Self Editor

Forum: base
Page 19407
Subject: 2007 Playoffs: Day 1

Posted by: Bandos - Sustainer [279492419] Wed, Oct 03, 2007, 15:02

This is from BP FREE pages so I think its ok to post it here. To see it prettier: http://www.baseballprospectus.com/statistics/postseasonodds.php

If not, please delete Guru.

I find the BOS v. LAA prediction to be strange. I am unsure of the exact methodology but it seems that Lackey's 3.01 ERA for the season is counting a lot more that his 8+ ERA in Fenway (a personal house of horrors for him). Nonetheless, I like being the underdog!

Interesting how much of a longshot the STLCards were last year. Goes to show that the playoffs are what Billy Beane claimed - a crapshoot.

Let the games(and the crapshoot) begin!
---------- October 3 --------------------
Win DS Win CS Win WS Yesterday
BOS 46.1139 24.9932 13.3544
CLE 55.8081 24.7295 14.1073
LAA 53.8861 29.3102 16.4117
NYY 44.1919 20.9671 10.9791
ARI 37.4851 18.2350 6.6173
PHI 56.3073 30.4320 14.6827
CHI 62.5149 26.4415 11.5343
COL 43.6927 24.8915 12.3132

Last year's initial odds, where the least-likely team from each league advanced. This
year's odds are considerably more compact.
---------- October 3 2006 ---------------------
Win DS Win CS Win WS Yesterday
NYY 60.2702 34.4812 21.8372
MIN 56.5401 26.3138 15.8403
OAK 43.4599 20.0096 11.4044
DET 39.7298 19.1954 10.6975
NYM 57.3097 35.0941 16.8086
SD 56.3919 26.6521 10.1328
STL 43.6081 15.8744 4.7604
LAD 42.6903 22.3794 8.5188

blue hen
ID: 16322314
Wed, Oct 03, 2007, 15:18

Of course, that link is ok. It's about as relevant as it gets. Of course, the Phils are about a 90% shot to win the World Series.

J
Leader
ID: 049346417
Wed, Oct 03, 2007, 16:27

In your dreams hen!

3-0 good guys!!!!

Jeff Francis > Cole Hamels.

J
Leader
ID: 049346417
Wed, Oct 03, 2007, 16:29

ok, 3-1, good enough for me

J
Leader
ID: 049346417
Wed, Oct 03, 2007, 16:30

3-2...I'm gonna crawl back into my corner again

blue hen
ID: 16322314
Wed, Oct 03, 2007, 16:58

Does > mean "is greater than?" Do you really think that Jeff Francis "is greater than" Cole Hamels? Because I don't.

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Wed, Oct 03, 2007, 17:25

I didn't think Holliday got much of that but then he tossed his bat and I was like, wait, he DID hit it out afterall. That man is so strong.

Seattle Zen
ID: 49112418
Wed, Oct 03, 2007, 17:44

GODLIKE!

Da Bomb
Donor
ID: 487112814
Wed, Oct 03, 2007, 18:40

He was greater than him today.

Bandos
Sustainer
ID: 279492419
Wed, Oct 03, 2007, 21:08

Beckett = Dominant

Wow, 3 shutouts in the postseason, only 2 in the regular season.

¤ Mario LeMoose ¤
ID: 59954314
Thu, Oct 04, 2007, 00:33

This looks ... uncomfortable:

Rendle
ID: 457402414
Thu, Oct 04, 2007, 14:15

Predictions for the Yankees/Indians series? I'm betting Tribe in 4. Hopefully they can do what Detroit did last year with 2 starters just dominating.

Seattle Zen
ID: 86541617
Thu, Oct 04, 2007, 21:42

Stick a fork in those clowns, the Yanks are through. Pathetic!

Mattinglyinthehall
Leader
ID: 01629107
Thu, Oct 04, 2007, 22:23

ouch

Rendle
ID: 23756422
Thu, Oct 04, 2007, 23:24

The atmosphere at the Jake was incredible tonight. Everyone was going nuts. The funniest part of the game was everyone booing Lebron for wearing his Yankee hat. How was the Craig Sager interview he did with him?

