Baseball 2008 - Page 15 - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

QuasiMondo · 09-28-2008, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuasiMondo

There will be no baseball in New York in October.

I hate it when I'm right.

djtestudo · 09-28-2008, 06:58 PM

You know what's interesting about the Mets?

Their bullpen ERA in September is in the same range it has been all season (and is actually ~.6 runs better then August), yet the starters ERA has gone from 3.24 and 3.27 in July and August to 4.64.

I count nine bad starts (non-"quality") in September between Pedro, Pelfry, Perez, and Niese. The bullpen only blew one of Santana's games in September (that's something I've heard in a couple places: that they have blown several of his starts late), and you have to go back to the beginning of August for any more.

Their bullpen didn't pitch well in September, but they also didn't pitch any worse then they did the rest of the season. The starters collapsed, except for Santana, just like in 2007.

QuasiMondo · 09-28-2008, 09:47 PM

The bullpen hasn't pitched well all season. Here's the most telling stat (through August):

Run differential, Innings 1-6: +118
Run differential, Innings 7-9+: -49

Over the final 17 games of the season, the bullpen had an ERA of 6.56. Jerry Manuel used on average 4.4 relievers per game. Just listing the overall ERA doesn't do justice to how bad this bullpen was. The only pitcher who could get both sides of the plate out was Billy Wagner. Everybody else was pretty much a situational guy who's only good at working one side of the plate. If you look at the BAA between RH and LH hitters for each pitcher, you'd see what I'm talking about, and how easily they were exploited by opposing managers.

Through early August, Johan Santana walked away with seven no-decisions, five of them coming after he walked off the mound giving up two runs or less. Other starters have had similar results. I'll admit, the starters do have their problems. Perez is way too inconsistent and Pedro seems to be out of gas, especially after trying to fight through injuries and his father's death. But Santana is spot on, Maine was spot on until he got hurt, and Pelfrey settled in quite nicely in the second half.

The bottom line is this: Out of all the problems the Mets had, their bullpen was the most devastating. It's taken them out of games, it's cost Santana a Cy Young, and in the end, it cost them a play of berth. Minaya needs to make fixing the bullpen he neglected his top priority. I don't care if they don't sign C.C. or Texeria. They have solid hitters, solid defense, and solid pitching. If the bullpen had held on to even one lead, I wouldn't be singing this sad song.

djtestudo · 09-30-2008, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuasiMondo

The bullpen hasn't pitched well all season. Here's the most telling stat (through August):

Run differential, Innings 1-6: +118
Run differential, Innings 7-9+: -49

Over the final 17 games of the season, the bullpen had an ERA of 6.56. Jerry Manuel used on average 4.4 relievers per game. Just listing the overall ERA doesn't do justice to how bad this bullpen was. The only pitcher who could get both sides of the plate out was Billy Wagner. Everybody else was pretty much a situational guy who's only good at working one side of the plate. If you look at the BAA between RH and LH hitters for each pitcher, you'd see what I'm talking about, and how easily they were exploited by opposing managers.

Through early August, Johan Santana walked away with seven no-decisions, five of them coming after he walked off the mound giving up two runs or less. Other starters have had similar results. I'll admit, the starters do have their problems. Perez is way too inconsistent and Pedro seems to be out of gas, especially after trying to fight through injuries and his father's death. But Santana is spot on, Maine was spot on until he got hurt, and Pelfrey settled in quite nicely in the second half.

The bottom line is this: Out of all the problems the Mets had, their bullpen was the most devastating. It's taken them out of games, it's cost Santana a Cy Young, and in the end, it cost them a play of berth. Minaya needs to make fixing the bullpen he neglected his top priority. I don't care if they don't sign C.C. or Texeria. They have solid hitters, solid defense, and solid pitching. If the bullpen had held on to even one lead, I wouldn't be singing this sad song.

I don't want it to sound like I think the Mets' bullpen was any good, because I don't. It's just not the reason the team fell apart at the end. They pitched just as "well" (relatively speaking, of course) in September as in most of the season.

It didn't cost Santana a Cy Young, since if there is any justice Tim Lincecum will win (and if he doesn't, it will be for the same reason you suggest as Santana: not enough official "wins", which would be a stupid reason for any voter in this era). It should be a priority, though.

They might want to try finding guys with good track records who had a poor 2008 and are looking at being dumped by their team due to big contracts, since even good relievers have up-and-down seasons.

Glory's Sun · 10-01-2008, 06:27 AM

The AL playoffs should be interesting this year. Boston has a few key injuries, but the Angels haven't won a playoff series against them in forever. The White Sox are hot, but Tampa has great defense.. I'll take Boston and Tampa.

