2014 MLB Thread

[dman4505]

This just in...Mets still suck. :D

Not as bad as the Cubbies

Don

[icehog3]

Tigers are just buying a pennant.. But at least they don't do it as much as the Yanks:D:cf1

Better to buy one than not get one at all. ;)

[The Poet]

Better to buy one than not get one at all. ;)

And better to buy 27 than to buy only 4.

For that matter, better to LOSE 13 of 40 than lose 7 of 11. :r

[The Poet]

Tigers - Yankees on ESPN tonight, should be a fun series.

BTW, while we're on the subject:

Strike Three! Ball game over! Yankees win, theeeeeeee YANK-ees WIN!!


:D

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

And better to buy 27 than to buy only 4.

For that matter, better to LOSE 13 of 40 than lose 7 of 11. :r

You guys bought all 27 eh?:r:r

[The Poet]

You guys bought all 27 eh?:r:r

Hey, is it their fault Boston sold The Babe south for 25 grand? :D

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Hey, is it their fault Boston sold The Babe south for 25 grand? :D

lol nope!:r

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Check this out Thomas, a Bob Sheppard bit I think you'd get a laugh out of:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F0RFVkCoIM

[The Poet]

:r :cl

That's a riot! Maybe you out there in the boonies don't know it, but Bob Sheppard is STILL introducing Number 2, Derek Jeter, Jeter at Yankee Stadium, even though he's been dead for 4 years. Yeah, for Jeets and Jeets alone, they play a tape, so this is the LAST year since 1951 his voice will be heard in The Bronx . . . until maybe Old Timer's Day. :D

I also like the Jets/Giants part. This is a long-time Giants town, but the Jets built their multi-zillion dollar facility a pistol shot away. Man, did we have fun with the Sanchez/Tebow circus! :r

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

:r :cl

That's a riot! Maybe you out there in the boonies don't know it, but Bob Sheppard is STILL introducing Number 2, Derek Jeter, Jeter at Yankee Stadium, even though he's been dead for 4 years. Yeah, for Jeets and Jeets alone, they play a tape, so this is the LAST year since 1951 his voice will be heard in The Bronx . . . until maybe Old Timer's Day. :D

I also like the Jets/Giants part. This is a long-time Giants town, but the Jets built their multi-zillion dollar facility a pistol shot away. Man, did we have fun with the Sanchez/Tebow circus! :r

Will be sad to see Jeter go.

[The Poet]

Will be sad to see Jeter go.

Yes, though it's not as bad for me as when I saw Mattingly go. At least Jeter's going on his own terms, and not because he feels he can't perform due to injury.

[icehog3]

And better to buy 27 than to buy only 4.

For that matter, better to LOSE 13 of 40 than lose 7 of 11. :r

Wow, I wasn't jumping on the Yankees at all, and you're jumping my chit. :r

Oh well....last year is last year, and the past is the past. We'll see who is in the playoffs in about 8 weeks. ;)

[The Poet]

We'll see who is in the playoffs in about 8 weeks. ;)


Nah, I don't think I'll see ya there . . . meaning I might see ya there, but you won't see ME there. Still, we'll put up a heck of a fight.

[357]

Tigers get the win in the 12th inning. Price pitched pretty well for a N.D. I watched about the 1st through 6th innings. Missed the rest then caught the bottom of the 12th.

[icehog3]

Avila finally did something good again. :)

[The Poet]

I've heard of no-trade clauses, but this skirts collusion.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/yankees-blacklisted-in-trade-talks-for-aces-david-price--jon-lester-192616217.html

Now you can start the pile-on, haters. :r

[icehog3]

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/fellows_zpsb4a8bc95.png (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/icehog3/media/fellows_zpsb4a8bc95.png.html)

David Lennon is a liar!

[The Poet]

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/fellows_zpsb4a8bc95.png (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/icehog3/media/fellows_zpsb4a8bc95.png.html)

David Lennon is a liar!

Could be. Could be true. Could be we'll find out. Could be we never will.

[icehog3]

Could be the Tigers bullpen is sh!tting their pants once again. :hn

[The Poet]

Could be the Tigers bullpen is sh!tting their pants once again. :hn

Could be my Yanks beat 2 of your Cy Young pitchers, and slapped a ND on the 3rd. :D

[AdamJoshua]

That's what the Red Sox did, oh wait that was the post season on the way to winning the world series :D Never mind continue on.

[icehog3]

Could be my Yanks beat 2 of your Cy Young pitchers, and slapped a ND on the 3rd. :D

Indeed, but it was lack of support rather than poor pitching by any of the 3. I guess you could say that my Tigers beat the 27 time world champs on Tuesday. :D

[The Poet]

Pitching was very good from those 3, just as pitching was slightly better from my starting rotation patched together with spit and scotch tape. And unlike many guys, I can't complain about our bullpen much.

[The Poet]

Detroit pitching was great again today. Porcello scattered 9 hits with no walks over 7 innings, giving up only one run.

Greene gave up zero runs over 8, Robertson got his 31st save, and Yanks take 3 of 4 from Tigers. Who needs Cy Young anyway? :D

[icehog3]

A great series for the Yankees, but I was pretty happy with the pitchers from Motown, think it will serve them well moving forward.

[jonumberone]

Tigers pitched well, Tom.
I think I read they pitched to an 0.99 ERA during the series.
Facing the rotation the way it was set up, I would've been more than thrilled with a split.
Though the Yanks fared better, they didn't exactly blow the Tigers away.

I was shocked to see just how pitiful the Tigers lineup is without Miggy.
When you take him out, you just don't lose his bat, but nobody else slots correctly in the order.
Kind of odd to see that from one of the favorites.
Oh, and Detroit's bullpen still blows! :D

[icehog3]

They blow harder than an Irish hooker on St. Patty's Day, Dom! :lr

[The Poet]

They blow harder than an Irish hooker on St. Patty's Day, Dom! :lr

And nearly as often too. :D

[icehog3]

And nearly as often too. :D

They all have multiple Derek Jeter gift bags. ;)

[The Poet]

They all have multiple Derek Jeter tea bags. ;)

Fixed it for you, Tom. :D

[icehog3]

Fixed it for you, Tom. :D

I'd be willing to bet it was both, Thomas. :noon

[The Poet]

With a 2-ball count, he's looking for something down in the zone he can put good wood on and slap into the gap.

