MLB 2011 Season Thread

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Although the Phillies are the clear favorites, all bets are off in the postseason...especially in a 5-game set.

I was initially against the idea of a 1-game wild card playoff, but if nothing else it will keep the teams in the hunt...just so long as the Wild Card game loser doesn't have it count towards their stats as an actual playoff appearance.

Bet if they implement it though, there will be a 92-win WC team that loses to an 85-win WC team and everybody will bitch about how unfair it is.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>lol Parnell with another blown save. 5 blown saves since being inserted as the closer a few weeks ago.

ATTN Mets: hard fastball does not a closer make</font>

[ClockShot]

Pirates give GM Neal Huntington an extension into 2014 with a club option for '15.

I had him on the axed list after the season was over. The team pretty much saved his ass early in the season when they broke .500 and sat atop the NL Central for a little bit. Then they had that 10 game losing streak after the all-star game.

[Emperor Smeat]

:nono: Red Sox keeping the yearly tradition active of falling apart or having a really bad slide once September occurs.

Won't be surprised if the Rays managed to take the Wild Card with how badly the Red Sox stopped caring about winning games for the rest of the season.

[Triple Naitch]

Seems like the Tigers are the only team in the AL playing good baseball right now. I could totally see Verlander carrying them all the way through the playoffs if things stay the same.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The Mets were banned from wearing their FDNY/NYPD/Port Authority caps tonight. Stay classy MLB.</font>

[Nervous Ferret]

Rays only 4 games behind the Red Sox. Sox are playing like shit right now. Would be gr8 if that could happen

[DAMN iNATOR]

Seems like the Tigers are the only team in the AL playing good baseball right now. I could totally see Verlander carrying them all the way through the playoffs if things stay the same.

Yeah, they're ripping people to shreds. Obviously hungry for that first division title since '87. Can't believe they've strung together 9 straight with three consecutive sweeps (Chicago White Sox, Indians, Twins). Makes me very happy to be a Tigers supporter for the first time in a few years.

[ClockShot]

Yankees beat the Mariners and King Felix on the road. That's a first.

[Gertner]

Yeah, they're ripping people to shreds. Obviously hungry for that first division title since '87. Can't believe they've strung together 9 straight with three consecutive sweeps (Chicago White Sox, Indians, Twins). Makes me very happy to be a Tigers supporter for the first time in a few years.

It's so impressive that they are managing to beat junior varsity teams. If the Tigers were in the East they'd be in last.

[Innovator]

Manny being Manny.

[RP]

Funny story about Brian LaHair. I forget if I told this. Probably only amusing to me. Two months ago me and my work buddy were looking at Cubs minor league prospects. My buddy found LaHair and pointed him out to me because he had like 30hr's in the minor leagues . We couldn't figure out why he hadn't been called up. He's 28. It seemed long overdue, but there wasnt much buzz about him.

Fast forward two months later, September 6th. I had long stopped following the Cubs prospects for the season. Me and my work friend attend our 2nd Cubs v Reds game this season. We're sitting in right field bleachers. It's bottom of the ninth and my buddy can't wipe the shit eating grin off his face because he's a Reds fan. Castro legs one out safe to first. Two outs and they announce Brian LaHair now batting. We both look at eachother like " LaHair! Look at that! ". We seemed like the leading authority on Brian LaHair knowledge in the bleachers. Two minutes later, BOOM! LaHair jacks a bomb about 10 feet from where we were sitting. Mass fucking hysteria. Probably the most excitement I've had at a sporting event. My buddy was shaking his head. He couldn't believe it was Brian LaHair.

Amazing personal moment I guess.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

I'm going to the Reds/Cubs game tonight. I will definitely steal this to impress people in my section.

[RP]

I was like " yah man Bryan LaHair. Duhhh Triple A MVP, come on guys!".

[RP]

I was pretty drunk off Old Style when all this went down. Made like five bleacher friends.

[Emperor Smeat]

"Hat Flap" becomes a bigger embarrassment to Selig after news today showed that MLB really didn't have a strong reason to deny the Mets the commemorative hats besides not wanting to create a "precedent for other incidents".

It also didn't help that Selig called the Mets to yell at them saying because they went public, the team embarrassed MLB and him in the eyes of the public.

Torre is trying to diffuse the situation by saying MLB wasn't yelling or trying to cause a problem denying the Mets request.

Mets players claim MLB officials physically took away the hats after the pre-game ceremony to prevent them from sneaking the hats back on the field.

Some people also think had the situation been reversed with the Yankees at home and Mets away, MLB would have allowed the request for the special caps.

[Emperor Smeat]

:D Red Sox end loosing streak with a 18-6 beating of Toronto and Wakefield got his 200th win tonight.

[DaveWadding]

No mention of Mariano breaking 600 saves? 2 more and he has the record because Hoffman retired with 601. Pretty damn impressive, as much as I hate the Yankees.

[Innovator]

Russell Martin said he didn't realize it was 600 until everyone was celebrating more than usual.

[RP]

I crack up at people who say Riveria is overated. Imagine if Carlos Marmol was the Yanks closer for the last 15 seasons.

Lol

[Innovator]

He's so nice of a guy he showed Roy Halladay how to throw a cutter.

[Gertner]

Brendan Morrow is a disaster.

[Gertner]

Yum, I love feasting on that gas can Daniel Bard.

[ClockShot]

Pirates notch their 19th losing season in a row today. No way they can get above .500 now.

I'm quite bumed out by this. I kinda thought this was their year the way things were going.

