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Playoff Game Thread- 4th October, 2008

Lewishine_newsiespic-close_tiny by the red baron on

All three series currently stand at 2-0; our own personal cheeseballs, the Rays, have beaten the White Sox pretty handily both of the first two contests. Unfortunately, they won't be playing tonight, so we'll all be reduced to watching, and rooting against, the Cubbies and Brewers. Fits kind of nicely with my morning post, though, doesn't it? 

In the early game, the Brewers will try to stave off elimination by sending Dave Bush, who we all remember as Yadier Molina's personal punching bag, to the mound to opposed the ageless wonder, Jamie Moyer. The Brewers have been quite good against lefthanded pitching in general this season, posting an OPS of .806 against them overall. Still, given the pitching matchup, I have to say that I like the Phillies, even in Milwaukee. I just don't think that much of Dave Bush. I could be wrong, though; it definitely wouldn't be the first time.

In the late game, which is the one I'm really interested in, the Cubbies will send Rich Harden to oppose the Dodgers' latest Pacific Rim import, Hiroki Kuroda. Kuroda hasn't gotten a whole lot of press, which isn't surprising, considering he's essentially the Japanese pitcher following Daisuke Matsuzaka to America. Even so, Kuroda has quietly put together a very nice season for the Dodgers. He posted a 3.73 ERA this season, despite a less than stellar 9-10 W/L record. It's always tough to say what you're going to get out of Harden. Wait, that's not quite right. You pretty much always know what you're going to get from Harden, you're just not sure exactly how long he's going to be able to give it to you. I expect the standard five innings of near no-hit ball, after which the Cubs' pen will be asked to hold down the fort and hope that the offense can finally wake up. Bottom line, this game will likely come down to the top five in each team's lineups. If things continue on as they have in the first two contests, Chicago will be going home early, and the Dodgers will be making their first NLCS appearance since the Year of Kirk Gibson.

First pitch for the Milwaukee/Philly game is at 5:37 Central. Enjoy it, everybody. It's the best time of the year.

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Personally

I’d like to see at least one of the NL Central teams win tonight and ONLY tonight. I felt like we had the best NL division his year (4 teams over .500!), and I’d like to see at least some decent representation of the NL Central. With that said, I’ll be cheering for the Brewers to be that team.

On with the (good) youth movement!

by aet15 on Oct 4, 2008 6:03 PM EDT   0 recs

I agree

as long as that team is the Milwaukee Brewers.

Nothin'. A handful of nothin'. You stupid mullet head. He beat you with nothin'. Just like today when he kept comin' back at me......with nothin'.

Yeah, well, sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand.

by Tackle Box on Oct 4, 2008 6:05 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

who can argue with you on that ? Anyone?

It just makes so much sense.

I still don’t want the Brewers to win tonight. The only team from the NL Central that should ever win playoff games is the Cards.

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Oct 4, 2008 6:40 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

im witj matty

i hope the brewers’ shirts stay tucked in and the Cubs complain about something..

by Evilfrog on Oct 4, 2008 7:13 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

as much as I dislike the Brewers

Their fans deserve to see a postseason victory on home ground. I mean, they have to put up with all those Cubs fans every series, just like we do.

"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT

by Yadi2Second on Oct 4, 2008 8:32 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

All 4 series are 2-0

w/ the Sox and Dodgers going home, the Rays and Phils going on the road. Of the 4 teams on the ropes, i actually like the Cubs as having the best chance to reverse the deficit. I don’t think it’ll happen, but they’ve got Harden, Lilly, and Dempster in the next 3 if it goes that long. I think Harden and the Cubs win today, w/ the pen going at least 3 innings and maybe 4. Lou won’t hesitate today w/ the pitchers and you could see Marmol going 2+, or maybe Wood in order to get it done.

by chuckb on Oct 4, 2008 6:09 PM EDT   0 recs

Apparently Dempster will be in the bullpen

tonight if needed after Harden goes his 5 IP with 5 BB and 10 K.

by BTown Birds fan on Oct 4, 2008 7:29 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Harden

in his last 4 starts — 3 in September and his last one in August, he’s averaged 99 pitches per start, but just 5 1/2 innings per start. He’s averaged 4 BB per start. The Dodgers have to be patient and make Harden work. They need good pitches to hit, baserunners via walk, and to get into the Cubs pen and take their chances.

by chuckb on Oct 4, 2008 6:13 PM EDT   0 recs

What's positive for the Dodgers is

they’re already doing that. They’ve worked both Dempster and Zambrano in the first two games, so I don’t see the game play (or execution) changing for this game against Harden. But, the way to offset that is to throw strikes. So, the Dodgers have to foul off pitches and work the count that way.

