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Community => JD Sports Forum! => Topic started by: JediMAC on April 1, 2003, 09:01 PM

Title: Batter up! The 2003 JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: JediMAC on April 1, 2003, 09:01 PM
Well folks, it's time to Play Ball!

After months of basking in post World Series glory, it's time for another baseball season to begin anew.  Here's to hoping I finally get that Freeway World Series I've so desired for nearly 30 years:

(http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/ana.gif) (http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/los.gif)
But if that doesn't happen, I'll settle for another Championship from the Angels over someone else instead...   :)

As always, I think the Yanks are going to be the team to beat, even with Jeter already going down for at least a month and a half.  I'm sure the A's, BoSox, and Twins will be up there as well in the AL.  I'm expecting the D'backs, Cards, Mets, Astros and Braves to have a good showing in the NL.  But my prediction is the same one I've been making since I was 5 years old:  Angels vs. Dodgers in the World Series!

So who are your picks and favorites...?
Title: Re: Batter up! Baseball's finally back...
Post by: chuckles on April 1, 2003, 09:36 PM
Well you already know who my favorite is, the Atlanta Braves of course.  ;D

As far as my picks:

NL East: I'll stick with my Braves again but the one team that could possibly take the division this year is the Phillies. Adding Thome and Millwood is enough of an improvement that if the Braves slip, the Phillies could take it.

NL Central: This could be a 3 team race with the Cards, Astros and even the Cubs, if their young pitchers can carry them, all in contention.

NL West: Another 3 team race with the Dodgers, D-Backs and Giants all in it. The D-Backs are only in it though if Schilling and Johnson can combine for 40-45 wins again. The Giants content only if Bonds has another MVP type year. So maybe the Dodgers sneak by for the win?  ;)

AL East: Probably Yankees and BoSox again but the Sox stay in contention only if their bullpen produces. If their bullpen is a mess all year, the Yanks walk away with it.

AL Central: The Twins look solid and should get their main competition from the White Sox. I think they are pretty evenly matched and could come down to which team's stars stay the healthiest this year.

AL West: The A's have the starting pitching to take the crown here. In fact, their trio of Mulder, Hudson and Zito look an awful like like Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz from 10 years ago. Scary.

So my picks for the playoffs will be Braves, Phillies, Dodgers, Cards in the NL. And Yankees, Twins, White Sox and A's in the AL.

Now all we gotta do is sit back and wait 6 months to see if I'm right.  8)
Title: Re: Batter up! Baseball's finally back...
Post by: Darth Paul on April 1, 2003, 10:27 PM
Go Jays! ;D :P :'( ???
Title: Re: Batter up! Baseball's finally back...
Post by: DSJ™ on April 1, 2003, 10:35 PM
Go Jays! ;D :P :'( ???

Your not alone.  ;)

(http://www.webgalaxe.com/sports/Advertisements/Products/Baseball/Posters/10053768.jpg)
Title: Re: Batter up! Baseball's finally back...
Post by: Scott on April 1, 2003, 11:05 PM
(http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/min.gif)(http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/stl.gif)

A repeat of the '87 Series with the Twinkies winning in 7 sounds just about right.  I am really excited for this season to start, I fell in love with the ole ball game last year again and plan on going to the ballpark a couple of times.  The Jays have always been one of my favorites too harkening back to the time when they probably had the best 9 batters top to bottom ever assembled in one lineup in the earlier 90's (Carter, Molitor, Alomar, Olerud, Winfield, White, Henderson etc etc

I'm going to pick

AL Central: Minnesota
AL East: Boston
AL West: Oakland
AL Wild Card: New York

NL Central: Saint Louis
NL East: Philadelphia
NL West: Arizona
NL Wild Card: New York

So looks like Matt's teams won't even be in the playoffs by my reckoning :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Batter up! Baseball's finally back...
Post by: Reconsgt on April 2, 2003, 08:55 AM
I will have to go with the Yanks taking it all.

 I would love to see the Brewers just get competative for a change but it won't happen.
Title: Re: Batter up! Baseball's finally back...
Post by: CloneF13Y35 on April 2, 2003, 03:10 PM
Well I'm not a big baseball fan, just too slow for me. But the teams I pull for are: Toronto BlueJays, Atlanta Braves, Colorado Rockies. But I wish baseball would be over by Sept so I con concentrate on FOOTBALL! GO nfl europe 2 time champs Berlin Thunder!  ;)
Title: Re: Batter up! Baseball's finally back...
Post by: Scott on April 2, 2003, 04:12 PM
GO nfl europe 2 time champs Berlin Thunder!  ;)

I didn't know there was such thing as a Berlin Thunder fan...cool ;D
Title: Re: Batter up! Baseball's finally back...
Post by: max_one on April 2, 2003, 04:36 PM
let's go INDIANS let's go!!!!!


too bad they lost the season opener.
Title: Re: Batter up! Baseball's finally back...
Post by: CloneF13Y35 on April 2, 2003, 04:37 PM
Quote

I didn't know there was such thing as a Berlin Thunder fan...cool ;D
Quote

yep, only nflel team I really like!
Title: Re: Batter up! Baseball's finally back...
Post by: FX-7 on April 3, 2003, 02:57 PM
I like my Astros chances this year Saint Louis and the Cubs will be tough to beat out and it will be a fun year.  Bagwell is one of the most under rated players in baseball!

(http://i.cnn.net/si/images/baseball/mlb/players/4626.jpg)
Title: Re: Batter up! Baseball's finally back...
Post by: dustrho on April 4, 2003, 12:02 PM
Baseball is lame.
Title: Re: Batter up! Baseball's finally back...
Post by: Scott on April 10, 2003, 11:26 AM
After sweeping the Tigers the Mighty Twinkies have lost 5 straight ::)  Not off to a good start but I have a feeling they will right the ship eventually
Title: Re: Batter up! Baseball's finally back...
Post by: Mikey D on April 10, 2003, 11:32 AM
Yeah, Boston's bullpen by commitee is doing spectactular. ::)  Pedro's ERA is 0.60 and has yet to get a decision.  And to top it off, the damn Yankees won't lose.
Title: Re: Batter up! Baseball's finally back...
Post by: Scott on May 19, 2003, 09:35 PM
Well, the Twins clawed their way back into first place for the first time in a while by sweeping the Pale Hose this weekend.  Next up 12 games against the A's and M's might not be in 1st after that.  They are finally swinging the bats though

I actually went to my first game in 2 years against the Red Sox a few weeks back.  The Twins shut them out and beat Pedro.  Their bullpen is awful and they are tied with the Yanks  :o
Title: Re: Batter up! Baseball's finally back...
Post by: Nicklab on May 19, 2003, 09:37 PM
Well, it looks like that tie is going to last all of one day.  Barring a major rally by the Red Sox, the Yanks are going to win tonight.   ;D
Title: Re: Batter up! Baseball's finally back...
Post by: FX-7 on May 20, 2003, 12:29 PM
My AStros have kind of slumped lately but are still in contention in the very competitive Central where the Cubbies, Cards, Astros and Reds are all within 3 games :)
Title: Re: Batter up! Baseball's finally back...
Post by: dustrho on May 20, 2003, 07:59 PM
Hey, did I happen to mention that I think baseball is a lame sport?

 :P
Title: Re: Batter up! Baseball's finally back...
Post by: JediMAC on May 20, 2003, 08:14 PM
Well, now that my Lakers have been waxed out of the playoffs, and our Ducks are just about finished winning the Stanley Cup  ;), I guess it's time to start refocussing my attention on our National Pastime...

The Angels and Dodgers have been medling around the .500 mark all season, so nothing terribly exciting that I've missed so far...  The Dodgers are starting to show signs of life though, mostly due to their resurgent pitching and the resurrection of Kevin Brown.  Nice to finally get something out of his oft-injured butt!  Still a whole LOT of season left though...

Of course Jim must be enjoying things now that his Braves have totally turned it on by going 27-5 over their last 32.   :o  Will "America's Team" ever go away...???   ::)  Please?   :'(
Title: Re: Batter up! Baseball's finally back...
Post by: chuckles on May 20, 2003, 11:21 PM
Of course Jim must be enjoying things now that his Braves have totally turned it on by going 27-5 over their last 32.   :o  Will "America's Team" ever go away...???   ::)  Please?   :'(

Yeah, 27-5. Not too shabby I gotta say.  8) And just think, this is while Maddux is sitting with a 5+ ERA and Paul Byrd on the DL. Glavine must be kicking himself in the a$$ for leaving.  ::) Looks like it will be his first year since 90 of not making the playoffs.
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: JediMAC on June 3, 2003, 10:30 PM
Oh boy... What the hell was this guy thinking?!? One of the most prolific home run hitters in baseball history, and he's running around using a corked bat? For shame. Didn't he realize the risk involved if he was ever found out? Especially in regards to his reputation, which until now has been nearly spotless... Not too tough to realized the potential to get caught here, considering bats break, shatter, and splinter all the time. Unbelievable. There goes his reputation for all time now probably. Like Billy Buckner's gaff in the WS, this is probably what Sosa will now always be remembered for. Idiot.

Looks like he'll have an interesting defense, based on the ESPN story below. Wonder if it'll fly with MLB and the fans...

Here's the story from ESPN.com:

Quote
CHICAGO -- Chicago Cubs star Sammy Sosa was ejected in the first inning of Tuesday night's game against Tampa Bay right when umpires found cork in his shattered bat.

ESPN's Harold Reynolds reports -- after talking to a a representative in the Cubs public relations department -- that Sosa will admit in his postgame presser that the bat he used tonight was corked.

Sosa will say the bat is usually used in home run hitting exhibitions but somehow it got mixed in with his game bats. He says he has never used a corked bat in a major league game before tonight.

The Cubs had runners at second and third when Sosa broke his bat with a grounder to second that at first appeared to drive in a run.

But crew chief Tim McClelland gathered with the other three umpires to examine the bat. Cubs manager Dusty Baker came out and the umpires showed the bat to him.

Mark Grudzielanek was sent back to third base, the run was wiped off the board and Sosa was ejected as he stood in the dugout.
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: TopJedi on June 3, 2003, 10:44 PM
WOW, I had not heard this story yet......this is really disheartening.

On a side note......FX7, are you from Houston???  I live in New Waverly....about 65 miles north of Houston. A bunch of Houston based Rebelscum members including myself are planning another get together for those of us in the Houston area........shoot me an e-mail if you wanna come hang out with us.Peace, Brian
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: Darth Kenobi on June 3, 2003, 11:03 PM
His excuse will probally get him off the hook as far as his image but I think MLB needs to do something to him.  I think its stuipid to even use a croked bat for homerun expetions since someone may not know that its only for those types of things and give it to you in a real game and you will looked like an idoit, like Sammy is right now.  Likely for him he didn't get caught while trying for the home run record.
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: MisterPL on June 4, 2003, 09:33 AM
"Cork inside a wooden bat is thought to help players hit the ball farther and is against baseball rules. Several players have been caught using altered bats in the past, including Albert Belle, Wilton Guerrero, Chris Sabo, Billy Hatcher and Graig Nettles. All were suspended."

He should be suspended, plain and simple. And then he should be forced to watch the Star Wars Holiday Special. Twice.
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: JoshEEE on June 4, 2003, 01:06 PM
I'm more interested in finding out what they find with the boxes of his bats that they confiscated. I mean....if NONE of them are corked, his story might just check out. Or at least be a little easier to swallow.

However, if they find another one....that's when he'll be beyond redemption in most people's eyes, including my own.

You know, it's not like a corked bat will enable you to hit 500 home runs, otherwise, we'd have a LOT more people with that milestone these days.

But it still looks bad, and I have a feeling they're going to make an example of him over the next few weeks.

He already had all the records he could ever hope for.....I don't know why he'd be so stupid as to do something like this on purpose.

Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: Nicklab on June 4, 2003, 01:18 PM
The examination of Sammy's bats is definitely important.  But what's more important?  How will Sammy fare in the future?  

If his homerun numbers start to drop off, and he starts hitting a lot of fly balls, or doubles, then it taints a lot if not all of his personal hitting stats.  If he keeps on putting up the same, average number of homers with increased scrutiny, then I can accept this as a mistake.  If not, his career is tainted.
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: JediMAC on June 4, 2003, 01:42 PM
I'm more interested in finding out what they find with the boxes of his bats that they confiscated. I mean....if NONE of them are corked, his story might just check out. Or at least be a little easier to swallow.

However, if they find another one....that's when he'll be beyond redemption in most people's eyes, including my own.

Yep, that's exactly the kind of proof that I'm interested in seeing.  Heck, go saw open some of his older bats that are lyin' around in people's personal sports memorabilia collections and find out!  Where's the bat for #300, #400, #500?  Assumedly Cooperstown for the last one.  But I'm sure there's some other recent Sosa bats that have made the rounds on eBay and the like.  Let's test some out and see if he's telling the truth!

Like I said earlier, he'd have to be about the dumbest guy on the planet to take the risk of being exposed for a scandal of this magnitude, at this point in his career when he's probably already a lock for the Hall.  Boy, I hope he's tellin' the truth...
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: MisterPL on June 4, 2003, 01:50 PM
Heck, go saw open some of his older bats that are lyin' around in people's personal sports memorabilia collections and find out!