2012 schedules were announced today. The Miami Marlins open their season at their new staduim against the Cardinals April 4th.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

You heard it here first: Yankees fan ClockShot wants a salary cap in baseball so the Pirates can be competitive.

[Aguakate]

2012 schedules were announced today. The Miami Marlins open their season at their new staduim against the Cardinals April 4th.

They're gonna be known as "The Miami Marlins" starting in 2012?

[ClockShot]

You heard it here first: Yankees fan ClockShot wants a salary cap in baseball so the Pirates can be competitive.

Where does salary cap come into play on this?

[Evil Vito]

I was like " yah man Bryan LaHair. Duhhh Triple A MVP, come on guys!".

<font color=goldenrod>Love it when Triple A lifers get a shot. I remember in 2008 Valentino Pascucci was tearing shit up in the minors and Mets fans (myself included) were rallying to give him a call up. He didn't, and the Mets continued to use horrible players in pinch hitting spots down the stretch, each one shittier than the last.

Pascucci finally got a September call up this year, when he's not even really needed. Think he's only had 1 at bat. Still pretty cool, since it's his first big league experience since a cup of coffee with the Expos in 2004.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

They're gonna be known as "The Miami Marlins" starting in 2012?

It was part of the financing deal for the new stadium since it was almost entirety funded by the city.

The Florida name never really made much sense because only Miami ever provided the funds for the team when needed while the other cities and state government refused.

[Aguakate]

They should have a new Manager for next season, too, someone who will bring some life to that ballclub. It just doesn't feel right to have the team open up a new stadium (their OWN stadium), which in essence is viewed by some as a "rebirth" for the Marlins, and have Jack McKeon as Manager.

Most people would say Ozzie Guillen should be Manager, but I don't know...I don't really like Ozzie, to begin with. If the Marlins were able to land Ryne Sandberg, that'd be awesome.

[Skippord]

Jack McKeon is awesome

[Aguakate]

I'm not saying he SUCKS, but I believe the Marlins organization views next season as a "rebirth", so they should also start the season with a new Manager, someone younger.

"Out with the old, in with the new".

[Skippord]

I'm pretty sure the only way Jack McKeon is not going to be the manager of the Marlins next year is if he doesn't want to/dies or if they can get Ozzie

[weather vane]

Kershaw ejected... what a fucking joke.

[Aguakate]

What the heck is up with Mitch Williams' head while he talks? He always has some kind of a head wiggle as he speaks...always moving it around lol.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Fucking can't wait for the playoffs. Every potential matchup looks intriguing. Doesn't really seem like any teams are going to be doormats.

Plus the Mets have pretty much killed my interest in the final 2 weeks. Brutal homestand, leading to Terry Collins accusing the team of quitting. Harold Reynolds and Sean Casey took him to task for that tonight, saying it would offset the team liking him all year, etc. but I don't see the big deal. They've looked beyond lacksadaisical and like they don't care...which isn't very inspiring considering everybody should be in audition mode. The only players on the current roster that are locks for next year are Wright, Bay, Niese, and Dickey. Everyone else is up in the air.</font>

[Aguakate]

Are the Rays really going to overtake the Red Sox? Are the Cardinals going to catch the Brewers?

The Boston team, specially, looks just...tired. They've had a bunch of injuries and IDK...even if they make the playoffs, they may have trouble.

[Boomer]

Gonna be honest, I think the Braves are going to back into the playoffs like nobody has done before. Our best starters are out, our bullpen is overworked, and the team is in its worst offensive slump they've had this year. Too many ifs for me to feel good about their chances.

[Innovator]

<font color=goldenrod>Fucking can't wait for the playoffs. Every potential matchup looks intriguing. Doesn't really seem like any teams are going to be doormats.

Plus the Mets have pretty much killed my interest in the final 2 weeks. Brutal homestand, leading to Terry Collins accusing the team of quitting. Harold Reynolds and Sean Casey took him to task for that tonight, saying it would offset the team liking him all year, etc. but I don't see the big deal. They've looked beyond lacksadaisical and like they don't care...which isn't very inspiring considering everybody should be in audition mode. The only players on the current roster that are locks for next year are Wright, Bay, Niese, and Dickey. Everyone else is up in the air.</font>

Honestly both Texas and Detroit frighten me as a Yankee fan.

[RP]

YOU WANNA SEE TERRY COLLINS INTENSE!

[parkmania]

You heard it here first: Yankees fan ClockShot wants a salary cap in baseball so the Pirates can be competitive.

Where does salary cap come into play on this?

The only way the Pirates will ever become even remotely competitive again is if MLB institutes a salary BASEMENT. And even then, management would screw it up by just overpaying the same undertalented guys.


Still can't believe that Coonelly (the Pirates president) actually had the audacity to come out and almost directly say that if fans wanted to see the Pirates spend more money and try to compete that the fans would have to start buying more tickets first.

Oh, and this (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=jp-passan_pirates_coonelly_stroll_inn_beer_promotion_051811), too

[RP]

YOU WOULDN'T LIKE TERRY COLLINS WHEN HE'S INTENSE!!!

[Hardkore Kidd J]

Honestly both Texas and Detroit frighten me as a Yankee fan.

What is your opinion on the Angels? They are only 3 1/2 out of the West. I think they might be able to do it. But I think Detroit will get the task of Sox/Rays first.

[Nicky Fives]

Blue Jays love playing spoiler..... I hope Boston chokes and The Rays get the A.L. Wildcard.....

