there's nothing you can say to them to convince them feel otherwise.

[Super Fan #99]

I've played in several post season games, but this one takes the cake---Lance Jakeman

You can take your cake and shove it....

This whole Lance "Jakeman" thing is beyond stupid and juvenile.  And let me repeat, stupid.  Why wouldn't Lance, caught in the moment, be excited?  He's about to play in Game 7 of the World Series.

[Ron Brand]

This whole Lance "Jakeman" thing is beyond stupid and juvenile.  And let me repeat, stupid.  Why wouldn't Lance, caught in the moment, be excited?  He's about to play in Game 7 of the World Series.

Oh my God. Guys, she's right. We're beyond stupid and juvenile.

How will I live with the pain? What can I do to repair the wrongs I've wreaked?

[Reuben]

Wow. Whoever the color guy is for Cards radio (I think they called him "Mike"), he is awful. Just horrible at describing the action and almost sounds drunk. I had to abandon that for the bland yet listenable ESPN radio.

Was Carpenter really as sucky as it sounded in the 1st, or was Berkman's lack of range in RF to blame?

[subnuclear]

Wow. Whoever the color guy is for Cards radio (I think they called him "Mike"), he is awful. Just horrible at describing the action and almost sounds drunk. I had to abandon that for the bland yet listenable ESPN radio.

Was Carpenter really as sucky as it sounded in the 1st, or was Berkman's lack of range in RF to blame?

The rangers know how to hit it hard down the right field line. Not particularly Berkman's fault.

[HudsonHawk]

Wow. Whoever the color guy is for Cards radio (I think they called him "Mike"), he is awful. Just horrible at describing the action and almost sounds drunk. I had to abandon that for the bland yet listenable ESPN radio.

Was Carpenter really as sucky as it sounded in the 1st, or was Berkman's lack of range in RF to blame?

Not sure how Berkman is supposed to defend a line drive past a diving first baseman.

[subnuclear]

Bill Hall?

[austro]

Carpenter somehow managed to miss Beltre's bat and then got a fly out. He was very vulnerable. And then Harrison returned the favor.

[austro]

Bill Hall?

I knew he was the only guy who was dangerous.

[homer]

Bill Hall?

I knew he was the only guy who was dangerous.

I am looking for a link to the commercial now.

[Reuben]

Not sure how Berkman is supposed to defend a line drive past a diving first baseman.

Like I said, the Cards radio guy's description was shitty. He made it sound like Andrus scoring on the first double was because Berkman was way over in RCF and took a while to get it, and that the 2nd double was a pop-up.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Wow. Whoever the color guy is for Cards radio (I think they called him "Mike"), he is awful. Just horrible at describing the action and almost sounds drunk.

Mike Shannon might not be drunk all the time, he just sounds like it.

[Ron Brand]

I can't believe this isn't on the radio in Austin.  I'm listening to an AM station skipping from St Louis.

[Ron Brand]

Mike Shannon might not be drunk all the time, he just sounds like it.

I thought Shannon had some nasty nerve disease.

[HudsonHawk]

I thought Shannon had some nasty nerve disease.

No, I think he's drunk all the time.

[austro]

Craig can hit. I wonder where the Cards will try to find a spot for him next year.

[Reuben]

Craig can hit. I wonder where the Cards will try to find a spot for him next year.

In RF if Pujols leaves.

[Gizzmonic]

I told the cards fans at game 3 they'd better enjoy Berkman, since he was their 1B next year.

[austro]

I told the cards fans at game 3 they'd better enjoy Berkman, since he was their 1B next year.

I don't know. I think that Pujols is so enthralled with the adulation he receives in St Louis that he'll stay. And management is so scared of the backlash they'll see if he goes elsewhere that they'll figure out a way to pay him.

[Reuben]

I don't know. I think that Pujols is so enthralled with the adulation he receives in St Louis that he'll stay. And management is so scared of the backlash they'll see if he goes elsewhere that they'll figure out a way to pay him.

I almost wonder if he'll just take arbitration and try the market next year. Seems like none of the typical big spenders need a big-money 1B right now, so its hard to see where both he and Fielder get the mega-bucks they want (and the years they want).

