MLB Postseason and World Series thread

[Cujo]

Botchy can't manage under pressure worth :censored:.

No doubt. Bochy is one of the most overrated managers in the bigs.

But what about Bobby Cox leaving Brooks Conrad in the game after TWO errors, and then the botched bunt attempt? When it's the playoffs, and someone's screwing up left and right, forget building his confidence by keeping him in the game. Again, IT'S THE 'OFFS!! You yank his a** before it costs the entire team! -- which it eventually did.

[NJTank]

With all their injuries the Braves may be one of the worst teams ever to play in the postseason. The fact they made it this far is a great credit to their Hall of Fame Manager.

One of the worst teams ever in the postseason? Come on, man. That's a little harsh. They were three outs away from taking a 2-1 lead in the NLDS. One of the worst teams ever would be incapable of getting that close.

The Giants offense is not very good that is what has given them their chances.

This is a wild card team playing without three key players in Prado, Chipper and Wagner. That's why you have Brooks Konrad out there. That's why Saito is closing. That's why the lineup has lost some punch.

They are a good team if healthy, but too many key players are hurt.

[Jimmy!]

Yeah, and you know what, the Twins are sick of continually not making a World Series out of their lemons. (First time that's ever been said, by the way.)

So what did they do? Went out and got Hardy, Hudson, Thome, and a bunch of other dudes to try and get that World Series. What I don't think most fans realize is how hard it is to put together and coach a team that wins championships, and trust me, the Twins aren't trying as hard as they can to win division titles, they're trying as hard as they can to win World Series'.

We've been spoiled with all the recent playoff trips, a title will come, just be patient. Ask any Red Sox fan.

Really? Minnesota has won titles in '87 and '91 and you're comparing yourself to a Red Sox fan? Take the pulse of the average Pirates, Royals, Rangers, and Mariners fan, then go back and re-read what you just wrote.

Asinine.

Asinine is pretty harsh. Any Twins fan who is 25-years old or less hasn't really seen anything, so what's the difference between them and a 25-year old Red Sox fan in 2004? The Phillies won a WS in 1980, when I was 3. To me, they might as well have never one one in their 125-year history up until 2008. All I saw was losers and a front office that cried about being a "small market" team.

To any 25 year old or younger fan,

Yeah, you're probably right. Apologies. I read "spoiled" and "Red Sox fan" and blew a gasket. On the one hand, you can look at it as "the Twins suck in the playoffs" or you can look at it as "the Twins have won 6 Division titles in 9 years." But then I live in a city where the biggest baseball highlight is a fifteen-year-old, game 5 playoff win in a stadium that no longer exists.

And, for the record, I don't hate the Twins or the Red Sox. Heck, I don't even hate the Phillies.

[FiddySicks]

Well now that I've regained consciousness and can feel all of my limbs, I can post my thoughts. They're not any different than they've been all year. In order to win, you need to score runs. It's that simple. Jonathan Sanchez is really coming into his own, and IMO he's one of the best #3 starters in baseball. San Fran needs Uribe, Torres, and Fontenot to find their bats. Patt Burrell and Cody Ross were amazing additions and I hope we resign them both. I don't blame Bochy for the Giants problems so far. Both Sergio Romo and Brian Wilson are usually lights out, not the managers fault they couldn't do their jobs. Plus, most of the team has little playoff experience so mistakes are to be expected.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have an appointment for a lobotomy I need to get to.

[IronChefShark]

Well now that I've regained consciousness and can feel all of my limbs, I can post my thoughts. They're not any different than they've been all year. In order to win, you need to score runs. It's that simple. Jonathan Sanchez is really coming into his own, and IMO he's one of the best #3 starters in baseball. San Fran needs Uribe, Torres, and Fontenot to find their bats. Patt Burrell and Cody Ross were amazing additions and I hope we resign them both. I don't blame Bochy for the Giants problems so far. Both Sergio Romo and Brian Wilson are usually lights out, not the managers fault they couldn't do their jobs. Plus, most of the team has little playoff experience so mistakes are to be expected.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have an appointment for a lobotomy I need to get to.

Giants baseball.......

TORCHER!

[Sport]

Some thoughts about the Reds-Phillies:

- There's no shame in getting absolutely dominated by Roy Halladay.

- The Reds had plenty of chances to win game 2. In fact, they should have. They gave the Phillies 5 unearned runs. Unacceptable. Actually, they had plenty of chances to win game 3 as well. If they bring the game they've played all season then this would've been a better series.