Great One
ID: 201155199
Thu, Oct 04, 2007, 23:50

Awesome!

Lebron is ridiculous. You can't possibly expect the city to love you when you don't even support the hometown team. Like Brady in that Yankee hat when he was in NY. He still gets a little heat for that one. He didn't need to wear a Sizemore jersey for god sakes - but is it really neccessary to be front row rocking the hat of the team your city is playing against? and he's from the Cleveland area to top it off so he doesn't even have an excuse.

Then Sager asks about his other favorite teams and its determined Lebron likes the New York Yankees, Chicago Bulls (Jordan era growing up) and the Dallas Cowboys. Sager then asked if he was a frontrunner! haha... classic hard hitting stuff from the man in the insane suits. Lebron growing up in the 90's really went out a limb picking those favorite teams!

Rendle
ID: 23756422
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 00:08

Yeah, it's been a hot topic for the local sports radio. They talk about how he's not one of us(a Clevelander) and that when MJ broke our hearts with that shot over Ehlo, Lebron was cheering for MJ.

What a frontrunner. It was pretty funny though. No one in the Cavs organization would say something to him because they're all scared to death of him.

Bob Feller is really pissed about this and said he'll wear a Spurs hat to a Cavs game.

ChicagoTRS
ID: 344311322
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 00:40

Good move LeBron maybe he will leave Cleveland when he becomes a free agent...he can have MJs old locker here in Chicago...

ChicagoTRS
ID: 344311322
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 00:41

I knew the Cubs were done this morning when I scored 7th row behind home plate for the LCS...no way they let me use these tickets...

Razor
ID: 38928219
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 00:44

Predictably, the NL West is rolling through the first round so far. Check out the records of the NL West teams versus the other two divisions. No team in the NL West finished with a record under .500 against either of the other two divisions. Only Atlanta finished with a record above .500 against the NL West. Too bad Colletti and Little had to ruin the Dodgers this year, or that could have been us out there.

I like Cleveland and Anaheim to advance in the East.

Ref
Donor
ID: 539581218
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 14:06

Well, the song is "Cleveland Rocks." Since we all know it's the Colorado Rocks...maybe it's a foreshadowing of the 2007 Series Cleveland vs. the Rocks...Cleveland Rocks? Works for me.

Mattinglyinthehall
Leader
ID: 01629107
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 20:11

Are insect swarms like this often a problem at games in Cleveland?

Mattinglyinthehall
Leader
ID: 01629107
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 21:32

double ouch.

Perm Dude
ID: 5593356
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 22:01

The Indians' sixth man, er, insects, came through tonight.

Myboyjack
ID: 8216923
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 22:18

RE: 20 - The thought of a Cleveland/Colorado Series has to be nightmarish to network execs. They had to be hoping for NYY/ChiCubs

JeffG
Leader
ID: 01584348
Fri, Oct 05, 2007, 22:22

Info about the bugs that swarmed the Jake, the Mayfly (aka Canadian Soldiers) here

Can't blame it on the bugs. No excuse. Lets see the Yankees get some hits and win game 3.

ChicagoTRS
ID: 344311322
Sat, Oct 06, 2007, 00:28

Those were not mayflies...
mayfly are about the size of a quarter...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayfly

ChicagoTRS
ID: 344311322
Sat, Oct 06, 2007, 00:29

that many mayfly would have been interesting...

The same thing happens in chicago once in awhile if the wind if going off the lake right

ChicagoTRS
ID: 344311322
Sat, Oct 06, 2007, 01:10

The bugs were midges...

not sure what type...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midges

Tosh
Leader
ID: 057721710
Sat, Oct 06, 2007, 01:25

According to the ESPN game recap page, it was a non-biting midge. Their scientific name is Chironomus plumosus (Linnaeus)

Kyle
Donor
ID: 052753312
Sat, Oct 06, 2007, 03:42

Is anyone else puzzled by Torre starting Wang in the first game? His home vs. road splits this year are the extremes of great and mediocre.