Nothin'. A handful of nothin'. You stupid mullet head. He beat you with nothin'. Just like today when he kept comin' back at me......with nothin'.

Yeah, well, sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand.

by Tackle Box on Oct 4, 2008 6:18 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I agree

they’ve got a good shot. They’re really playing well right now.

by chuckb on Oct 4, 2008 6:33 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

TRB says he is not gonna be doing the Saturday main posts anymore huh

The damn playoff game thread is like the longest game thread post ever! I give him three weeks before he comes back to the Saturday post. It seems he just NEEDS to write, kinda like that breathing problem the rest of us have.

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Oct 4, 2008 6:44 PM EDT   1 recs

HA!!!!!

There you go!!! I’m drunk and this is my first post since around 5:30 and that’s gettin’ a rec!!!!!!

Nothin'. A handful of nothin'. You stupid mullet head. He beat you with nothin'. Just like today when he kept comin' back at me......with nothin'.

Yeah, well, sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand.

by Tackle Box on Oct 5, 2008 2:36 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Moyer getting hosed?

some of those pitches look like strikes to me

by the Tewk on Oct 4, 2008 6:49 PM EDT   0 recs

That's beautiful

you get a rec!

Nothin'. A handful of nothin'. You stupid mullet head. He beat you with nothin'. Just like today when he kept comin' back at me......with nothin'.

Yeah, well, sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand.

by Tackle Box on Oct 5, 2008 2:38 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Those are awesome...

This one was my favorite…

"Crud, does that booger-eating spaz make me wanna puke!" - Tanner Boyle

by iron duke75 on Oct 5, 2008 2:57 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I could really do without

those damn Frank TV commercials. Almost as annoying as those caveman commercials…

Is it fraud when Cubs ownership says "this year is our year?" Can somebody sue for that?

by thegodfather on Oct 4, 2008 6:51 PM EDT   0 recs

they wouldn't be so bad if they were only once per commercial break

but every other commercial is a little excessive. I will not watch the show no matter how much you advertise it.

by davethebutcher on Oct 4, 2008 6:52 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

me, too

I said last night that they oughtta have Frank impersonate those 2 clowns in the booth and just kill 2 birds w/ 1 stone.

by chuckb on Oct 4, 2008 6:53 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I agree wit the Frank TV commercials

but man, how can you not love the caveman commercials?

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Oct 4, 2008 6:59 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I used to love them

but that joke was run into the ground a long time ago. I still find the Gecko funny though, for some reason. “See that guy over there? He’s givin’ me the heeby-jeebys!”

Is it fraud when Cubs ownership says "this year is our year?" Can somebody sue for that?

by thegodfather on Oct 4, 2008 7:54 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I still say that

the caveman in the airport is one of the best commercials ever. They aren’t as good as they used to be, and the gecko ones will always be gold. Hopefully

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Oct 4, 2008 8:12 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I like the fact

that there’s now some cute blond girl who is like the most perfect girlfriend to the cave dude. Makes me want to see more just because of her.

Nothin'. A handful of nothin'. You stupid mullet head. He beat you with nothin'. Just like today when he kept comin' back at me......with nothin'.

Yeah, well, sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand.

by Tackle Box on Oct 5, 2008 2:39 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I'd say Frank TV

is more annoying than the Geico Cavemen, IMO

Ryan Howard: one of the most Statistically Outstanding players of all time

by RunninRedbird on Oct 4, 2008 7:16 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Sheesh...

If Jaime Moyer pitches any slower he’ll BECOME the oldest player to make a postseason start in history!

Ryan Howard: one of the most Statistically Outstanding players of all time

by RunninRedbird on Oct 4, 2008 7:25 PM EDT   0 recs

Mixing Politics and Baseball

Just watched a great interview of Nate Silver by Dan Rather on HDNet
( http://tinyurl.com/3p9g5v )

We mostly know Silver as the guy over at BP that created PECOTA but now he is running an e new web on the side. His new web is taking his baseball projection skills over to Political polling.

http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/

It is really interesting for someone as much self with an Econ degree and stat junkie. Just to see how he does some of things he does on the Political side now.

by FlimtotheFlam on Oct 4, 2008 8:08 PM EDT   0 recs

Head Slap

Need to Proof Read!

by FlimtotheFlam on Oct 4, 2008 8:09 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm the exact same way

econ major and teacher, digs #s, baseball and politics. I read Nate’s stuff all the time.

by chuckb on Oct 4, 2008 8:42 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Are you a business teacher?