DUDE!!!  :o

Nobody's sawing through a collector's pride & joy! You x-ray it or toss it into an MRI machine. You don't SAW INTO #500!

And I thought you were a collector's collector. SHAME on you, Matt, SHAME.
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: JediMAC on June 4, 2003, 02:02 PM
DUDE!!!  :o

Nobody's sawing through a collector's pride & joy! You x-ray it or toss it into an MRI machine. You don't SAW INTO #500!

And I thought you were a collector's collector. SHAME on you, Matt, SHAME.

I know, I know.  I definitely didn't mean #500 of course, or even the other hundred interval ones either...  But there's a TON of his game used bats in people's collections out there, so I'm sure some crazy sports collector will wind up calling up ESPN's news crew to film him ripping an authenticated Sosa bat open to investigate!

But yeah, you're right John - I guess there's fancier technology out there nowadays that will do the job equally as well, without ruining a good piece of lumber.   ;)  I've just always been a tool guy myself, and thus my excitement over getting to play with a saw...  Regardless, I say line 'em all up, and start X-raying!   8)
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: dustrho on June 4, 2003, 03:17 PM
He should be suspended, plain and simple. And then he should be forced to watch the Star Wars Holiday Special. Twice.

He definitely should be suspended from the game.  Maybe even ban him from even getting a chance at making it into the All Star game this season.  You all should know I'm not a baseball fan, but with living in the Chicagoland area I would have to say I'm a Cubs fan (can't stand the White Sox).  Of course Sammy is going to put the blame on someone else about that bat.  It's said that he can't admit to him using the corked bat.

Pretty pathetic on Sammy's part.
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: JoshEEE on June 4, 2003, 06:21 PM
I was at the gym at lunch, and although there was no sound, it appeared that on ESPN, they were sawing through some of his bats "Live". I wonder what they found.

I don't think they should ban him from anything until there is more research done. Guilty until proven innocent seems to be the way things are going though.

I'm not a Cub's fan, but I believe the guy should get the benefit of the doubt. If they find out this is a regular thing for him, then by all means...throw the book at him, make an example of him, but not before they have proof.

I know it's probably unlikely...but it COULD just be an honest mistake. I doubt it...but maybe.
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: JediMAC on June 5, 2003, 02:38 AM
Well, maybe Sammy was telling the truth after all.  All 76 of his other bats tested came back negative.  Totally clean.  No cork.  That's good to hear at least.

But I still wonder why he was using his BP bat in that game - if it was really an honest mistake, or perhaps he thought it might help him to get out of his horrendous slump since coming off the DL.

It'll be interesting to see how the court of public opinion views him after this.  I'm sure there's always going to be some doubters about him and all of his stats now.  Oh well.  Still a fun guy to watch!  Just probably not for the next 7-10 games or so while he serves his suspension...
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: jadesfire on June 5, 2003, 08:56 AM
He gave an explanation as to what the bat was used for and will serve his suspension.  All the other bats came back with no cork found.  All that can be gossiped about now is whether he used a cork bat and never got caught in the past.  It's too bad that most commentators I've watched on TV the last two days just couldn't wait to rip him to shreads and actually think that I give a crap about their opinion.  
He broke a MLB rule and is being punished for it. That really should be the end of it, but with the society we live in - riding this negative hype is what the media does best and we'll all read or watch the "slamming of Sammy".
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: TopJedi on June 5, 2003, 09:06 AM
You know, this is a sad deal really for Sammy if you think about it.......Hell, it's probably not even his fault that he was handed the wrong bat to hit with....or some clubhouse guy stuffed it in the bag.

Sammy is a great hitter.......I just hope they don't turn him into a Pete Rose.

I still feel strongly that Pete Rose should be in the HOF........he was the only member on the "All Century Team" that isn't in the hall.........and the crowd's cheers for Pete seemed to echo forever when his named was announced.
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: JoshEEE on June 5, 2003, 03:19 PM
Quote
I still feel strongly that Pete Rose should be in the HOF........he was the only member on the "All Century Team" that isn't in the hall.........and the crowd's cheers for Pete seemed to echo forever when his named was announced.

Yeah, me too. Especially in an era where you have streoids running rampant in the game, and all this incredible salaries ruining the purity of the sport......(home run hitters taking half the season off due to piddily injuries).

It's a shame that Pete Rose is being held out for gambling....and it wasn't even on baseball.

Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: Darth Broem on June 5, 2003, 05:32 PM
Well, I admit that I thought his excuse was BS at first.  Now that all 70 plus bats have come back ok I will give him the benefit of the doubt.  I do think that he should be suspended and fined though.  As far as labeling him a corker for all eternity goes I think it's too harsh to say that now.  The media hype will die down once another negative sports-related story comes along.
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: chuckles on June 5, 2003, 06:14 PM
While I'll give him the benefit of the doubt as well, it really does make you wonder what the odds are that in his one and only supposed game he accidently uses a corked bat, it just happens to shatter on him during an at bat. He either got hit with a very unfortunate stroke of bad luck, or this isn't his first game using it.
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: TopJedi on June 5, 2003, 06:24 PM
Thanks God I'm not alone in my Pete Rose feelings.....

There are many other things that happen that should keep people out of the HOF.....like Darryl Strawberry's drug habit.....Jesus, how many times was he busted again?
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: JoshEEE on June 5, 2003, 07:17 PM
Here in Seattle, that's already yesterday's news....as our own UW Husky Coach Rick Neuheisel has been caught betting on a basketball pool. I guess he won 20 grand or something.  And the shady dealings of sports players/coaches rumbles on.

I'm glad to hear Sosa was cleared though.
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: Scott on June 6, 2003, 09:11 AM
Why would he have a bunch of corked bats though along with his other ones.  I've thought he's been on the juice ever since he went from scrawny singles hitter to mega bulked 500 ft home run hitter.  He's never been right in my eye so this whole thing is another notch on that belt I guess.

I was just in Hotlanta for the week and got a chance to see a Braves-Rangers game.  Storied rivalry I know.  Going to a real ballpark, smelling the grass, sitting in the stands with the sun beating down sure was nice.  But paying almost $7 for a hot dog and $7 for a beer was very rediculous so was the pathetic Tomahawk Chop.  So while I would love to see a new Stadium built here in Minnesota, I am not so sure I would welcome the increased parking, ticket prices and concessions that will accompany it.  

Sort of like how most NFL, NBA and NHL games have become too expensive for average Joe Blow, MLB is heading down a road they shouldn't be especially with 162 games a year
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: Nicklab on June 6, 2003, 12:54 PM
Here in Seattle, that's already yesterday's news....as our own UW Husky Coach Rick Neuheisel has been caught betting on a basketball pool. I guess he won 20 grand or something.  And the shady dealings of sports players/coaches rumbles on.

I'm glad to hear Sosa was cleared though.

Wanna talk about shady college money scams?  How about how much colleges are making off of their student athletes?  Not just in ticket sales, but merchandising, sponsorships, and television contracts.  They're paying for more than just scholarships and coach's contracts with that cash.
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: Mikey D on June 6, 2003, 01:10 PM
Just heard Sammy got suspended for 8 games.  Mistake or intentional, you knew that was coming.

And I also agree that Rose should be in the HOF.  Hopefully his lifetime ban will be lifted soon (all I hear he has to do is apologize).  I wonder, if and when the ban is lifted, would it tarnish him so much that he wouldn't be a first ballot inductee?
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: DSJ™ on June 6, 2003, 01:18 PM
Yep, 8 game suspension but he said he will immediately appeal.
Cork order (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/news/2003/06/06/sosa_suspension_ap/)
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: Nicklab on June 6, 2003, 01:35 PM
I don't think Pete Rose should get re-instated.  He won't come clean, and he bet on games he was involved in.  In fact, in his role as manager, he was in a position to save the good pitchers in his bullpen for the game he was betting on.  And people in the know could discern which game that might be, because he would play scrubs the day before, and save his bullpen.  He tossed aside the integrity of the game.  And I sincerely hope that if he does get re-instated, that the election committee won't vote Rose into the hall.  Accomplishments on the field or not, Pete Rose was a big boy when he made his mistakes.  He know what he was doing.  He should be forced to live with the consequences.
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: JediMAC on June 6, 2003, 05:15 PM
8 games it pretty much what I expected as far as a suspension goes.  Pretty similar to Albert Belle's suspension several years ago for the same offense.  Sounds like the Hall of Fame x-rayed the 5 Sosa bats that they have in their posession as well (including the famed #500 one).  They all came back clean as well, so at least this isn't something that's been going on consistently.

The steroids topic is a whole different story, as far as I'm concerned.  Yeah, it sounds (and looks like) most of the power hitters of the last 15 years or so have been hitting the juice.  But if baseball isn't going to address the issue, or make rules against steroid use (until now), then there's not much you can do about it except keep those mental asterisks in your head when comparing today's sluggers with those of years past...  Wonder what Hank, Willie and the Mick would've done number wise with steroids and a corked bat?!   :P

As for Pete Rose...  I think he's served his time and should have his butt in the HOF by now too.  He was such a HUGE part of the baseball landscape for more than 2 decades - the records, the hustle, the highlights, the style...  He's too important a player in the history of baseball to continue to leave out.  Gambling?  Big deal.  So many of these guys do equally or moreso stupid or illegal things that Pete here - drugs, weapons, domestic violence, fraud, tax evasion, etc., etc.

If Pete bet on baseball games, fine.  If Pete bet on the Reds to win their games when he was managing them, fine.  BUT, if Pete bet on the Reds to LOSE games, or on the point spread of the Reds games, well then YES, we have a really big problem, and I might be inclined to say leave the lifetime ban on him...  But those are the only 2 gambling scenarios that I would consider to be serious enough to keep him out of the Hall.

And on a brighter note - how 'bout them Dodgers!?!   8)
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: Darth Broem on June 6, 2003, 06:23 PM
Aren't steroids supposed to make you upset and in a bad, aggressive mood?  I am asking because Sosa never seems to be in much of a bad mood.  Perhaps making millions counters this affect?  :)
Title: Re: Sammy Sosa busted with a CORKED bat!
Post by: Nicklab on June 7, 2003, 01:46 AM

If Pete bet on baseball games, fine.  If Pete bet on the Reds to win their games when he was managing them, fine.  BUT, if Pete bet on the Reds to LOSE games, or on the point spread of the Reds games, well then YES, we have a really big problem, and I might be inclined to say leave the lifetime ban on him...  But those are the only 2 gambling scenarios that I would consider to be serious enough to keep him out of the Hall.


Pete Rose always bet on the Reds to win.  The biggest question marks seem to be about how he'd manage the team the day before a game he bet on.   Would he bet on his strongest starter?  Would he let the previous day's pitcher hang out to dry, so he could keep the bullpen fresh for the following day?  Would he not use his bench players the day before he bet?  And furthermore, would his bookies know how he operated, and bet on the Reds to lose the day before a game Pete bet on, and then bet them to win the day he bet?  It really casts a negative light on the integrity of the games he was involved in.
Title: Roger gets 300 wins and 4000 K's
Post by: Sith Bounty Hunter on June 16, 2003, 11:00 PM
Earlier this weekend Roger "Rocket" Clemens got his 300th win and 4000th K in the same game! I don't know if any one likes baseball or really cares, but I really think it is a cool accomplishment by Roger. Congrats Roger! :)



Edit by JediMAC:
I'm merging your post into the baseball thread here where our baseball fans can enjoy it.  I'm also removing the glow feature from your entire post SBH, since it makes it virtually impossible to read it, especially when it's in white.  Please refrain from using that feature any further, unless it's just to highlight specific words or phrases, and not entire posts.  Thank you.
Title: Re: Roger gets 300 wins and 4,000 K's
Post by: JediMAC on June 16, 2003, 11:39 PM
I'm a pretty big Rocket fan myself (though I hate the Yankees).  Clemens' last start was definitely one for the ages as he broke into two of baseball's most prestigious clubs for 300 wins and 4,000 strikeouts.  Add to that his 6 Cy Young awards, and you've got a healthy debate on your hands as to whether he might be the best pitcher ever!  He certainly ranks right up there.  Unfortunately, he's saying that this is his final year (which I doubt), so appreciate him while he's still out there for another few months folks!  Congrats Rocket!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on June 17, 2003, 01:02 AM
Based on the way Roger is still pitching, I'd really like to see him stay in pinstripes for at least a couple more years.  He's still got more tools to work with than most guys in their 20's.

The current flap is this:  Roger is taking his issues with the Hall Of Fame up a notch.  He wants to be inducted as a Yankee, or else.  He says if he doesn't have the classic NY on his hat, he doesn't intend to attend his own induction to the hall.
Title: Pete Rose
Post by: Sith Bounty Hunter on June 17, 2003, 12:17 PM
Personally I hate Bud Selig  >:( first he made the All-Star Game in a tie  >:(, second LET PETE BACK IN BASEBALL! So what if he had enough confidence to bet in his team. So Bud LET PETE IN!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: JediMAC on June 17, 2003, 03:44 PM
The current flap is this:  Roger is taking his issues with the Hall Of Fame up a notch.  He wants to be inducted as a Yankee, or else.  He says if he doesn't have the classic NY on his hat, he doesn't intend to attend his own induction to the hall.