Home: 10-4 2.75 era 1.13 WHIP .235 BAA
Road: 9-3 4.91 era 1.50 WHIP .300 BAA

I am not quite sure what Torre is thinking with his playoff pitching staff, I think that might be the reason to blame this years (about to be) debacle. Don't get me wrong, in no way am I am Yankees fan or sympathizer. I am rooting for the Indians, so this helps. I just don't understand starting your best Home Game starter in a very hostile road environment, and leaving your 3rd best pitcher (Phil Hughes) out of the rotation. I know Hughes is a rookie, but I really think he should have started game 1. Trial by fire. You do that and then you can have your rotation go:

Game 1: Hughes, tough game for a rook, but if he's their future why not test him?
Game 2: Pettitte : You know what you are getting from Pettitte. A seasoned gamer who could very well be your stopper if Hughes give up a big game.
Game 3: Wang: If you need a win at home he's your best chance in this rotation. GREAT home stats this year.
Game 4: Clemens: Another big time gamer. If you sweep, you get him to start Game 1 in Boston. How can that not get better?
Game 5: You can easily put Pettitte here again if you need him. 5 days rest is plenty for your big time pitchers.

I don't know, I understand putting your ace against theirs, but when your ace isn't anything special, and is a TON better at home I say save him. Give yourself the best opportunity to win.

Great One
ID: 201155199
Sat, Oct 06, 2007, 11:55

Kyle - don't get me started! lol.. MITH?

KrazyKoalaBears
ID: 3498611
Sat, Oct 06, 2007, 13:08

Given the split stats of the pitchers (Hughes is MUCH better on the road than at home), Kyle's lineup does make sense.

That said, my guess is that it wouldn't have made much difference.

Hughes has been fairly inconsistent, having 2 really bad games on the road followed by 2 really good games on the road since returning from injury. His two good games were against sub-par opponents and his two bad ones were against LAA and TOR, so it seems CLE would have been trouble. Would it have been as bad as it was? Maybe not, but I don't know that he would have held them to less than 2 runs or less.

Pettitte clearly pitched well, but CLE, in general, just pitched better.

The difference, to me, will be what happens with Clemens tomorrow. If the Yankees can win tomorrow, then having Mussina at home will be big. His regular season stats aren't great, but he's the kind of guy you like to step it up in the playoffs.

If they can manage that, Wang has a chance at redemption on Wednesday, but I imagine he'd be on a very short leash with so many pitchers available (Hughes and Pettitte should both be available).

Here are some interesting stats for Wang in a rematch against a team he lost to in the previous meeting: 3-1, 28.1 IP, 4.48 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 8 BB, 21 K

It gets even more interesting if you remove the debacle against TOR on 8/8: 3-0, 25.2 IP, 2.11 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 6 BB, 18K

Still a long way to go before that happens, but I'd certainly wouldn't mind seeing another Wang/Sabathia matchup... though maybe a bit closer of a game next time.

Mattinglyinthehall
ID: 37838313
Sat, Oct 06, 2007, 14:19

We discussed Wang on the road in the Clemens thread. Check Wang's road stats after taking out the games on artificial turf. Still not as good as his home numbers, but not bad. As I said in that thread, he's their ace and on natural grass (which is what they play on at the Jake) he's their most consistant starter.

remove the debacle against TOR on 8/8

In Toronto, they play on artificial turf.

And I tend to think that Torre's first choice for game 4 is Wang.

Great One
ID: 201155199
Sat, Oct 06, 2007, 16:22

Yeah, I don't know about couting on Mussina, he hasn't exactly been reliable in the playoffs (or come up in a "big spot" as some like to say) has he?