And maybe we can get back to baseball again soon too. :D

[icehog3]

9th inning comeback for the Tigers, they really needed it.

[The Poet]

9th inning rally by Indians doesn't get past a threat, and Yanks take another pitcher's duel, 10-6.

Cleveland uses 7 pitchers, but NY only 6.

[icehog3]

Scherzer goes 8 innings on 4 hit, 1 run ball.

Nathan comes in for the 9th and blows it.

Looks like the Tigers need complete games from their starters to win. The bullpen is a joke.

Better load up in the 10th, as goodness only knows how chitty the next reliever will pitch.

[The Poet]

Indians shut out Yankees 3-0, and allow only 5 hits over 9 innings. But that's not the story. One of those hits was a single by Derek Jeter in the 6th, which put him ahead of Honus Wagner all-time at 3431, and sole possession of 6th place in hit leaders.

Jeets would need to get red-hot over the next 6 weeks to challenge Tris Speaker (3515) for #5 all-time, and I don't expect that to happen. But I do expect he'll keep swinging.

[icehog3]

I ruled the hit an error, so Jeter is still tied with Honus in my world. :)

[The Poet]

I ruled the hit an error, so Jeter is still tied with Honus in my world. :)

:tg :fu2 :bs


;)

[icehog3]

Sure hope Jeter can pass Wagner today. :noon:

[The Poet]

Sure hope Jeter can pass Wagner today. :noon:

I expect Jeter will get a few more hits before he's done. I also suspect Honus will not. :D

[icehog3]

But will Jeter's baseball card ever be more valuable than Honus'? I'll bet that gets Homus laid all the time. :)

[The Poet]

The famous Gretzky T206 card last sold for $2.8 million. How many times could Jeter buy it? :r

[icehog3]

The famous Gretzky T206 card last sold for $2.8 million. How many times could Jeter buy it? :r

Many times, with a reacharound and a gift basket with every purchase. :lr

[357]

Tigers slip out of first and lose Verlander in the same game. I heard from an unofficial source he had been feeling shoulder pain for some time but just now admitted it to trainers.

[icehog3]

Sanchez, Verlander, Soria down.

We got trouble, right here in Detroit City, with a capital T, and that rhymes with P, and that stands for pitching.

[jonumberone]

Valverde is available, Tom.
Maybe he can start?
Time to break out your Papa Grande jersey! :D

[The Poet]

Sanchez, Verlander, Soria down.

We got trouble, right here in Detroit City, with a capital T, and that rhymes with P, and that stands for pitching.

David Phelps, Michael Pineda, Masahiro Tanaka, CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova.

My heart bleeds for Detroit. :rolleyes:

[357]

Not to mention Miggy has something going on too. No power as of late and average slipping. Rumors are he may be injured. However, he's been running and fielding well. Not sure what the truth is there.

[icehog3]

Mr. Big Potato Head jersey on the ready, Dom.

I know, Thomas, the Yankees are always better/worse off/more persecuted/blah blah blah than any other team. Oh, the weight of that cross. :lr

[The Poet]

Easy for you to say, Tom.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szdKx9O31A0


Sing de blues! :D

[icehog3]

Au Contraire, Mon Frere! :D

[The Poet]

Au Contraire, Mon Frere! :D

A minor point, but "Brers" ate a peach, and was not eponymously on first. :D

Somebody out there will get that. :r

[357]

I heard today on the radio that an MRI on Verlander's shoulder showed inflammation normal to pitchers but no damage. He'll likely miss his next start to rest it then back into the rotation they said.

[jonumberone]

Big day in the sport, as I think today is the day the select the new Commish.
Interested in who it will be, and what his plans for the game are.
Regardless of who it is, I hope their first move is to clean up this catcher blocking the plate nonsense.
Second move should be to declare the Mets a minor league team. :D

[Dave128]

Big day in the sport, as I think today is the day the select the new Commish.
Interested in who it will be, and what his plans for the game are.
Regardless of who it is, I hope their first move is to clean up this catcher blocking the plate nonsense.
Second move should be to declare the Mets a minor league team. :D

I think that already happened a few years ago, Dom.

[kelmac07]

Ouch!! Thanks Dom. :D

[jonumberone]

Oakland has really fallen off of late.
You wonder if Billy Beane tinkered with the chemistry a bit too much by letting Cespedes go? Or were they just due for a losing streak?
7-8 since the deal.

[icehog3]

Jaba blows another one.

Or should I just edit, Jaba blows.

[AdamJoshua]

BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox have come to terms on a seven-year, $72.5 million deal for Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo, a team source said Friday.

The contract is a record number in total dollars paid for a free-agent amateur. Castillo was en route to Boston on Friday, according to ESPN's Pedro Gomez, and was expected to undergo a physical on Saturday.

[kelmac07]

Sad to see Garrett Richards go down.

[The Poet]

David Price has a great start for Detroit tonight . . . if you're a Yankee fan. He opened the third by giving up 9 straight hits. These, and some sac flies, gave NY 8 runs and the win.

[icehog3]

Complete anthithesis of Price's last start. Oakland and KC both win. Bad day for Los Tigres.

[icehog3]

And Avila helps the Tigers take the series from the nipping-at-their-heels Yankees. :D

[The Poet]

And this one of three was a good game too! :r

[icehog3]

Yeah, some good pitching by BOTH starters for once. :r

[icehog3]

Tigers move to a half game out in the AL Central, and into Wild Card #2 position. Verlander pitched decent, let's sweep those pesky White Sux. :D

[jonumberone]

Crazy shift in the Dodgers game last night.

http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/LzlvQFwlOpE7WBJZxMARYw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NQ--/http://media.zenfs.com/en-US/homerun/sbnation.teamsites.vox.com/6d6896e49fb30fcaca41c97e7b3ea5db

5 Man infield, 4 on the right side.
I really don't get the shift. It's a defense that's easy to beat, so I'm not sure why more people don't go the other way?