Yeah, I've seen this garbage in the news a lot lately.  Funny, but I haven't really seen or heard much of anything about how the jerseys (or helmets, or whatever) go in the other major sports "Hall of Fames", but there's often such a hoopla over which hat someone will have in their baseball Hall of Fame area.  I think it sucks that some of these guys who spent the vast majority of their career with one team, before getting a little long in the tooth and being moved off elsewhere, get so bent out of shape and upset, that they're demanding any other hat other than the one they SHOULD have.

Even Wade Boggs is making this an issue, saying he wants to go in as a Tampa Bay Devil Ray.  Say what?!?  Like Clemens, the dude was clearly a Red Sock/x for the majority of his best years.  This is happening more and more nowadays due to the highly fluid free agent market over the past couple of decades.  I say the Hall should select the hat that they think best represents a specific player at the peak and/or for the majority of their career, and that player just has to live with it, despite whatever "hard feelings" he's got with their former organization.

The fans deserve that I think...
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on June 17, 2003, 04:01 PM
Dave Winfield though set precedent and the HOF obliged by letting him go in as a Padre while most of his better years were in NY and Toronto

BTW, the NFL HOF only has busts of each guy with no team affiliation attached at all except on their plaque where it says who they played for
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: chuckles on June 17, 2003, 04:08 PM

The current flap is this:  Roger is taking his issues with the Hall Of Fame up a notch.  He wants to be inducted as a Yankee, or else.  He says if he doesn't have the classic NY on his hat, he doesn't intend to attend his own induction to the hall.

Well here's what the Induction Committee needs to do, tell him if he keeps up with the threats of not showing up to the ceremony, just not induct him into the hall. Then ole Roger won't have to worry about which hat he'll be wearing.

Gee, remember the days when being inducted into the Hall of Fame was a huge honor. Guess not with Clemens.  ::)
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on June 17, 2003, 11:23 PM
I understand Roger's sentiments.  For him, it's all about winning.  I think he likes his two rings WAY MORE than the two 20 strikeout games he through as a Boston player.  He's also very councious of the fact that Dan Duquette, the former Boston GM, basically ran him out of town, and told him he was through.

So, what did Roger do?  Got in the best shape of his career, and won not one, but two Cy Young awards with Toronto!  He was DOMINANT!

Then, he comes to the Yanks.  What kind of stats has he racked up?  67 wins and counting,  two World Series titles, his 300th win, his 4,000th strikeout, and another Cy Young award.  Not a bad performance.

Based on that, I think the Hall should let Roger decide.  He hasn't been a Sox player for almost ten years.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: JediMAC on July 16, 2003, 05:41 AM
C'mon now, where are the JD baseball fans at?!  Scott, hasn't your talented brother flipped over any mores "K's" at the Metrodome lately?   :-*

I had to bump this thread back up to give props to my boy Garret Anderson of the Angels.  He's one of the most underrated and unknown superstars in all of professional sports due to his extremely quiet, shy, and unassuming nature.  But all that aside, Garret just went out and won the Home Run Derby contest, which he promptly followed up with an All-Star game MVP trophy!  Granted both Bonds and Sosa were MIA from the derby, but hell, he still had to beat out a tough A-Rod, Giambi, and Pujuls!  Pretty cool, not to mention he just got his World Series ring not too long ago...  So way to go G.A.!  Nice to finally see you getting some of the recognition you rightfully deserve!

The All-Star game itself wasn't half bad.  Not sure if that had anything to do with World Series home field advantage being at stake or not.  I still say that's not a good idea by Selig.  Why can't baseball just do it like all the other sports and have the team with the better record at the end of the season get home field advantage in the World Series?!  Who cares if they play in different leagues!  It would make the last couple weeks in late September more exciting and actually mean something, if a team or two in each league was still battling for the best overall record in baseball...
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Reconsgt on July 16, 2003, 09:08 AM
Well Matt I can agree with you about the best record in BB getting home field. That sounds like a good way to do it. It probably would add a little to the later games, depends on the season I guess.

 This is the first year in a very long time I missed the all star game. I had to work my second job >:( But o well.  

 I missed the discussion on Clemens. He was always one of my favorite players as a kid. I used to hunt for any and all of his cards. Living in Green Bay where the card shops only see green and gold made that a challenge. I still will look at auctions for clemens lots. personally I feel that a player should have the option to be enshrined with the team of his choosing. It was his career after all.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: jadesfire on July 16, 2003, 12:38 PM
I agree with you also Matt.   The best record should get home field advantage.  We are a huge baseball oriented family so this has been a hot topic in the household.  I loved watching the homerun derby.  My son was watching the previous hr derby's and McGuire sure ripped the cover off the ball on most of his shots!!

Going to two Braves games in Atlanta at the end of August(and Dragon-con just happens to be in town....whaddaya know) while they host the Mets.  Hubby's all jazzed for that.  I'm still reliving the "Roar of '84" and hoping the Tigers will come back one day. :P
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on July 16, 2003, 02:10 PM
I am so depressed about baseball it is not even funny.  Twinkies have returned to Twinkydom and seem not to even care

I knew last year was an abberation of some sorts and perhaps it was because they had something to prove and I knew their pitching was very suspect and it is showing big time

Injuries, not hustling and other things are killing them

Ugh ???
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Reconsgt on July 16, 2003, 02:12 PM
Scott sounds like you are watching the Brewers as well. Believe me I feel your pain
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on July 16, 2003, 05:21 PM
Twins traded for Shannon Stewart today from Toronto, good move gives them a chance to move Jaque down the lineup and Guzman way down to the bottom of the order.  Plus no more platoon in RF

Too abd they didn't trade for pitching :(
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on July 16, 2003, 06:27 PM
Oh, god!  I don't understand why my Yankees would pursue Armando Benitez!  I think my chances of suffering a heart attack have just gone up exponentially.  :(
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Mikey D on July 17, 2003, 08:17 AM
Oh, god!  I don't understand why my Yankees would pursue Armando Benitez!  I think my chances of suffering a heart attack have just gone up exponentially.  :(

I hope he blows as many games for the Yankees as he did for the Mets.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on August 21, 2003, 11:55 AM
Huge Four game series between the Royals and Twins starts tonight at Homerdome

Twins, Sox and Royals are all within a half game of each other.

If the Twins hadn't lost 8 in a row right before the all star break they would be walking away with the division right now because they have really played some good ball post AS break

Looks like the Angels win last year was a fluke...terrible
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on August 21, 2003, 12:55 PM
Oh, god!  I don't understand why my Yankees would pursue Armando Benitez!  I think my chances of suffering a heart attack have just gone up exponentially.  :(

I hope he blows as many games for the Yankees as he did for the Mets.

Well, that changed rather quickly.  Frankly, I can't understand why Seattle agreed to take Benitez.

And alas, the Red Sox don't seem to have enough gas in the tank to win the AL East.  They're 7-1/2 games back in the division.  AND, they're 2 games back in the Wild Card.  They really need to turn it on if they're going to catch Oakland.

But, my Yanks appear to be on the verge of winning yet another AL East title.  I just hope the starting pitching can hold up, and Boone breaks out of his slump.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Mikey D on August 21, 2003, 01:01 PM
Yeah, the past two nights have been tough to watch.  The East is pretty much out of the question, but the wild card is still there.  Win tonight - with Pedro pitching - and they're one game back.  

I still think Oakland is going to win the West and Seattle and the BoSox are going to battle for the wild card.

And here's hoping the Yanks are using their good stuff now and get blasted in the playoffs.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: DarthWormie on August 21, 2003, 02:58 PM
Well, it looks like another pre-Labor Day nose dive for the Red Sox. Thank the maker the Pats kick off the regual season in about  2 and a half weeks.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on September 5, 2003, 04:23 PM
Twinkies are tied for first...11 games in 2 weeks against the White Sox should decide the division (sorry Royals fans you have no shot, maybe next year)

I'm pulling for the hometowners but don't have much faith because their Bullpen and Staff with the exception of the wonderful Johan Santana have been crap, crap and more crap

And again...I still can't believe this happened

(http://www.monkeymatters.com/trellix/rally1.jpg)
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on September 5, 2003, 09:52 PM
The Yanks are getting spanked tonight by the BoSox.  I was hoping that the Yanks would sweep the series, and pretty much lock up the AL East this weekend.  Guess I gotta wait a little longer.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: DarthWormie on September 8, 2003, 09:49 AM
Well, it looks like another pre-Labor Day nose dive for the Red Sox. Thank the maker the Pats kick off the regual season in about  2 and a half weeks.

Open mouth, insert foot!

Even with the tough loss yesterday, the Sox looked awesome this weekend. Here's hoping they can take care of business over the next 3 weeks and keep the heat on the Yanks.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Darth Broem on September 8, 2003, 02:07 PM
I am all jazzed that my Cubbies are actually in the hunt for a playoff spot.  It's the first sign of the Apocolypse but hey it's great!  Yep actually a half game in first place today 9/8.  I hope they can pull it out.  
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: JediMAC on September 8, 2003, 05:47 PM
A dismal year for my defending Champion Angels...   :-\  Being decimated by some big injuries to their key guys was just too much to overcome for the gang.  Oh well!  At least the (ralley) monkey is off our backs and we've finally got one championship in the bag.  Hopefully they'll rebound and give it a better go next season!

As for my underachieving all pitch, no hit Dodgers...  Well, they've been playing some pretty boring and uninspired ball all year, but are somehow still barely in the hunt for the wild card.  I'm not getting my hopes up though.  I just feel very little attachment to this particular group of players for some reason.  Like I said - must be the uninspiring play.  I'll be keeping a more watchful eye on them over the next few weeks as the season winds down though.  Who knows, maybe they'll surprise me...   :-\

It is fun to see so many teams competing for that Wild Card spot though.  Definitely keeps the interest level and fandom at a higher level for many more people, much deeper into the season than the old days, which is a good thing.  I wouldn't mind seeing some of the perennial underdogs (like the Cubs) making some noise this postseason though.  Aside from last years Angels, I'm pretty damned tired of the same ol' teams in the postseason year in, year out!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on September 8, 2003, 07:01 PM
Aren't the Dodgers barely above the .500 mark?  If so, that doesn't speak too well for the National League Wild Card race.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Darth Broem on September 9, 2003, 11:29 AM
Aren't the Dodgers barely above the .500 mark?  If so, that doesn't speak too well for the National League Wild Card race.

There are quite a few teams right around .500 in the wild card race.  In fact the Cubs and Astros are just 10 games above .500 but currently tied for 1st place in the central division.  These 2 teams actually have a better chance of winning the division than the Wild Card.   The Giants and Braves are the only 2 teams in the NL that have vastly superior records.  
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on September 18, 2003, 04:56 PM
Gigantic game tonight at the Homerdome as the Twins could put some serious hurt on the reeling White Sox by sweeping them and reducing their magic number to 7.  They had to win two which they have but to sweep them might be all she wrote with 9 games left and 7 of them against Detroit.

Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on September 18, 2003, 05:54 PM
I wish the Twins luck.  I know I'd rather have the Yanks facing them than the White Sox.  No offense, Scott.   ;D
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on September 18, 2003, 06:41 PM
Offense taken, the Twins have the best record in Baseball since the All-Star Break, chew on that
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: dustrho on September 18, 2003, 06:55 PM
Go Cubs and White Sox!   8)
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on September 18, 2003, 07:14 PM
As historic as it would be, I'm not quite sure it's in the cards for this year.  Sure, NY had the subway series, but the odds of two teams from the same city making it to the series are astronomical.  That, and the baseball realist in me doesn't see it happening.  But, I think that would be great for baseball.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: dustrho on September 18, 2003, 07:15 PM
I'd love to see the White Sox and the Cubs play in the World Series, but I know that's a huge long shot.  Then again, I'm not really a baseball fan.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on September 18, 2003, 07:17 PM
Go Cubs and White Sox!   8)
I thought you hated baseball???
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: dustrho on September 18, 2003, 07:20 PM
I thought you hated baseball???

You're right, I don't like baseball.  But if both of my Chicago teams are doing well and will be in the playoffs, then I'm going to root for them anyway.  I don't mind going to a baseball game, but I wouldn't watch it on TV... just gets boring after a while.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: E.Z. on September 18, 2003, 07:31 PM
Another wasted year in Montreal for the Expos. Now they're going to be here another year. I really wish they would just leave already. The city wants no parts of them or MLB.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on September 18, 2003, 11:49 PM
I thought you hated baseball???

You're right, I don't like baseball.  But if both of my Chicago teams are doing well and will be in the playoffs, then I'm going to root for them anyway.  I don't mind going to a baseball game, but I wouldn't watch it on TV... just gets boring after a while.

Well I wouldn't count on the South Side team making the playoffs...Magic Number = 7

Twins play 7 games against the Tigers, coincidence?  Hopefully they come out and smell blood and seal the deal by the weekend to give some guys some rest.