Mister Coaster · 10-01-2008, 07:17 AM

You do realize that the Halos were injured badly for the 2007 post season, and that this year they have pounded beantown 8-1 in 9 games, including a sweep at Fenway. Oh and there's that whole "Manny isn't there" thing.

Glory's Sun · 10-01-2008, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister Coaster

You do realize that the Halos were injured badly for the 2007 post season, and that this year they have pounded beantown 8-1 in 9 games, including a sweep at Fenway. Oh and there's that whole "Manny isn't there" thing.

Yup fully aware. The Halos are healthy.. and Manny isn't there.

But then there's the whole Lackey sucked it up in September thing.. 87mph fastball?? hrmm..

Lester, Matsuzaka, Beckett. Nuff Said

Mister Coaster · 10-01-2008, 08:45 AM

Well, then it's a good thing that his curveball is his best pitch.

Well, you're in the minority in thinking the Bosox have a prayer vs. the Angels. As the saying goes... "We'll see."

Glory's Sun · 10-01-2008, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister Coaster

Well, then it's a good thing that his curveball is his best pitch.

Well, you're in the minority in thinking the Bosox have a prayer vs. the Angels. As the saying goes... "We'll see."

Yes I am in the minority.. but everyone seems to agree that it will be a 5 game series.. most say the Angels in 5.. but I'm thinking that if Boston gets it to a 5 game series.. Boston can win it. Drew should be back in the lineup .. possibly Lowell as well.

yes .. "We'll see"

Glory's Sun · 10-02-2008, 06:46 AM

Well Game 1 in the books..

Bo'Sox once again beat the Halos.. thank you John Lester.

Cubs.. well the cubs still suck.

Brewers.. go home

LA doing it with all the ex beantowners.

Mister Coaster · 10-02-2008, 09:58 AM

Lester was definately on his game. Actually, Lackey was too, one bad pitch was the death nell. Good game, but to say I'm dissappointed is an understatement. BTW, could the TBS announcers be more in love with Boston?

Glory's Sun · 10-02-2008, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister Coaster

Lester was definately on his game. Actually, Lackey was too, one bad pitch was the death nell. Good game, but to say I'm dissappointed is an understatement. BTW, could the TBS announcers be more in love with Boston?

Lackey did have a good game considering his past start.. Between these two teams, mistakes are deadly..which is why Boston was lucky that the error only cost them one run. Lester is going to get better and better. Matsuzaka is 9-0 on the road and if Beckett is healthy.. I think the Halo's will add to their loss streak against Boston in the playoffs. We'll See..

I can't blame announcers being in love with Boston.. we're a loveable bunch

just don't start the east coast bias thing ok?

Bear Cub · 10-02-2008, 08:06 PM

Screw the VP debates, this is way funnier. LOLZ @ the Cubs. 9 to 1 in the eighth, and this is supposed to be a champion caliber team? They can bend over and kiss this series goodbye right now.

Halx · 10-03-2008, 06:29 AM

Dodgers are on their way. It should be easy to close out the Cubs at home, in front of the crazy crowd. Man, that Wrigley Field was a graveyard.

Glory's Sun · 10-03-2008, 06:33 AM

How nice would it be to see a Dodgers Red Sox series??

Manny is on fire.. but can they handle an AL team??

I'm getting ahead of myself here.. Boston has to lock things up in LA first and then hope they can get past those pesky rays.. because I just can't see the White Sox beating them.

Oh.. and the CUBS SUCK!!

oh .. and Sabathia is still a playoff bum!!

Halx · 10-03-2008, 07:25 AM

All signs point to a Dodgers/Red Sox World Series. Unless the Dodgers pitching somehow falls apart. I know their offense won't fail.

Glory's Sun · 10-03-2008, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halx

All signs point to a Dodgers/Red Sox World Series. Unless the Dodgers pitching somehow falls apart. I know their offense won't fail.

you say their offense won't fall apart but when they have to go against the likes of Lester, Beckett, Matsuzaka, Masterson and Papelbon, you may change your mind.

I'm looking for the Red Sox to start scoring here shortly. Drew should be getting his speed back and Papi should be getting comfortable with his adjusted swing.

I just want to see it for the Manny factor. I still love the guy even though I can't believe I see him hustle in LA and he didn't in Boston.

Halx · 10-03-2008, 07:49 AM

You're looking at the bright side, I know, you're a fan. But the Dodgers ruined Webb. They ruined Haren. They ruined Dempster and they ruined Zambrano. Aces be damned.