[Gizzmonic]

I don't know either, but I was happy to fuck with them.

[austro]

That was strike 3. I don't know how Molina sat on that one.

[subnuclear]

Good thing I'm not a Ranger fan.

[austro]

I'll never understand why Washington walks the bases loaded. His pitchers simply aren't reliable enough for that shit.

[chuck]

I'll never understand why Washington walks the bases loaded. His pitchers simply aren't reliable enough for that shit.

Two runs on no hits. Disgusting.

[Ebby Calvin]

Craig can hit. I wonder where the Cards will try to find a spot for him next year.

He certainly won't hit 8th.

[Gizzmonic]

Two runs on no hits. Disgusting.

You know who'd be a good manager for the Rangers?  Ol' Scrap Iron!

[EasTexAstro]

I can't help it. Fuck the Cards. I know rooting for the Rangers means they will lose, but I will not enjoy the alternative.

[austro]

I can't help it. Fuck the Cards. I know rooting for the Rangers means they will lose, but I will not enjoy the alternative.

Too late. They're doomed. I realized a couple of innings ago that I was pulling for the Rangers.

[subnuclear]

The squirrel hat is classy.

[Ron Brand]

I'll never understand why Washington walks the bases loaded. His pitchers simply aren't reliable enough for that shit.

Ron Washington is insane.

[austro]

Ron Washington is insane.

He's certainly in-something.

[Rebel Jew]

This whole Lance "Jakeman" thing is beyond stupid and juvenile.  And let me repeat, stupid.  Why wouldn't Lance, caught in the moment, be excited?  He's about to play in Game 7 of the World Series.

I agree. And in case anybody forgot, the Astros traded him.

[remy]

I can't believe this isn't on the radio in Austin.  I'm listening to an AM station skipping from St Louis.

It's not on 1530?

[HudsonHawk]

FUCK YOU RANGERS!!!!

HAHAHAHAHAHA

[strosrays]

Aside from 2001, maybe the best World Series I have ever watched.  Just outstanding.

[remy]

THE National League: Where real men play a real sport.  You should have remembered that, Nolan.

[EasTexAstro]

Yuck.

[Waldo]

It's hard for me to conjure up any strong feelings one way or the other.  There is a con for every pro, and the sting of a 100-loss season doesn't help.

[OregonStrosFan]

"That could very well have been Albert Pujols last reacharound as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals..." -Joe Buck  (or at least that is what I think he said, something like that anyway...).

[idlelife]

While I hate the cards... I'm glad I don't have to see another Texas team hoist a banner.

[Reuben]

I hate the Cards too, but Fuck the Rangers and Fuck Lynn Nolan Ryan.

[idlelife]

That's what I was saying (though 12 year old me loved Nolan, 34 year-old me hates him). 

[remy]

It's hard for me to conjure up any strong feelings one way or the other.

The Astros are practically being FORCED to move to the AL fucking West.  I can't go to a Round Rock Express game anymore because they're the fucking Rangers.  All I want to see is fucking Rangers' fans tears and heartbreak, for a long, LONG time.  I'm happy the NL won the series.  I don't fucking care at this point if it was the Jakes.  Pooholes already has a goddamn ring anyway, so fuck it.  My feelings of hatred for the Dallas Rangers of Nolan County far outweigh anything I have left for Saint Louis. And after much consideration, I am happy for Lance.  He didn't abandon the Astros, he was traded.  And I'm happy for Dotel, too.  But mostly, mostly... I am just so happy that the entire fucking metroplex is crying in their light beers tonight.  And for them to FAIL so DRAMATICALLY... twice!  Waldo, I do not have any trouble conjuring up strong feelings about this one.

[OregonStrosFan]

And after much consideration, I am happy for Lance.  He didn't abandon the Astros, he was traded.  And I'm happy for Dotel, too.

I think I'm heading that direction as well... (just wish he'd have kept his friggin' mouth shut this season...).