[Innovator]

What is your opinion on the Angels? They are only 3 1/2 out of the West. I think they might be able to do it. But I think Detroit will get the task of Sox/Rays first.
Detroit in a 5 game series is ridiculous, you'll see Verlander twice.

[Innovator]

Angels are a crapshoot with the Yankees. Both teams know how to play each other. It would come down to Santana/Nova game.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Bronson Arroyo gave up 4 home runs tonight to up his season total to 44. That's 5th all time. He's got an outside chance of tying the record but it'll take some hard work on his part.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>I will be pulling for the Tigers and Diamondbacks in the playoffs. Fucking love Verlander, and the D-Backs are just a great story overall.

Once we reach the point in the year where teams start clinching their divisions, I reminisce about 2006. Only time in my life I could celebrate a division title, just a great feeling after such a long season. Prolly not much chance of it happening again until 2014 or so once the Phillies are old and broken down and the Mets young players have got some years under their belts.</font>

[Gertner]

Jays are kicking BF Colon's ass already.

[Aguakate]

I love Bartolo Colon, but I think it's safe to say his luck has run out as a Starter.

[ClockShot]

Sandman strikes again. 1 away from the all-time record.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Honestly can't wait for Chipper Jones to never play baseball again. There may never have been a player who ALWAYS comes through in a big spot vs. a given team.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>If I'm a Tigers fan, I'm praying Valverde blows a save before the season ends. Otherwise he's pretty much a lock to blow one in the playoffs. I know that Lidge pulled it off in 2008, but it just seems hard to fathom that it would happen again so soon.</font>

[ClockShot]

BoSox lose again and the Rays close the wild card gap to 3 games. Yankees magic number is down to 5.

[Emperor Smeat]

:nono: Red Sox lose again. Every year is the same that once it gets to late August, the team starts its last slide (even when they won the division in 2007, they had their slide).

Thank God they took the 2nd game or else it would have been a 4-game sweep because the Rays played tough for every game but instead just 2 games shaved off instead of going to 3rd place.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets give Tim Byrdak a contract for 2012. I'm happy with that. He's one of about three relievers I could justify the Mets bringing back next year with Manny Acosta and Daniel Ray Herrera. Sadly Parnell will be back too I'm sure.</font>

[ClockShot]

Brandon Morrow decided to bring his A game and throw 8 shutout innings against the Yankees. Grrrrrrr.

Wonder if Girardi will be smart tomorrow and give Rivera the day off. Can't see him getting the record is Burnett on the bump.

[Aguakate]

The Red Sox are in trouble.

[Innovator]

http://thechive.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/great-funny-photos-6.jpg?w=500&h=281

[MVP]

Calling it right now. Verlander is the AL MVP.

[Aguakate]

Probably. Granderson is hitting nowhere near .300, Jose Bautista and Adrian Gonzalez have cooled off a bit, so...Verlander may take it.

It's as if no matter what team he's facing, it's a sure thing he'll win. Incredible.

The Tigers may be the most feared team in the AL come the Playoffs. CC Sabathia has been known to get hit around at times.

[Innovator]

602!

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mo is the man.</font>

[Triple Naitch]

If Verlander can get 25 wins then he definitely deserves MVP.

[ClockShot]

Congrats to The Sandman. The best closer in the business.

Boston goes down again. Rays can catch up and possibly pass tomorrow.

[Emperor Smeat]

It helps that the other possible contenders could also be splitting the vote because of their teammates. Ellsbury's great year will take potential votes away from A-Gon and Granderson's stats are too similar to Tex's stats so a split is possible in votes.

Verlander has been amazing this year that while most pitchers probably have 1/4 - 1/3 of their starts be no decisions, just 4 of his games (12%) are no decisions this year so he gets a result almost every time.

[ClockShot]

O's are getting hammered in the nighcap right now. Even Lackey is horrible tonight and he's holding it together.

[Boomer]

Happy that the Sox are overshadowing the Braves' epic collapse. Glad I haven't felt like watching them recently. Probably watched 80% of their games this year, so I'm due for a little break. And if they miss the post-season, I won't care much. They don't have much of a shot.

[RP]

The Cubs have officially runned down the Pirates!

FUCK YA!

[Innovator]

It's official, Yankees are back in the playoffs.

[RP]

Thanks for jewing us Aramis.

[RP]

Starlin Castro needs 1 hit for 200 hits in a season. Pretty amazing considering he's only 21. This kid had a serious chance at being one of the greats.

[Droford]

I would love nothing more than for the Os beating the Red Sox and knocking them out, and if they can pull out this one tonight (4-4 in the 7th) taking 3 out of 4 from the Red Sox in Fenway would go a long way towards that..

[RP]

Now that we know Aramis is jewing out of his contract, I don't see why the Cubs wouldn't bring Josh Vitters up and see what he has in the majors. It just make s sense unless Quade is trying to pad his wins and save his job.

[Skippord]

Aramis would look pretty good in purple

[Damian Rey]

Now that we know Aramis is jewing out of his contract, I don't see why the Cubs wouldn't bring Josh Vitters up and see what he has in the majors. It just make s sense unless Quade is trying to pad his wins and save his job.

Letting Vitters get 2 weeks worth of at bats isn't going to show anyone what he has in the majors. There's no reason to pull him up.

[Damian Rey]

Aramis would look pretty good in purple

:lol: you wish Skip.

[ClockShot]

Boston is half way to the collapse. Yanks win both games of the doubleheader and won the AL East.