Glory's Sun · 10-03-2008, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halx

You're looking at the bright side, I know, you're a fan. But the Dodgers ruined Webb. They ruined Haren. They ruined Dempster and they ruined Zambrano. Aces be damned.

yes.. but none of those pitchers..or aces pitched against powerful AL teams all year.

We have at least 2 aces. Lester and Beckett. Beckett and now Lester are showing they are a league above when it comes to the postseason. Add Papelbon to that.. and well you're team just hasn't faced that shit.

We'll see.. if it happens.. we'll just see.

Halx · 10-03-2008, 08:11 AM

I don't buy the whole "powerful AL team" stigma. Its just a good baseball team. Period. Pitch a good game and play defense and hit the ball and you'll do just fine. Everyone has good and bad games - the key is to have a better game than your opponent on that particular day.

If there WAS a stacked AL team, it would be the Angels. That lineup is crazy. But that's not going to help them.

The Dodgers are just as stacked as Boston, in my opinion. Their psyches are maybe different, because of the relative lack of experience, but I do want to state that they're STILL more experienced than the Rockies were last year. And they have Manny.

I see it as a damn good matchup.

Glory's Sun · 10-03-2008, 08:14 AM

I'm not saying it wouldn't be a good matchup, I'm just saying..

The Angels would kill the Dodgers if they Angels could get past Boston. I'll take an AL offense over a NL offense any day.. there's just no comparison for me. Add the defense that Boston employs now.. and it's like an NL team with great offense.

St. Louis was experienced and Boston wasn't.. look what happened there. Boston has the pitching, the bats, the speed and the defense. Really, their only enemy is themselves and those goddamn Rays this year.

Halx · 10-03-2008, 08:41 AM

I make the same comments in support of a team I know best too.

djtestudo · 10-03-2008, 11:41 AM

I think Dodgers-Sox would be a good matchup.

Of course, the Sox went 8-10 against Tampa Bay and the Dodgers split 4-4 with the Phillies this season, so let's not get ahead of ourselves

BurntToast · 10-03-2008, 03:02 PM

Don't write off the Phillies... We got swept by the Dodgers in LA but we swept them at home so it could be an interesting NLCS IF we both get there.

QuasiMondo · 10-04-2008, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guccilvr

How nice would it be to see a Dodgers Red Sox series??

Manny is on fire.. but can they handle an AL team??

I'm getting ahead of myself here.. Boston has to lock things up in LA first and then hope they can get past those pesky rays.. because I just can't see the White Sox beating them.

Oh.. and the CUBS SUCK!!

oh .. and Sabathia is still a playoff bum!!

1. I think so.

2. I don't think the rays have it in them to get past Boston.

3. Sad, but true.

4. In any other circumstance, I'd agree, but this was his third consecutive game on short rest. I think that had to do more with his poor performance than his perceived playoff woes.

Ilow · 10-04-2008, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djtestudo

I think Dodgers-Sox would be a good matchup.

Of course, the Sox went 8-10 against Tampa Bay and the Dodgers split 4-4 with the Phillies this season, so let's not get ahead of ourselves

besides the Sox-Cubs world series, I would think that this would be the one that Selig and many impartial people would want. It has the whole East v West, LA v Boston, Manny saga etc. Oh yeah, and the two teams aren't too bad either. Not to mention that LA has like 72 former Red Sox playing for them, not that that would motivate them or anything. Really long way to go though. We've pretty much gotten to the 'don't let Manny beat you' point too, so other Dodgers will have to step up and carry the load. I don't think that the Dodgers beat the Sox if they play (best team from worst division v second best team from best division) but anything can happen (Phills are looking motivated and TB is finally getting healthy again except for Percival, who they really didn't need anyway). i can't believe all the 2-0 series.

Halx · 10-04-2008, 09:18 PM

Dodgers sweep the Cubs! Hell yeah!

Their next opponent will only be practice for the World Series. These kids showed what it takes to get there.

dylanmarsh · 10-04-2008, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halx

Dodgers sweep the Cubs! Hell yeah!

Their next opponent will only be practice for the World Series. These kids showed what it takes to get there.

Congrats. I'd like to see a Red Sox versus Ex-Red Sox World Series.

Did anyone catch Manny's post game interview where he actually thanked Scott for getting him to LA? I'm guessing he was talking about Scott Boras and was not refering to Boras flying Manny out to LA in his Learjet. WTF.

pan6467 · 10-04-2008, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuasiMondo

4. In any other circumstance, I'd agree, but this was his third consecutive game on short rest. I think that had to do more with his poor performance than his perceived playoff woes.