[Reuben]

The Astros are practically being FORCED to move to the AL fucking West.  I can't go to a Round Rock Express game anymore because they're the fucking Rangers.  All I want to see is fucking Rangers' fans tears and heartbreak, for a long, LONG time.  I'm happy the NL won the series.  I don't fucking care at this point if it was the Jakes.  Pooholes already has a goddamn ring anyway, so fuck it.  My feelings of hatred for the Dallas Rangers of Nolan County far outweigh anything I have left for Saint Louis. And after much consideration, I am happy for Lance.  He didn't abandon the Astros, he was traded.  And I'm happy for Dotel, too.  But mostly, mostly... I am just so happy that the entire fucking metroplex is crying in their light beers tonight.  And for them to FAIL so DRAMATICALLY... twice!  Waldo, I do not have any trouble conjuring up strong feelings about this one.

Well fuckin said.

I look forward to JCIII or whoever that was replacing their old avatar of the crying Cards fan with a suitable DRONC fan crying photo... some shot of Nolan looking really pitiful would work too.

[Waldo]

The Astros are practically being FORCED to move to the AL fucking West.  I can't go to a Round Rock Express game anymore because they're the fucking Rangers.  All I want to see is fucking Rangers' fans tears and heartbreak, for a long, LONG time.  I'm happy the NL won the series.  I don't fucking care at this point if it was the Jakes.  Pooholes already has a goddamn ring anyway, so fuck it.  My feelings of hatred for the Dallas Rangers of Nolan County far outweigh anything I have left for Saint Louis. And after much consideration, I am happy for Lance.  He didn't abandon the Astros, he was traded.  And I'm happy for Dotel, too.  But mostly, mostly... I am just so happy that the entire fucking metroplex is crying in their light beers tonight.  And for them to FAIL so DRAMATICALLY... twice!  Waldo, I do not have any trouble conjuring up strong feelings about this one.

Fair enough.  I'm not saying that I don't hate the Rangers, and I will certainly enjoy the temporary reprieve from gloating by all of the suddenly-Ranger-fans that I know.  You'll just have to forgive me if my enjoyment of the Rangers' back-to-back World Series dickstepping is tempered by the knowledge that the Astros racked up nearly 200 losses during the Rangers' two pennant runs.

[Ron Brand]

The positive in this is that the takeover has been slightly blunted. We're spared the massive tidal wave that a championship would've brought. There is still a takeover in progress, but it won't be the complete carpetbombing that it would've been if they'd won the Series. There will be pockets of life left over.

[headhunter]

I agree. And in case anybody forgot, the Astros traded him.

+1

I am only happy for Berkman. Lance also spends a lot of time with microphones in his face and sans teleprompter or handlers the guy comes across as an old-fashioned Texas-style mensch. I think he reflects well on himself, his family, and Texas. Yeah, he was complacent on the Astros for a long while. But he got serious, picked himself up, and played at a level he hadn't done for years. And after a great comeback season he had a postseason performance that was better than anything Bagwell or Biggio ever did--including doing his part to keep his team alive in game six. How can you not respect this guy? Hate him if you want but I just don't get it.

 

[headhunter]

Aside from 2001, maybe the best World Series I have ever watched.  Just outstanding.

amen.

 

[headhunter]

I am looking for a link to the commercial now.

http://www.google.com/insidesearch/stories.html

Brian Kingrey story. would it have been even more horrible if SNS was the site the rainman of baseball simulations used to get his million-dollar-earning scouting report from? I don't know, but doesn't it seem like the BBG are taking every opportunity to shit on the Astros this season?

[chuck]

...the guy comes across as an old-fashioned Texas-style mensch.

To me he comes across as a Texas-style dumbfuck.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I don't hate Lance, or even dislike him. I think he's got a goofiness about him that can toggle between alienating and endearing. But I'm not happy for him. I'm only happy that Lynn Nolan and the DFW Rangers lost.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Also, for obvious reasons, I would love it if Jim Crane changed the name of the team to the Texas Astros.

[Ebby Calvin]

Welcome, Void.
Good Series, considering worst-case teams.

[Waldo]

Welcome, Void.

The good news is that I can finally get around to fixing user registration.

[Fredia]

i have to say this twice one strike away from winning
can you imagine the silver boot thingie had the  strangers won..the only texas baseball team with a ......