Plus depending on how the A's and Yanks finish, the Twins could catch a break and play the A's again who they have dominated and then sweep the Yanks in the ALCS and then win their 3rd Title in 16 years which is still two more than the Cubs, Red Sox and White Sox have won in over 200 combined years :-*

GO TWINS!  AGAIN!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Mikey D on September 19, 2003, 07:21 AM
Another wasted year in Montreal for the Expos. Now they're going to be here another year. I really wish they would just leave already. The city wants no parts of them or MLB.

Not that I'm an Expos fan but I think a huge part of their failure is Selig's brilliant plan to have them play in Puerto Rico, where they averaged a paltry 12,000 fans a game.  They were basically a road team the entire year.  That's gotta wear on you.

Red Sox magic number is 8 for the wild card, which would line them up against the A's in the first round, thus having the Twins face the Yankees.

[size=8]GO RED SOX!!!![/size]
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on September 19, 2003, 10:46 PM
And the magic number is 6!  The Sox are going to need to win out (10-0) and have the Twins go 4-4...not bloody likely.  
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on September 20, 2003, 02:27 AM
Plus depending on how the A's and Yanks finish, the Twins could catch a break and play the A's again who they have dominated and then sweep the Yanks in the ALCS and then win their 3rd Title in 16 years which is still two more than the Cubs, Red Sox and White Sox have won in over 200 combined years :-*

GO TWINS!  AGAIN!

The most likely playoff scenario right now is this:  Yanks playing the Twins in the first round, and the A's playing the Red Sox (because of the divisional wild card rule).  I can't believe the Mariner's collapsed the way they have.  I think they might be missing Sweet Lou more than they're saying.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on September 22, 2003, 11:49 AM
Talk about rolling over, the White Sox went from first place by 2 1/2 games a week and a half ago to down by 5-1/2 today.  They might not even make 2nd place!  

Twins Magic number is now 2...bring on the Yankees!

They have really no shot to beat the Yankees I feel right now.  I think the Twins have won one game in 2 years against them.  They seem to have some sort of mental block whenever they meet.  The only thing going for them is they are the hottest team in baseball and have really come around from early in the year when their staff was atrocious.

I think they could win but I'll be as shocked as all of the Yankee fans if they actually do it.  And if they do win it would be another big up yours to Bud Selig for trying to kill them last year...you bastard
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Jim on September 22, 2003, 11:55 AM
Go Sox!!!!!!!!!  This wild card race is like the Death Star Trench run.  Almost there.  Almost there.  5 games and counting. ;D
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on September 22, 2003, 07:13 PM
The Yankees magic number is down to 1!  Bring on the White Sox, and let's win another Eastern Division Title!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: carebear on September 22, 2003, 08:44 PM
There is no way that the White Sox are going anywhere at 5.5 behind.  Now the Cubbies are a different story!!!!!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on September 22, 2003, 09:39 PM
The Sox are going home for the winter! :-*
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: DarthWormie on September 23, 2003, 11:40 AM
Was at the Red Sox game last night and got to see the magic number shrink to 4 games! There was a little bit of nailbiting going on when the seven-headed beast known as the bullpen came in and nearly blew another one. BH Kim was the last person I thought would come in and nail it down. He completely dominated the O's in the 9th.

As for the offense, what can you say. They have one of the best offenses EVER. They're going to have 7 guys hit over 20 HR, 9 guys hit at least 10 and have an outside shot of 5 guys driving in 100 runs. They also set the ML record for extra-base hits in a season and they still have 6 games to play.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Darth Broem on September 23, 2003, 11:54 AM
There is no way that the White Sox are going anywhere at 5.5 behind.  Now the Cubbies are a different story!!!!!

The way the Astros were going I thought for sure the Cubs would not make it.  Now there is a definite chance.  Bothh teams are tied up in first place.  A 6 game race for the division.  Go Cubbies!!!!  
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Jim on September 23, 2003, 12:07 PM
And the Red Sox magic number is................4 :)
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on September 23, 2003, 01:37 PM
Red Sox magic number is 4 for what?  The Wild Card?  I know that the Yankees have 2 magic numbers, and it's kind of confusing.

Their magic number of 1 will clinch the AL East division title.  That's all the games they would have to win.  Now, technically the Red Sox COULD tie them in the W-L columns if they only won one more game.  HOWEVER, with the Yanks-Red Sox season series at Yankees 10, Red Sox 9, the Yanks would win the division on that tiebreaker.

So, if the Yankees make it to their magic number of 2, with either 2 wins, or a Yanks win and Red Sox loss, or whatever combination, they would then have the best record in the AL East, and win the division without reverting to tiebreakers.

It was all very confusing to me at first, but that's the deal in the AL East.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: JoshEEE on September 23, 2003, 01:39 PM
So who do you guys think will be losing to the San Francisco Giants in the world series this year?

I prefer Oakland (Bay Bridge II), but I'll settle for spanking the Yankees.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Mikey D on September 23, 2003, 03:28 PM
Nick, the AL East was pretty much given up on by the Red Sox last week.  The magic number of 4 is for the wild card (assuming Seattle finishes second in the West).  The magic number for the Yanks is 1, which is probably going to happen tonight, me thinks.

I'm going to go to go out on a limb  ;) and say the postseason match ups are all set with the Yanks playing the Twins and the Sox playing the A's.

I'm actually more worried about the Sox playing the A's in the first series then playing the Yankees in the ALCS.  Hopefully it won't come down to that and the Twins push aside their recent woes (and that's putting it lightly) against the Yanks and beats them in the ALDS, setting the stage for a Twins-Red Sox ALCS.

[size=8]Go Red Sox!![/size]

Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Darth Broem on September 23, 2003, 03:37 PM
So who do you guys think will be losing to the San Francisco Giants in the world series this year?

I prefer Oakland (Bay Bridge II), but I'll settle for spanking the Yankees.

If the Yankees are in it again spank away!  
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on September 23, 2003, 03:45 PM
I'd love to see a Yankees-Red Sox ALCS, that would be an awesome thing for Baseball.  I hope the Twins win and if they do I'll be happy, I just don't think they can with all of the history and seeming inability to play with the Yankees while they can handle most other AL teams.

I'll go with a Giants-Yankees World Series, the Braves also have a shot in the NL.  There is no way the Phils/Marlins or Astros/Cubs will do anything against the other two Juggernauts
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: JoshEEE on September 23, 2003, 05:43 PM
The only thing I worry about is the Giants have a hard time beating the Braves. I mean, historically. The Braves always seem to edge them right out of the post season, so I hope we can pass them up and make it an East Coast-West Coast series.

Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on September 23, 2003, 09:25 PM
Of course, I want to see the Yanks back in the series.  Been a fan since I was 4.

As for the National League, I'd like to see the Cubs.  For whatever reason, I just like them.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on September 23, 2003, 11:16 PM
TWINS CLINCH...Bring on the Yanks!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: DarthWormie on September 23, 2003, 11:20 PM
Red Sox magic number for the wild card is down to three! David Ortiz (Thank you Minnesota!) and Todd Walker came through HUGE! The Sox were down 5-2 with 2 out in the 9th and tied it. Ortiz won it in the 10th with a lead-off Homer. Bring on Chokeland!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on September 24, 2003, 12:15 AM
The Yankees  win!  Thuh-uh-uh Yankees Win!  They're the 2003 American League Eastern Division Champions!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Jim on September 24, 2003, 07:19 AM
Red Sox magic number for the wild card is down to three! David Ortiz (Thank you Minnesota!) and Todd Walker came through HUGE! The Sox were down 5-2 with 2 out in the 9th and tied it. Ortiz won it in the 10th with a lead-off Homer. Bring on Chokeland!

Red Sox magic number is 2.  Seattle lost.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Mikey D on September 24, 2003, 07:23 AM
Red Sox magic number for the wild card is down to three! David Ortiz (Thank you Minnesota!) and Todd Walker came through HUGE! The Sox were down 5-2 with 2 out in the 9th and tied it. Ortiz won it in the 10th with a lead-off Homer. Bring on Chokeland!

Its actually two now, as the M's lost last night.  They can clinch tonight with a win and a M's loss.

I only caught the end of the game last night.  I was switching back and forth between the game and Playmakers on ESPN and wanted to catch the previews for next week's episode, so I miss Walkers HR.  I switch back to see the score tied and went Holy ****.  BK worked an almost perfect tenth and the big man Ortiz was due up.  I actually said to myself "Alright Ortiz, hit a homer and get it over with"  Three pitches later, BAM!  Good stuff.

Congrats to the Twins on winning their division.  The Yanks, on the ohter hand, won't get any recognition whatsoever from me.

Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Mikey D on September 26, 2003, 08:35 AM
Red Sox win the AL wild card with a resounding win over the O's.  It was basically over after the first inning.  Lowe pitched a five pitch top of first and the Sox scored two in the bottom.  After four it was 12 - 0 and the starters were given the rest of the night off and the back ups wrapped up the win.  

Fenway went nuts and the celebration began.  I know its only the first step and there's much more to be done, but you have to feel good about it.

The Sox magic number is now 11 - wins needed to bring the World Series back to Boston for the first time since 1918.

[size=8]GO RED SOX!![/size]
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: DarthWormie on September 26, 2003, 10:00 AM
(http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/images/2003/09/25/RTTVuRhK.jpg)

Lets get it on!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Darth Broem on September 26, 2003, 10:26 AM
Congrats on the Red Sox!  My Cubbies blew it last night.  Well the pitching did anyway.  Sosa in the top 10 all time HR's now.  Three games to go and tied with the Astros.  It will be a cardiac weekend for me.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Darth Broem on September 29, 2003, 11:23 AM
I am totally thrilled the Cubs made it to the playoffs and won the Central Division!  Atlanta is up next and I don't expect a series win from the Cubs but it's still great to at least be in the playoffs.  
Title: 2003 PLAYOFFS
Post by: Scott on September 29, 2003, 11:28 AM
Yeah that is sort of how I feel with the Twins, the fact that they are even in the playoffs means they have a chance.  granted porbably not a very good chance but they do have a chance which is more than those SOB White Sox can say

AMERICAN LEAGUE

(http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/min.gif) (http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/nyy.gif)

Minnesota Twins vs New York Yankees
Twins Lead 1-0
Game 1: Twins 3 Yankees 1
Game 2: Radke vs Pettite
Game 3: Clemens vs Lohse

(http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/bos.gif) (http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/oak.gif)

Boston Red Sox vs Oakland A's
Series Tied 0-0
Game 1: Martinez vs Hudson
Game 2: Wakefield vs Zito
Game 3: Lily vs Lowe

NATIONAL LEAGUE

(http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/fla.gif) (http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/sfo.gif)

Florida Marlins vs San Francisco Giants
Series Tied 0-0
Game 1: Beckett vs Schmidt
Game 2: Penny vs Ponson
Game 3: Rueter vs Redman

(http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/chc.gif) (http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/atl.gif)

Chicago Cubs vs Atlanta Braves
Series Tied 0-0
Game 1: Wood vs Ortiz
Game 2: Zambrano vs Hampton
Game 3: Maddux vs Prior
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on September 29, 2003, 11:14 PM
Scott, may the better team win tomorrow.

Go Yanks!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Morgbug on September 29, 2003, 11:34 PM
Well, being an unabashed Twins fan (I still have my '91 Championship sweatshirt ;D) I'm pulling for yon Twinkies (go Scott Koskie, good Manitoba boy).  

But I have to confess, I would dearly love to see the Red Sox and Cubbies in the world series.  Now that would be entertaining.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on September 29, 2003, 11:40 PM
Well, one of those two teams fans could finally quit whining.  I would like to see the Cubs win a Cubs - Red Sox series for a number of reasons.  For one, I'm a Yankee fan, and it's my obligation to root against the Bosox.  Next, the Cubs haven't even been to the big dance since 1948.  Throw them a bone!  The Red Sox have been there at least twice in that timespan.  Then, consider that the Cubs have an even longer winless drought in the World Series than the Red Sox.  I think 95 years should be the longest you should go without winning.

The only reason I think it would be interesting to see the Red Sox win is this:  what would happen to the fans?  Would they know how to react?  The radical shift in psychology could drastically effect all of New England.  But it would hopefully abate some of the whining that some Red Sox fans are renowned for.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on September 30, 2003, 01:50 PM
Twins 1 Yanks 0...bottom of the 3rd!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: JediMAC on September 30, 2003, 02:15 PM
So... have the Dodgers been officially eliminated from the wildcard race yet?  :P

Well, since I'm "teamless" here in the postseason, I've gotta root for the underdogs.  So, go Twinkies and BoSox!  Not to mention that I genuinly like seeing my buddies teams win as long as we're not playing them, so I gotta throw in some support for Scott and Brent!  (granted I would NEVER root for Brent's Celtics though  >:()

On the NL side of the house, you've gotta be rooting for Sammy and the poor ol' Cubbies!  8)  Though I DESPISE the Giants, how cool would it be to see Barry vs. Sammy for all the marbles and a ticket to the big show?  Plus you'd get Dusty vs. his former team.  You just know that's what the baseball execs are hoping for.  I'd love to see that, but ONLY if Sammy came out on top.  I HATE Bonds, and would love nothing more than seeing him miss another chance at his highly coveted, yet elusive ring.  8)

Of course a Cubs vs. BoSox World Series would just be the most amazing thing in the history of the world.  Ever.  Another dream matchup that would be!  I'd love to see that happen!  Again, Sammy would have to get my nod...