You never watched him choke.... I mean pitch for Cleveland in the playoffs have you?

He's NOT in any way shape or form a pitcher who can pitch in the playoffs:

Lifetime post season: 2wins, 3losses, 7.92ERA, 5 starts, 25IP, 22walks, 4homers, 3HBP, 33hits, a 2.20WHIP, that includes a 6IP 6 hit 5w 5k 2r start in 2001 for Cleveland.

Take that out of the mix his ERA is 9.47 with a WHIP of 2.32.

He not only played that way during the post season when he was counted on to be the "ACE" but in "serious" games also. Anyone remember who pitched us out of a wildcard facing the Chisox in '06?

The man is a fat fucking asshat who will be about as useful to his next team as Bartolo Colon is. Go ahead Yankees/Dodgers/Mets/Cubs whomever.... pay the "ACE" big time money but don't count on him for a post season win, a division needed win, a wildcard needed win or a win that has any significance at all. Pitch him against hitless wonder teams like KC, Seattle, Min, Cincy, Pitts, SF, SD, Atl, and Texas or Col outside their home stadium and cheer his 1 run games......

But when the stakes are down and he needs to perform against the big teams he is a JOKE.

Here's a link to his record this year, what teams did he pitch good against and what teams did he struggle against??????

Individual Player Game by Game Log | MLB.com: Stats

2007 when he won the Cy Young was not much different.

2006 1 game over .500 same thing....

BEWARE and don't be bragging on getting him because he'll rip your heart right out. He's not an ace under pressure.

Halx · 10-05-2008, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manny Ramirez

"We're going to party at my house. We're going to party like rock stars, if you can find my house."

dylanmarsh · 10-05-2008, 08:40 AM

Bitter much, Pan? Your team managed to get Matt LaPorta for a CC rental and you still post that? If anyone is to blame for CC's ineffectiveness during the last two postseasons, it is his managers who overused him down the stretch to get their teams to the playoffs. Wedge might be a great person and the players might love him, but CC was burnt by the time the ALCS rolled around last year. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that every Cleveland pitcher took a nosedive late in the season/postseason due to overuse, over the last few seasons.

pan6467 · 10-05-2008, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dylanmarsh

Bitter much, Pan? Your team managed to get Matt LaPorta for a CC rental and you still post that? If anyone is to blame for CC's ineffectiveness during the last two postseasons, it is his managers who overused him down the stretch to get their teams to the playoffs. Wedge might be a great person and the players might love him, but CC was burnt by the time the ALCS rolled around last year. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that every Cleveland pitcher took a nosedive late in the season/postseason due to overuse, over the last few seasons.

First, not bitter, it comes from watching CC over the past 10 years give or take.

When Colon was traded the front office wasn't even sure CC was ace material.

He does NOT pitch well even in he regular season against teams we needed to beat. He chokes even during the season. Look at the link from when he was in Mil. and this year with the Indians and tell me what teams he was able to be effective against and what teams he wasn't.

As for pitchers taking a nose dive late in the season in Cleveland... other than the kid Carmona in his rookie year, during the playoffs, they didn't. Byrd actually pitched better.

When you need a win, reg. season or post, you simply can't count on CC. That comes from YEARS of watching him in an Indians uni.

But go ahead, I hope your team pays him the big dollars and you can watch him first hand. The pressure will eat at him and within 2 years he'll be an overpaid albatross on your team..... but good luck believing he's a great pitcher.

djtestudo · 10-05-2008, 03:21 PM

C.C. Sabathia 2008 Pitching Splits - Baseball-Reference PI

Vs. Cubs: 3 GS, 1-1, 22.2 IP, 2.78 ERA
Vs. LAD: 1 GS, 7 IP, 1 ER
Vs. HOU: 1 GS, Win, 9 IP, 2 ER
Vs. STL: 1 GS, Win, 9 IP, Shutout

And two of the three Cubs games came after mid-September.

He has a career 2.77 ERA in September and October (regular season), almost a half-run better than any other month.

If you want to talk playoff stats, you have to bring up that he only has five total playoff starts in his career, including this season. And you can't ignore that he started four straight times on three days' rest this season (before only getting one playoff start, which goes back to the above mention of the sample size).

Maybe he should go to a team that knows how to build a pitching staff where they don't have to ride one or two pitchers all the way down the stretch.

