Postseason Baseball 2004

[Strider]

The playoffs are finally upon us! Thirty teams have been whittled to eight, and in the coming weeks, one will be named a champion.

American League
Minnesota Twins over New York Yankees, 3-0

This is going to be my bold prediction. Johan Santana leads a staff that led the AL in ERA and was second in WHIP. Despite trading Gold Glove first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz to the Boston Red Sox and losing rookie catcher Joe Mauer and second baseman Luis Rivas for extended periods of time, the team's trademark solid defense shined. While they don't possess an offense like the Yankees (New York scored 100+ more runs than Minnesota), recent history suggests that pitching is king in October.

That, unfortunately, is something that the Yankees lack. There are no sure things in their rotation. Mike Mussina was their best in September (3-1, 2.38), but will he show up or will the Mussina from July and August show up (0-4, 9.00)? The bullpen, already bearing a huge burden, might not hold. In the meantime, the Twins can march out J.C. Romero and Juan Rincon to get the ball to Joe Nathan, who has been arguably the best closer in baseball.

The Yankee lineup may put up a huge fight against Santana and Brad Radke, but I'm betting against it. Power pitching will prevail against power hitting, and the Twins will advance.

Boston Red Sox over Anaheim Angels, 3-2

This is the most intriguing matchup in all of the Divisional Series. While the Red Sox Nation would've liked to capture a division title, they'll settle for another wild card appearance and root for a Boston team that most believe (including myself) has a much better chance of winning the World Series than last year's edition.

The Angels, on the other hand, are a much more highly priced version of the team that won the World Series in 2002. They make contact, they wreak havoc the basepaths, and complement their fundamental offense with solid starting pitching and a lights-out bullpen.

Curt Schilling and Pedro Martinez have been every bit as good as expected, but whether the Red Sox advance or not will depend on whether someone can step up in rotation behind those two. Right now, Bronson Arroyo stands to pitch Game 3 at Fenway, which isn't all bad when you consider he pitched solidly in September. In this respect, they have a leg up on the Angels, who had rotation issues all season. If the Angels offense can get a lead to Frankie Rodriguez, Troy Percival and company, however, it'll be very hard for the Sox to score runs late. Against a Boston team that led the majors in runs scored, holding them down for six or seven innings will be crucial.

Both teams have been here before, but I give the advantage to the Red Sox simply because I think they're the better team. It won't be an easy series -- it never is with Boston -- but they'll get by and move on.

National League
St. Louis Cardinals over Los Angeles Dodgers, 3-1

Odalis Perez, the Dodgers "ace", openly proclaimed that if his team could take down the Cardinals in the NLDS, they would be the world champions. If I were you, I wouldn't hold my breath.

There are many reasons why St. Louis won 105 games, most of which concerned an offense that features three MVP-caliber players (Scott Rolen, Jim Edmonds, Albert Pujols) and which led the NL in runs scored and team average. Their pitching, which everyone pointed to as a reason they wouldn't make the playoffs to begin, has been better than L.A.'s all year long. Don't let the stories about Chris Carpenter fool you: Woody Williams, Jason Marquis and Matt Morris have combined for a 21-9 record since the beginning of July. If you take away what are essentially throwaway starts from the last week or so, that improves to something like 21-5.

Many might say that the Dodgers hold an edge in the bullpen, but I'm not so sure. Dealing Guillermo Mota to the Florida Marlins is slowly catching up with Eric Gagne, who now has no true setup man and has been saddled with more and more work to the point where his arm was beginning to bother him by season's end. If he's not right, this series will be over in a hurry.

That's not to say it won't be, but you understand.

Atlanta Braves over Houston Astros, 3-1

Surprise, surprise, Atlanta's back in the postseason party. Not a lot of people expected them to clinch an unprecedented 13th straight division title, but they went the extra mile by essentially winning the division in August. The bigger surprise, though, is the fact that the Houston Astros are alive and kicking after being left for dead at .500 during the All-Star Break.

The Astros have won 18 straight at home in Minute Maid Park, but what they do in Turner Field in Games 1 and 2 will determine how the series plays out. They'll send out their best, Roy Oswalt and Roger Clemens, and might need to win both games to have the best shot at taking the series.