- I plan on holding a Chase Utley grudge for a long time. Aroldis Chapman didn't hit Chase Utley with a pitch in game 2. He missed his hand by 6 inches. If Chapman actually hit Utley's hand with a fastball then Utley wouldn't have been in the lineup tonight (because his hand would be broken). Secondly, he was out at 2nd base (a horrible call) which would've been 2 outs with a man on first. Instead it was 1 out with a guy on first and 2nd. They both ended up scoring on Jay Bruce's error. Also not sure if Utley touched third on his way home either. D-bag.

- The Phillies are really good, annoyingly good, but the Reds didn't do themselves any favors either. They hit every ball at a Philly defender and in total gave them 6 unearned runs through errors.

-It became apparent through the 3 games that the Phillies were in the heads of the Reds players. The Phillies had the mental edge. How else do you explain the best defensive team in the league making that many errors?

- if the Reds win two more games during the regular season then this series would be against the Braves. I keep thinking back to all of those blown saves that Cordero gave up. I keep thinking back to the two separate 6 run leads that they blew to the Braves and Phillies. That'll be enough to drive me batty.

-positives: The Reds have a lot of young pitching that will hopefully only get better. They have a window of opportunity that should remain open for the next two or three years. I like their chances next season.

- what a :censored:y freaking day to be me. Bengals blow an NFL game in literally the dumbest :censored:ing way I've ever seen (and I was in attendance) and the Reds look like children in their first home playoff game since the 99 one-off.

my current streak is now at 14 staight playoff losses. Seriously. WTF!?

[WJMorris3]

Minor nitpick: It was the Reds' first postseason home game since Game 2 of the NLCS. The 1999 one-game playoff counts as part of the regular season.

Side note: It's the first time the Reds lost a home playoff game in nine innings since Game 1 of the 1990 NLCS.

[TFoA]

Minor nitpick: It was the Reds' first postseason home game since Game 2 of the NLCS. The 1999 one-game playoff counts as part of the regular season.

Side note: It's the first time the Reds lost a home playoff game in nine innings since Game 1 of the 1990 NLCS.

Which should be celebrated as a massive upset since they were supposed to do this:

If the Reds could sweep the Phils in 2, they would. The Phillies just don't have the pitching to match up with the Reds - chalk it up to an easy Reds sweep in 3.

ALCS, I'm taking the Rangers in 6 and the Reds in 4.

Reds in 4 over the Rangers to win the World Series and become the first team since the '76 Reds to have a perfect postseason.

[infrared41]

With all their injuries the Braves may be one of the worst teams ever to play in the postseason. The fact they made it this far is a great credit to their Hall of Fame Manager.

The 1988 Los Angeles Dodgers called to say you're wrong about that.

[NJTank]

With all their injuries the Braves may be one of the worst teams ever to play in the postseason. The fact they made it this far is a great credit to their Hall of Fame Manager.

The 1988 Los Angeles Dodgers called to say you're wrong about that.

The 88 Dodgers had Orel Hershiser who was going through a incredible streak.

[Sport]

Minor nitpick: It was the Reds' first postseason home game since Game 2 of the NLCS. The 1999 one-game playoff counts as part of the regular season.

I know, but I count it as a playoff game in my own head. It is called a "one game playoff" after all and the people who were there certainly treated it as a playoff game.

[infrared41]

With all their injuries the Braves may be one of the worst teams ever to play in the postseason. The fact they made it this far is a great credit to their Hall of Fame Manager.

The 1988 Los Angeles Dodgers called to say you're wrong about that.

The 88 Dodgers had Orel Hershiser who was going through a incredible streak.

No kidding. Really? That doesn't change the fact that they were easily the worst team to win a World Series in my lifetime. The Braves, injuries and all, have a much better lineup than the Dodgers did.

[Mings]

Minor nitpick: It was the Reds' first postseason home game since Game 2 of the NLCS. The 1999 one-game playoff counts as part of the regular season.

I know, but I count it as a playoff game in my own head. It is called a "one game playoff" after all and the people who were there certainly treated it as a playoff game.

Indeed. Also McCarthy, is your dad bald and was wearing a Bengals jersey and you wearing an orange Bengals shirt today? If so, you both were singled out on TBS.

The only thing I have to say is wait until next year. It was pretty cool being this interested in baseball this late into the season.

I do hope someone beats the Phillies though.

[BBTV]

It's fine if you want to be pissed at a guy for faking getting hit in the hand. I have mixed emotions about it - with all that's at stake, how do you not go to first if the umpire allows you? If you actually argue that you got hit and lie about it, that's pretty bad. It's one of those things where if your guy had the opportunity, you'd want him to take it, but you're pissed when the other guy does it. I'd probably be pissed if a Reds player faked something that cost the Phillies.