Angels caught up to the Rays. It's gonna be interesting!

[Evil Vito]

I think the Sox will pull it out, but barely. They caught a huge break with the Rays dropping 2 games.

Either way, the Sox and Braves are looking a lot like the 2007 Mets right now in the ways tha they lose. They'll be undeserving even if they make it in...I'd be licking my chops to play them in the first round.

[Hardkore Kidd J]

I think the Sox will pull it out, but barely. They caught a huge break with the Rays dropping 2 games.

Either way, the Sox and Braves are looking a lot like the 2007 Mets right now in the ways tha they lose. They'll be undeserving even if they make it in...I'd be licking my chops to play them in the first round.

I don't know. They still have got to worry about the Angels. Even if Tampa did lose these 2 games. The Sox have to be looking over their shoulders for Rangers/Angels. It could come down to a Rangers/Detroit and Yankees/Angels ALCS.

But yeah, Detroit against Boston? If I were Boston I'd be pissing my pants seeing as if they face Detroit they may have to play Verlander twice, and that my friends to a bruised up team or any team especially a bruised up team is fucking scary.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>YESSSSSSS Mets finally get their revenge for 2006, scoring 6 runs in the 9th inning to beat the Cards with Yadier Molina recording the final out.</font>

[ClockShot]

Colon is out of gas. Might as well stick him in the bullpen for the remainder of the season. Doctor Proctor ain't doing any favors tonight as well.

Tampa Bay is going to get within 1.5 of Boston tonight.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Feel bad for the people who went to tonight's game and were treated to that lineup :o reminds me of the night after the Mets clinched in 2006 and they had 65 year old Julio Franco playing 3rd base.</font>

[Innovator]

Wow the one game I go to all year, Boston at Yankees, and it's slated to be Wakefield vs. AJ.

[Boomer]

All the Mets chanting going on on Braves' fan websites is hilarious.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Rumor has it that the Sox tried to make a push to acquire Chris Capuano to make one start against the Yankees this weekend. It fell through. Doubtful that they really offered anything, so with the outside chance that Capuano winds up being a Type B free agent in an off-season with horrendous starting pitching it makes sense for the Mets to hold onto him. Could also see him being brought back next year.</font>

[Emperor Smeat]

Not surprised because Tito and everyone else has zero confidence in the entire pitching staff. Even Buccholz was rumored to be coming back for at least short-pen relief but nobody seriously thinks that will occur unless the playoff round.

Not counting the horrible errors (23 in last 21 innings), hitting-wise the team is doing better than last month but the ERA from the pitching staff almost eats away any runs scored (5-6 ERA vs 6-7 Runs per game).

Crawford also finally got around to playing great for long stretch of time since he's the #1 batter in MLB for the month of September in terms of potential playoff teams.

[Droford]

If only the Os could play June-August like they do in April,May and September they'd be a decent team.

I suppose a bright spot is that they have 66 wins which is how many they had last year with 5 more to play and they haven't won 70 games since 2006.

[Innovator]

http://fastcache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/11/2011/09/picture_3_01.png

[Gertner]

Woohoo E5 with the walk off hr!

[Aguakate]

Wow the one game I go to all year, Boston at Yankees, and it's slated to be Wakefield vs. AJ.

Look at the bright side, the final score will probably be 10-9, so...you'll see a lot of hitting!

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Wooooo Andrew Brackman made his debut last night for the Yankees :love: :love: :love:

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Leo Nunez admits to playing under an assumed name. His real name is Juan Carlos Oviedo and he's 29, a year older than he's listed at. He's been sent back to the Domincan Republic and there's a decent chance that he won't be allowed back into America again.</font>

[RP]

Lol

[ClockShot]

A little news in the ongoing Dodgers saga.

MLB lawyers have asked a Delaware judge to force the sale of the Dodgers. It's also been learned that Frank McCourt is now trying to auction off the TV rights without MLB permission, which can lead to the team being expelled from the league.

[RP]

Starlin Castro 200 hits.

[ClockShot]

Looks like Tampa Bay blew it tonight unless they pull a rabbit out of their hat.

Angels can put the pressure on tonight.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>The Division Title shirts this year look pretty terrible.</font>

[DaveWadding]

I sure wish I would've taken the over on 61 wins for the D'Backs when I was in Vegas in March. :(

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Athletics three outs away from clinching the West for the Rangers. 3 clinchers in one night.

Looks like both Wild Cards could still be set by the time the weekend is up. Definitely hope at least one of them drags out, otherwise the last 3 days of the season will have pointless baseball across the board for the first time in quite awhile.</font>

[RP]

Youngest to 200 hits since Arod in 1996. 15 years. Cannot wait for next season

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>LOL the D-Backs all just jumped into the pool.

Tigers and D-Backs are my teams this postseason.</font>

[DaveWadding]

WINNING.

[Evil Vito]

Stephen Drew just broke something.

Yep, his ankle. Done for the season. Goodbye playoffs.