So go Cubs!

- Cubbie Fan
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on September 30, 2003, 03:01 PM
3-0 Twins Top 6th!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on September 30, 2003, 04:27 PM
Twins Win! Twins Win, Holy Cow Twins Win...

Guardado sucks, I hate that guy but he did it...

Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Darth Kenobi on September 30, 2003, 06:19 PM
So... have the Dodgers been officially eliminated from the wildcard race yet?  :P

Well, since I'm "teamless" here in the postseason, I've gotta root for the underdogs.  So, go Twinkies and BoSox!  Not to mention that I genuinly like seeing my buddies teams win as long as we're not playing them, so I gotta throw in some support for Scott and Brent!  (granted I would NEVER root for Brent's Celtics though  >:()

On the NL side of the house, you've gotta be rooting for Sammy and the poor ol' Cubbies!  8)  Though I DESPISE the Giants, how cool would it be to see Barry vs. Sammy for all the marbles and a ticket to the big show?  Plus you'd get Dusty vs. his former team.  You just know that's what the baseball execs are hoping for.  I'd love to see that, but ONLY if Sammy came out on top.  I HATE Bonds, and would love nothing more than seeing him miss another chance at his highly coveted, yet elusive ring.  8)

Of course a Cubs vs. BoSox World Series would just be the most amazing thing in the history of the world.  Ever.  Another dream matchup that would be!  I'd love to see that happen!  Again, Sammy would have to get my nod...

So go Cubs!

- Cubbie Fan

Since I'm teamless to I'm going root for the Twins or Cubs the underdogs.  I hope the Giants lose again this year becasue I don't like Berry Bonds to much of an ego.  So go Twins and Cubs.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on September 30, 2003, 09:25 PM
Let's see what Thursday holds.   I can't believe we have to wait that long for game 2.
Title: Divisional Series
Post by: Scott on October 1, 2003, 12:18 AM
I'll post this once per page and keep updating it so it is handy...

I am still not total believer, but a split is what the Twins wanted...Game 3 worries me, I think the Yanks will win Thursday and then having Lohse picthing in such a big game is a little dicey, I would have put out the Gambler...

AMERICAN LEAGUE

(http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/min.gif) (http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/nyy.gif)

Minnesota Twins vs New York Yankees
Series Tied 1-1
Game 1: Twins 3 Yankees 1
Game 2: Yankees 4 Twins 1
Game 3: Clemens vs Lohse
Game 4:

(http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/bos.gif) (http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/oak.gif)

Boston Red Sox vs Oakland A's
A's Lead 2-0
Game 1: A's 5 Red Sox 4 (11 Innings)
Game 2: A's 5 Red Sox 1
Game 3: Lily vs Lowe

NATIONAL LEAGUE

(http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/fla.gif) (http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/sfo.gif)

Florida Marlins vs San Francisco Giants
Series Tied 1-1
Game 1: Giants 2 Marlins 0
Game 2: Marlins 9 Giants 5
Game 3: Rueter vs Redman
Game 4:

(http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/chc.gif) (http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/atl.gif)

Chicago Cubs vs Atlanta Braves
Series Tied 1-1
Game 1: Cubs 4 Braves 2
Game 2: Braves 5 Cubs 3
Game 3: Maddux vs Prior
Game 4:
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on October 1, 2003, 12:35 AM
BTW, go back and look at page 1 of this thread...I almost nailed the AL but the NL...what was I smoking?

I'm going to pick

AL Central: Minnesota
AL East: Boston
AL West: Oakland
AL Wild Card: New York

NL Central: Saint Louis
NL East: Philadelphia
NL West: Arizona
NL Wild Card: New York
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Darth Broem on October 1, 2003, 11:41 AM
Well the Cubs pulled it out last night.  I was wondering what would happen when Wood could not go any longer.  It turned out great.  Although I was pacing all over the first floor between innings and ads.  They have given themselves life in the series at least.  I am really glad they avoided a sweep.  It just sucks to make the playoffs and then get swept away in 3 straight games.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on October 2, 2003, 11:14 AM
Anyone stay up and watch the A's-Sox game?  I didn't but it sounds like it was a great one...Braves won  :'( and the Marlins won  :-\
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Jim on October 2, 2003, 11:20 AM
Anyone stay up and watch the A's-Sox game?  I didn't but it sounds like it was a great one...Braves won  :'( and the Marlins won  :-\

Yeah it was great game, if you were an A's fan :'(  It was a hearbreaker to say the least.  I have no idea what Grady Little is thinking.  Too much rotation in the pitching if you ask me.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on October 2, 2003, 01:41 PM
Anyone stay up and watch the A's-Sox game?  I didn't but it sounds like it was a great one...Braves won  :'( and the Marlins won  :-\

I watched a fair ammount of the A's-Red Sux game.  Too bad I missed the end :(

Glad the Marlins won!  :)  Too bad Atlanta did, too. :(  They've just monopolized the postseason over the past 12 years.  It makes the Yankees look not quite so bad.

As for tonight...LET'S GO YANKEES!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Morgbug on October 2, 2003, 03:31 PM
Go Twinkies
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on October 3, 2003, 12:45 AM
WOOHOO!  Yankees win!  Thu-uh-uh Yankees win!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on October 3, 2003, 08:51 AM
That was a great game last night and goes to show how one stupid mistake can turn into three runs rather easily.  I'm impressed at how well the Twins played, hopefully Dome Field Advantage will translate into 2 W's
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on October 3, 2003, 11:34 AM
Radke and Pettite both pitched great games.  I'm surprised that a hit batsman turned into a rally, too.  But I'm not knocking the win, by any means.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: JediMAC on October 5, 2003, 01:16 AM
GIANTS ELIMINATED!!   8)  As a Dodgers fan, I hate the dreaded rival Giants, not to mention I despise Barry Bonds, so I was absolutely overjoyed to see them get spanked again tonight by the Fish!  In the words of our future governer...  Hasta la vista, baby. (said with Ahnold's accent  :P)

Not as thrilled with how the rest of the series are going though, since those underdogs aren't quite doing as well as I had hoped...   :-\  Some big games coming up!  Come on Cubbies!  Sox have a ways to go to pull this one out, but hopefully they do just that.  Twinkies are in trouble though.  I just don't want to see another Yankees/Braves World Series...   :-\
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on October 5, 2003, 06:25 AM
Glad to see the Marlins advance to the NLCS.  It's great to see a wild card team make it that far.

I was on the edge of my seat late last night, watching the end of the Cubs/Braves game.  What a finish!  When I saw Sammy Sosa do his homer hop, I thought that ball was outta there.  Where was that catch made, on the warning track?  A dramatic end if there ever was one.  I hope that the Cubs can cinch this one up in the next game.

And in Yankee news, I was happy as a clam to see them go into the Homer Dome and come out on top.  Clemens was great, and it was good to see the Yanks playing some little ball and advancing runners, as well as Godzilla's shot into the right field seats.  One more win, and the Yanks are headed to the ALCS!

As for the Red Sox, I'm kinda disappointed to read that the A's couldn't out them away last night.  Oh well, they're still up 2 games to 1 in that series.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on October 5, 2003, 10:36 AM
Yeah another great game yesterday, what I thought true is happening, the Yanks staff is so much better than the Twins (minus Santana)...the Twins are intimidated especially by Mariano
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on October 5, 2003, 10:47 AM
I'm kinda surprised that the Twins didn't pinch hit for Doug Mankiewicz against Rivera.  He's killer against lefties.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: JoshEEE on October 5, 2003, 01:24 PM
I was so bummed to see that the Giants didn't make it. Even though I haven't really watched a game all year (except for the occasional Braves game or two), I still will always feel like they're "My team" no matter how they do. Towards the middle of this year, I was even dreaming of a Giants/Mariner's series so I could see a game or two.

Oh well, I guess now that they're out....I'll have to root for their Bay Area breathren, the A's.....even though I'd rather see the Cubs and Sox make it, just for history's sake. Doesn't look like that will happen.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on October 5, 2003, 08:22 PM
WOOHOO!  The Yankees win!   Thu-uh-uh YANKEES WIN!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Morgbug on October 5, 2003, 11:31 PM
 :'(
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Darth Broem on October 6, 2003, 10:58 AM
CUBS WIN!!!  CUBS WIN!!! CUBS WIN!!!

HOLY COW!!!  I can't believe it!  CUBS WIN!!!

:)
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: jadesfire on October 6, 2003, 12:33 PM
The Braves totally sucked.  I hope Chicago goes the distance (now that the Braves are out).  :'(
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on October 6, 2003, 02:21 PM
Nice run for the Twins, better pitching won out in the end as always.  Which is why a Yankees-Cubs series is probably on the horizon.

I'll be pulling for the Yankees...even though 95% of the US hates them, I still like them and admire their excellence, plus I hate Chicago sports teams :-*
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on October 6, 2003, 02:28 PM
AMERICAN LEAGUE

(http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/min.gif) (http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/nyy.gif)

Minnesota Twins vs New York Yankees
Yankees Win 3-1
Game 1: Twins 3 Yankees 1
Game 2: Yankees 4 Twins 1
Game 3: Yankees 3 Twins 1
Game 4: Yankees 8 Twins 1

(http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/bos.gif) (http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/oak.gif)

Boston Red Sox vs Oakland A's
A's Lead 2-0
Game 1: A's 5 Red Sox 4 (11 Innings)
Game 2: A's 5 Red Sox 1
Game 3: Red Sox 3 A's 1
Game 4: Red Sox 5 A's 4
Game 5: TOnight

NATIONAL LEAGUE

(http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/fla.gif) (http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/sfo.gif)

Florida Marlins vs San Francisco Giants
Marlins Win 3-1
Game 1: Giants 2 Marlins 0
Game 2: Marlins 9 Giants 5
Game 3: Marlins 4 Giants 3
Game 4: Marlins 7 Giants 6

(http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/chc.gif) (http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/atl.gif)

Chicago Cubs vs Atlanta Braves
Cubs Win 3-2
Game 1: Cubs 4 Braves 2
Game 2: Braves 5 Cubs 3
Game 3: Cubs 3 Braves 1
Game 4: Braves 6 Cubs 4
Came 5: Cubs 5 Braves 1

NLCS

(http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/chc.gif) (http://ak-sports.espn.go.com/f/1917/8668/6H/espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouse/fla.gif)

Game 1: Tuesday
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Darth Broem on October 6, 2003, 02:40 PM
Well, we'll see if the Cubs can get by the fish.  I am a cautious fan and still have that feeling the Cubs will break my heart again someway, somehow.  However, I kind of feel the Yanks/Cubs series might be coming.  You just KNOW Fox wants that series for the ratings.  That or a Red Sox/Cubs series.  

GO CUBS!!!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: JediMAC on October 6, 2003, 02:43 PM
CUBS WIN!!!  CUBS WIN!!! CUBS WIN!!!

HOLY COW!!!  I can't believe it!  CUBS WIN!!!

:)

Holy crap!  That's beautiful man!  (sorry chuckles!)  I hadn't even caught any scores from last night since we were out with friends, and totally brainfarted on checking them this morning.  That's great.  I'm really happy for them.  Both underdogs advance in the NL.  Fun times!  I'm really pulling for the Cubbies now!  Too bad it ain't gonna be a Sammy/Dusty showdown against Barry Bonds though.  But I guess eliminating the Giants at any point is better than not at all (sorry Josh!  :-*)...  Those once formidable Atlanta bats choked BIG TIME, as they often do in the crunch of playoff time...

Still hope to see the Sox squeek one out too!  No excuse not to, with Pedro on the mound!   8)

My condolences to Scott and Brent as well!   :-\
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: JediMAC on October 7, 2003, 12:02 AM
Holy crap again!  Red Sox win!!!  8)

Awesome.  Sox vs. Yankees.  That's gonna be fun!  And Bucky Dent ain't around no more...   :P  Rough week for the Bay Area - Giants out, A's out, Raiders get spanked by the hapless Bears...  :-\

Sorry Nick, but I'm rootin' for a Sox/Cubs Series all the way!  That would just be absolutely incredible, and great for baseball too.  Sammy vs. Pedro...  :)
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on October 7, 2003, 03:29 AM
Well, if there was a Sox-Cubs World Series, somehow I think both teams would find a way to lose.  Seriously.

The test starts tomorrow night.  The biggest question for me is who's starting game one for Boston.  I'm pretty secure in the Yanks starting pitching after the Division Series.  Most people are saying either Wakefiled or Burkett.  Well, the Yanks have rocked both of them on a number of occassions.  I see this being a 5 or 6 game series.

As for the National League, I'm pulling for the Cubbies.  But once it gets to the World Series, if the Yanks are still in it, I think everyone knows where my loyalties lie.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Mikey D on October 7, 2003, 07:08 AM
(http://images.sportsline.com/u/photos/baseball/mlb/img6700799.jpg)

What a game!  A little tense at the end, but the boys pulled it off.  It was a little scary with Johnny Damon and Damian Jackson colliding in the seventh, but early reports are it was a concussion and he should be ready to go in the ALCS.  Bring on the Yankees.