Glory's Sun · 10-06-2008, 06:47 AM

Damn I'm tired. I waited all night to watch the red sox lose at the end. Jesus Christ. How many scoring ops can you not capitalize on?! Sure, the Angels have the same issues, but really the Angels..well they just don't look like the Angels. Pedroia and Bay 0-5.. that has to change tonight.

I don't even want to start on Beckett. I'm proud that he grunted out what he did, and I was actually a bit worried that he was still hurt.. I'm just not used to seeing this from him in the postseason. I'll chalk it up to rust.

Red Sox finish the series tonight behind Lester.

Mister Coaster · 10-06-2008, 08:58 AM

Man, you sure have that right. The Halos just don't look right. After that botched popup last night I had to excuse myself to the basement and break something. Sorry, wooden chair, you were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

So far home-field is no advantage in this series.

pan6467 · 10-06-2008, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djtestudo

C.C. Sabathia 2008 Pitching Splits - Baseball-Reference PI

Vs. Cubs: 3 GS, 1-1, 22.2 IP, 2.78 ERA
Vs. LAD: 1 GS, 7 IP, 1 ER
Vs. HOU: 1 GS, Win, 9 IP, 2 ER
Vs. STL: 1 GS, Win, 9 IP, Shutout

And two of the three Cubs games came after mid-September.

He has a career 2.77 ERA in September and October (regular season), almost a half-run better than any other month.

If you want to talk playoff stats, you have to bring up that he only has five total playoff starts in his career, including this season. And you can't ignore that he started four straight times on three days' rest this season (before only getting one playoff start, which goes back to the above mention of the sample size).

Maybe he should go to a team that knows how to build a pitching staff where they don't have to ride one or two pitchers all the way down the stretch.

You go on believing that. We'll soon find out, won't we?

Glory's Sun · 10-07-2008, 06:16 AM

The Red Sox win in dramatic fashion last night. I could have killed someone when Masterson crossed up the pitch to Varitek. The Angels problems in the field really hurt them.

Now for the ALCS against the Rays. Boston will have to up their run production and quit wasting RISP chances to advance... although I wonder how the young pitchers from Tampa will handle the pressure. Obviously the regular season numbers mean nothing when we get to this point.. Fenway is a totally different monster when it's October.

Mister Coaster · 10-07-2008, 07:21 AM

Yeah, that pretty much was the only mistake Boston made that the Halos actually capatalized on. The rest of the series I don't know if Boston beat the Angels, as much as the Angels beat themselves with botched plays in the field and non-execution at the plate.

Boston made the crutial plays in the field (tough popups in foul ground, double plays, diving catches) and the Angels didn't, that's pretty much the series. All the games were close, no blowouts, so every game came down to the little things.

Now... GO DEVIL RAYS, BEAT BEANTOWN!!

pan6467 · 10-07-2008, 09:45 AM

Actually, with no one in I like anymore, I'd like to see Tampa win it all, being an underdog team with low payroll....

But I'd love to see a Dodger - Red Sox series with Manny just tearing up his old team and helping the Dodger Blue sweep the Blosux in 4.

That would make the fact that Ohio's teams did pretty badly all worth it to me.

I guess a part of me remembers the Dodgers of yore putting up the good fight with Garvey, Cey, Yeager, Davey Lopes, Bill Russel, and Tommy... but always losing to the BIG RED MACHINE Perez, Morgan, Concepcion, Rose, Bench and GEORGE SPARKY ANDERSON.

I miss the days when teams had true teams and you could name the players almost every year and root for the player and the team. And if you lived in Cleveland you could go to a bar after the game and watch "SuperStar" Joe Charboneau open beer bottles in his eye sockets....lol

Taken from All In The Family:

Quote:

"Those Were The Days" An Ode to pre Free Agent Baseball

By PAN6467

Boy, the way Charlie Hustle played. Plays that made the fans hip horray.

Fans like us, we had it made. Those were the days.

Didn't hear no small market excuse. Everybody played with juice.

Gee, how old Lou Brock ran great. Those were the days.

And you knew who was on your team then. Fans were fans and players played then.

Mister, we could use a man like Jim Palmer again.

People seemed to be content. Hot dogs sold for a dollar fifty cent.

Freaks were in bush leagues. Those were the days.

Take a little Sunday spin, go to watch the Cincinatti Reds win.

Have yourself a dandy day that cost you under a fin.

Players loved the game, didn't put their fans to shame. Tom Seaver really could pitch a game.

I don't know just what went wrong. Those Were The Days.

Edith.... I need another beer here.....

Glory's Sun · 10-07-2008, 09:52 AM

Pan.. you are so bitter it's almost annoying.