[icehog3]

Do you know how it worked out, Dom?

[jonumberone]

Do you know how it worked out, Dom?

They got the ground ball they were looking for, but botched the throw.

Link to Yahoo article:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/dodgers-extreme-infield-shift-074155896.html

[AdamJoshua]

Crazy shift in the Dodgers game last night.

http://l1.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/LzlvQFwlOpE7WBJZxMARYw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NQ--/http://media.zenfs.com/en-US/homerun/sbnation.teamsites.vox.com/6d6896e49fb30fcaca41c97e7b3ea5db

5 Man infield, 4 on the right side.
I really don't get the shift. It's a defense that's easy to beat, so I'm not sure why more people don't go the other way?

If Papi could only hit it to the other side more consistently he'd be unstoppable, it's the hack a shaq of baseball.

[icehog3]

Tigers bullpen almost blew a great MLB debut by Kyle Ryan, but luckily the White Sux bullpne was almost as bad. Tigers tied for 1st in the AL Central with the Kansas City Boils.

[The Poet]

Derek Jeter Day at The Stadium starting now. Love him or hate him, but RE2PECT him nonetheless.

[The Poet]

When Michael Jordan shows up to shake your hand, you know it's something special. :salute:

[357]

Tigers pounded the Royals yesterday, almost as hard as my Leos pounded the Giants on MNF. Scherzer takes the mound today.

[icehog3]

Need a big perfomance from Max tonight, time to put KC in 2nd where they belong. ;)

[357]

Max came through and apparently so did Nathan/Kinsler with that pickoff. I didn't see the game but I heard all the talk on my way in this morning. Tied for 1st and will try to keep it tonight with Porcello on the mound.

[icehog3]

Tough matchup tonight, hopefully Rick puts us in 1st to stay.

Tigers coming to Wrigley for 2 games in August 2015. Hope to catch the Tuesday game before leaving for Shack Wednesday AM.

[357]

Tom I will hold onto this post as the first evidence that there will be a Shack XI.

[icehog3]

I figure if I say it like that, it must happen, Mike! :D

[icehog3]

Tough matchup tonight, hopefully Rick puts us in 1st to stay.



Told ya....19 outs between 2 hits. Yet we still have a chance.

[AdamJoshua]

There is still baseball being played???

[icehog3]

Not in Boston for several months. ;s

[jonumberone]

Yanks are planning on starting Tanaka on Sunday.
I can't for the life of me figure out why. :confused:
Why isn't he shut down until spring? What can possibly be gained from starting him?
Hopefully he comes through this with his arm still attached to his body!

[The Poet]

Not in Boston for several months. ;s

I'm not sorry, one damn bit. :r

Yanks are planning on starting Tanaka on Sunday.
I can't for the life of me figure out why. :confused:
Why isn't he shut down until spring? What can possibly be gained from starting him?
Hopefully he comes through this with his arm still attached to his body!

I'm with you, Dom. Shut him down until spring.

So, any thoughts on Papelbon's "clutch" performance? :D

[kelmac07]

Yanks are planning on starting Tanaka on Sunday.
I can't for the life of me figure out why. :confused:
Why isn't he shut down until spring? What can possibly be gained from starting him?
Hopefully he comes through this with his arm still attached to his body!

I just heard this and thought to myself WTF??? Why in the world would you risk a $155 million dollar investment when the Yankees have about a 5% chance of making the playoffs? Sounds like a move the Mets would make. :r :r

[The Poet]

I just heard this and thought to myself WTF??? Why in the world would you risk a $155 million dollar investment when the Yankees have about a 5% chance of making the playoffs? Sounds like a move the Mets would make. :r :r

No call for insults, Mac. :D

[GTsetGO]

Orioles win the east with a win tonight.

Let's Go O's

[357]

Nathan blows the save and gives up with winning run after J.D. Martinez's 3-run go ahead HR in the top of the 9th. He needs to be removed as the Tiger's closer. Put Joakim in there instead.

[icehog3]

Agreed, Mike.

I was watching ESPN gamecast at my desk and went bonkers when J.D. hit the dinger.

Nathan brought me back to Earth real quickly.

[The Poet]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfgS1lvqX8I

[icehog3]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfgS1lvqX8I

Actually got a lil choked up.

[The Poet]

Yeah, for a damn commercial it is moving and touching.

[icehog3]

Huge series with the Royals starts tomorrow for the Tigers. They could be 3 1/2 up, 2 1/2 down or somewhere in between by Sunday. I know what I am hoping for, hopefully the Detroit starters can go deep into the games.

[jonumberone]

Tanaka gets the win in his misguided comeback.
Looks like he's get one more start up in Fenway.
Though he got through unscathed, I still don't agree with pitching him.

Glad the Royals didn't get swept.
I'd like to see the remaining races go as long as they can.

[icehog3]

Et to, Dom.....et tu?

:lr

[icehog3]

Tigers bats went to sleep against a WS rookie, just 1 game lead over the Royals. Time to wake the **** up. Boys.

[jonumberone]

Et to, Dom.....et tu?

:lr

I didn't say I don't want the Tigers to win it.
I just want them to win it on the last day of the season. :D

I'm just remembering the final day of the season a few years ago.
Flipping channels constantly, epic collapses, hoping for two play-in games, getting none, and being thrilled about it.
One of the best night's of baseball ever!

[yourchoice]

I'm just remembering the final day of the season a few years ago.
Flipping channels constantly, epic collapses, hoping for two play-in games, getting none, and being thrilled about it.
One of the best night's of baseball ever!

http://m.mlb.com/news/article/39125938/

That was a remarkable night of baseball. I think MLB had it right that year, finishing the season mid-week when every sports fan could get wrapped up in an evening of baseball. By finishing on a Sunday, against the NFL, a high percentage of baseball fans that don't have a horse in the race won't watch. Hopefully they'll go back to Wednesdays like they did in 2010 and 2011.