[size=8]GO RED SOX!![/size]
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: jadesfire on October 7, 2003, 08:35 AM
That was one fantastic game!!  I'm very happy that the Sox's won and I'm glad that he only had a slight concussion.  I wonder what that fan said to the players though that got his sorry-ass dragged out by security?  (not that he didn't deserve it, I'm sure).
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on October 7, 2003, 08:43 AM
Oh, and the Sox players with the Lilly things on their jackets were the picture of classy baseball?  Please.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: DarthWormie on October 7, 2003, 12:10 PM
The biggest question for me is who's starting game one for Boston.  I'm pretty secure in the Yanks starting pitching after the Division Series.  Most people are saying either Wakefiled or Burkett.  Well, the Yanks have rocked both of them on a number of occassions.  I see this being a 5 or 6 game series.

Expect the Sox to start Wakefield in Game 1, Lowe in Game 2 and Pedro in Game 3 in Boston. As for the Yanks rocking Wakefield this season I seem to recall the Sox rocking Clemens, Wells and Mussina at least once each as well. The key matchup will be game 2 with Petitte vs. Lowe.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: jadesfire on October 7, 2003, 01:18 PM
Oh, and the Sox players with the Lilly things on their jackets were the picture of classy baseball?  Please.

Sorry if my opinion upset you.  I wasn't thrilled about the gesture from Manny Ramirez after his homerun and I think the announcers were correct in their view that if a pitcher did that everytime he struck out a batter, everyone would be ticked off.  Anyways....

Just got some tickets from a friend and we'll be sitting in Chicago tomorrow for the opening game vs. the Marlins.  Pretty excited as I love baseball and just going to a playoff game is a thrill.  Now I have to go on line and find a hotel (and find some Cubby colors in my closet somewhere  ;) ).
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Mikey D on October 7, 2003, 01:43 PM

As for the Yanks rocking Wakefield this season I seem to recall the Sox rocking Clemens, Wells and Mussina at least once each as well.

And Pettite too the last time he started against the Sox.

And its not as quite as lopsided as Nick thinks it is:

copied verbatim from todays Boston Globe

(Stats are against opposing team this year for each probable starter)

Mussina, 0-0, 3.04ERA, 23 2/3 IP, 13H, 7BB, 19K, .163Avg.
Pettitte, 3-1, 5.04ERA, 25IP, 25H, 4BB, 28K, .250 Avg.
Clemens, 2-3, 8.67ERA, 27IP, 28H, 9BB, 24K, .328Avg.
Wells, 2-1, 3.91ERA, 25 1/3IP, 31H, 9BB, 15K, .292Avg.

Wakefield, 2-2, 3.96ERA, 25IP, 20H, 13BB, 17K, .217Avg.
Lowe, 2-0, 5.55ERA, 24 1/3IP, 32H, 9BB, 9K, .317Avg.
Martinez, 1-1, 3.80ERA, 23 2/3IP, 25H, 5BB, 33K, .266Avg.
Burkett, 0-1, 3.27ERA, 11IP, 13H, 6BB, 6K, .289Avg.

Slight edge to the Yanks, but in no way lopsided.

Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Darth Broem on October 7, 2003, 04:10 PM
Oh, and the Sox players with the Lilly things on their jackets were the picture of classy baseball?  Please.

Sorry if my opinion upset you.  I wasn't thrilled about the gesture from Manny Ramirez after his homerun and I think the announcers were correct in their view that if a pitcher did that everytime he struck out a batter, everyone would be ticked off.  Anyways....

Just got some tickets from a friend and we'll be sitting in Chicago tomorrow for the opening game vs. the Marlins.  Pretty excited as I love baseball and just going to a playoff game is a thrill.  Now I have to go on line and find a hotel (and find some Cubby colors in my closet somewhere  ;) ).

If the Cubs win be ready.  It's going to be insane in the ballpark and the streets of Wrigleyville.  Awesome that you get to go.  Have a great time!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Snively Bandar on October 8, 2003, 02:28 PM
Like most people around the country without a team left in the playoffs, I'm pulling for the Cubs now.  How can you not?  Just so many seasons of frustration, that you've just got to hope they can finally get the monkey off their franchise's back.  Plus, they've got some good guys on their squad, and I'd love to see Sammy get a ring.  Not off to a good start with the extra inning dinger against them last night by the Marlins though.  Who the hell even plays for the Marlins besides Pudge?  Bunch of no namers who have no business even being in the playoffs is what I think!  :P

I know the Red Sox are long overdue as well, but since they traded the Bambino, they have to live with their curse!  I wouldn't mind at least seeing them beat the Yanks though.  That's going to be a great series.  Just like the old days!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on October 8, 2003, 02:32 PM

As for the Yanks rocking Wakefield this season I seem to recall the Sox rocking Clemens, Wells and Mussina at least once each as well.

And Pettite too the last time he started against the Sox.

And its not as quite as lopsided as Nick thinks it is:

copied verbatim from todays Boston Globe

(Stats are against opposing team this year for each probable starter)

Mussina, 0-0, 3.04ERA, 23 2/3 IP, 13H, 7BB, 19K, .163Avg.
Pettitte, 3-1, 5.04ERA, 25IP, 25H, 4BB, 28K, .250 Avg.
Clemens, 2-3, 8.67ERA, 27IP, 28H, 9BB, 24K, .328Avg.
Wells, 2-1, 3.91ERA, 25 1/3IP, 31H, 9BB, 15K, .292Avg.

Wakefield, 2-2, 3.96ERA, 25IP, 20H, 13BB, 17K, .217Avg.
Lowe, 2-0, 5.55ERA, 24 1/3IP, 32H, 9BB, 9K, .317Avg.
Martinez, 1-1, 3.80ERA, 23 2/3IP, 25H, 5BB, 33K, .266Avg.
Burkett, 0-1, 3.27ERA, 11IP, 13H, 6BB, 6K, .289Avg.

Slight edge to the Yanks, but in no way lopsided.



What, you forgot to mention the game where Mussina was ONE PITCH away from a perfect game against to Red SoX?  For shame!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Darth Broem on October 8, 2003, 04:06 PM
Like most people around the country without a team left in the playoffs, I'm pulling for the Cubs now.  How can you not?  Just so many seasons of frustration, that you've just got to hope they can finally get the monkey off their franchise's back.  Plus, they've got some good guys on their squad, and I'd love to see Sammy get a ring.  Not off to a good start with the extra inning dinger against them last night by the Marlins though.  Who the hell even plays for the Marlins besides Pudge?  Bunch of no namers who have no business even being in the playoffs is what I think!  :P

/quote]

I did not think the Marlins had much either.  Until I saw them play the Cubs last night.  They are are very tough the first 3 batters in the lineup - Juan Pierre, Castilla, and Pudge.  I can't remember the other players...yet.  Those 3 seem to be the tough cookies to get out.  The first 2 are extremely fast.  There pitchers are pretty good.  Not quite Wood and Prior but they don't suck.  

It will be a tough series for both teams I think.  
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Mikey D on October 9, 2003, 07:24 AM


What, you forgot to mention the game where Mussina was ONE PITCH away from a perfect game against to Red SoX?  For shame!

What was that, two years ago?  Who cares.  The person who broke up the perfect game (Carl Everett) isn't even with the team anymore, as is that year's manager, GM and a slew of players.  This year's team is different and I don't care what happened in the past.  That's like me saying "You forgot about the six Houston pitchers who no hit the Yanks in the vaunted Stadium"  Who cares, it obviously didn't hurt the Yanks to much - maybe their pride, but they moved on.  At least that game happened this year ::)

Now, on to last night's game.  All I have to say is one down, three to go.  Outstanding pitching by Wakefield and 13 hits total for the offense.  I obviously want the Sox to win tonight, but a split before going back to Fenway, where the bats will really come alive, is ok with me.

[size=8]Go Red Sox!![/size]
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Jim on October 9, 2003, 09:12 AM
Can you say Destiny? ;D  

Go Sox!!!!!!!!  

BTW, Yankees still SUCK!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Darth Broem on October 9, 2003, 12:28 PM
Nice offensive explosion from the Cubs last night.  Hope it continues and results in Cub's victories!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on October 9, 2003, 01:10 PM
Can you say Destiny? ;D  

Go Sox!!!!!!!!  

BTW, Yankees still SUCK!
If destiny is the case, then the Cubs will probably win.  They're definitely more due.  Maybe the Red Sox fans can wait another ten years.  Just as long as the Cubs.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on October 9, 2003, 01:15 PM
A Sox-Cubs World Series would be the greatest thing for Baseball since the Sammy/McGwire deal a few years back

I am sorta sickened by all of the band wagon Cubs fans I am seeing though, that is what I will give some nods towards the East Coast, you guys are far more passionate about sports and don't cheer for the flavor of the month like the rest of the country seems to (ESPECIALLY LA!)

SHould be an interesting few weeks and hopefully we don't have to ban a few members over their passions ;) :-* (That was not a threat BTW, only joking)
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Mikey D on October 9, 2003, 02:21 PM

I am sorta sickened by all of the band wagon Cubs fans I am seeing though, that is what I will give some nods towards the East Coast, you guys are far more passionate about sports and don't cheer for the flavor of the month like the rest of the country seems to (ESPECIALLY LA!)


Since the Pats are only 3-2 and the Eagles are 2-2, I'm thinking about jumping on the Vikes bandwagon.   ;)
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on October 9, 2003, 10:33 PM
A Sox-Cubs World Series would be the greatest thing for Baseball since the Sammy/McGwire deal a few years back

I am sorta sickened by all of the band wagon Cubs fans I am seeing though, that is what I will give some nods towards the East Coast, you guys are far more passionate about sports and don't cheer for the flavor of the month like the rest of the country seems to (ESPECIALLY LA!)

SHould be an interesting few weeks and hopefully we don't have to ban a few members over their passions ;) :-* (That was not a threat BTW, only joking)

Well, the Cubs have been on in a lot of television markets for years, so there are some Cubs fans scattered around the US.  I think a lot of people are just so happy to see them in the playoffs.  Add in the mystique of Wrigley field, the stalwart Cubs fans who have stood by them for years, and a couple of the best starting pitchers in baseball in the form of Kerry Wood and Mark Prior PLUS Sammy Sosa, and you've got a storybook setting.  That's why I think a lot of people love the Cubs.

Now, I'd love to see the Cubs make it to the series.  And that's where my love would end.  Because if the Yankees are in the series too, well I'm cheering for the team that I started watching in the late '70's.  But, it would also be known as the Holy Cow! World Series.  Too bad Harry Carey isn't around to see this!  Thankfully, the Scooter still is.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Darth Broem on October 10, 2003, 11:07 AM
I have been a Cub fan my whole life.  It broke my heart in 84 when they lost to San Diego.  They only needed 1 more win to go to the World Series.  They have made the playoffs a few times since.

 I am surprised they are doing this well.  Now that they are back I really, really, really want to see them at least make it to the World Series.  I think they have overachieved to be honest.  I hope it keeps going.  A lot will be determined by the end of the weekend.  

Winning teams always get bandwagon jumpers.  I have a friend and she acts like she is the biggest Yankees fan.  She isn't.  She's really a Cardinals fan but since they are not in it she's a Yankees fan.  Whatever.  

Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: dustrho on October 11, 2003, 12:38 PM
As some of you may know I'm not the biggest baseball fan, but I am a Cubs fan.  Have been one all my life.  Watched the game last night and it was an edge-of-your-seat thriller!  Great game, and I'm hoping it will be the Cubs and Red Sox in the World Series.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on October 11, 2003, 09:31 PM
Good lord, what a wild game!  It was more like a circus than a baseball game, IMHO.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: dustrho on October 11, 2003, 09:37 PM
Good lord, what a wild game!  It was more like a circus than a baseball game, IMHO.

If something like that happened in the NFL, there would be suspensions, ejections, and some heavy-duty fines.  I couldn't believe no one was ejected from that brawl.  Pretty sad if you ask me.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on October 12, 2003, 12:17 AM
I officially hate the Red Sox, I was a little preturbed by Manny Ramirez the other day when he was mugging after he hit the homer in Oakland.  But him going after Clemens today to start a mini riot for a pitch that was nowhere near hitting him makes him a Grade A A-Hole

Martinez saying I'd hit you in the head if I wanted to, Martinez throwing down Zimmer and the altercation in the bullpen were both horrific as well (although Zimmer did go after Martinez and he was defending himself)

As much as the rest of the world hates the Yankees they always play with a lot of class and most of their team are nice guys who just smoke your ass, the BoSox to me proved today they were thugs

I hope the Yankees beat the Sox and then sweep the Cubs...cause I am sick of both teams
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on October 12, 2003, 05:44 AM
Add in the bonehead groundskeeper in the Yankees bullpen who wasn't enough a professional to keep his fandom under control, and that's what led to the fight in the bullpen.  Supposedly, both Jeff Nelson and Karim Garcia could now be facing assault charges because of what this clown started, and Garcia hurt his hand in the process!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: dustrho on October 12, 2003, 08:14 AM
Cubs smoked the Marlins last night!    ;D
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on October 12, 2003, 08:53 AM
Can you believe we might have a Cubs-Yanks World Series?  Wow!  It's an awesome proposition.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: dustrho on October 12, 2003, 09:28 AM
Can you believe we might have a Cubs-Yanks World Series?  Wow!  It's an awesome proposition.