[Jose Cruz III]

How About this one, Rueben?



http://sportschump.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/nolan-ryan-george-bush-rangers-game.jpg

[Reuben]

How About this one, Rueben?



http://sportschump.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/nolan-ryan-george-bush-rangers-game.jpg

There you go.

[Reuben]

+1

I am only happy for Berkman. Lance also spends a lot of time with microphones in his face and sans teleprompter or handlers the guy comes across as an old-fashioned Texas-style mensch. I think he reflects well on himself, his family, and Texas. Yeah, he was complacent on the Astros for a long while. But he got serious, picked himself up, and played at a level he hadn't done for years. And after a great comeback season he had a postseason performance that was better than anything Bagwell or Biggio ever did--including doing his part to keep his team alive in game six. How can you not respect this guy? Hate him if you want but I just don't get it.

I'm happy Berkman did well in so far as it helps people realize what a great player he was in his prime, with the Astros, and by extension reminds a few people that they were once an NL powerhouse.

Lance hit very well in these playoffs, as he did in '04 and '05 with the Astros. But I don't see what that has to do with Bagwell and Biggio. For one thing, Lance wasn't exactly facing Maddux Glavine and Smoltz in their primes this year (Halladay excepted).

[Mr. Happy]

I am tickled that fuckhead Ryan came so close to winning but didn't. Ron Washington is an idiot.

[Lurch]

I am tickled that fuckhead Ryan came so close to winning but didn't. Ron Washington is an idiot.

If an idiot can get you to game 7 of the WS, who needs a manager?

[Mr. Happy]

If an idiot can get you to game 7 of the WS, who needs a manager?

Okay, Lurch. You've obviously joined Bench on the Let's Give Mr. Happy Shit team. Washington made some unconventional, bordering on malpractice, moves in the WS. Defend IBB's when your pitchers obviously are having trouble with command. Defend some of his PH moves. I can't wait for this. I suspect that you will do nothing but show your abject baseball ignorance. Let's see it. Players win games; managers lose some games. I'm not saying that Washington lost any of these games, but some of his moves caused even a casual baseball fan to wince.

[VirtualBob]

Okay, Lurch. You've obviously joined Bench on the Let's Give Mr. Happy Shit team. Washington made some unconventional, bordering on malpractice, moves in the WS. Defend IBB's when your pitchers obviously are having trouble with command. Defend some of his PH moves. I can't wait for this. I suspect that you will do nothing but show your abject baseball ignorance. Let's see it. Players win games; managers lose some games. I'm not saying that Washington lost any of these games, but some of his moves caused even a casual baseball fan to wince.

WFWincer

[jbm]

I think Washngton is a damn good manager. His in-game moves might be questionable, but he seems to get quite a bit out of his players.  Just go player by player, and a lot of the Rangers have played some of best baseball the last few years.  When a whole slew of players on a team seem to play up, the manager deserves some credit IMO. 

[OregonStrosFan]

You've obviously joined Bench on the Let's Give Mr. Happy Shit team.

Wasn't joining said team a prerequisite of SnS membership?!?!?

[Lurch]

Okay, Lurch. You've obviously joined Bench on the Let's Give Mr. Happy Shit team. Washington made some unconventional, bordering on malpractice, moves in the WS. Defend IBB's when your pitchers obviously are having trouble with command. Defend some of his PH moves. I can't wait for this. I suspect that you will do nothing but show your abject baseball ignorance. Let's see it. Players win games; managers lose some games. I'm not saying that Washington lost any of these games, but some of his moves caused even a casual baseball fan to wince.

If your going to stand by calling him an idiot, I don't think anything else needs to be said.

[Bench]

I'm comfortable in a world where the Rangers are the Buffalo Bills of MLB.

[Mr. Happy]

I think Washngton is a damn good manager. His in-game moves might be questionable, but he seems to get quite a bit out of his players.  Just go player by player, and a lot of the Rangers have played some of best baseball the last few years.  When a whole slew of players on a team seem to play up, the manager deserves some credit IMO. 

The GM deserves more credit for assembling a good team because the manager works with what he has. See Mills, Brad. I think that Washington might be a decent manager, but he may have choked a bit, like his bullpen, in the big game.