[icehog3]

I remember that as well, Dom and Joel. Super exciting even if "your" team wasn't in the mix, and nervewracking if it was. Good stuff. :tu

[The Poet]

Derek Jeter is, as I type, heading to the on-deck circle for his last at-bats in Yankee Stadium. Today is also the birthday of late Yankee shortstop and broadcaster Phil Rizzuto.

Coincidence, or kismet?

[The Poet]

First last at-bat = ribbie double to left, takes 3rd on wild pitch.

Thinks there's a little noise in The Bronx tonight?

[yourchoice]

I am far from a fan of the Yankees, but for the first time in 25+ years I was rooting for a Yankee to get a base hit. Incredible drama in the Bronx tonight. Congratulations, Jeter. You are a class act. :tu

[The Poet]

I am far from a fan of the Yankees, but for the first time in 25+ years I was rooting for a Yankee to get a base hit. Incredible drama in the Bronx tonight. Congratulations, Jeter. You are a class act. :tu

And he went out with class too. He drove in the first run and scored the tying second in the first inning, hit a grounder to plate the go-ahead run in the seventh, then after Robertson blew the save Jeets smacked a single to score the game-winner in the ninth.

Not a bad way to say goodbye to The Bronx.

P.S. - Jeter announced after the game he might DH a game or two in the last series up in Boston, but will not play shortstop again. He has taken off the Pinstripes playing the position he always wanted, since he was four years old, and will not do so ever again.

[jonumberone]

Amazing night!

[kelmac07]

Always been a fan of Derek Jeter...just not the Yankees. Was actually rooting for them last night as well (first time I can remember ever rooting for the Yankees). Glad to see him go out in New York in classic Jeter fashion. :tu :tu

[Dave128]

I don't regularly watch Yankee games, but have always liked Jeter. It was a real treat to watch him do his thing for the last time in Pinstripes. He's always been a class act and fun to watch. He will be missed.

[icehog3]

Short Jeter article, definitely puts his place among the greats in perspective. Congrats on an amazing career.

http://espn.go.com/blog/jayson-stark/post/_/id/952/ten-astounding-derek-jeter-numbers

[The Poet]

Thanks for the article, Tom. And thanks to all those bozos who commented on the article, bashing Jeter the same way they've been bashing him since his rookie year, saying Nomar, Omar, and A-Rod were better. As Jeets said himself last night, he played both with and against players with more talent and skill than he had, but no one ever tried harder. And as every Yankee fan has been saying to those critics for 20 years, "Yeah, OK, whatever." :r

[The Poet]

For those who missed it, here's a 4-minute clip of the walk-off single and celebration.

http://www.si.com/mlb/2014/09/25/derek-jeter-walk-single-final-home-bat-winner

[The Poet]

He's leaving 2-day. I'm glad I was a part of it.

[AdamJoshua]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ByosCnyCQAAdM93.jpg

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Thanks Paulie, plenty of memories for me.
http://www.ronvesely.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Postseason-23-818x500.jpg

http://www.trbimg.com/img-54277fa4/turbine/ct-paul-konerko-haugh-spt-0928-20140928

[The Poet]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ByosCnyCQAAdM93.jpg

I must admit they did it right in Boston . . . today. :r


Here's #3465, and done counting.



http://m.mlb.com/video/v36683353/nyybos-jeter-exits-to-ovation-after-final-atbat

[icehog3]

Goodbye, Mr. Jeter. :salute:

Now bring on the Ori-Holes! :D

[GTsetGO]

THIS IS BIRDLAND.................


http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120911110508/prosportsteams/images/5/5d/Baltimore_Orioles.jpg

[icehog3]

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/always_zps563f8119.png (http://s196.photobucket.com/user/icehog3/media/always_zps563f8119.png.html)

[The Poet]

The last, and maybe best, Jeter tribute.

http://www.rantsports.com/mlb/2014/09/28/empire-state-building-awesomely-honors-derek-jeters-retirement/

Now back to your regularly scheduled post-season. :D

[icehog3]

Pretty cool, Thomas. :tu

[The Poet]

I thought so, Admiral. Good luck against the Oreos. ;)

[icehog3]

I thought so, Admiral. Good luck against the Oreos. ;)

Thanks Thomas. Room on the Tiger train if you need a team to pull for in October this year. ;)

[The Poet]

:tg

[icehog3]

Awesome wild card game tonight, best play-in game since they added a second wild card team. Congrats to the Royals for moving on.

I gotta admit, I felt bad for Adam Dunn, his last major league game and he didn't even get to bat. :td

[jonumberone]

I gotta admit, I felt bad for Adam Dunn, his last major league game and he didn't even get to strike out.

Fixed it for you, Tom. :D

Tremendous game last night.
It was probably my first time watching the Royals all year.
What a scrappy team. They're going to be a tough out in the playoffs.
The way they scratched out runs last night left me impressed, and they are relentless on the base paths.
They will be well equipped to play in the tight, well pitched games of October.
Provided their starting pitching keeps them in it.

Once Melvin went to Hammel, I thought the game was over.
That's too tough of a spot to have a starting pitcher come in as a reliever.

Somebody should ask Billy Beane if he's inventing a new stat to explain what happened to his team. Maybe WWH, Wins Without Heart?
He clearly traded the heart of his club away when he dealt Cespedes, and they played like it down the stretch.
For his part, Lester has to do a better job than he did last night. That was the type of game he was brought in to win.

I'm interested to see where the postseason goes from here.
Hopefully tonight in Pittsburgh will be just as fun.

[GTsetGO]

Game one to the Orioles.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Tigers and O's should be a good series. Hopefully the O's can move on, mainly because they've been bad so long.