I would be perfectly content with that matchup.  I truly think the Cubs can take it all.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on October 12, 2003, 10:00 AM
As much of a die-hard Yankee fan as I am, if it comes down to the Yanks and the Cubs in the series, and the Cubs win, I can live with that.  They've had a long enough drought in my opinion.

I would not be able to live with the Red Sox coming back in this series to beat the Yanks.  Then, I'd become either the biggest Cubs or Marlins fan going.  Anything to keep the Red Sox from winning it all.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Darth Broem on October 13, 2003, 11:47 AM
Peronally I think it's going to be the Cubs vs the Yankees.  I would be thrilled to see the Cubs make it.  I would be overjoyed beyond comprehension to see the Cubs win the World Series.  But realistically I can see the Yankees sweeping the Cubs if they play each other.  I think the Yankees will pull it out again this year.  I hope not but would not be surprised.  

Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Mikey D on October 14, 2003, 07:48 AM
What Manny did after the home run in Oakland is no different that what Bonds does every other homerun.

Pedro's and Manny's actions (the ball was not even close, I actually think Kevin Millar had more of a gripe with Clemens' ball an inning later) were extreme and I can't fault anyone who hates them.  Hell, if they didn't play for my team, I'd be the first in line screaming.  But you take the good with the bad, I guess.  However, I stand behind Pedro 150% when he threw Zim to the ground.  He was only defending himself and did it quite "civil", IMO.  

Now for when Pedro was yelling and pointing to his head, if he meant what everyone thinks he meant, then shame on him.  On the other hand, only he knows what he said.  He told the media he was saying to Posada - who was just as vocal as Pedro when the altercation went down - that he'll remember everything Posada said.

As much as I hate Clemens, I'll give him credit for not retaliating.  He keep his cool and pitched a hell of a game.

I don't know the whole story of the groundskeeper as I was out of town this weekend, but last time I checked, cheering - employee or not, they should be allowed to cheer - for your team isn't a crime.  I'm positive they're are fans in NY that do the same thing. Now I wasn't there, but Nelson and Garcia are professionals too, and should be able to keep their emotions in check.  They should know they are in a hostile enivroment and expect to to get heckled.  Its just part of the game.

With all that said, on to last night's game.  No fights, no rain, just one good solid October baseball game between two very evenly matched teams.  Wake's knuckleball was dancing - as evidence by his career playoff high 8 strikeouts - and the offense (time to start hitting guys) provided just enough to win.  Series tied 2 -2, its now a three game series, winner take all.  I think whoever wins today's game will take the series.

Go Red Sox!!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Jimmy on October 14, 2003, 08:09 AM
I agree totally Mikey!

Though I must admit I got a tad bit antsy in the 9th inning last night... but hey we won so no bother going back now.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on October 14, 2003, 07:45 PM
Yankees Win!  Thu-uh-uh YANKEES WIN!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: JediMAC on October 14, 2003, 08:12 PM
I was pulling for the Sox, just due to "the curse" and the fact that it's the same ol' story with the Yanks, as usual.  But after seeing what totally idiots Pedro and Manny were the night of the brawl, I think I may have changed my mind.  Undecided right now, but a Game 7 matchup between Clemens and Martinez would be one for the ages, that's for sure!  And if it comes to that, I'll be pulling for the Rocket, since I've always been a huge fan of his...   8)

Hopefully Prior and the Cubs can polish off the Fish tonight, but if not, no worries 'cause Kerry will be ready for them in Game 7, if necessary!

- The Bandwagon Cubs Fan   :-*
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: dustrho on October 14, 2003, 11:12 PM
I cannot believe the Cubs lost tonight.  That idiotic moron in the stands that stole the ball away from Moises.... un-freakin'-real!   >:(
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on October 14, 2003, 11:46 PM
Who's to say that the Marlins wouldn't have scored those runs anyway?  Don't pin that loss on one guy...looks like the Curse is still around.  I can't wait to see what happens if they blow another one
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on October 15, 2003, 05:53 AM
I really thought with Prior on the mound that the Cubs were gonna clinch tonight.  I'm cutting some of the highlights at work right now, and it's almost surreal how they blew game 6.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: dustrho on October 15, 2003, 07:00 AM
I never said one person in the crowd blew it for the Cubs, but that sure was the starting point for their dismay.  Who knows how the game would have finished if that person didn't interfere like that?   :-\
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Mikey D on October 15, 2003, 07:24 AM
I'm not giving up hope yet , but the boat is starting to take on water.  As much as I hate to admit it, the Yanks are the Yanks for a reason and they showed why yesterday.  I really can't complain about our starting pitching, they gave us five solid performances so far.  Its our offense.  The offense that set record after record in the regular season, scored ten runs before making an out in the first inning, took the Yanks deep 7 times in the Stadium, etc. has just not gotten it done.    Nomar, Ortiz, Mueller and Millar (the heart of the order) are having a terrible post season.  The pitching is the only thing keeping them in the games.  Well its now time to put up or shut up.

Go Red Sox!!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Jim on October 15, 2003, 08:22 AM
Well Boston fans, it looks like this is it :'(  We might as well pack it up with Burkett starting today.  I had such high hopes like every other fan but the bats are too cold for us to go anywhere.  Nomar, Manny, Mueller, Ortiz and Millar picked the wrong time to go on such a slump.  The worst part is that half of this team will probably be disbanded on the off season.  I said from the beginning that the first game of the series was going to cost the Sox.  Two in NY will be tough but not impossible, but the fans will definitely be very vocal today.  Like I have said for the last 25 years, there is always next year.  
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Darth Broem on October 15, 2003, 08:54 AM
Oh man that was a bitter loss for us Cub fans.  I can't believe it went down that way.  I thought for sure they would clinch ahead 3-0 with 5 outs to go.  Good Lord.  I know the fan was a big play but Gonzalez followed it up with a HUGE error.  I think that was THE play that reallly sealed the fate for the Cubs.  

That and Baker left Prior in a bit to long.  
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: jadesfire on October 15, 2003, 10:51 AM
Baker left Prior in a bit to long.  

Yah, I agree on that one.  I just couldn't believe how awful the 8th inning turned out to be.  

LET"S GO CUBS!!!!!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Darby on October 15, 2003, 03:56 PM
It's always darkest before dawn.  

GO CUBS!!!!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Darth Broem on October 15, 2003, 04:55 PM
That's what I am hoping Spuffy.  
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Jimmy on October 15, 2003, 08:37 PM
Kick
A
*
*

SOX came through for us MA guys   :-*

Sorry Nick  ;)

Tomorrow should be an incredible game of baseball.
I usually never watch bb on TV just because... honestly it bores me. I can't watch a regular season game... I'm a much more in the park kinda guy.

Though these play offs have me glued. Tomorrow will be the one to watch!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: JediMAC on October 15, 2003, 08:39 PM
...but a Game 7 matchup between Clemens and Martinez would be one for the ages, that's for sure!  And if it comes to that, I'll be pulling for the Rocket, since I've always been a huge fan of his...   8)

Well, looks like that's what we'll be getting!  Nice comeback by the Sox!  Game 7...  Two future Hall of Famers on the mound...  One of the greatest rivalries in all of sports...  A trip to the World Series on the line...

AWESOME!   8)  But it looks like I'll be pullin' for the Yanks now...

Hopefully the Cubbies step up now, and get it done!   :-\
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: dustrho on October 15, 2003, 08:39 PM
Here's an article about that idiot fan, and it even tells what the guy's name is!!!

http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/fan15.html

(http://images.suntimes.com/includes/frontpage_phototable/images/1015alou.jpg)
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on October 15, 2003, 08:41 PM
Game 7?!  Why a game 7?!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: JediMAC on October 15, 2003, 08:41 PM
Dammit!  Please don't tell me Kerry Wood is going to freaking choke under pressure...   >:(

Just gave up 3 earned runs in the top of the first!  Cubs bats have their work cut out for them now...
.
.
.
.
.
Get the f*** outta here!  Kerry Wood just hit a 2-run homer to tie the score up in the second, after giving up a 3-run blast in the first!  Incredible!  Right back in this...   8)
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on October 15, 2003, 10:03 PM
Someone explain to me why that "idiot" cost the Cubs the game last night

It was a foul ball, Prior still had every chnace to get him out, not to mention the cavalcade of errors that  followed.

Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Choke...

Great Games today so far...I Love This Game
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: JediMAC on October 15, 2003, 10:06 PM
Two run jack by Moises Alou!  5-3 Cubs!!!   8)
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: dustrho on October 15, 2003, 10:13 PM
Someone explain to me why that "idiot" cost the Cubs the game last night

I don't think he truly cost the Cubs the game last night, but he sure did put a sour taste in a lot of the Cubs' players.  Everything was going perfectly fine for them, and then this Bartman guy pulls that stupid crap during the game, got the whole crowd pissed off, and then the poop hit the fan!  It was definitely the most frustrating moment for the Cubs during the entire playoffs.

The thing that really irritates me about that Bartman person is that he had already gotten a baseball, and it was given to him by Moises Alou.  Moises caught a pop-up to end one of the innings, and tossed it into the crowd.  Bartman caught the ball.  So, when he tried catching that ball in the 8th inning that was his second attempt at getting a baseball.   >:(
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: JediMAC on October 15, 2003, 11:30 PM
This is NOT looking good for the Cubs now.  Woods didn't have it tonight, and the Fish have posted a commanding 9-6 lead in the bottom of the 9th...  And the Cubs have the bottom of the lineup up...   :'(

Time for one of the all-time great comebacks, RIGHT NOW!  Just like my Angels did against the Giants last year in Game 6!!!   8)
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: dustrho on October 15, 2003, 11:35 PM
I cannot believe the Cubs lost.   >:(  They were up 3 games to 1, and they lost.  They showed video shots of the crowd's reaction a few minutes after the game ended, and there were so many people just crying hysterically.  It was a sad sight.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Scott on October 15, 2003, 11:36 PM
Stick a fork in 'em

At least you have the Bears Illini White Sox Bulls Blackhawks to root for in Chicago...Go Cubs 2004!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: JediMAC on October 15, 2003, 11:47 PM
Absolutely unbelievable...  You lose a 3-1 series lead to a team with a bunch of absolute no-namers!  Unfreaking-believable.

The Florida 'no-name' Marlins in the World Series?

That's one of the stupidest and most pathetic things I've ever heard of...  Cubs choked.  Kerry choked worse.  They are cursed.  We'll see if the Sox are too, come tomorrow...
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Jango Fettish on October 16, 2003, 12:16 AM
Yep, Marlins did it, and didn't have to pull their old roster stacking routine to get there this time.

Oh well, back to not caring about baseball..
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Darby on October 16, 2003, 01:11 AM
I never believed in that curse until now.  That's all I have to say about it.   :(
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on October 16, 2003, 05:56 AM
I couldn't believe the news as I drove into work this morning.  I had watched the Yankee game, much to my dismay.  But the real shocker came as I listened to sports radio during my commute, and learned that the Cubs had lost.

I had really high hopes for that team as early as late August.  I'd been listening to the radio, and hearing how the division races were going.  For a little while it looked like Houston would win the NL central, but I kept up hope for the Cubs.  Lo and behold, they managed to win their division.  And when they advanced past the Braves in the Division series, I was really happy about it.  The Braves have dominated the postseason for some 12 years, and it seemed like time for a new team to play through October.

I thought game 6 would clinch it for the Cubbies.  They were going back home to Wrigley with the support of not only a city, but seemingly the entire country cheering them along.  All this with one of the best young pitchers in baseball, Mark Prior, taking the mound.  But, it wasn't meant to be.  the Marlins are a solid, hustle-minded young team with some good veteran leadership.  I hope people can give them their due.

I don't know the gory details of game 7, and I'll leave it at that.  I know Kerry Wood was on the mound for Chicago, and he's been solid for them.  But this turn of events can definitely make you think that there just might be something strange about how it all worked out.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Mikey D on October 16, 2003, 07:29 AM
Well that hole in the ship plugged up real quick.  The team that ripped my heart out and stomped on it like a flaming bag of turd Tuesday night finally showed up last night and in a big way.  My voice is a little course this morning from cheering to cursing to more cursing to cheering and then more cheering.  The big guns (Nomar, Mueller, Millar and Ortiz) went a combined 11 for 20 with 4 ribbies and 4 runs scored.  Its about time they showed up.

Now its the matchup of the ages - Pedro vs. Clemens for a trip to the Fall Classic.  Should be a good one.

Go Red Sox!!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Jim on October 16, 2003, 07:30 AM
Finally the bats have awakened for the Sox.  Game 7 will be one of the biggest in Sox Franchise.  Yesterdays game had me biting my nails through the whole game.  Unbelievable how it went back and forth.  I am not claiming a win yet on game 7, but if the Sox can show a little magic tonight they are looking golden.  I said at the beginning of the series that whoever took the American League would take the World Series.  Go Sox! Cowboy up! Yankees Suck!!!!!!
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Mikey D on October 16, 2003, 07:39 AM
Congrats to the Marlins.  Great comeback.  I like their never say die attitude (kind of like the Red Sox).  The better team obviously won and they deserve it.