Holding a grudge against someone because an umpire blew a call at second base isn't really fair. Not that I really care if you hate an athlete that neither of us will ever know. FWIW, Scott Rolen said Utley touched third. I was at the game and didn't see any replays, so I don't know. Even if he didn't, should he come out of the dugout and say "hey, I really didn't touch third. I should be out. Ha ha, I fooled you." The umpires seemed to be pretty bad - it's just kind of funny that the same guy was involved in each call. I laughed my ass off when they had to review his home run. If they had been given a break on that one, then Chase may not have been able to show his face in Cincinnati for a long ass time.

[Sport]

Minor nitpick: It was the Reds' first postseason home game since Game 2 of the NLCS. The 1999 one-game playoff counts as part of the regular season.

I know, but I count it as a playoff game in my own head. It is called a "one game playoff" after all and the people who were there certainly treated it as a playoff game.

Indeed. Also McCarthy, is your dad bald and was wearing a Bengals jersey and you wearing an orange Bengals shirt today? If so, you both were singled out on TBS.

The only thing I have to say is wait until next year. It was pretty cool being this interested in baseball this late into the season.

I do hope someone beats the Phillies though.

No, no no no. We didn't go to the Reds game. For one, I have an authentic jersey for all 3 of my teams and I would never be caught dead wearing one of them to another's game, though I did wear a Reds hat to today's Bengals game, but I consider that a special exemption. And my dad is 50 years old and has a thick full head of hair that any bald dude would be envious of. We were not at the Reds game, we watched from my couch in Columbus.

[NJTank]

With all their injuries the Braves may be one of the worst teams ever to play in the postseason. The fact they made it this far is a great credit to their Hall of Fame Manager.

The 1988 Los Angeles Dodgers called to say you're wrong about that.

The 88 Dodgers had Orel Hershiser who was going through a incredible streak.

No kidding. Really? That doesn't change the fact that they were easily the worst team to win a World Series in my lifetime. The Braves, injuries and all, have a much better lineup than the Dodgers did.

You think the 1988 Dodgers were worse than the 2006 Cardinals?

[vicfurth]

I guess I'll be the one to talk about the Rangers-Rays game?

One of the first things I've noticed is how cocky the Rays seem to have become. Granted, they came in here and stomped us two games in a row; I gotta tip my hat there.

Ever since they won Saturday, Tampa's been all "oh, we've already won this thing". Yes, you played better. Much better. But this kind of cockiness really rubs me the wrong way. What exactly have you guys won to have this "worship the ground I walk on" swagger? One AL pennant, in which you subsequently got killed by the Phillies?

Furthermore, was mocking our signs really necessary? (Heck, even the ESPN morons were like "yeah, mock those antlers") It was funny, though, to see a backup guy who's seen next-to-no action being the guy doing the taunting. Must be nice not having to wash your jersey, seeing as how you haven't done a damn thing!

I'm ticked at both the Rangers performance and this complete display of immaturity by the Rays.

On to Tuesday's game. I actually think Texas can pull this thing off for one reason: Cliff Lee. Lee's been here before and Price may be too eager to show that he's better than the Game 1 outing he had. It'll be low-scoring, but first (and lethal) mistake will most likely be Price's.

Texas wins, 2-1

[Sport]

It's fine if you want to be pissed at a guy for faking getting hit in the hand. I have mixed emotions about it - with all that's at stake, how do you not go to first if the umpire allows you? If you actually argue that you got hit and lie about it, that's pretty bad. It's one of those things where if your guy had the opportunity, you'd want him to take it, but you're pissed when the other guy does it. I'd probably be pissed if a Reds player faked something that cost the Phillies.

Holding a grudge against someone because an umpire blew a call at second base isn't really fair. Not that I really care if you hate an athlete that neither of us will ever know. FWIW, Scott Rolen said Utley touched third. I was at the game and didn't see any replays, so I don't know. Even if he didn't, should he come out of the dugout and say "hey, I really didn't touch third. I should be out. Ha ha, I fooled you." The umpires seemed to be pretty bad - it's just kind of funny that the same guy was involved in each call. I laughed my ass off when they had to review his home run. If they had been given a break on that one, then Chase may not have been able to show his face in Cincinnati for a long ass time.