[icehog3]

Tigers and O's should be a good series. Hopefully the O's can move on, mainly because they've been bad so long.

:mad:

[kelmac07]

Great games last night. Well, the Tigers/Orioles was good up until the Tigers bullpen took over in the 8th.

[The Poet]

Great games last night. Well, the Tigers/Orioles was good up until the Tigers bullpen took over in the 8th.

You may, if you wish, blame my Yankees for the meltdown. See, we placed Joba and Coke in the Tiger bullpen as agent provocateurs, tasked with destroying Detroit at every key opportunity.

Hey, we have good scouts, and know how to best utilize talent. :r

[The Poet]

Tigers get "Joba-ed" again. The only thing uglier than that beard is his 108.00 ERA.

[kelmac07]

Can the Tigers bullpen really be that bad??

[jonumberone]

I remember Delmon Young killing the Yankees in October when he was on the Tigers.
Guess he hasn't lost his touch!

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

:mad:

For you Tom, I hope they win 😀

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Can the Tigers bullpen really be that bad??

They've killed them a lot this year Mac.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Cards and Dodgers game is going to be fun to watch⚾️

[icehog3]

Tigers getting what they deserve, why would Ausmus come back with Jaba? :hn

I could be a KC fan by Sunday night. :r

[AdamJoshua]

Fixed it for you, Tom. :D

Tremendous game last night.
It was probably my first time watching the Royals all year.
What a scrappy team. They're going to be a tough out in the playoffs.
The way they scratched out runs last night left me impressed, and they are relentless on the base paths.
They will be well equipped to play in the tight, well pitched games of October.
Provided their starting pitching keeps them in it.

Once Melvin went to Hammel, I thought the game was over.
That's too tough of a spot to have a starting pitcher come in as a reliever.

Somebody should ask Billy Beane if he's inventing a new stat to explain what happened to his team. Maybe WWH, Wins Without Heart?
He clearly traded the heart of his club away when he dealt Cespedes, and they played like it down the stretch.
For his part, Lester has to do a better job than he did last night. That was the type of game he was brought in to win.

I'm interested to see where the postseason goes from here.
Hopefully tonight in Pittsburgh will be just as fun.

Personally glad the A's got knocked out, hate to see them throw Lester back out there for complete game after complete game in the playoffs, he has to be ready to pitch in Boston next year. :D

On a semi-related note, good to see old friend Jake Peavy get the win today. Had no complaints about him in Boston, he was just what they needed in the post season and I'm pretty sure they scored one run for him all year this year, maybe 2, but not 3, 3 is right out.

Tigers getting what they deserve, why would Ausmus come back with Jaba? :hn



He's a fan of Duck Dynasty, maybe?

[jonumberone]

So far the Postseason has been great, but, my God, the managing has been awful.
.
The Tigers paid dearly for their managers mistakes.
Game 1, you go to your bullpen guys in their roles. I get it. But you can't go back to them in game 2
Dombrowski has to take a hit too.
His team is a perennial playoff competitor, but he's has the same problem every year.
The bullpen has been his Achilles heel.

I amazed Ned Yost even has a job in baseball. Iv'e never seen a manager that couldn't get out of his own way like this.
I have no idea how the Royals won 89 games, let alone 4 playoff games, with him at the helm.
I was glad to see the Royals move on. They also seem to hit a bit more than I thought, and the numbers suggest.
After watching them steal bases and bunt, down 4 runs in the 8th, against the A's, I didn't think they had any pop.
They scratched out the first 2 games, but they did manage to homer in them, and last night they decided to hit 2.

And Finally Matt Williams.
This guy probably made the worst postseason decision since Grady Little decided to leave Pedro in.
Was he watching Zimmerman pitch, or taking a nap in the clubhouse?

Sometimes I think the feel for the game is going out.
Managers today are so beholden to their stat sheets, lefty-lefty matchups and bullpen roles that they no longer see what's right in front of them.
Some of these guys, like Yost, when called upon to make a decision that isn't in their playbook have no idea how to improvise. We saw that with Ausmus too, when he went back to Joba.
It's the same nonsense they use to justify when they sit a hot bat against a pitcher he's struggled against in the past.
Stuff like that drives me crazy.

So, with the remaining teams left, I'm hoping for a KC - St. Louis World Series.
How about you?

[kelmac07]

All great points Dom. I'm waiting on the press conference to say the Tigers have fired Ausmus...HORRIBLE job. Don't have a clue what Williams was doing...Zimmerman is tossing a three hitter with two out in the 9th and you take him out. WTF????

As for KC, I love a scrappy team. And Baltimore has looked really good.

Although STL is a baseball machine, I'm sick of seeing them play in the Fall Classic, but not so sure the Dodgers can hold them off.

Always good to see different teams in the post season...maybe next year my Mets will be that different team. :D

[Dave128]

Always good to see different teams in the post season...maybe next year my Mets will be that different team. :D

:tu

[jonumberone]

maybe next year my Mets will be that different team. :D

I think the Mets can go to the World Series next year! :tu

All they have to do is buy tickets! :noon:noon

;s

[icehog3]

The Tigers paid dearly for their managers mistakes.
Game 1, you go to your bullpen guys in their roles. I get it. But you can't go back to them in game 2
Dombrowski has to take a hit too.
His team is a perennial playoff competitor, but he's has the same problem every year.
The bullpen has been his Achilles heel.



Spot on, Dom.

All great points Dom. I'm waiting on the press conference to say the Tigers have fired Ausmus...HORRIBLE job.

Wonder what Jim Leyland is doing next year? :r

[gravel]

So, with the remaining teams left, I'm hoping for a KC - St. Louis World Series.
How about you?

SF - Bal.

:D

Thats a lot of Orange and Black.

[icehog3]

KC - Dodgers for this guy.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Bullpen really took a dump on the Tigers. I think the 2015 roster is going to be much different in Detroit. Max will probably walk, seeing as he'll likely be a $30 million/year guy. Victor may go as well, but if you're a Detroit fan I'd think he'd be the first guy to sign back. Kinda the heart of the team.