If Atlanta can salvage a split before heading to Houston, I think the Braves will be in great shape. The Astros don't have a legitimate number three starter, and will be relying on Brandon Backe against a revitalized Mike Hampton in Game 3. Not only that, but the Braves have historically had Houston's number, dominating their three previous playoff series.

Chances are that the Braves will surprise everyone by upending Clemens or Oswalt at home (or maybe both), and put the squeeze on the 'Stros at Minute Maid Park. Ultimately, pitching depth will decide this series, and Atlanta has the edge.

American League Championship Series
Minnesota Twins over Boston Red Sox, 4-2

National League Championship Series
St. Louis Cardinals over Atlanta Braves, 4-3

World Series
Minnesota Twins over St. Louis Cardinals, 4-2


You can give your opinion, ask questions or talk about whatever baseball. So what do you all think?

[eestlinc]

The Braves will dominate Houston like they have the last two times the teams met in the postseason. St Louis will probably handle the Dodgers without too much trouble. I think the Angels will be very tough for the Red Sox, but I think the Sox will prevail in 5. The Yankees will be tough as always but Minnesota will knock off the evil empire. I'm rooting for an old school Boston World Series, Red Sox vs Braves.

[Del Murder]

Personally I see Anaheim returning to the form they were in two years ago and making it to the WS. From the NL I'd say either Houston or Chicago.
Pretty good picking I'd say. Might as well stick to my guns and pick Houston over Anaheim. Go 'Stros!

I bought a portable radio at Best Buy today so I can listen to the games at work. I'm stoked about the playoffs, though my Bay Area teams were a combined two games out of the running. Baseball postseason is always a magical experience. There is a lot of games and I think you can get something different in each one to make it exciting, unlike the NBA. And football goes to quickly.

[m4tt]

I'm happy as long as the Yankees and Dodgers fail to make it to the World Series.

[eestlinc]

I'm glad all the teams I picked to win so far won game 1. Now the BRaves have to keep it up. For the record, the Braves are 9-1 vs the Astros in the playoffs, winnign all three NLDS meetings.

[The Captain]

The Astros completely dominated the Braves today. Sorry, Eest, but the Astros look mighty tough, though if they lose Beltran for some time, that could be a problem.

And what a game in the Bronx, the Yogism still holds true.

Take care all.

[Kirobaito]

It was all Twins' management. They knew they had left Nathan in too long, but they still kept him in longer. It bit them in the butt.

On a lighter note, Kevin Brown pitches in Game 3. That should be a laugher. Go Twins!

[eestlinc]

One thing this year's Braves team has that recent ones haven't is heart. They have to earn every win they get, they had to come back in the second half, and they don't give up. Plus, the Braves have better third and fourth starters than the Astros. The Astros are the hot team, but the Braves are the better team.

edit: see :D

[Del Murder]

What about that win steak at Minute Maid? Houton was my pick to win it all at the beginning of the season and they still are now.

[eestlinc]

18 straight home wins? Not going to last much longer. The Braves are actually going to score some runs out there. A few years ago the Astros won game 1 against the Braves 6-1 and then proceeded to lose three straight. The Astros were up 2-0 in the 7th and their "great closer" Lidge loses the lead. The Braves bullpen didn't give up a single hit. in 5.2 innings. The Braves have been getting tons of baserunners against the Astros good pitchers. Against the weak pitchers they will actually drive them in.

[XenoSphere]

I just hope the Yankees LOSE. :mad2:
I hate them.

[Strider]

About that Joe Nathan thing...

I can understand what Ron Gardenhire was trying to do. When you're staring down the heart of one of the strongest lineups in the league, you want your best man on the mound. Nathan, as some of you might know, used to be a starter before reinventing himself as a top setup man in San Francisco in 2003. He's also the Twins' best pitcher now, no surprise, lights-out as he was all season long. It would've been a tremendous risk to bring in J.C. Romero, a lefty, and so I'm not gonna hold the backfire against Gardenhire.

[Del Murder]

Boston looks pretty unstoppable right now. At least my A's could get two games off them. What an embarrasment for Anaheim.

[Dingo Jellybean]

Somebody get baseball a salary cap. No luxury tax. It's just chunk change to NY.