[JimR]

I told the cards fans at game 3 they'd better enjoy Berkman, since he was their 1B next year.

my one baseball source says AP is not leaving StL

[Ron Brand]

The GM deserves more credit for assembling a good team because the manager works with what he has. See Mills, Brad. I think that Washington might be a decent manager, but he may have choked a bit, like his bullpen, in the big game.

The only Ranger games I've seen with Washington managing have been playoff games from last year and this year. He drives me up the wall. Washington might be a great player's manager, might be a fantastic guy in the clubhouse, etc. but I don't know how you could watch him the way we watch the Astros, night in and night out. Maybe if you get a thrill for the unexpected and inexplicable.

[Fredia]

plus he is always chewing seeds

[HudsonHawk]

my one baseball source says AP is not leaving StL

I would be shocked (or gobsmacked as Limey would say) if Pujols left St Louis.

[HudsonHawk]

I think Washngton is a damn good manager. His in-game moves might be questionable, but he seems to get quite a bit out of his players.  Just go player by player, and a lot of the Rangers have played some of best baseball the last few years.  When a whole slew of players on a team seem to play up, the manager deserves some credit IMO. 

In other words, he's Phil Garner.

[Ron Brand]

I would be shocked (or gobsmacked as Limey would say) if Pujols left St Louis.

LaRussa is supposedly coming back. I can't see him hanging around for another season without his boytoy.

[Mr. Happy]

Wasn't joining said team a prerequisite of SnS membership?!?!?

As a matter of fact, yes.

[BudGirl]

I have to admit, I'm glad the Rangers did not win.  But, I'm not happy the Cards won either.

I guess I'm not always right with my predictions.  But, I was pretty damm close to being right.

[Mr. Happy]

I have to admit, I'm glad the Rangers did not win.  But, I'm not happy the Cards won either.

I guess I'm not always right with my predictions.  But, I was pretty damm close to being right.

One strike away twice. That's pretty damn close. I feel the same way you do.

[ValpoCory]

I really hope the Rangers do not end up winning the World Series. I cannot go through life with the possibility of the Rangers winning a World Series before the Astros or the Astros never winning a World Series ever.

I guess you're off the suicide watch.  Congratulations.

[ValpoCory]

The Astros are practically being FORCED to move to the AL fucking West.  I can't go to a Round Rock Express game anymore because they're the fucking Rangers.  All I want to see is fucking Rangers' fans tears and heartbreak, for a long, LONG time.  I'm happy the NL won the series.  I don't fucking care at this point if it was the Jakes.  Pooholes already has a goddamn ring anyway, so fuck it.  My feelings of hatred for the Dallas Rangers of Nolan County far outweigh anything I have left for Saint Louis. And after much consideration, I am happy for Lance.  He didn't abandon the Astros, he was traded.  And I'm happy for Dotel, too.  But mostly, mostly... I am just so happy that the entire fucking metroplex is crying in their light beers tonight.  And for them to FAIL so DRAMATICALLY... twice!  Waldo, I do not have any trouble conjuring up strong feelings about this one.

I didn't think the Round Rock Express family experience could be ruined for me due to an affiliation change.  But it was so drastic, we only went to two games this year, after going to 6-10 every year for a decade.

[ValpoCory]

The only Ranger games I've seen with Washington managing have been playoff games from last year and this year. He drives me up the wall. Washington might be a great player's manager, might be a fantastic guy in the clubhouse, etc. but I don't know how you could watch him the way we watch the Astros, night in and night out. Maybe if you get a thrill for the unexpected and inexplicable.

It's not like he had a defensive replacement for Nelson Cruz sitting in the dugouot; a guy known for making a huge postseason catch against the Cardinals or anything.

[ValpoCory]

I have to admit, I'm glad the Rangers did not win.  But, I'm not happy the Cards won either.

I guess I'm not always right with my predictions.  But, I was pretty damm close to being right.

+1.  Agreed.

[JimR]

I didn't think the Round Rock Express family experience could be ruined for me due to an affiliation change.  But it was so drastic, we only went to two games this year, after going to 6-10 every year for a decade.

things changed a lot out there. i gave up my season tickets the season before the affiliation change. it no longer was a fun experience for me.

[Lefty]

In other words, he's Phil Garner.

I was thinking Dierker.