[icehog3]

I would be ecstatic if they bring VMart back, but unfortunately I don't think it will happen.

Maybe they can take the 20+ million they save on Max and buy themselves a real bullpen.

[357]

Great games last night. Well, the Tigers/Orioles was good up until the Tigers bullpen took over in the 8th.

That's been the chorus in Detroit since April.

Can the Tigers bullpen really be that bad??

So far the Postseason has been great, but, my God, the managing has been awful.

The Tigers paid dearly for their managers mistakes.
Game 1, you go to your bullpen guys in their roles. I get it. But you can't go back to them in game 2
Dombrowski has to take a hit too.
His team is a perennial playoff competitor, but he's has the same problem every year.
The bullpen has been his Achilles heel.


Unfortunately yes, yes they ARE that bad. Some want to run Dave Dombrowski (GM) out of town but you have to think about it. If last year someone said our bad bullpen would be adding Joba, Soria, Nathan, and Johnson for the upcoming season, you would have expected improvement. Clearly that wasn't the case.

[357]

I would be ecstatic if they bring VMart back, but unfortunately I don't think it will happen.

Maybe they can take the 20+ million they save on Max and buy themselves a real bullpen.

The Tigers will be in big trouble offensively if VMart doesn't come back. Miggy will get walked 100+ times.

[jonumberone]

If last year someone said our bad bullpen would be adding Joba, Soria, Nathan, and Johnson for the upcoming season, you would have expected improvement.

I'm not trying to pick on the Tigers or their GM, but every one of those guys is or was damaged goods.
Nathan probably had the best track record of the lot, but he's always been terrible in a big spot. Nathan has a bit of Trevor Hoffman in him.
Dombrowski signed players with a potential upside, but with just as big of a downside IMO.

Another great night of baseball!
I don't know if I ever saw a ballpark as electric as Busch was in the 7th after Adams hit that HR.
Feeling bad for Mattingly this morning. He's probably going to get killed by the fans, and some in the media, plus he might find himself without a job.
The truth of the matter is, he went down with the best pitcher in baseball on the mound, twice.
FWIW, the Dodgers need to get Puig off of that team. As great as he can be, he's a cancer.

Watching the SF game, after Posey singles in the 7th, with Pence and Sandoval coming up, I say to myself they're going to break it open and take the lead.
They got the lead, but it was Washington that handed it to them. Sandoval or Pence didn't even make contact, and next thing you know, they were winning.
FWIW, I though Washington looked tight after the 2nd. I thought Matt Williams made a mistake by getting a pitcher up in the pen.
I know it's an elimination game, and you don't want it to get away from you, but the situation they were in wasn't because Gio was pitching bad.
I just feel like hit hit the panic button too early, and his team played tight after that.
Williams won't be long for DC, especially if he can't get along with Harper. Harper was the only Nat that didn't tighten up.

[jonumberone]

This Royals team is relentless.
I keep waiting for the wheels to come off and for them to fall apart, but they just keep coming.
Game 1, 7th inning, after the caught stealing, and two of the worst called strike threes I've ever seen, I thought they were coming undone.
I'm criticizing Yost for not keeping his players calm and backing them up, particularly Cain, who I thought was going to get ejected.
But they just keep battling!
I'd like to think the O's are going to get a game in KC because they keep coming back, but after yesterday, it's starting to feel like they're a dog chasing its tail.

[GTsetGO]

This Royals team is relentless.
I keep waiting for the wheels to come off and for them to fall apart, but they just keep coming.
Game 1, 7th inning, after the caught stealing, and two of the worst called strike threes I've ever seen, I thought they were coming undone.
I'm criticizing Yost for not keeping his players calm and backing them up, particularly Cain, who I thought was going to get ejected.
But they just keep battling!
I'd like to think the O's are going to get a game in KC because they keep coming back, but after yesterday, it's starting to feel like they're a dog chasing its tail.



it would be nice if the bats didn't go cold with RISP for the Orioles. 3 times in the first 2 games they have the bases loaded and can't get a run across the plate.

that's frustrating.

[kelmac07]

Royals look really good. Cain is having a great post season. Seems that someone new steps up for them each game. LOVED seeing the Giants get man handled by Bumgarner last night.

[icehog3]

LOVED seeing the Giants get man handled by Bumgarner last night.

You mean the Cards, Mac?:D

[kelmac07]

You mean the Cards, Mac?:D

That too Tom. :D

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Royals remind me of a certain 2005 team:D They are firing on all cylinders.

Cards/Giants game was pretty boring last night. That series better get more interesting.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

I'm not trying to pick on the Tigers or their GM, but every one of those guys is or was damaged goods.
Nathan probably had the best track record of the lot, but he's always been terrible in a big spot. Nathan has a bit of Trevor Hoffman in him.
Dombrowski signed players with a potential upside, but with just as big of a downside IMO.

I agree, those guys were signed on the downside. Of course it's easy to say after the fact, but Nathan was obvious to me.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

What's the consensus on Max Scherzer? Do the Tigers have room to sign him? I think they probably can but I'm not sure they do. They need to work out something with Price to avoid arbitration, and they also need*(at least I think so) to sign VMart. You look at their rotation without Max and you wonder if it's really necessary for them to offer a lucrative multi year contract to him. I guess what I'm saying is: Max sign with the White Sox!! :r

[AdamJoshua]

I can see the Sox part of the equation, just the wrong color :)

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

I can see the Sox part of the equation, just the wrong color :)

someone always has to make it a color issue:r

[AdamJoshua]

Yes and I had faith you would. :r

[icehog3]

Cards/Giants game was pretty boring last night. That series better get more interesting.

Tonight interesting enough for you, Nate? Wow!