It's like this every year. NY teases us that they'll lose by droping the first game...then proceeds to come back THREE :love::love::love::love:ING TIMES to beat Minnesota.

And why was Santana let go after 87 pitches? Gawd. Here we go again...Boston teasing us like they'll actually win and NY teases us like they'll actually lose...only to tease us all again.

[eestlinc]

the American League is for suckers

[Del Murder]

Looks like the Astros weak pitchers got it done. Now they get to see Clemens and Oswalt again and have to beat them both.

Houston over Boston in six

[The Captain]

I never thought I'd be able to say it again for good reason but here it is:

It's Lima Time!! What a game he pitched.

Take care all.

[Yamaneko]

He pitched a hell of a game. Go Dodgers!

[Strider]

The Dodgers got lucky and you know it.

Lima's hand tapped that bunt of his in the third inning. And even if the umpires hadn't caught that one, Brett Mayne should've been out at second. Without that break, it's still a scoreless game and who knows what happens?

Stupid L.A...

[eestlinc]

Clemens threw over 110 pitches last start and is going on three days rest. And he's 42 years old. And the Braves got a lot of base runners against him. The reason the Braves lost game 3 is because John Thomson reinjured himself in the first inning and their pitching was thrown off balance all night. Russ Ortiz and Jaret Wright can and will shut the Astros down. JD Drew and Chipper Jones can't stay cold forever.

[White Raven]

I don't know that much aboot Baseball, but I found this humourous:

[The Captain]

Boston can't begin to talk smack until they actually prove something when it counts.

Take care all.

[Kirobaito]

Though that graphic is true. And does make a statement.

[eestlinc]

another gutsy comeback.

[Del Murder]

Man, the Braves really got lucky today against the clearly better team, but that's what you get when you play cheaply like that. I guess every dog has their day.

Ok, just kidding. I like to get under eest's skin every now and then. Atlanta made an impressive comeback to force a game 5 at home, quite a favorable situation. The pressure is on Oswalt now. This has turned out to be the best series thus far.

[eestlinc]

i was going to throttle you at first... :D

Oswalt on three days rest is not so favorable. Wright should be better. Then again, if Tim McClelland is the home plate umprie again, who knows. He was the home plate umpire for both game one and the game in San Diego where Wright was horrible and only lasted a few outs.

[Del Murder]

I meant favorable for Atlanta. They have all the momentum now. I'm glad the Cards won so I can at least see this game 5 after work. Should be a good one.

[eestlinc]

I think the Braves have the momentum, but they came home for game 5s in the NLDS each of the last two years and lost. However, neither time did they face a pitcher on three days rest.

[Del Murder]

Well personally I think the three days rest thing is overrated. Is there an actual stat kept somewhere that shows that pitchers on three days rest do so much worse?

I think Boston can, and should, send Schilling out there 3 times in the ALCS (assuming there is a game 7).

[eestlinc]

well, three days rest isn't a big deal if you do it all the time, but here's a good stat courtesy of espn.com:

Over the last six postseasons, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, Clemens was the 40th pitcher to start a game on short rest. Teams taking that gamble now have a '62-Mets-like record of 11-29 in those 40 games. The record of those pitchers themselves is 7-20, with an ERA north of 5.00.

edit: and make Odalis Perez #41.

[Del Murder]

Ouch. Well Schilling is no Odalis Perez, but this doesn't look good for Oswalt. Thanks for the stat.

[Kirobaito]

I don't think it will make that much of a difference with Oswalt, considering the way he pitches. While his fastball is usually in excess of 95, and it probably won't be today, he simply uses it as a complement to his slow curve, somewhere around 60 mph. It's not really fair for hitters. Transitioning from a 98 mph fastball to a 60 mph curveball is not that different than from a 93 mph fastball to a 60 mph curveball.

This would, of course, be different than for someone like Clemens, who doesn't have a gap like THAT from his primary pitch to his secondary pitch.