Kyle
Donor
ID: 052753312
Sat, Oct 06, 2007, 18:12

RE: 34 GO- Moose in the playoffs hasn't been terrible. He's not lights out but from the stats it looks like he's gotten little or no run support.
In 22 games (21 starts)
7-8 135IPs 3.40era 1.08 WHIP (117H 29BB) 142Ks

I like those numbers, so I guess (even tho Hughes had a better season than Moose) I understand having him go game 4.

Bandos
ID: 7712916
Sat, Oct 06, 2007, 18:53

Major Disclaimer: small sample size.

Moose's ERA in 2005/6 (which we would assume to be a better indicator than when he could break a pane of glass) was over 5. And after watching him this past year, it is a certainty that his best years are way way behind him.

that said, if the Indians don't get to him early, they might get impatient, think "how are we not crushing this guy?" and he might be able to frustrate/baffle those young hitters.

I think it will be a non-issue, and that Wang starts game 4, if there is one.

And if there is one, Wedge would be silly not to start CC on three days. That still gives him Carmona on 4 days for game 5 (at home), and Carmona, right now, is the guy I would want pitching the deciding game if I was a Tribe fan. He really impressed me and know I see why the entire league has been raving about this guy all year long.

Mattinglyinthehall
Leader
ID: 01629107
Sat, Oct 06, 2007, 19:45

Can't disagree with anything Bandos said.

Perm Dude
ID: 4591610
Sat, Oct 06, 2007, 20:14

I can: Why start CC early, just to get Carmono early, which will result in one (or both) of them unavailable early for the next series if they should actually do what you hope--win the game?

Byrd won 15 games, and is a completely different pitcher from the others. There's no reason to let the Yankees get their timing down on Sabathia again. If the Indians don't take game 3 with Westbrook, make the Yankees win it against a completely different pitcher, throwing up stuff they get frustrated at not hitting all over the park.

Electroman
ID: 73332719
Sat, Oct 06, 2007, 20:20

Don't mean to butt in on the Yanks/Tribe talk, but the Cubs can't seem to get the hits they need.

Kyle
Donor
ID: 052753312
Sat, Oct 06, 2007, 22:26

I agree with PD.

You start CC in game 5* and take Fausto in Game 1 and 5 of the next series. CC would probably be available for Game 3 and 7.

That being said the Yanks will be lucky to see Game 4 if they keep up their .121 hitting.

In other series: this just in: The Cubs can't hit. That's $130 million down the drain. (Disclaimer: I am a White Sox fan.) Lou Pinnella looks lost in the dugout, and listening to his post game interview, I don't know how anyone gets excited to play for him. The new owner (please let it be Mark Cuban) will hopefully bring in a new coach for them.

The Red Sox seem to have the series on lock down, but can they dominate the Indians lineup the same way LA Angels of Orange County seemed to have laid down and allowed them to be beaten down?

And finally, the Rockies are the team of destiny. I don't see them stopping, but they will have to face Webb at least once at the BOB. (I don't know it's new name) That'll at least prove to be a 5 game series.

Bandos
Sustainer
ID: 279492419
Sun, Oct 07, 2007, 09:10

PD: Carmona would be on regular rest, not early - but I may have misinterpreted what you meant by early.

What is different about the LCS now is the extra off day.
G1, G2, OFF, G3, G4, OFF, G5, OFF, G6, G7

Thus, Even if CC and Carmona did have to make starts in Game 4+5, they could pitch 3,6 and 4,7 respectively on regular rest.

Also, if the Cle series goes five, then you COULD do this (assuming carmona doesnt pitch):

Fausto, G1, G4 (on three days) and Game 7 OR G1 and G5
CC, Games 3+6.

Those two options seem like a toss up to me, so the deciding factor is play to win the series you are in.

Byrd may have had 15 wins, but I do not believe that wins are any kind of a valid measurment of a pitchers skill. The Yankees patience will eat up a Bryd who counts on guys getting themselves out. Westbrook and Byrd in Yankee Stadium = Yankee hitters in the groove by game five (and CC didnt exactly dominate them in game 1).