What's the consensus on Max Scherzer? Do the Tigers have room to sign him? I think they probably can but I'm not sure they do. They need to work out something with Price to avoid arbitration, and they also need*(at least I think so) to sign VMart. You look at their rotation without Max and you wonder if it's really necessary for them to offer a lucrative multi year contract to him. I guess what I'm saying is: Max sign with the White Sox!! :r

Tigers apparently are going to let Max walk. If they can keep Price, he, Verlander, Sanchez and Porcello make a pretty competitive starting foursome.

I have heard the VMart wants 3 years and it is a possibility the Tigers won't give him that. I think the Tigers will be making a mistake if they let him go, Cabrera is going to take a lot of walks if VMart isn't following him.

[kansashat]

I'm not really up to date in baseball, but have been a Cards fan my whole life.

I had the pleasure of going to Cards games in the latter 1960's when I was "ahem" slightly younger. I got to see Roger Maris play in the last cpl years of his career...he was impressive, even in the twilight of his years in baseball...I watched him look like he was crawling up the right field wall on his shoulder blades to catch a fly ball. Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, Julian Javier, Dal Maxvill, etc. What a great team!

I told someone once that I used to listen to Cards games on the radio when I was a kid & the announcer was a really colorful, & possibly, slightly inebriated guy & he was very entertaining. He said, "Who? Jack Buck?" I said, "No." "Harry Carey?" "Nope." "Who then?" "Dizzy Dean!" I replied. He laughed & said you don't look quite that old Alan.

To the Royals fans...my apologies, but the Royals did not exist back then & the A's sucked before they went to Oakland.

To sum up my perhaps boring rant...Here's to another I-70 series.

[jonumberone]

Tonight interesting enough for you, Nate? Wow!



Switched off the Football Giants in time to see the last few innings of this.
2 teams that just don't know how to lose.
This is going to be a tremendous series.

One of the best postseasons in recent memory, thus far! :tu

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Tonight interesting enough for you, Nate? Wow!

It was! Walk off home runs in the post season are the best.

[icehog3]

It was! Walk off home runs in the post season are the best.

Not to mention the homers in the 7th and 8th, and the Giants scoring from second base on a wild pitch in the top of the 9th! I don't think you even watched it, Nate. :r

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Not to mention the homers in the 7th and 8th, and the Giants scoring from second base on a wild pitch in the top of the 9th! I don't think you even watched it, Nate. :r

Oh, those things happened too I guess:D

Seriously though, who would have called a WONG HR?

[jonumberone]

This Royals team is on fire!
They scratch and claw their way through every game.
Plus, it's hard to mount a comeback when they catch everything.
Balls that have no business being caught die in their gloves for outs.
Before this series, I had heard of Hosmer and Moustakas, but Slavador Perez is the best young player I've ever seen play that I've never heard of before.
He's not hitting but you can clearly see what an asset he is.
Starting to hear a lot of chirping about destiny with this team, but I'm not ready to jump on that bandwagon just yet.
Both the Giants and Cards know how to win in October, and both bring a ton of Postseason experience to the table.
In fact, you have to go back to the 09 Phillies before you find an NL team in the World Series that wasn't the Giants or Cardinals. 5 years!
Giants seem to have Lady Luck on their side. They win the Divisional series on a wild pitch, tie game 2 of the NLCS on a wild pitch in the ninth, and win game 3 on an error. Crazy how the ball bounces for them.
NLCS has the look and feel of a 7 game series. Sorry to say the ALCS doesn't get back to Baltimore. :2

[icehog3]

Agreed on Perez, Dom, if the kid ver gets the bat going he'll be an All Star.

Think I am on that KC bandwagon, until April 2015 anyway. :r

[14holestogie]

KC third base coach is a hometown boy that has spent the past 30 years in all parts of the Royals system. Fun to see him finally get a team making some serious noise. :tu

[357]

What's the consensus on Max Scherzer? Do the Tigers have room to sign him? I think they probably can but I'm not sure they do. They need to work out something with Price to avoid arbitration, and they also need*(at least I think so) to sign VMart. You look at their rotation without Max and you wonder if it's really necessary for them to offer a lucrative multi year contract to him. I guess what I'm saying is: Max sign with the White Sox!! :r

Tom is right. The Tigers gave Max their best offer and he refused. It's all but official that he's gone. I think they're still stinging from the Verlander deal. He' was bad this year and only pitched well in Sept/Oct in 2013. They have $55 million tied up in him and Cabrera each year. I also agree that V-Mart HAS to come back if the Tigers don't want Miggy to break Barry Bond's walk record in 2015.

I am OK if the Tigers let Max walk as long as they spend the money they offered him ($20-25 million) on other upgrades like CF, Catcher, RF, and most of all the BULLPEN!!!!

[icehog3]

I am OK if the Tigers let Max walk as long as they spend the money they offered him ($20-25 million) on other upgrades like CF, Catcher, RF, and most of all the BULLPEN!!!!

Sadly you are right, Mike, I like Avila, but he just seems to be damaged goods at this point. I would be shocked if he can catch more than a couple more years, and he doesn't have the bat to play 1st or DH.

[big pete]

WAHOOOOO!!! Go Giants!!!!!

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Nothing better than the walk off in postseason baseball. Congrats to the Giants. That said, go KC!!

[pnoon]

Nothing better than the walk off in postseason baseball. Congrats to the Giants. That said, go KC!!

:tpd:

[icehog3]

Nothing better than the walk off in postseason baseball. Congrats to the Giants. That said, go KC!!

:tpd:

:tpd:

:tpd:

[Remo]

15198

Couple of quick series.

[jonumberone]

NLCS has the look and feel of a 7 game series. Sorry to say the ALCS doesn't get back to Baltimore. :2

1 for 2 isn't bad in baseball. ;)

After game 4 the Cards had the look of a team that had run out of gas.
The Dodgers series took a lot out of them.
Couple that with a less than healthy Wainwright and the loss of Yadi, it was going too be too much to overcome.
I thought Matheny made a mistake pitching Wainwright.
I know he's your ace, and he was on full rest, but he wasn't 100%, plus you were going to have to win games 6 & 7 too.
I would've tried to get my team to gut out game 5, go to my ace game 6, and then let the chips fall where they may game 7.
The point is moot. Wainwright pitched well, and didn't cost them the game.