[XxSephirothxX]

The Braves have barely been hanging on, but man, what a great game yesterday! They made quite a comeback. I'm rooting for em to win today, although I don't want to get my hopes up. They get screwed in the playoffs far too often... :mad:

[SeeDRankLou]

The Astros killed the Braves!!! Hahaha...finally....WOOHOO!!!! (is a Houston resident and Astros fan)

[eestlinc]

i hate the 5 game NLDS more than anything. I also hate Chris Reitsma.

[Kirobaito]

Go Astros!

[The Captain]

So much for Curt Schilling.

Take care all.

[Del Murder]

He'll be back in game 4 I think. Whether or not he can be Schilling is yet to be seen. There is obviously something wrong and if he can't perform Boston is doomed.

Go 'Stros!

[The Captain]

I must say, Al Leiter is an excellent TV analyst. When he retires, Fox or ESPN should sign him up to call games.

Big blow for the Boston Red Sox, as they lose again and now appear to have lost Schilling.

I have to say, though I know I'm in the minority here as a Yankee fan, you have to respect how good Mo Rivera is.

Take care all.

[eestlinc]

if this is a Yankees-Cardinals World Series, it will be quite a departure from the power-pitching world series of recent years. every game will be won 12-10. definitely something different.

[Del Murder]

I'm sure under the definition of clutch you would see a picture of Rivera.

A slugfest would be an interesting change of pace. Houston and Boston can hit the ball well too. Four excellent lineups in the running this year.

[Dingo Jellybean]

Well...there goes the Yankees...again. -_-

You know, I want to be a fan of the Red Sox...but not when they're continously embarassed.

I'm surprised people still watch baseball, since it's so damn predictable that NY wins everything every year.

[eestlinc]

the Yankees haven't won the World Series since 2000 and they haven't won yet it this year either.

[Dingo Jellybean]

the Yankees haven't won the World Series since 2000 and they haven't won yet it this year either.

But at some point you get sick of them grabbing the Division title and AL Pennant.

[SeeDRankLou]

The series is tied!!!

Go 'Stros!!

[eestlinc]

well yea, but that's why you root for the NL team. You get the Expos next year. NL > AL.

[Kirobaito]

Jeter is on steroids. [/lie]

[The Captain]

Deep down, every team and every fan wishes they had Derek Jeter.

Take care all.

[Kirobaito]

I personally don't. Our shortstop is better, and he isn't even a shortstop.

[Dingo Jellybean]

Oh man, that ALCS Game 5 was so exciting. I can't believe Boston won 2 straight...in extra innings...AGAINST THE YANKEES!

Oh man...but I must calm down. Knowing NY, they'll somehow find a way to come back.

Although Sheffield should win AL MVP, Ortiz might win ALCS MVP.

[The Captain]

Thing is though, even if the Red Sox somehow defy the odds and make it to the World Series, where will Ortiz play when they play in the NL? The Yanks have a much better chance in the World Series against the NL since they don't rely so heavily on a player whose best position is "Bat".

Take care all.

[Dingo Jellybean]

Thing is though, even if the Red Sox somehow defy the odds and make it to the World Series, where will Ortiz play when they play in the NL? The Yanks have a much better chance in the World Series against the NL since they don't rely so heavily on a player whose best position is "Bat".

Take care all.

He use to play 1B, but was never really that great. He was so bad, he averaged an error for every 4 games. But his offensive power is too much not to put in the lineup.

[The Captain]

So, they'd take out Millar then in place of Ortiz? They'll have to make a very tough choice about who plays and who sits, IF, and it's a very big IF they advance. I still don't see them making it, to be frank, but sports are played on the field. Everything else is just speculation, which is what makes sports so great.

Take care all.

[eestlinc]

It would be so historic for the Sox to win the last two games of the ALCS that the only thing that could be more historic is for them to win the WS too.

Of course, the Red Sox don't need to get any production out of Ortiz in the NL park because thanks to the stupid all-star game, they get 4 home games and could win all of them.

[Del Murder]

Go 'stros! Beltran is something else, though Kent was the hero tonight. Actually, Backey probably was. Go Boston and Houston!

I'd want Jeter because Jeter doesn't lose. He's like Tom Brady, not the best, but finds a way to win when it counts. I'd take him over any SS in the majors.