High school?

Nothin'. A handful of nothin'. You stupid mullet head. He beat you with nothin'. Just like today when he kept comin' back at me......with nothin'.

Yeah, well, sometimes nothin' can be a real cool hand.

by Tackle Box on Oct 5, 2008 2:41 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

what he said about Indiana

is exactly true {my home state}. McCain will probably carry the Hoosier state… but by how much?
Moreover, how soon will the exit poling allow the networks to announce it?
The polls close at 6 pm here; if McCain wins Indiana, but you don’t know it until 7:30 or 8:00, that’s still bad for McCain, even tho he wins the state.

by the Tewk on Oct 4, 2008 9:02 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I think Obama has a real chance at Indiana

for exactly the reasons Nate indicates. Just like in the primary, if Obama is close in the polls come election day, his groud operation can do the rest.

Yeah, I watched that Rather interview as well. I think it is really great that talented people are starting to get interested in politics again. Used to be that politics had such a black eye that no one would touch it with a 10 ft. pole. No so this year.

by Egyptian on Oct 4, 2008 10:13 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Really?

Can we get talented people to run for office instead of just covering it?

It’s sad that in the most powerful nation in the world, these are the two choices we get.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Oct 5, 2008 12:49 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Damn it Phillies

do something with someone on base please

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Oct 4, 2008 8:13 PM EDT   0 recs

I suppose I wont get too upset

as long as the Cubs go ahead and lose.
I am off , whoever is left here, please cheer for the Dodgers for me.
There might be a chance the place I am going to has the Cubs game on as well as the Mizzou one.

* sarcasm might be involved in this comment

by mattyfrommo on Oct 4, 2008 8:34 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Sunglasses isn't having a good night, is he?

"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT

by Yadi2Second on Oct 4, 2008 8:33 PM EDT   0 recs

Grounding out with a guy on 3rd and trailing 3-0.

That’s the stuff MVPs are made of, right? Hey, he got an RBI…

by StanTheManFan on Oct 4, 2008 8:44 PM EDT   0 recs

that press box shot

The backdrop makes it look like it’s Saint Smoltz.

"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT

by Yadi2Second on Oct 4, 2008 8:46 PM EDT   0 recs

If the Brewers lose this game

it will be hard to feel sorry for them seeing with all the missed chances they have had to break this game open.

We’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there.

by KYCards on Oct 4, 2008 9:03 PM EDT   0 recs

too true

Which innings didn’t they have the bases loaded.

"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT

by Yadi2Second on Oct 4, 2008 9:06 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

The Phillies are going to win this

the Brewers are choking HARD with runners on. Bases loaded what 2-3 innings and they can’t score??? CHOKE! Braun & Fielder are showing they don’t belong on the big stage.

We’ve got a long way to go and a short time to get there.

by KYCards on Oct 4, 2008 9:09 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Soooo My Sliding Door just Spontaneously Combusted

I was just sitting here watching TV and heard a loud pop than all this crinkling. I look outside to see my sliding door just shattered but it is tempered so it is hanging together on a thread. I thought some kid might of hit from the outside to do it. So I go around front to look at it and the outside pane is still fine. It is just inside pane that broke. Nothing touched it just shattered.

I am so confused

by FlimtotheFlam on Oct 4, 2008 9:14 PM EDT   0 recs

Good luck with that.....

We paid 1,587.00 to replace ours. Nine years ago. 2 Dogs, 7 kids, 439 friends of theirs, all had put so many scratches, dings, and dents in the glass, it looked like frosted glass. Couldn’t see out of it at all. I never had it combust , though. A ghost?

She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.

by jillsinmo on Oct 4, 2008 10:03 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Didn't take Mizou Long

Third Play of the game is a TD – Daniel to Maclin

by FlimtotheFlam on Oct 4, 2008 9:19 PM EDT   0 recs

starting on TNT

TBS will take it up again once they’re done in Wis.

"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT

by Yadi2Second on Oct 4, 2008 10:03 PM EDT   0 recs

dang it, there's drama in both games!

Umps conferring in Milwaukee. Soriano robbed by good D for the first out.

"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT

by Yadi2Second on Oct 4, 2008 10:08 PM EDT   0 recs

Sv. disputes scoring on DP

Gets his way. Goes from run scored to 2 outs, no run scored. Someone else will have to explain it, I missed half of it.

"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT

by Yadi2Second on Oct 4, 2008 10:11 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Huh?