No it's not his fault that he was apart of the play at 2nd base and I don't expect him to say anything to the umpire. I never did when I was on the winning side of close plays in high school ball so I shouldn't have lumped that in with what I'm really angry about. I'm disappointed, and angry and not thinking rationally, but I am convinced that he convinced the home plate umpire that he was hit by Chapman's pitch by taking off to first. Bush league play from somebody of his caliber, IMO.

Doesn't matter, the Phillies would've won the series anyways. I just wanted another crack at Halladay and I wanted to see one of my teams win one damn playoff game.

[BBTV]

I guess I'll be the one to talk about the Rangers-Rays game?

One of the first things I've noticed is how cocky the Rays seem to have become. Granted, they came in here and stomped us two games in a row; I gotta tip my hat there.

Ever since they won Saturday, Tampa's been all "oh, we've already won this thing". Yes, you played better. Much better. But this kind of cockiness really rubs me the wrong way. What exactly have you guys won to have this "worship the ground I walk on" swagger? One AL pennant, in which you subsequently got killed by the Phillies?

Furthermore, was mocking our signs really necessary? (Heck, even the ESPN morons were like "yeah, mock those antlers") It was funny, though, to see a backup guy who's seen next-to-no action being the guy doing the taunting. Must be nice not having to wash your jersey, seeing as how you haven't done a damn thing!

I'm ticked at both the Rangers performance and this complete display of immaturity by the Rays.

On to Tuesday's game. I actually think Texas can pull this thing off for one reason: Cliff Lee. Lee's been here before and Price may be too eager to show that he's better than the Game 1 outing he had. It'll be low-scoring, but first (and lethal) mistake will most likely be Price's.

Texas wins, 2-1

Assuming Lee wins game 5, it will be interesting to see if he can go on short rest in a series against the Yankees. One of the reasons why the Phillies got Halladay (obviously the money and contract was the big one) was that they get their ace for 3 starts in the WS vs 2 with Lee. My bet is that Lee will start every single game if he feels that will get him a chance to pitch against the Phillies. That would be one of the more interesting games ever - Lee is bitter at management for dumping him for nothing, but is still friends with the players and loves/is loved by the fans. According to Jayson Werth, Lee texted a few of the guys a few weeks ago and said that he'll do almost anything to come back, even if it means taking less years and less than Halladay (rumor is Lee wants something like 7/140 or more.) It won't matter, there is zero chance that they'll even consider adding even close to that kind of payroll. He's also kind of bummed about the situation in Texas right now, apparently saying something like "it's not the same, it's hard to get excited down here" (not an exact quote, just paraphrasing from my memory.) Funny thing is that the guy who showed some of the texts to the reporters won't even be on the team next year... and could end up somewhere with Lee.

[BBTV]

It's fine if you want to be pissed at a guy for faking getting hit in the hand. I have mixed emotions about it - with all that's at stake, how do you not go to first if the umpire allows you? If you actually argue that you got hit and lie about it, that's pretty bad. It's one of those things where if your guy had the opportunity, you'd want him to take it, but you're pissed when the other guy does it. I'd probably be pissed if a Reds player faked something that cost the Phillies.

Holding a grudge against someone because an umpire blew a call at second base isn't really fair. Not that I really care if you hate an athlete that neither of us will ever know. FWIW, Scott Rolen said Utley touched third. I was at the game and didn't see any replays, so I don't know. Even if he didn't, should he come out of the dugout and say "hey, I really didn't touch third. I should be out. Ha ha, I fooled you." The umpires seemed to be pretty bad - it's just kind of funny that the same guy was involved in each call. I laughed my ass off when they had to review his home run. If they had been given a break on that one, then Chase may not have been able to show his face in Cincinnati for a long ass time.

No it's not his fault that he was apart of the play at 2nd base and I don't expect him to say anything to the umpire. I never did when I was on the winning side of close plays in high school ball so I shouldn't have lumped that in with what I'm really angry about. I'm disappointed, and angry and not thinking rationally, but I am convinced that he convinced the home plate umpire that he was hit by Chapman's pitch by taking off to first. Bush league play from somebody of his caliber, IMO.

Doesn't matter, the Phillies would've won the series anyways. I just wanted another crack at Halladay and I wanted to see one of my teams win one damn playoff game.

LOL, I hear you. He definitely ran to first, and the umpire reacted to that instead of being assertive and making the call right away. I don't know - when you're paid 10s of millions of dollars to help your team win, you kind of owe it to your teammates to try almost anything. That doesn't make it right - not at all - just sayin' "I understand".

I wouldn't be opposed to MLB instituting after-the-fact suspensions if replay shows that a player clearly faked it.