[Yamaneko]

Boston and Houston, yes. Boston's gonna screw up though. :cry:

[edczxcvbnm]

I would like it if Boston beat NY. I just don't like NY. I also want the Cards to win. I think everything got really interesting tonight. Imagine how tired the pitchers are going to be in game 6 of the ALCS. They just came off of Back to Back extra innings and not short ones either.

I also think the catch phrase they use is stupidly funny "You can't script October" meaning that all the other months are scripted :D

[Strider]

Off the top of my head, no team in postseason history has ever come back from a 3 games to none deficit to win a best-of-seven series. I could be wrong, but either way... the odds are stacked against the Sox, especially since they have to go back to the Bronx.

And concerning Millar and Ortiz... well, they'd probably play Ortiz either way, since St. Louis and Houston are both stacked with righties in their rotation.

[eestlinc]

while no team has ever come back from being down 3-0 in a best of seven, with the pitching situation, who knows. If Schilling can actually pitch without his leg falling off, that could be all the Sox need.

[Dingo Jellybean]

Wow...just wow. *crosses fingers*

[The Captain]

It wouldn't be Yanks-Sox unless it went 7.

Take care all.

[edczxcvbnm]

I can't believe it. I never saw this one coming. Everything went right for the Sox. Rodriguz was a damn fool for doing what he did. Take the out and let the other guy move on to second. No force play and keeps the team in a better position.

[eestlinc]

The Yankees are going to have to find a way to put the last three games behind them. The Red Sox need to score early and take the crowd out of the game.

[Strider]

You have to wonder, though. If the Red Sox win Game 7 and advance to the World Series, will Curt Schilling be able to pitch? It was gettin' brutal out there after a while, and it'd be a nice luxury to have a power pitcher like him against stacked power lineups in Houston and St. Louis.

[Del Murder]

Ruben Sierra will play the role of Aaron Boone. I have a feeling.

It all depends on the knuckler, really. That is a live or die pitch and will probably dictate the pace of the game.

[Strider]

Ruben's only been with 'em for half a season?

I'll take John Olerud, I guess. But I still think the Red Sox can pull it off.

[Kirobaito]

Sierra was traded to the Yankees halfway through <i>last</I> season from the Rangers. So he's been there a season and a half.

[escobert]

Sox all the way.

[Kirobaito]

B! B! B! B! B! B! B! B! B! B! B! B

Does anyone else fear that they've been watching far too much FOX?

[Del Murder]

That Big Fat Boss show looks amusing.

[The Captain]

I'm actually glad game 7 is turning out the way it is:

1. Boston will FINALLY stop whining. A much better story than Boston getting back to the series: Perhaps Houston making it there for the first time ever!

2. The Yanks can clean house and begin to rebuild a team a la 1996.

Take care all.

[Dingo Jellybean]

Oh man, oh no...oh <img src=http://forums.eyesonff.com/images/smilies/lovesmile.gif><img src=http://forums.eyesonff.com/images/smilies/lovesmile.gif><img src=http://forums.eyesonff.com/images/smilies/lovesmile.gif><img src=http://forums.eyesonff.com/images/smilies/lovesmile.gif>in no.

Deja-vu.

Last year, Game 7...7th inning, Pedro had a meeting with G. Little to stay in the game to pitch to Matsui. Matsui doubles off the right field wall to get a rally started.

Fast forward 1 year, same inning, same pitcher, same batter. Result? Deja-Vu.

God...damn you Pedro...don't blow it!

[soulICE]

Papi saved our butts so many times :D

at least now i can resume breathing now that ITS OUR YEAR BAYBEH!

10-3.. oh yeah!

it would take the worst kind of luck (say.. he lets them score 8+ runs) for pedro to screw it up again. *sigh*

yanks r teh sux0r

[Dingo Jellybean]

Wow...I cannot believe it. Of all teams to come back from a 3-0 deficit in ANY sport...and against the Yankees?!!! Of all teams? A team with 39 AL Pennants and 26 WS?

Wow.

This might reverse the curse. Now NY may go into a century long slump and Boston may become their cross-sport rival...ala Celtics.

But not if Baltimore has anything to say about it! Well...maybe.

[Del Murder]

Houston will beat them in 7, and it will be the greatest punchline in sports history.