You sit here and say you want to watch Manny tear up his old team then you go and start wishing for old teams who you can name every player on. Isn't that a bit of a contradiction?

Manny is nothing more than money hungry now. He doesn't give a shit if he wins or not.. he wants his paycheck. The Red Sox consistently hone HOME GROWN talent and they teach their kids to succeed. If anything, that is more honorable than just paying a bunch of veterans big paychecks and trying to win something.

So stop spouting about the old days.. it's old.

09-28-2008, 06:58 PM	#562 (permalink)
djtestudo Baltimoron Location: Beeeeeautiful Bel Air, MD	You know what's interesting about the Mets? Their bullpen ERA in September is in the same range it has been all season (and is actually ~.6 runs better then August), yet the starters ERA has gone from 3.24 and 3.27 in July and August to 4.64. I count nine bad starts (non-"quality") in September between Pedro, Pelfry, Perez, and Niese. The bullpen only blew one of Santana's games in September (that's something I've heard in a couple places: that they have blown several of his starts late), and you have to go back to the beginning of August for any more. Their bullpen didn't pitch well in September, but they also didn't pitch any worse then they did the rest of the season. The starters collapsed, except for Santana, just like in 2007. __________________ "Final thought: I just rented Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine. Frankly, it was the worst sports movie I've ever seen." --Peter Schmuck, The (Baltimore) Sun

09-28-2008, 09:47 PM	#563 (permalink)
QuasiMondo Wise-ass Latino Location: Pretoria (Tshwane), RSA	The bullpen hasn't pitched well all season. Here's the most telling stat (through August): Run differential, Innings 1-6: +118 Run differential, Innings 7-9+: -49 Over the final 17 games of the season, the bullpen had an ERA of 6.56. Jerry Manuel used on average 4.4 relievers per game. Just listing the overall ERA doesn't do justice to how bad this bullpen was. The only pitcher who could get both sides of the plate out was Billy Wagner. Everybody else was pretty much a situational guy who's only good at working one side of the plate. If you look at the BAA between RH and LH hitters for each pitcher, you'd see what I'm talking about, and how easily they were exploited by opposing managers. Through early August, Johan Santana walked away with seven no-decisions, five of them coming after he walked off the mound giving up two runs or less. Other starters have had similar results. I'll admit, the starters do have their problems. Perez is way too inconsistent and Pedro seems to be out of gas, especially after trying to fight through injuries and his father's death. But Santana is spot on, Maine was spot on until he got hurt, and Pelfrey settled in quite nicely in the second half. The bottom line is this: Out of all the problems the Mets had, their bullpen was the most devastating. It's taken them out of games, it's cost Santana a Cy Young, and in the end, it cost them a play of berth. Minaya needs to make fixing the bullpen he neglected his top priority. I don't care if they don't sign C.C. or Texeria. They have solid hitters, solid defense, and solid pitching. If the bullpen had held on to even one lead, I wouldn't be singing this sad song. __________________ Cameron originally envisioned the Terminator as a small, unremarkable man, giving it the ability to blend in more easily. As a result, his first choice for the part was Lance Henriksen. O. J. Simpson was on the shortlist but Cameron did not think that such a nice guy could be a ruthless killer. -From the Collector's Edition DVD of The Terminator

10-01-2008, 07:17 AM	#566 (permalink)
Mister Coaster Big & Brassy Location: The "Canyon"	You do realize that the Halos were injured badly for the 2007 post season, and that this year they have pounded beantown 8-1 in 9 games, including a sweep at Fenway. Oh and there's that whole "Manny isn't there" thing. __________________ If you have any poo... fling it NOW!

10-01-2008, 08:45 AM	#568 (permalink)
Mister Coaster Big & Brassy Location: The "Canyon"	Well, then it's a good thing that his curveball is his best pitch. Well, you're in the minority in thinking the Bosox have a prayer vs. the Angels. As the saying goes... "We'll see." __________________ If you have any poo... fling it NOW!

10-02-2008, 09:58 AM	#571 (permalink)
Mister Coaster Big & Brassy Location: The "Canyon"	Lester was definately on his game. Actually, Lackey was too, one bad pitch was the death nell. Good game, but to say I'm dissappointed is an understatement. BTW, could the TBS announcers be more in love with Boston? __________________ If you have any poo... fling it NOW!

10-01-2008, 06:27 AM	#565 (permalink)
Glory's Sun Registered User	The AL playoffs should be interesting this year. Boston has a few key injuries, but the Angels haven't won a playoff series against them in forever. The White Sox are hot, but Tampa has great defense.. I'll take Boston and Tampa.