[DaveWadding]

I think I would break TPWW if I quoted all your posts that sounded like that.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Except mine wind up being accurate in the end.</font> :(

[DaveWadding]

In other news, the Rangers clinch.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Rangers are shit hot. Think they'll wind up with the #2 seed, sending the Tigers to New York.</font>

[Aguakate]

It's nice to see the Brewers and D'Backs back in the Playoffs. They, along with the Rangers, bring a certain excitement to the Postseason that I really enjoy. Maybe it's because they're young teams, or because you don't always see them in the Playoffs...IDK...but I think it's awesome.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>In a potentially controversial move, Jim Leyland has said that Verlander will not pitch in Game 4 of the ALDS no matter what the series is at that point. If they are down 2-1 and DON'T pitch Verlander I think that would be completely retarded...dude is having one of the best seasons in a long, long time. But Leyland's always come across as a stubborn guy who will go out of his way to go against public opinion.</font>

[Gertner]

He's already pitched 250 innings. You can't risk a guys career in a first round match up.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>lol @ the idea of pitching him in Game 4 "risking his career".</font>

[Gertner]

Again, he's already pitched 250 innings. Throwing him out there on 3 days rest in a divisional series when you're going to have to win another game anyways in stupid. If the Tigers can't find 1 more pitcher to win a game then they deserve to lose.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Dunno. Think I'd rather start Verlander and Fister a second time than have to see Porcello or Penny take the field in a must-win game against the Yankees. Hopefully they can do their job the first go around so they won't even need to worry about throwing Verlander early.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Eugenio Velez is 0-for-39 this season. lol wtf.</font>

[RP]

5 games to go. I wanna see Castro get 210 hits.

[DaveWadding]

Carlos Marmol is the worst pitcher in baseball.

[Emperor Smeat]

<font color=goldenrod>In a potentially controversial move, Jim Leyland has said that Verlander will not pitch in Game 4 of the ALDS no matter what the series is at that point. If they are down 2-1 and DON'T pitch Verlander I think that would be completely retarded...dude is having one of the best seasons in a long, long time. But Leyland's always come across as a stubborn guy who will go out of his way to go against public opinion.</font>

It does sound a bit odd but at the same time he doesn't want Verlander pulling a Sabathia a few years ago with the heavy workload which ended up not backfiring on the Yankees.

He figures Game 5 is more important than a Game 4 and if done correctly, he can have Verlander available in a potential Game 7 of the ALCS with normal rest than overusing him similar to Cliff Lee being tired by the time of the World Series last year or David Price with the Rays a few years back.

Sabathia was the only one in recent years to pull off a whole playoff run on very short rest but it also helped all the delayed games that year and other questionable calls.

[Droford]

dont know how the Os scored 5 Runs off Verlander but hes not gonna win tonight..haha

[Droford]

Os just pulled off a suicide squeeze in the 9th to take back the lead 6-5.

Haven't seen a suicide squeeze in a while, most of the Os can't bunt worth a crap.

[ClockShot]

Thanks O's. If the Yanks win tomorrow, we got home field throughout the playoffs.

Beating down Lester and Tampa Bay winning today makes the remainder of this day alot better.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets sweep the double header against the Phillies :love: Phillies appear to be lingering into the playoffs ice cold</font> :cool:

[Boomer]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets sweep the double header against the Phillies :love: Phillies appear to be lingering into the playoffs ice cold</font> :cool:

Watch them sweep the Braves without effort.

[Innovator]

Matchups for the doubleheader

Wakefield v. AJ

Lackey v. Nova.

[Innovator]

Poor Crawford.

[ClockShot]

This is intense.

[Innovator]

dammit Stone Cold Austin Romine

[Emperor Smeat]

:D Ellsbury, the only one who played great during the double-header

Still a horrible month and Bard almost had another meltdown while the starters are still unreliable but at least the WC isn't tied even though the Red Sox did everything to give it away.

[ClockShot]

Couldn't stay up and watch that. Didn't expect Proctor to blow the game for us.

[Innovator]

I fully expected Proctor to blow it

[ClockShot]

Man. I wanna be a fly on the wall in Yankees locker room before the game tonight.

[Boomer]

Couldn't stay up and watch that. Didn't expect Proctor to blow the game for us.

Then you haven't watched him pitch for the Braves this year. His nickname is The Proctologist.

[Dragon]

Ozzie Guillen close to being traded to the Marlins apparently.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>roflllllllllllll managers being traded</font>

[McLegend]

100 wins

[Emperor Smeat]

:-\

I guess Francona wants to get fired because the worst collapse in MLB history and worst in the Red Sox 109-year history is basically complete.

They've had as bad Septembers before in the past but nothing of this magnitude.

Literally have been giving away games during the whole month and something around only 1 game in the last 8-9 games the starters gave up less than 5 runs.

[ClockShot]

Jack McKeon is retiring (again). Ozzie was probably getting fired after the season. It makes sense. But I'm just as shocked as everybody else this is going down at the end of the regular season instead of being a postseason thing.

It'll either be cash and/or a nobody prospect going to Chicago in exchange.

[ClockShot]

:-\

I guess Francona wants to get fired because the worst collapse in MLB history and worst in the Red Sox 109-year history is basically complete.

They've had as bad Septembers before in the past but nothing of this magnitude.

They got 2 more days to save their asses. Don't go calling for heads just yet.

[weather vane]

fuck my life right now

[Droford]

Os season will end awesome if they can sweep or take 2 of 3 from the Sox and keep em out of the playoffs

would rather it have been the Yankees somehow but take what I can get

[Emperor Smeat]

They got 2 more days to save their asses. Don't go calling for heads just yet.

3 days actually assuming the Rays don't lose and Red Sox manage to win the last 2 games, the 1 game playoff would occur for the Wild Card spot.

Girardi already claimed for Wednesday he will only use the "garbage" or non-playoff roster pitchers to give his playoff pitching staff a rest.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

White Sox should go get Ryne Sandberg as their next manager. Would be just so lovely.