So, I still think that Cle needs to guarantee that Carmona pitches game 5.

Rendle
ID: 23756422
Sun, Oct 07, 2007, 09:37

Wedge has already stated that CC won't pitch on 3 days rest. Hopefully the Indians can win a slugfest today or tomorrow.

Rendle
ID: 23756422
Sun, Oct 07, 2007, 19:00

I can't stand these TBS commentators are F'n horrible. I'm going to radio. Why the hell was Chip Carey so excited that Jeter put down a bunt(which went foul).

How many times did he call the Yankee baserunner on 2nd the winning run when it was the top of the inning in Cleveland?

The 27 pitch first inning for Clemens was a good sign.

J
Leader
ID: 049346417
Sun, Oct 07, 2007, 19:52

I absolutely HATE Chip Caray...his dad and even grand dad were SOOOOO much better.

Tony Gwynn is the man though, I can listen to him 24/7

Electroman
ID: 73332719
Sun, Oct 07, 2007, 19:57

Is he watching the game? After the Damon hit, he says that Cabrera is going to third, yet he is standing on 2nd.

Rendle
ID: 23756422
Sun, Oct 07, 2007, 20:00

That Yankee soda was really shaken up that inning.

Electroman
ID: 73332719
Sun, Oct 07, 2007, 20:02

Problem is, the seems to be no fizz to begin with.

Rendle
ID: 23756422
Sun, Oct 07, 2007, 20:46

Meh, looks like Clemens coming out early with only giving up 3 runs was the best thing that could've happened for the Yanks.

Great One
ID: 201155199
Mon, Oct 08, 2007, 20:19

Caray just said this is Mussina's first relief appearance. What? was he not watching the ALCS vs. Boston?

He corrects himself 5 minutes later. Way to be on top of things Skip.

¤ Mario LeMoose ¤
ID: 48910810
Mon, Oct 08, 2007, 20:30

GO, that's not Skip Caray ... that's his unibrow son Chip.

Perm Dude
ID: 36957814
Mon, Oct 08, 2007, 23:42

Well, there we go. Let's see if Torre sticks around.

Mattinglyinthehall
Leader
ID: 01629107
Mon, Oct 08, 2007, 23:55

Congrats Indians fans. With Wang falling apart, the starting pitching matchups weren't even close and the Tribe's clutch hitting was exceptional.

As well as Carmona and Byrd pitched, I was most impressed with CC. Kept the Yankee bats at bay with only his fastball working and even that was a bit wild. All he did was go right at every hitter. Won't see a gutsier performance than that.

Good luck in the ALCS.

Species
Dude
ID: 07724916
Tue, Oct 09, 2007, 00:06

Congrats to the Indians. They delivered, and the Yankees didn't. Great bullpen work is so huge in the playoffs. Now go kick Boston's ass!

tastethewaste
ID: 43921822
Tue, Oct 09, 2007, 00:21

I dont know if anyones watching the post game show on TBS, but they just showed a clip of the 1986 NLCS Mets vs Astros game 3. Ron Darling pitched, and Ernie asked him for his thoughts on that game. He said I was facing Nolan Ryan that day and blah blah blah, but he faced Bob Knepper that day!! How do I know that better than the guy who pitched that game?? What kind of analyst doesnt even know who he pitched against in what was one of the most exciting playoff series of all time?? And why is Alyssa Milano on TBS now???

Rendle
ID: 23756422
Tue, Oct 09, 2007, 01:20

Wow, what a game. I was on the edge of my seat through all 9 innings. No one makes me more nervous than Borowski. That Abreu HR was absolutely crushed.

Joe Torre is a true class act. I don't see how firing him would be a good thing for the team.

I really like the Indians chances vs Boston. IMHO, New York has a better lineup than Boston but Boston has more pitching depth but still pretty shaky after Beckett whom the Indians did hit this year. Getting CC and Fausto lined up is huge. Should be a competitive series.