It was your basic GIDP, right? How can the guy on third NOT score?

by StanTheManFan on Oct 4, 2008 10:12 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

interference called on Victorino at 2nd

b/c he ran into Counsell on DP ball. Since interference was called, the runners have to go back to the base where they started. Runners go back to 2nd and 3rd. Run comes off the board.

by chuckb on Oct 4, 2008 10:13 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

OK, that makes sense.

If there was really interference, the reversal is correct.

by StanTheManFan on Oct 4, 2008 10:14 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

yeah, it was interference undoubtedly

absolutely the right call by the umps. I was pretty sure that was the rule and Sveum was correct.

by chuckb on Oct 4, 2008 10:14 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Interference = Dead Ball?

Just got done watching the game. What I don’t understand is why Pedro Feliz was out at first. If it’s interference on Victorino at 2nd, and the other runners do not advance, why isn’t it a dead ball, with Feliz on first (and thus only one out) on a fielder’s choice?

by lightbulb on Oct 4, 2008 10:25 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Because Victorino was already out

he interfered w/ the throw to 1st. Therefore, it’s a DP. Since the DP was called due to interference, the baserunners cannot advance, so they go back to 2nd and 3rd.

by chuckb on Oct 4, 2008 10:28 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Lee gets 2-out double

"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT

by Yadi2Second on Oct 4, 2008 10:12 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

A Ramirez walks

Men on first, second, 2 outs. Soto… retired. End first inning.
Looks like coverage is back to TBS. Cubs game returns to Titanic on TNT, the pre-split sinking scene. ………no further comment.

"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT

by Yadi2Second on Oct 4, 2008 10:19 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

some interesting calls and it's only the first

"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT

by Yadi2Second on Oct 4, 2008 10:27 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

The Dodgers are really hitting the ball

and did you see Manny go? He just doesn’t look like the same ballplayer.

by chuckb on Oct 4, 2008 10:29 PM EDT   0 recs

Can't Wait to Say

“Better Luck Next Year”

Muhahahahaha (((Evil Laugh)))

by FlimtotheFlam on Oct 4, 2008 10:48 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

go dodgers

I hope they can close this out

www.GriffinandtheGargoyles.com
www.myspace.com/GriffinandtheGargoyles

Dont take me seriously :-D

by jealousblues on Oct 4, 2008 10:42 PM EDT   0 recs

I wonder what would've happened in a Mets series instead of LAD

"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT

by Yadi2Second on Oct 4, 2008 11:02 PM EDT   0 recs

right on schedule

Man, they are cursed. I believe it now. Wow.

"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT

by Yadi2Second on Oct 4, 2008 11:04 PM EDT   0 recs

see below

"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT

by Yadi2Second on Oct 4, 2008 11:12 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

great reading

My hyperbole above… well, maybe I haven’t seen that much baseball. But even the 06 Tigers could be attributed to that long break and losing momentum. Some of this is bad execution on the Cubs’ part… and some of it I cannot explain. I definitely want to hear more about the circumstances, however this series ends.

"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT

by Yadi2Second on Oct 4, 2008 11:24 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Some believe (as I do)

that there is such a thing as “trying too hard”…

If an athlete can trust the moment, and immerse himself in action as mindfully as possible, they can react to events instead of trying to control them.

Maybe the Cub players are trying to control events and create a reality of their making, instead of letting events come to them. In that way, they’re gripping a little too much…

Only they know…as for me…I don’t think a curse has anything to do with it.

"Fortune favors the bold!" - Virgil

by player2bnamedl8r on Oct 4, 2008 11:34 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

well not a curse in the literal sense

More in the sense that this sample size is getting rather… large. I.e. I wouldn’t be surprised by a certain kind of error under some circumstances, like getting a bad hop in wet grass. It’s when freak occurrences start to pile up among several players that I raise my brows. But of course, correlation does not mean causation.

"But listen, and understand: more Molinas are out there. They can't be bargained with. They can't be reasoned with. They don't feel pity, or remorse, or fear." - THT

by Yadi2Second on Oct 4, 2008 11:45 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

ya i believe in what your talkign about

it’s usually refered to as “pressing” right? or is that different.

I can't believe i gave up a homerun to that punch and judy hitter-major league 2

by punchinjudy on Oct 5, 2008 12:10 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Maybe...

if you trust the moment, I think that you’re trusting your actions, and not trying to do too much.

"Fortune favors the bold!" - Virgil

by player2bnamedl8r on Oct 5, 2008 12:42 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

What's the "injury timeout"?

I can’t see this game here, and can only see what Gameday is saying. What happened?

by