[Aguakate]

White Sox should go get Ryne Sandberg as their next manager. Would be just so lovely.

Were you watching Mitch Williams on the MLB Network or something? He said the same thing.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Learning Point #1 for next year's Mets Spring Training: Learn to fucking sacrifice bunt. Such a basic thing yet they haven't been able to do it all season.</font>

[Aguakate]

It's incredible how the Orioles can play great baseball in September against winning teams, and spoil their records. I like it.

[RP]

White Sox should go get Ryne Sandberg as their next manager. Would be just so lovely.

I'll be fucking pissed if that happens

[Aguakate]

I'll be fucking pissed if that happens

If that happens, and we get stuck with freaking MIKE QUADE...I don't even know how I'd feel. But it wouldn't be good.

[Droford]

It's incredible how the Orioles can play great baseball in September against winning teams, and spoil their records. I like it.
Os have bettered their win total by 2 games each year since 09 (66 wins to 70) if they can sweep the Red Sox. by that, I guess in 15 years they'll win 100 games and win the world series.

*books a hotel in baltimore for 2026 for the world series*

[Aguakate]

If the Orioles got some good veteran pitching...say, 2 good veteran pitchers...

...who knows?

[ClockShot]

Angels lose. They're out of it.

[Innovator]

If the Red Sox collapse, it is safe to blame ESPN the Magazine for dedicating a whole issue to how great Boston is.

[Aguakate]

With all the injuries the Red Sox have had, mainly to their pitching staff, and how horrible John Lackey has been, it's amazing they are still in the Playoff hunt, to be honest.

[Boomer]

With all the injuries the Braves have had, mainly to their pitching staff, and how horrible Derek Lowe has been, it's amazing they are still in the Playoff hunt, to be honest.

[MVP]

If the Red Sox collapse, it is safe to blame ESPN the Magazine for dedicating a whole issue to how great Boston is.

Them along with

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qp8jhJSka0E/TZSmpMYr8MI/AAAAAAAACT8/AvaiA0KIVOo/s1600/red%2Bsox%2Bbest%2Bteam%2Bin%2Bbaseball%2B2011.jpg

[Aguakate]

Adrian Gonzalez really stopped hitting too, didn't he?

[Triple Naitch]

White Sox should go get Ryne Sandberg as their next manager. Would be just so lovely.

Gonna go out on a limb and say Joey Cora will be the next manager. Can't see the White Sox getting another manager who will be bigger than the team.

[Dragon]

Them along with

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qp8jhJSka0E/TZSmpMYr8MI/AAAAAAAACT8/AvaiA0KIVOo/s1600/red%2Bsox%2Bbest%2Bteam%2Bin%2Bbaseball%2B2011.jpg

You can throw NESN in there as well - http://www.nesn.com/2011/01/2011-red-sox-will-challenge-1927-yankees-for-title-of-greatest-team-in-major-league-history.html

[Dragon]

I guess that article does get one point right - the Red Sox could accomplish a feat thats never been done before.

[Damian Rey]

I'm pulling for the Rays big time right now. I think if that pitching staff gets into the postseason, they could be as dangerous as anyone. Add to the fact that I have a heavy man crush on Evan Longoria, and it just makes me want the Sox to collapse even more.

As for Guillen and the ChiSox situation, I don't think he would have been fired. I think the more likely situation would have been to let him manage out the final year of his contract and then let him walk while keeping things on good terms. Instead, they get to release him and nab two minor leaguers instead, which is brilliant.

And the Red Sox should have never been proclaimed the best ever with that pitching staff. Even if Lester and Buccholz had been their usual selves, Beckett is injury prone and hot and cold, and Lackey, Dice-K and Wakefield are so terrible that there was no way you could just realistically hand the Red Sox the division at the beginning of the year, and their lack of reliable starrting pitching along with an offy bullpen has led to a tie in the Wild Card race in the last handful of games. This collapse could be epic.

LET'S GO RAYS!!!!!!

[Triple Naitch]

Cat believe I'm rooting for the Yankees right now.

[Innovator]

Cat believe I'm rooting for the Yankees right now.
On a scale of 1-10, how great do you feel having your season rest on the tired shoulder of Bartolo Colon?

[Droford]

damnit

[Triple Naitch]

On a scale of 1-10, how great do you feel having your season rest on the tired shoulder of Bartolo Colon?

-12

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Mets pick up Terry Collins' 2013 option.

I like him, but I find the idea of a "lame duck" manager to be stupid, particularly in NY where there will be pressure to fire the manager if the team is terrible whether they have a contract for 2013 or not. Hopefully Wally Backman can wait another couple of years before taking the reigns.</font>

[ClockShot]

I know most of us are bouncing back and forth between Rays/Yanks & Red Sox/O's. But anybody watching the ESPN 30 for 30 flick on Bartman right now? Pretty good stuff.

[Corndad]

Yea this Bartman flick is making Cubs fans look like complete tools.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

That's like saying they're making the sun look bright.

[Testicle]

Had a dream the other night that Verlander lost the MVP voting to *GASP* Derrick Jeter because of New York bias. Kind of bizarre. Also, I must be a huge loser for dreaming about that.

[Testicle]

Seriously though, if Verlander loses to Granderson, I will murder fools.

Also, the Tigers are winning the AL, so the rest of you can just go home now.

[weather vane]

BIG WIN

[Innovator]

Bad news for Sox fans, Yanks are going with a committee start with everyone who didnt pitch today and isn't on the postseason roster.