Mattinglyinthehall
ID: 454491514
Tue, Oct 09, 2007, 09:15

Ryan Garko rips Yankee fans

"Best fans? It was great to see empty seats in the ninth inning," Garko said. "It was great doing this here."

Real class act, that one..

¤ Mario LeMoose ¤
ID: 5494397
Tue, Oct 09, 2007, 09:47

"Best fans? It was great to see empty seats in the ninth inning," Garko said. "It was great doing this here."

Maybe they (the NYY fans) stopped believing in miracles.

Mattinglyinthehall
ID: 454491514
Tue, Oct 09, 2007, 10:27

Thats the Mets.

Perm Dude
ID: 2693498
Tue, Oct 09, 2007, 10:46

I don't think Garko was slamming fans so much as slamming non-fans. And he's right.

It could be a result of the crazy high ticket prices, where a not of non-fans go to be seen rather than watch the game. But a game like last night is a game any real fan would have stayed for the last out.

¤ Mario LeMoose ¤
ID: 5494397
Tue, Oct 09, 2007, 11:16

Thats the Mets.

Understand the connection to the '69 Mets, MITH ... but that's not what I had in mind. Jeter, Abreu, Rodriguez (then Posada, Matsui) were due to bat in the ninth and the NYY fans in attendance didn't seem to have faith those "Bombers" could win, or at least, tie the game.

Great One
Sustainer
ID: 053272014
Tue, Oct 09, 2007, 11:27

PD - you are right. Garko is right. We all remarked about the empty seats last night. I think it was actually the 8th innings and there were empty seats scattered everywhere.

Maybe its the type of fan that only shows up in October (and can afford the playoff ticket prices from a StubHub or wherever)... but thats just not something you expect to see. Especially with only a guy like Joe Borowski standing in the way of a few runs from the heart of your order.

That never would have happened in the late 90's. Tino and O'Neil have been replaced with the Giambi's and Sheff's of the world... and a section of the diehard, sit there til the last pitch (and after) fan has been replaced with the kind that leaves the park early to beat the traffic just cause they are down a couple runs late in a playoff game where there entire season is on the line.

Mattinglyinthehall
ID: 454491514
Tue, Oct 09, 2007, 11:47

Right or wrong, what he said was a shot at the fans. You don't rip the losing team's fans after having just knocked them out of the playoffs. If the tides were turned and or someone had said it, the quote would be on the front page of the Cleveland papers.

JeffG
Leader
ID: 01584348
Tue, Oct 09, 2007, 12:02

I was at the game last night (and Sunday night) and even though it was approaching midnight, I was surprised to see the pockets of fans pack it in and leave around the 7th and 8th innings. Many of the fans staying were yelling at those departing things like 'This isn't LA', 'Go back to Queens', and other comments equally as silly.

That being said, I'd still say that maybe 10K left tops and conservatively say there were 45K plus still on their feet for the final pitch.

I'll never understand why people leave early. Tickets are expensive get your money's worth. The games are important if you are any sort of baseball fan. When you buy them you know it is going to be a late night and afterwards, it could take a while to get out of Stadium and in and out of the the lots or onto a train. If you have any recollection of recent Yankee history exciting things used to always happen in the late innings - especially the 9th and beyond.

That being said, no one - Garko or other outsiders - should ever confuse or label the small few who left early as those considered Yankee fans.

Perm Dude
ID: 2693498
Tue, Oct 09, 2007, 12:20

the quote would be on the front page of the Cleveland papers.

Only because Cleveland is overly sensitive.

But I don't think many Cleveland fans would have left. The expense (and location) of the Yankees means that many ticket buyers are corporations using the tix as promos or giveaways.

Of course, with Scooter setting the pace, maybe Yankees fans just think the game is 7 innings long.

Great One
Sustainer
ID: 053272014
Tue, Oct 09, 2007, 12:39

Mattinglyinthehall
ID: 454491514
Tue, Oct 09, 2007, 12:44

I was at Sunday night's game. Not nearly as many left before the final out. Three Ceveland fans sitting near me did split early.