I'm going to go against the grain and pick the Giants to win the WS. ( Though I bet Vegas has them as a favorite)
I think they're too well seasoned in the playoffs to get steamrolled by the Royals.
The Royals eliminated one team with a great comeback and ousted two other teams before they knew what hit them.
The Giant's know how to hit back.

Should be a fun series. :tu

[icehog3]

Dom, you're right about the Giants recent playoff experience, I would give them a big edge too.

But I will be rooting for the Royals, :D

[357]

Dom, you're right about the Giants recent playoff experience, I would give them a big edge too.

But I will be rooting for the Royals, :D

Same here. About Avila Tom, I think he's done. He calls a good game for the pitchers but his bat is worthless. Worse yet, he used to be good at keeping runners in check but that too seems to be a thing of the past. Honestly if we had a catcher that could hit .250 consistently and had a decent arm I'd be content.

[kelmac07]

Both the NCLS & ALCS were good series...alot closer than the 4-0 and 4-1 records would indicate. I agree that the Giants have the experience, but the Royals are clicking on every cylinder. I will be rooting for the Royals.

[jonumberone]

That game was over fast last night.
Once SF got out of the third unscathed, you could see the air come out of the KC balloon.
2nd and 3rd no out, somebody has to hit a sac fly there.
The one thing you can't do is have back to back strikeouts in that spot.
KC looked like they knew they missed their chance.

Terrible job by Shields last night, too.
You can't spot Bumgarner 3 runs before he even takes the mound.
He's been bad all postseason.
FWIW, none of the big 3 free agent pitchers made any more money with their postseason performances.
Shields has been bad, Lester coughed up the game to the Royals, and Scherzer spit the bit late also.

MLB really needs to have the Royals win tonight.
Down 0-2, all the bandwagon Royals fans with abandon ship, and nobody will watch.
The biggest draw to this series is the Cinderella story.
Nobody will care once the fairy dust starts to fade away.

[icehog3]

Agreed on all counts, Dom, and I am a huge Royals fan....been one for a couple weeks now. :)

[jonumberone]

Game 7!! :banger

[big pete]

Let's go Giants!

[Dave128]

Let's Go Royals!

[jonumberone]

They're killing Yost for bunting Escobar.
I don't have a problem with it because that's how the Royals play, manufacture runs.
I have a biiger issue with letting Aoki hit next.
You can't go with a lefty bat against the lefty Bumgarner in that spot.

[jonumberone]

Congrats to the Giants and their fans!

[big pete]

Giants!!!!!! Sounds like 4th of July outside right now

Great series and hats off to the Royals

[icehog3]

Congrats to the Giants, and to the Royals. One of the best Octobers in recent memory.

[Dave128]

Exciting World Series to watch. I'm a bit disappointed that the Royals didn't win, but Congratulations to the Giants for their third win in five years.

[gravel]

:)

[Dave128]

So far the Mets have a Gold Glove winner and a possible ROY.

[Brian D.]

How do you folks think Joe Maddon will do in his new job?

[kelmac07]

So far the Mets have a Gold Glove winner and a possible ROY.

:wo :wo

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Been quiet in here. Must mean only the Southsiders are making moves :r

[icehog3]

Been quiet in here. Must mean only the Southsiders are making moves :r

Unless you consider Cespedes a "move". ;)

[The Poet]

I just had a move, but it wasn't much to brag about.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Unless you consider Cespedes a "move". ;)

Sure that counts:D

I'm just waiting for the Tigers to make the big deal with Max. I think they need to keep him IMO.

[icehog3]

Source close to the team said that "no chance" Max comes back. I sure hope that source is wrong, Nate, though Price, Sanchez and Verlander, slowing as he might be, still ain't bad. Their problem is that they STILL haven't addressed their Achille's Heel.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Source close to the team said that "no chance" Max comes back. I sure hope that source is wrong, Nate, though Price, Sanchez and Verlander, slowing as he might be, still ain't bad. Their problem is that they STILL haven't addressed their Achille's Heel.

Yeah I was going to say I would have thought for sure they'd grab some bullpen arms.. I guess there's still time but I honestly don't know of any big names available now outside of a trade.

[icehog3]

Exactly, Nate. Same sh!t, different year. :hn

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Lester was introduced today for the Cubs. Should be an interesting summer in Chicago, both sides of town.

[icehog3]

Lester was introduced today for the Cubs. Should be an interesting summer in Chicago, both sides of town.

Hopefully the Hawks will bring the Cup to Cellular and Wrigley in June for inspiration.

[The Poet]

Don't think the Bears will bring the Lombardi. :D

[icehog3]

Don't think the Bears will bring the Lombardi. :D

I was hoping for Top 5 pick! :lr

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Hopefully the Hawks will bring the Cup to Cellular and Wrigley in June for inspiration.

Now that would be cool. Damn the city will be buzzing!

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Don't think the Bears will bring the Lombardi. :D

What a mess this year has been for the Bears. Maybe we can get some decent baseball in Chicago soon.

[The Poet]

What a mess this year has been for the Bears.

Look on the bright side. At least you only have one lousy NFL team there. We've got the crappy Giants and the absolutely pitiful Jets. :r

[CigarSquid]

I am VERY curious on what the A's plan is for this year. Really interested in the season to start.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

I am VERY curious on what the A's plan is for this year. Really interested in the season to start.

Seems like they are rebuilding

[pnoon]

While I'm not a fan of every move, it is refreshing to see the Padres making a number of moves and spending some $$$.

They will have a very different lineup next year.

[CigarSquid]

Seems like they are rebuilding

Rebuild from what.. I think it is a bit over for how the past few seasons have ended.

[ChicagoWhiteSox]

Rebuild from what.. I think it is a bit over for how the past few seasons have ended.

Some of the trades makes me think me and a lot of other people think they are reshuffling