Scott Proctor will see playing time tomorrow.

[ClockShot]

It all comes down to tomorrow.

[Droford]

Os should be able to finally beat Lester on 3 days rest tomorrow.

[Triple Naitch]

He pitched two innings on Saturday. Not like he threw a complete game or anything.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

The Yankees better tank it on purpose tomorrow. Why wouldn't they? Best case scenario, they knock the Red Sox out of the playoffs. Worst case scenario, the Sox and Rays have to play an extra game and mess up their rotations.

[Aguakate]

Yankees aren't going to go all-out tomorrow, from the looks of things, AND David Price will start for the Rays.

The Red Sox are going to have Lester start for them, but the Orioles have played the Sox really tough.

I'd say either the Rays win and the Red Sox lose, or they both win and we'll have a one game playoff on Thursday (which the Rays should also win...I just don't think the Red Sox would be able to face that type of an energy, like the Rays bring).

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Thank god the Mets aren't in a playoff hunt or anything...or I would have to miss the game with it being in the afternoon. :o

Means last night may have been the last time I get to watch Jose Reyes as a Met</font> :(

[Innovator]

Just started Catching Hell, amazing so far.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Wonder if the way the playoff scenarios worked out this year will convince MLB to not add a 2nd Wild Card. If that were the case, yesterday and today's games would be utterly pointless because the one-game playoff would take place no matter what.</font>

[Innovator]

Mets fans who called into Craig and Boomer were ridiculous, assuming the Mets would go after Fielder AND Reyes.

[Aguakate]

Prince Fielder won't want to play in that ballpark.

They may get Reyes, though.

[Nicky Fives]

I really hopen Boston chokes..... it would make me very happy.....

[Evil Vito]

Wow...really? Idiots. If Reyes doesn't re-sign, I could see them being connected to Fielder, though probably not seriously.

Actually...if they signed for similar money, Fielder is probably the better long-term option due to durability and the fact that Citi Field won't contain his power.

[Evil Vito]

Prince Fielder won't want to play in that ballpark.

They may get Reyes, though.

If you think Fielder is afraid of any ballpark, you're an idiot.

[Triple Naitch]

Red Sox are trying to find a starter to acquire to pitch the tie-breaker game. Would be amazing if Buchholz came back and pitched the game.

[Evil Vito]

And in Reyes' potential final last game as a Met...he gets a bunt single in his first at-bat before being pulled for a pinch runner.

Feel bad for the good amount of fans who showed up probably just to see Reyes...but now he's in an excellent spot. Braun has to go 3-for-3 to win the batting title tonight.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Aren't they moving the walls in at Citi Field next year anyway?

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Also I really don't think the issue is Fielder being afraid to play somewhere. But let's be honest, if I'm offered the same amount to play at Wrigley as I am to play at Citi Field, I'm taking the cheap homers at Wrigley all day everyday.

[Evil Vito]

Sounds like they're going to make the left field wall shorter, and move in/straighten out right field a bit. The latter should be a huge help to David Wright...leave it to the Mets to build a park that screwed with his natural opposite-field power.

[Splaya]

Seriously though, if Verlander loses to Granderson, I will murder fools.

Also, the Tigers are winning the AL, so the rest of you can just go home now.



Duh

[ClockShot]

There's chatter going around that Boston is looking around for rental starter if they gotta do the play-in game. Bruce Chen's name was brought up and there are some talks with the Royals.

[ClockShot]

Yankees are sending Dellin Betances out tonight.

[MVP]

And in Reyes' potential final last game as a Met...he gets a bunt single in his first at-bat before being pulled for a pinch runner.

Feel bad for the good amount of fans who showed up probably just to see Reyes...but now he's in an excellent spot. Braun has to go 3-for-3 to win the batting title tonight.

Ted Williams is rolling over in his grave right now.

[Nark Order]

Giants. :(

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Sounds like everybody in baseball except for the Mets are rooting for Braun now. A lot of public outcry about him asking to be taken out. Braun getting 3 hits certainly is likely, anyway.

Francesa is saying he's heard from "sources" that the 2012 Mets payroll may not be over $100 million. Given that they've already got about $80 million committed in contracts/likely arbitration figures, I can't see Reyes coming in - nor Fielder (not that there was ever a chance of them moving Ike to right). It would eat their entire budget.</font>

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Those in Reyes' defense. If he went 0-for-3 or 0-for-4 or whatever it would have to be to put him below Braun, there is zero chance Braun plays tonight.</font>

[Aguakate]

If you think Fielder is afraid of any ballpark, you're an idiot.

It's not a matter of being afraid of a ballpark, but everyone has seen what that ballpark has done to Mets power hitters, such as David Wright, Jason Bay and Carlos Beltran. So if you can go elsewhere and get as much money, it's a no-brainer.

[parkmania]

Os have bettered their win total by 2 games each year since 09 (66 wins to 70) if they can sweep the Red Sox. by that, I guess in 15 years they'll win 100 games and win the world series.

*books a hotel in baltimore for 2026 for the world series*

And the Pirates will be riding a 34-year long losing streak at that point.

[Emperor Smeat]

Price looking very shaky for the Rays as he gave up 5 runs so far and Rays loosing 5-0 in the 2nd.

Red Sox up 1-0 in the 3rd inning.


<font color=goldenrod>Sounds like everybody in baseball except for the Mets are rooting for Braun now. A lot of public outcry about him asking to be taken out. Braun getting 3 hits certainly is likely, anyway.
Some of the outcry also revolves around Reyes considering using just bunts for safer hits to take advantage of his speed.