Good for them to get there, though. Like Cap said it's a much better story. I'm sure most of us are sick of the Yanks by now.

[Dingo Jellybean]

Houston will beat them in 7, and it will be the greatest punchline in sports history.

Good for them to get there, though. Like Cap said it's a much better story. I'm sure most of us are sick of the Yanks by now.

I was sick of the Yankees when I first watched them in 1996, when NY swept a 4-game series in Baltimore, and then Jeffrey Maier caught that ball that should have been an out, but ruled an opposite field HR by Derek Jeter. That completely turned the series around because Baltimore was up in that game and eventually lost it. NY eventually won the WS that year, coming back from 0-2 against Atlanta.

[eestlinc]

no way Boston loses in the World Series. And you shouldn't feel sorry for the Astros just because they haven't ever been to the WS. You have to earn it, and they have their chance tomorrow. If you want to feel sorry for a team that has never been to the WS and had their chance stolen, root for the Expos. Or the former Expos...

[edczxcvbnm]

I read in the paper today that the only sport to have a 0-3 deficit and came back was in hockey and it happened twice. But never anywhere else. It sure is a hell of a rarity and if you come back from something like that then you deserve to go on and get every ounce of praise coming your way.

Go Boston!

[Strider]

I might as well cross-post this from my LiveJournal...

__________________________________

The number 86 seems to have a lot of significance in New England sports. Consider the following...

- The last time the Boston Celtics won an NBA title? 1986. It was also the year Larry Bird ruled all, earning regular season and postseason MVP honors in '85-'86, as well as being crowned the 3-point king the following season.
- On February 3, 2002, the New England Patriots won their first Super Bowl. Tom Brady was the MVP, and he threw one touchdown pass against the St. Louis Rams that day. It was to David Patten, whose jersey number happens to be 86.
- The first time the Patriots even made the Super Bowl was on January 26, 1986. They got crushed by the Chicago Bears, of course, but their leading receiver on the day was a guy named Stanley Morgan. He too, wore jersey number 86.
- Cam Neely, beloved by Boston Bruins fans, was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks in 1986.
- Marvelous Marvin Hagler, a native of Massachusetts, defended his middleweight boxing title for the last time in 1986.
- The Red Sox last appeared in the World Series in 1986. We all remember what happened there...
- It's been 86 years now since the Red Sox last won a World Series title. 1918 was the last year they brought home a winner.
- In this series, the Red Sox and Yankees combined to score <i>exactly</i> 86 runs. If you don't believe me, do the math... 10-7, 3-1, 19-8, 6-4, 5-4, 4-2, 10-3. 17 + 4+ 27 + 10 + 9 + 6 + 13 = 86

This has gotta be some kind of cosmic harmonic convergance of some sort. Perhaps now the Red Sox will 86 the curse?

[escobert]

SOX!!!!!

[Del Murder]

A caller on a radio show today pointed out that this world series could be a battle of the presidential candidates. Kerry, from Boston and a Red Sox 'fan' (I doubt he could name half the starting lineup), and W., who used to own the Houston Astros. Of course the 'Stros would need to win tonight...

[Kirobaito]

Boston fans by the end of that game were shouting, a la Pedro's new chant, "Who's your caddie?" *du du du-du-du* :D

I was listening to Dan Patrick on my way home from school, and he pointed out that if Houston wins, and the series goes to 7, then Game 7 will be Clemens v. Pedro at Fenway. Clemens could win a WS in his last game ever. Pedro could win a WS in his last game as a Red Soc.

[escobert]

Sox will win it all. SL and Houston can't stand up against em :D

[Del Murder]

Looks like it will be a slugfest. Two potent lineups going at it.

[Dingo Jellybean]

I always hear how Roger Clemens will win Cy Young, but to be honest...Randy Johnson should win it. Every stat, other than wins, RJ has the advantage over RC. Astros average over 2 runs more for RC's starts than the Diamondbacks for RJ's starts, that's why RJ almost has a losing record.

Not dissing RC, but RJ not winning the Cy Young would be a real mockery to the award, since it's for the best pitcher...not the best pitcher on a winning team.

[eestlinc]

W was a part owner of the Rangers. Maybe he was a part owner of the Astros too, but no matter anymore.