Mattinglyinthehall
ID: 454491514
Tue, Oct 09, 2007, 12:49

with Scooter setting the pace...

Crass.

Perm Dude
ID: 2693498
Tue, Oct 09, 2007, 13:02

Oh, c'mon. It was a *joke*. Far too sensitive, MITH. One of his appeals is that Scooter would, indeed, duck out of games.

He's also talk over the game plays while telling stories.

But hey, he was a Yankee so there you go.

Mattinglyinthehall
ID: 454491514
Tue, Oct 09, 2007, 13:09

A crass joke.

Agreed, I am sensitive.

barilko6
ID: 44829307
Tue, Oct 09, 2007, 13:46

If you have ever had a chance to hear Ryan Garko do an interview, he is one of the top 5 guys I have ever got to listen to.

Its too bad when atheletes, celebrities, musicians, etc, can't have a little fun with a light jab here and there.

Vick. Classless.
Pacman Jones. Classless
Almost all of the Bengals. Classless (This was a joke)

Garko on the Mic. Priceless.

And this is from a Toronto fan, not a Cleveland homer.

Mattinglyinthehall
ID: 454491514
Tue, Oct 09, 2007, 14:02

I don't doubt it but you don't rip the fans.

barilko6
ID: 4397912
Tue, Oct 09, 2007, 14:07

Fans of a team other than his own. Isn't that what old school sports rivalries are made of?

Perm Dude
ID: 5896912
Tue, Oct 09, 2007, 14:14

MITH: Those weren't fans leaving. Even you can admit that.

Mattinglyinthehall
ID: 454491514
Tue, Oct 09, 2007, 16:28

Isn't that what old school sports rivalries are made of?

Players chiding the deflated fans of a defeated opponent? Not to my knowledge. You're confusing 'old school' with the Terrell Owens school of sportsmanship.

Those weren't fans leaving.

I do agree. But he didn't specifically chide the attendees who left the game. He mocked the supposed reputation of the local fans. Obviously not as extreme as dancing on the big NY painted on the grass behind home plate but classless and uncalled for, regardless.

Should visiting players in Dolphins Stadium rip the Marlins for their empty seats? "Some fans this team has! I love playing here!" I guess in that case the player wouldn't be ripping the fans in attendance, just the one who don't show up?

barilko6
ID: 44829307
Tue, Oct 09, 2007, 17:47

I think that is my biggest problem with sports nowadays, that they are too corporate. Athletes have to watch every little thing they say, for fear they might hurt someone's feelings. How many times do we as fantasy players trash talk each other???

All Garko did was rip the fans that left early, something I do everytime I go to a sporting event. Like JeffG said, even the fans in attendance were ragging on the ones that were leaving. If I was a Yankees fan, I would AGREE with what Garko said, that my fellow "fans" at the game basically sucked for leaving early in such a close game.

For More Info: Garko is commissioner of the Cleveland Indians Fantasy Football league, and just added a $100 fine to any manager if a player on their fantasy team gets arrested. This guy is hilarious!

Great One
Sustainer
ID: 053272014
Thu, Oct 11, 2007, 11:36

Thats awesome - Garko for President!

So... who is amped for Rockies vs. Diamondbacks!?!

Seattle Zen
ID: 49112418
Thu, Oct 11, 2007, 13:35

So... who is amped for Rockies vs. Diamondbacks!?!

Well, not Arizona...

As of a few days ago, there were 16,000 tickets available for Game 1 on Thursday at Chase Field

Pathetic. ALCS games sell out in less than an hour in Seattle.

Great One
Sustainer
ID: 053272014
Thu, Oct 11, 2007, 13:42

For those who hadn't heard reason to pull for Colorado...

Rockies extend winnings to grieving widow
By Patrick Saunders
The Denver Post

Philadelphia — Add another heartfelt chapter to the Rockies' storybook season.

Manager Clint Hurdle revealed today that the players, of their own accord, voted a playoff share to Amanda Coolbaugh, the widow of Tulsa Drillers coach Mike Coolbaugh.