[Emperor Smeat]

Wild Card Mayhem update:

Red Sox 3-2 Orioles, 5th
Yankees 6-0 Rays, 4th (:lol: Price collapsed so far)

Phillies 1-3 Braves, 6th
Cardinals 5-0 Astros, 2nd (all 5 runs scored in 1st)

[Innovator]

Hey look at that Teixeira found his bat!

[ClockShot]

Come on, Baltimore. Don't let me down.

This was supposed to be the gimme of all gimme games for the Rays. And Price just implodes.

[Aguakate]

Come on, Baltimore. Don't let me down.

This was supposed to be the gimme of all gimme games for the Rays. And Price just implodes.

...you ARE a Yankees fan, right? :shifty:

[Droford]

fuck the MLB if they call this game

if the Sox were losing they'd wait til 5:30 in the morning if they had to in order to get it in

[Aguakate]

If they don't call it, and for some reason the Orioles tie and then it rains again, the Red Sox would probably have to finish it up tomorrow very early, and then go down to St Pete and play the Rays...or, if they still want to finish it, and it doesn't stop raining 'til a couple hours, it would end like at 1 or 2am, and if the Red Sox lose, they'd have to go down to St. Pete anyway later in the day...

...that'd be brutal.

[Emperor Smeat]

Braves bullpen just blew the save and could even give away the potential win because bases loaded for the Phillies, 3-3 in the 9th. Crowd booing Kimbrel leaving the mound from the pitching change.


fuck the MLB if they call this game

if the Sox were losing they'd wait til 5:30 in the morning if they had to in order to get it in

I don't think MLB can call off the game if the home team didn't get the last chance for an at-bat or if its just 1-run. Even the old rules didn't let them unless the home team wanted to call it off.

[Droford]

they'll call it 5 minutes within the last out down in Tampa.

[ClockShot]

...you ARE a Yankees fan, right? :shifty:

Yes. But I wanna see the Red Sox and Rays play 163 and fight to the death. With the Rays winning.

[MVP]

Kimbrel just blew the save in Atlanta and St. Louis has a comfortable lead.

[Droford]

Os are gonna mess around with the dimensions of Camden Yards for the 20th Anniversary of Camden Yards next year...wonderful

[Aguakate]

I SO want the Braves to lose and stay out of the playoffs.

[Boomer]

Nah, you want to play the Braves. Their offense is beyond anemic.

Extras.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

If Pujols doesn't get up again he's going to snap his .300/30/100 streak and end the season at .299 with 99 rbis. That stings.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Ok now he's up.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

And he flied out. Aww shucks.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

YES YANKEES YOU CAN DO THIS. THROW THE GAME YOU FUCKS

[Aguakate]

Hold on now. The Rays making some noise.

[ClockShot]

Girardi is getting ready to burn the pen.

[Boomer]

I want Medlen to be in the rotation next year so badly. He would definitely be outstanding in long relief, but I just think he has fantastic stuff.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Hearing Steve Berthiaume and John Kruk call this game is really fucking with my head. Keep thinking it's Baseball Tonight.

[Droford]

They say they'll play this game but with lightning they wouldnt risk players or fans getting zapped.

Supposed to be rain til at least midnight

[Aguakate]

Nah, you want to play the Braves. Their offense is beyond anemic.

Extras.

I just like pulling for the underdogs (the Cardinals came back from the dead to tie the Braves for the Wild Card)

[ClockShot]

Yuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuup.

[Aguakate]

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOA!

Longoria!

I got chills and everything!

[Loose Cannon]

AHAHAHA Yanks mailing it in

[Loose Cannon]

Dave Roberts just stole 2nd

[Loose Cannon]

fuckin Damon

[Emperor Smeat]

:lol: ESPN announcers sound all surprised at the Rays magically pulling within a run.

[MVP]

Yankees need to get their shit together.

[ClockShot]

St. Louis is all done. All NL eyes are on Atlanta now.

[Droford]

Come on Rays, I totally wanna see a dejected Red Sox team losing in Camden Yards and not going to the playoffs.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Michael Bourn on 1st and not running. Are you kidding me Atlanta

[Boomer]

Michael Bourn on 1st and not running. Are you kidding me Atlanta

Yeah, the Braves have seriously bunted him over a number of times since they got him. Drives me crazy.

[ClockShot]

Damn. That centerfielder was truckin'.

[Aguakate]

:lol: ESPN announcers sound all surprised at the Rays magically pulling within a run.

I was 100% sure they were going to lose being down 7-0 lol...I'm sure the ESPN guys thought the same.

I love the MLB Network, BTW.

[Loose Cannon]

nail biting going on in Atlanta right now

[Loose Cannon]

Sox/O's Game on

[Aguakate]

Alright, come on Rays. Make it happen.

[Loose Cannon]

Rays vs Corey Wade

[ClockShot]

Oh my god.

[Dragon]

LOL Jesus

[Aguakate]

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

[Supreme Olajuwon]

AHHHHHHH OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG

[Loose Cannon]

HOLY SHIT DAN JOHNSON

[Droford]

DAN JOHNSON!

[Boomer]

LOL

[Droford]

bahahah that was awesome

[Aguakate]

I am LOL'ing like a crazy guy Hahahaha!

[MVP]

Dan Johnson hit a home run to tie it up...FUCK

[Loose Cannon]

MLB Network guys are literally jerking off right now