[The Captain]

I'm sticking with my prediction of the Cards winning the series, as they managed to have an offense almost as high powered as Boston and without a DH. I think they'll have a HUGE advantage when Boston goes to St. Louis and has to decide who they won't play since they won't use the DH. Will Ortiz play the field?

Take care all.

[escobert]

He better play the field :D. I just hope we can keep the hitting up.

[Strider]

Yeah, it's been confirmed that Ortiz will be playing first base over Millar when they play in St. Louis. They'd be crazy not to do that after his insane ALCS, and I don't think it'll really be detrimental since Boston has homefield advantage.

First, Clemens blew the All-Star Game, and then the NLCS. Go figure.

[The Captain]

Defensive Advantage is quite clearly in St Louis' favor then.

Take care all.

[Strider]

Well, that's not necessarily true. Aside from Ortiz at first base, Boston's infield defense is just about as good as St. Louis'. They may not have as much range as the Cardinals, but Bellhorn, Cabrera and Mueller are fundamentally sound. And if the Red Sox can get through the starters and carry leads into the late innings, they have Doug Mientkiewicz - a two-time Gold Glover - to replace Ortiz.

[soulICE]

that, and johnny is out of his slump for good.

neandertal/jesus :love:

[Del Murder]

Nothing is for good in baseball.

[The Captain]

Matchups:

1B: Pujols - Millar/Ortiz/Mientkiewicz - I'd call this an advantage for St Louis as Pujols has been playing 1B all season and won't have to make such a drastic transition from game to game like the Red Sox will. I also think Pujols is a more complete player than Ortiz, no matter how good a hitter Ortiz is. Pujols is, aside from Barry Bonds, the most dominate player in baseball.

2B: Womack - Bellhorn - I'd call this one a draw. Both get on base and play solid in the field. Womack strikes out less and puts the ball in contact more, which could be critical if St. Louis opts to run.

SS: Renteria - Cabrera - I give the advantage to St. Louis here as Renteria has played in the World Series before and has a bigger bat. Both play excellent defense, but the offense and experience for Renteria tips the scales.

3B: Rolen - Mueller - This is a HUGE advantage for St. Louis as Rolen may well be the best defensive 3rd baseman in the game, though Beltre is catching up, and he swings a serious bat. Mueller is solid defensively and is beginning to come around, but there really is no comparison here.

C: Matheny/ Varitek - HUGE advantage offensively for Boston, HUGE advantage defensively for Matheny. Overall, I'll give it to Varitek who is the heart and soul of the team.

CF: Edmonds/Damon - An interesing matchup, but overall, you have to take Edmonds here as his defense is FAR superior to Damon. If Damon continues to stay hot, he can play about evenly with Edmonds on offense.

LF: Sanders/Ramirez - slight advantage defensively for St. Louis, but Manny wins this overall matchup with his hugely superior offense, though he needs to collect an RBI in this series if the Sox want to win it.

RF: Walker/Nixon - I'd call this even as Walker's age is cancelled by Nixon's slow recovery from injury. Based on career numbers, this should be a huge advantage for St. Louis, but Walker is no where near the player who won 4 gold gloves.

DH: Mabry - Ortiz - HUGE advantage for the Red Sox.

SP: St. Louis - Red Sox - If Schilling can stay healthy, and that remains a big if, then the advantage goes to the Red Sox. However, if he cannot pitch twice in this series, I'd call the two rotations about even.

Bullpen: Overall, I give a slight advantage to the Red Sox as the St. Louis pen is nursing injuries, though the St. Louis pen was amazing this season.

Closer: I give the advantage to Foulke who was outstanding in the previous series, but neither closer is tested on the biggest stage, so things may change.

Overall: I'm going to believe the Red Sox will play well, but ultimately are too drained from the series against the Yanks and that St. Louis wins in 6. Sure, both teams had to play seven games, but the Red Sox seem destined for a letdown as everyone seems to think the championship is in the bag after finally vanquishing the Yanks. St. Louis was easily the best team in the Major Leagues this year and I think they show why.

Take care all.

[Del Murder]

Wouldn't it be great if Boston came out 3-0 and then got beat four in a row? I would believe in curses if that happened.