Coolbaugh, the Drillers' first-base coach, was killed when a line drive struck him in the head during a game earlier this summer. Tulsa is the Rockies' Double-A farm team.

Hurdle said the players' gesture says a lot about their character.

"I was passed on the information that they voted Amanda Coolbaugh a share — a full share — which I found speaks to their awareness, speaks to their passion, speaks to every good thing about them," Hurdle said.

Amanda Coolbaugh, 32, is pregnant and won't attend Saturday's Phillies-Rockies playoff game at Coors Field. But her two sons, Joseph, 5, and Jacob, 3, will be there. In fact, they will throw out the first pitch.

"When I heard about what the players did, I almost cried," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "This was the players' idea. I think it's remarkable."

If the team goes on to win the world series, the share could be as much as $362,000.

Mattinglyinthehall
Leader
ID: 01629107
Fri, Oct 12, 2007, 09:42

Interesting USA Today article on the Rockies from last year.

blue hen
ID: 16322314
Fri, Oct 12, 2007, 10:16

Zen 77

Keep in mind that in 2001 (the last ALCS), there was a much different tenor in Seattle. The fans rallied after the team lost Griffey, ARod, and Randy, they won 116 games, and had a new stadium, plus Edgar and a pre-deflating Bret Boone were still around. And oh yeah, they were playing the Yankees.

Arizona is in a much different situation. They are a new team that has competed a lot and even won a World Series. They were outscored during the regular season. Their stars are relative unknowns (even Webb emerged only three years ago, hardly like the Mariner stars). Put that in a transient city against a non-rival like Colorado, and it seems obvious why they had trouble selling tickets.

And last night it got worse when they threw stuff on the field.

Da Bomb
Donor
ID: 487112814
Mon, Oct 15, 2007, 04:51

So Colorado is now up 3-0 and 1 game away from the World Series. Amazing. Who would've thought they'd be in the position they are in now after not having a winning season since 1997 and gave little reason for anyone to believe they'd fare much better, if at all, this year. They've now won 20 of their last 21 (first team to do that since the '35 Cubs) and are 6-0 in the postseason (first team to do that since the Big Red Machine went all the way in '76).

If they do make the World Series, they would have a very viable shot to come out on top. Their young SPs have come through and they might have the deepest and best bullpen of all the remaining playoff teams. I looked up some stats and was surprised to see that Hawkins and Herges had very good years (especially Herges - 2.98 ERA 1.01 WHIP .198 BAA - where did THAT come from?) and then there is Fuentes and Corpas who both have had dominant years (minus Fuentes' 5 game stretch in late June - which probably turned out to be a good thing for them as it allowed Corpas to move into the closer's role). Jeremy Affeldt will also come into play as a situational lefty (Ortiz is 1-13 in his career against him, Hafner 1-8, Sizemore 2-9). They get very timely hitting and the defense is of the best in MLB history. I think the key for them will be their starting pitching and their ability to be successful against Boston or Cleveland's lineup, but I think they will do well enough and are now my pick to win it all. Also, not that it holds much weight, but Colorado was 2-1 against Boston this year, outscoring them 20-5 where both Beckett and Schilling got rocked (pun intended) in their starts.

On a side note, I'm not a fan of how Arizona organized their rotation. I really think Owings should be their #2 starter as he's had a better year (including a great 2nd half) than games 2 and 3 starters Doug Davis and Livan Hernandez. Seems that experience played a key in the decision making process, which I tend to think is overrated. Arizona could have also used a healthy RJ for this series, who was pitching very well himself before he went down after just 10 starts.

Great One
Sustainer
ID: 053272014
Mon, Oct 15, 2007, 09:30

I wonder how bad the ratings are for Arizona vs. Colorado... likely not very good.

Forum: basePage 19407Subject: 2007 Playoffs: Day 1

Forum: base
Page 19407
Subject: 2007 Playoffs: Day 1