10-02-2008, 06:46 AM	#570 (permalink)
Glory's Sun Registered User	Well Game 1 in the books.. Bo'Sox once again beat the Halos.. thank you John Lester. Cubs.. well the cubs still suck. Brewers.. go home LA doing it with all the ex beantowners.

10-02-2008, 08:06 PM	#573 (permalink)
Bear Cub The Reverend Side Boob Location: Nofe Curolina	Screw the VP debates, this is way funnier. LOLZ @ the Cubs. 9 to 1 in the eighth, and this is supposed to be a champion caliber team? They can bend over and kiss this series goodbye right now. __________________ Living in the United Socialist States of America.

10-03-2008, 06:29 AM	#574 (permalink)
Halx Please touch this. Owner/Admin Location: Manhattan	Dodgers are on their way. It should be easy to close out the Cubs at home, in front of the crazy crowd. Man, that Wrigley Field was a graveyard. __________________ You have found this post informative. -The Administrator [Don't Feed The Animals]

10-03-2008, 06:33 AM	#575 (permalink)
Glory's Sun Registered User	How nice would it be to see a Dodgers Red Sox series?? Manny is on fire.. but can they handle an AL team?? I'm getting ahead of myself here.. Boston has to lock things up in LA first and then hope they can get past those pesky rays.. because I just can't see the White Sox beating them. Oh.. and the CUBS SUCK!! oh .. and Sabathia is still a playoff bum!!

10-03-2008, 07:25 AM	#576 (permalink)
Halx Please touch this. Owner/Admin Location: Manhattan	All signs point to a Dodgers/Red Sox World Series. Unless the Dodgers pitching somehow falls apart. I know their offense won't fail. __________________ You have found this post informative. -The Administrator [Don't Feed The Animals]

10-03-2008, 07:49 AM	#578 (permalink)
Halx Please touch this. Owner/Admin Location: Manhattan	You're looking at the bright side, I know, you're a fan. But the Dodgers ruined Webb. They ruined Haren. They ruined Dempster and they ruined Zambrano. Aces be damned. __________________ You have found this post informative. -The Administrator [Don't Feed The Animals]

10-03-2008, 08:11 AM	#580 (permalink)
Halx Please touch this. Owner/Admin Location: Manhattan	I don't buy the whole "powerful AL team" stigma. Its just a good baseball team. Period. Pitch a good game and play defense and hit the ball and you'll do just fine. Everyone has good and bad games - the key is to have a better game than your opponent on that particular day. If there WAS a stacked AL team, it would be the Angels. That lineup is crazy. But that's not going to help them. The Dodgers are just as stacked as Boston, in my opinion. Their psyches are maybe different, because of the relative lack of experience, but I do want to state that they're STILL more experienced than the Rockies were last year. And they have Manny. I see it as a damn good matchup. __________________ You have found this post informative. -The Administrator [Don't Feed The Animals]

10-03-2008, 08:14 AM	#581 (permalink)
Glory's Sun Registered User	I'm not saying it wouldn't be a good matchup, I'm just saying.. The Angels would kill the Dodgers if they Angels could get past Boston. I'll take an AL offense over a NL offense any day.. there's just no comparison for me. Add the defense that Boston employs now.. and it's like an NL team with great offense. St. Louis was experienced and Boston wasn't.. look what happened there. Boston has the pitching, the bats, the speed and the defense. Really, their only enemy is themselves and those goddamn Rays this year.

10-03-2008, 08:41 AM	#582 (permalink)
Halx Please touch this. Owner/Admin Location: Manhattan	I make the same comments in support of a team I know best too. __________________ You have found this post informative. -The Administrator [Don't Feed The Animals]

10-03-2008, 11:41 AM	#583 (permalink)
djtestudo Baltimoron Location: Beeeeeautiful Bel Air, MD	I think Dodgers-Sox would be a good matchup. Of course, the Sox went 8-10 against Tampa Bay and the Dodgers split 4-4 with the Phillies this season, so let's not get ahead of ourselves __________________ "Final thought: I just rented Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine. Frankly, it was the worst sports movie I've ever seen." --Peter Schmuck, The (Baltimore) Sun

10-03-2008, 03:02 PM	#584 (permalink)
BurntToast Here, yet not all there. Location: Franklinville, NJ	Don't write off the Phillies... We got swept by the Dodgers in LA but we swept them at home so it could be an interesting NLCS IF we both get there. __________________ The taint. Conveniently located between the snack bar and the dumpster.