As for anyone saying the fan cost the Cubs a trip to World Series, get a f***ing clue.  How anyone can honestly believe a kid in the stands catching a ball clearly out of play cost a professional team a game is beyond me.  What about the other hypocrites who were trying to catch the ball and missed it?  Face the facts, the Cubs choked and choked hard.  Blame them, not some poor fan just trying to enjoy himself.  Blaming him is like saying years of futility are because of some friggin goat or a fat ass pitcher turned slugger.  Its all a load of horse ****.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: dustrho on October 16, 2003, 09:00 AM
As for anyone saying the fan cost the Cubs a trip to World Series, get a f***ing clue.  How anyone can honestly believe a kid in the stands catching a ball clearly out of play cost a professional team a game is beyond me.  What about the other hypocrites who were trying to catch the ball and missed it?  Face the facts, the Cubs choked and choked hard.  Blame them, not some poor fan just trying to enjoy himself.  Blaming him is like saying years of futility are because of some friggin goat or a fat ass pitcher turned slugger.  Its all a load of horse ****.

Do I sense a little hostility in your tone of voice?   >:(

All I can say is that game 6 was running just fine until that kid grabbed the freakin' ball right out of Moises Alou's glove.  The score was 3-0 in favor of the Cubs, and with all the anger and hostility from that stupid play things just went downhill.  I know I'm not saying the Cubs lost all because of that fan, but he sure poured the gasoline onto the fire and helped start up that fire.  We were just less than 2 innings away from winning the game.  So try to be realistic here and face the facts.  Things were running smooth in game 6 until that particular moment had occurred.

Yes, the better team might have won that game.  The Cubs definitely choked... no doubt about it.  But, if they face the Yankees I don't think the Marlins have a fighting chance against them.  It will probably be over in 5 games at most.

And if you believe in UFO's, ghosts, poltergeists, crop circles and other phenomena than there's no reason why anyone can't believe in curses.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Mikey D on October 16, 2003, 09:59 AM
Chris, no hostility at all. My comments weren't directed at anyone in particular and I'm sorry if you felt that was a personal attack on you (or anyone else for that matter).  I can ensure you it wasn't.  It was a generalization after two days of the media adding fuel to the fire and constantly harking on something that, quite frankly, should be over and done with.

Was the fan an unfortunate turn of events for the Cubs?  Yes.  Should they have let it go and play on and try to finish the inning?  Yes.  Did they? Yes, but definitely not until after the Marlins capitalized.  To blame a fan for losing a series, after a team is up 3 games to 1, playing 2 games at home with your 2 best pitchers going for you is ridiculous.  What does it say for humanity when physical threats are placed on a person who did what anyone else would have done in the same situation?  

Again, not directed at anyone in particular just a generalization.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: chuckles on October 16, 2003, 10:19 AM
I was rooting for the Cubs to win too but yes, let's stop blaming it on what is now known as "the fan".

First off, that fan did what any of the 30-40 thousand, or whatever, fans that were there that night would have done had they been sitting in that exact same seat when that foul ball came their way. They would have reached up and tried catching it, just as he did. You react on instinct in that situation, not what possible outcomes may come of it.

Secondly, he did not cost the Cubs a trip to the World Series. Sure he "might" have cost them game 6. But we'll never know for sure what would have happened had Alou made that catch. And the Cubs did nothing after that play to help themselves either with an error and hit after hit allowed. He also did nothing to lose game 5 for the Cubs and he did nothing to lose game 7 for the Cubs. I think people need to cut this guy some slack.  The Cubs simply choked. Pro sports teams do it all the time. This time it was the Cubs turn.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Jim on October 16, 2003, 11:02 AM
Here is to all you Yankee fans! ;D  Enjoy in case this gets yanked.  BTW, this is a joke and I have nothing against you fans.

Yanked by DSJ (http://adwoff.com/ubb/graemlins/nonono.gif)
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Darth Broem on October 16, 2003, 11:18 AM
Well I am disapointed the Cubs could not pull out a World Series appearence.  It was going great until the 8th inning.  I guess that team is just not destined to win a championship or make an appearence.  After going up 3-1 I was sure they had it well in hand.  

The funny thing is now I don't care who makes it to the World Series.  It will be too painful not to see the Cubs in it for me.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on October 16, 2003, 11:34 AM
Please tell me that's a photoshop job and that kind of hostility isn't bred into the youth of New England at that tender of an age.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Jim on October 16, 2003, 11:45 AM
Please tell me that's a photoshop job and that kind of hostility isn't bred into the youth of New England at that tender of an age.

Its actually a photo from a Soccer game this past year I believe.  And yes it was photoshoped.  Makes sense since real Soccer fans are the most hostile fans in the world. Still funny stuff though.  Sox fans get a bad rap IMO. We are alot more passionate than many people think.  Take yesterdays game in NY.  You would never find Sox fans walking out on a game like that in the 9th inning.  Not even if we were losing by a dozen runs.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Morgbug on October 17, 2003, 12:13 AM
Top o' the 11th :o
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Morgbug on October 17, 2003, 12:17 AM
One pitch :o

Yankees are in.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on October 17, 2003, 12:36 AM
THE YANKEES WIN!  THU-UH-UH YANKEES WIN!

And another Yankee third baseman comes through in the clutch during the postseason!  Unbelievable!

To the Red Sox fans:  your team fought valiantly, all the way to the 11th inning.  You should be proud of your team.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Jim on October 17, 2003, 07:25 AM
We are not proud :(  We are disgusted at Little for keeping Pedro in with everyone in the bullpen available.  Terrible managing IMO.  They might as well just handed them the win.  
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Snively Bandar on October 21, 2003, 08:19 PM
Looks like interest in the playoffs has suddenly dropped off dramatically.  That's too bad after some great series in the first two rounds of this year.  Should be a cakewalk for the Yanks now, though you've got to give the Marlins (whoever they are) credit for one helluva run in the last half of the season and on into the playoffs.  They sure didn't help the TV ratings for the World Series though by making it in.  Almost doesn't seem like a fair matchup.   :-\
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: dustrho on October 21, 2003, 08:33 PM
I'd still be watching the World Series if either the Cubs or Red Sox had made it in there.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Darth Broem on October 22, 2003, 11:05 AM
It's just dull with the Yankees in there and the Marlins.  You get the Yankees in there practically each season.  They just don't have a loveable star in there.  They are great players but they don't have a Sosa or someone like that.  Jeter comes the closest I suppose.  Yippee!

The Marlins don't have anyone huge either.  Pudge I suppose but nothing really interesting I guess to keep much interest going.  

I tried to watch some of the first few games.  I just kind of yawned at it.  
Title: World Series Champion... Florida Marlins?!?
Post by: JediMAC on October 27, 2003, 04:40 PM
So I guess no one here noticed that the Florida Marlins somehow managed to win the World Series...   :-\

I'm not really thrilled with that.  Sure, they deserve all the credit in the world for going out and getting it done with a total bunch of nobodys, but it just doesn't seem to speak well for baseball to have them as one of it's top franschises in the league (2 championships in the last 7 years).  Doesn't look like most of the country even cared much either.  Barely a blip on the sports radar it seemed.

I don't know how the powerful Yanks let them slip by them, but it just doesn't feel right as far as the baseball world goes.  Of course, there's always something to be said for another small market team winning the title.  Gives everyone some hope, I suppose...

Anyone else even care about the outcome?  I'm sure Nick's pretty damned bummed, and maybe Jim and Mikey are excited since they're Sox fans who probably hate the Yanks...
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Darth Broem on October 27, 2003, 05:50 PM
Well since I'm a Cub's fan I have mixed emotions.  On the one hand I'm glad the Cubs were beat by the World Champs.  They won one more game against them than the Yankees did.  But the other hand is the Cubs were really close to beating the World Champs.  It looks like they might have had a good shot at the Yankees even.  

Like it or not the Marlins are a great team.  They get timely clutch hitting, spoil pitchs, great defense, great speed, and have several good starters mainly Josh Beckett.  So, they deserve it.  They earned it, They won it.  Congrats to them.  

But I just feel like this was the best shot the Cubs will ever get at a WS and feel that they kind of shot themselves in the foot a bit.  If the Yankees were not in it practically every year there may have been more excitement.  

Even the Marlins fans don't seem to be into them really.  It's just at playoff time they decide to show up.  They drew 2 million fans this year with a 65,000 seat stadium.  In comparison the Cubs drew 3 millioin with a near 40,000 seat stadium.  Even though the Marlins filled the stadium in the playoffs it's seems like they are not really behind their own team that much.  Talk about bandwagon jumping.  

The Yankees just seem to whine all the time.  Even though they are in the WS they don't seem all that happy.  Now they have all this talk about getting rid of Torre and several players.  All negative stuff.  

No wonder it was a bummer WS.  
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Mikey D on October 28, 2003, 07:33 AM
I watched approximately 10 minutes of the WS this year.  I'll agree with you Matt, it was boring.  So boring, in fact, that I fell asleep during the deciding game 6.  Eighth inning, fish up 2-0, fell asleep, wake up and their celebrating.  The first thing I did was wake the wife and  told her the Yankees lost.  She said good, then went back to sleep.  I then said congrats to the Marlins and all their front running fans and switched the channel.  I can tell you nobody in Massachusetts actually gave a **** about it, that's for sure.  

Torre will be around another year.  I doubt ole Georgie Boy wouldn't let him now that the Sox need a manager.  As much as I hate the Yankees, Joe Torre is a class act and I would be estatic if him came to the Sox.  Not going to happen though.  His coaches might be let go (Zim, Mel, etc) but not him.  Expect Steinbrenner to eclipse $200 million in payroll next year in his quest for another championship.

PS - And the best closeup of the WS:  Soriano crying like a little bitch.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Mikey D on October 30, 2003, 09:55 AM
Huge news (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=1650053) from the BoSox today.  Manny Ramirez has been placed on irrevocable waivers, which means any team can have him if they are willing to pay his remaining $100 million salary.

Now if any team bites, this comes off looking like a genius move.  It frees up alot of money to go after another starter, some mid relievers and possibly a big name free agent (Vlad Guerraro comes to mind).  Granted there are only a few teams in the league with the dinero to claim Manny.  The Yankees top the list.  With Georgie boy still steaming about the WS, would he "take the bait", so to speak?  We'll know by midnight tomorrow.

Now if no one takes him and he stays with the Red Sox, Manny is going to be one moody son of a bitch next season.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Nicklab on October 30, 2003, 11:01 AM
No way would the Yankees pick up Manny Ramirez.  His numbers don't equal that kind of money.  Especially after the incidents of game 3.  And the "sickness" issue.  I only see the Dodgers or Mets being interested in him.
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Darth Broem on October 30, 2003, 11:47 AM
I doubt the Yankees would take him.  I heard Steinbrenner really wants to get Vladimir Guerrero.  
Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: JediMAC on November 24, 2003, 10:18 PM
I thought our still demoralized Sox fans out there (Jim, Mikey, etc.) may be excited to hear of the latest trade development currently in the works:

(http://i.cnn.net/si/2003/baseball/mlb/11/24/redsox.schilling.ap/p1_schilling_all.jpg)

Curt Shilling to the Red Sox, for a bunch of scrubs...   8)  Scrubs being Casey Fossum, Brandon Lyon, minor league pitcher Jorge De La Rosa and outfielder Michael Goss.  Sounds like all that's left is Schilling's approval of the deal.  He may be getting a little long in the tooth, but his addition to the Sox staff would certainly make for one helluva 1-2-3 punch, alongside Martinez and Lowe.

Title: Re: Batter up! The JD Baseball Thread...
Post by: Mikey D on November 25, 2003, 07:27 AM
Here I was all down drowning in my sorrows and Matt has to bring it up again.  Thanks bud :-*

Getting Schilling would be huge for the Sox.  If the Sox offer him a multi year deal, then I think he'll take it.  Terry Francona, the front runner for the manager's job, was his coach in Philly and Schilling loved playing for him.  He doesn't want to play in a home run park and Fenway is the second hardest park in the AL to hit a homer in.  And if he is the final piece of the puzzle to finally bringing a championship to Beantown, the fans - who live and die by the Sox (unlike certain fans of a recent South Florida Championship team) - would immortalize him immediately.  

I think the Brewers are possibly involved in this trade also.  The D'backs would send some of the Sox trade bait to the Brewers for Richie Sexson.  All clubs win.  The Sox obviously get a big time starter, the D'backs get power and a solid first baseman and the Brewers start building for the future with decent prospects.

Theo flys out today to Arizona to meet with Schilling.  the deadline for the trade is 5 pm Friday.

On other Red Sox notes, Theo is reportedly going hard after Keith Foulke, one of the premier closers in the game.  Foulke was in town last night and went to the Celtics game with Theo, so talks are diffenently in the works.

If this all comes to fruition, then many a teams, including the Yankees, would be envious.  Pedro, Schilling, Lowe, Wakefield and Kim as your starters, Timlin and Embree as your set up men and Foulke as your closer.  Couple that with the offensive power we have and it looks good on paper.  Hopefully it works out on the field as well.