10-04-2008, 09:18 PM	#587 (permalink)
Halx Please touch this. Owner/Admin Location: Manhattan	Dodgers sweep the Cubs! Hell yeah! Their next opponent will only be practice for the World Series. These kids showed what it takes to get there. __________________ You have found this post informative. -The Administrator [Don't Feed The Animals]

10-05-2008, 08:40 AM	#591 (permalink)
dylanmarsh Sleepy Head	Bitter much, Pan? Your team managed to get Matt LaPorta for a CC rental and you still post that? If anyone is to blame for CC's ineffectiveness during the last two postseasons, it is his managers who overused him down the stretch to get their teams to the playoffs. Wedge might be a great person and the players might love him, but CC was burnt by the time the ALCS rolled around last year. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that every Cleveland pitcher took a nosedive late in the season/postseason due to overuse, over the last few seasons.

10-05-2008, 03:21 PM	#593 (permalink)
djtestudo Baltimoron Location: Beeeeeautiful Bel Air, MD	C.C. Sabathia 2008 Pitching Splits - Baseball-Reference PI Vs. Cubs: 3 GS, 1-1, 22.2 IP, 2.78 ERA Vs. LAD: 1 GS, 7 IP, 1 ER Vs. HOU: 1 GS, Win, 9 IP, 2 ER Vs. STL: 1 GS, Win, 9 IP, Shutout And two of the three Cubs games came after mid-September. He has a career 2.77 ERA in September and October (regular season), almost a half-run better than any other month. If you want to talk playoff stats, you have to bring up that he only has five total playoff starts in his career, including this season. And you can't ignore that he started four straight times on three days' rest this season (before only getting one playoff start, which goes back to the above mention of the sample size). Maybe he should go to a team that knows how to build a pitching staff where they don't have to ride one or two pitchers all the way down the stretch. __________________ "Final thought: I just rented Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine. Frankly, it was the worst sports movie I've ever seen." --Peter Schmuck, The (Baltimore) Sun

10-06-2008, 06:47 AM	#594 (permalink)
Glory's Sun Registered User	Damn I'm tired. I waited all night to watch the red sox lose at the end. Jesus Christ. How many scoring ops can you not capitalize on?! Sure, the Angels have the same issues, but really the Angels..well they just don't look like the Angels. Pedroia and Bay 0-5.. that has to change tonight. I don't even want to start on Beckett. I'm proud that he grunted out what he did, and I was actually a bit worried that he was still hurt.. I'm just not used to seeing this from him in the postseason. I'll chalk it up to rust. Red Sox finish the series tonight behind Lester.

10-06-2008, 08:58 AM	#595 (permalink)
Mister Coaster Big & Brassy Location: The "Canyon"	Man, you sure have that right. The Halos just don't look right. After that botched popup last night I had to excuse myself to the basement and break something. Sorry, wooden chair, you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. So far home-field is no advantage in this series. __________________ If you have any poo... fling it NOW!

10-07-2008, 06:16 AM	#597 (permalink)
Glory's Sun Registered User	The Red Sox win in dramatic fashion last night. I could have killed someone when Masterson crossed up the pitch to Varitek. The Angels problems in the field really hurt them. Now for the ALCS against the Rays. Boston will have to up their run production and quit wasting RISP chances to advance... although I wonder how the young pitchers from Tampa will handle the pressure. Obviously the regular season numbers mean nothing when we get to this point.. Fenway is a totally different monster when it's October.

10-07-2008, 07:21 AM	#598 (permalink)
Mister Coaster Big & Brassy Location: The "Canyon"	Yeah, that pretty much was the only mistake Boston made that the Halos actually capatalized on. The rest of the series I don't know if Boston beat the Angels, as much as the Angels beat themselves with botched plays in the field and non-execution at the plate. Boston made the crutial plays in the field (tough popups in foul ground, double plays, diving catches) and the Angels didn't, that's pretty much the series. All the games were close, no blowouts, so every game came down to the little things. Now... GO DEVIL RAYS, BEAT BEANTOWN!! __________________ If you have any poo... fling it NOW!

10-07-2008, 09:52 AM	#600 (permalink)
Glory's Sun Registered User	Pan.. you are so bitter it's almost annoying. You sit here and say you want to watch Manny tear up his old team then you go and start wishing for old teams who you can name every player on. Isn't that a bit of a contradiction? Manny is nothing more than money hungry now. He doesn't give a shit if he wins or not.. he wants his paycheck. The Red Sox consistently hone HOME GROWN talent and they teach their kids to succeed. If anything, that is more honorable than just paying a bunch of veterans big paychecks and trying to win something. So stop spouting about the old days.. it's old.