[Kirobaito]

Can I get an "xD" from anyone? And I remember when some commentator said that Ramirez was usually a great outfielder.

[eestlinc]

go Red Sox!

[The Captain]

Only regret the Sox might have is not winning the series in Boston, but they'll certainly take it.

As it's said, the games are played on the field and not on paper, and Boston just flat out, out played the Cardinals. By the way, what got in to Derek Lowe?

Congrats to the Red Sox, may they savor this victory for what looms on the horizon might not be pretty as they have a LOT of free agents this coming winter.

Take care all.

[Dingo Jellybean]

I never liked the Red Sox. I only liked them because they came back against the Yankees...of all teams.

But Cubs are the team everyone will look at now. Too bad they won't be as good next year as they were this year. The Cubs should have been in the World Series. Now a Boston/Chicago WS won't look so sexy anymore.

But I was always a Cubs fan...and an Orioles fan.

[eestlinc]

no way Boston loses in the World Series.

:D

amazing. I thought the Cardinals pitchers were overachieving all year and when Chris Carpenter went down, the Cards starting rotation just didn't have enough to shut down an offense as great as Boston's. What an amazing team effort by te Red Sox.

[Yamaneko]

I'd like to congratulate the Red Sox on their win of the World Series. Here's to another 86 year drought. :D

[eestlinc]

But Cubs are the team everyone will look at now. Too bad they won't be as good next year as they were this year.

The Cubs sucked this year, although I agree they won't be better next year.

[Del Murder]

Does anyone else think Foulke should have gotten the MVP instead of Manny?

[The Captain]

Has baseball always waited until after the World Series until it announces the League MVP and Cy Young awards?

Maybe I'm confusing it with the NBA, where if I recall correctly, the awards get announced before the Finals.

Foulke was outstanding. Honestly, Boston should have gotten a team MVP award because this truly was a complete team effort.

Take care all.

[Del Murder]

Have they even announced them at all?

[eestlinc]

Jeff Suppan should get MVP for completely folding on third base and allowing Boston to take a stranglehold in game 3.

The season awards always get announced the week after the World Series is over.

[Dingo Jellybean]

TSN named Barry Bonds its MVP. But in terms of the AP, they usually do it after the WS.

The NBA traditionally does it after the first round or so.

[escobert]

yay SOX!!! :D

[Dingo Jellybean]

I still think Sheffield should be AL MVP. None of the 3 other canidates like Guerrero, Ramirez, or Ortiz plays defense like Sheffield, and none of them have the arm that Sheffield does.

Sheffield's numbers are just about equal to every other canidate, but his defense should propel him to the award...and he played on the best REGULAR season team in New York, since awards favor winning teams...it should go to Sheffield.

[The Captain]

Whoa, Dingo are you serious?! Vlad is a much better defensive player than Sheffield and he just might have the strongest arm in MLB history. I saw him throw a ball from the batter's box over the left field fence before a Yankees game earlier this year.

Sheffield had a great year, but Vlad single-handedly took the Angels into the playoffs. It's a tight race, but I give the MVP to him.

Take care all.

[Del Murder]

I agree with the Captain. Sheff's arm does not compare to Vlad. The Yankees would have been in the playoffs without Sheffield. Tha A's would have been in the playoffs if Anaheim didn't have Vlad. It's just that simple. He was the only constant on that injury-ridden team.

[Kirobaito]

TSN voted Buck Showalter and Ron Gardenhire co-Managers of the Year. Now, nothing against Ron Gardenhire, but Buck deserved that award by himself. Gardenhire led his team to the playoffs the last two years, and it probably helped to have Santana randomly do what he did, which is not a luxury that Showalter ever had. He led a team that was expected to lose 100+ games in the playoff hunt for 158 games this season. There is no "co-MotY" here. There should be no question that Showalter has done the best job in the majors this year.

[Venom65437]

I can't believe the Sox did it. Congradulations to them thou.

[Del Murder]

Buck did a good job, I agree with you and your see-through-like-paper-plate-of-KFC Rangers bias for once KB. But if the words 'Kenny Rogers' and 'Cy Young' ever start creeping into the same sentence I'm going to have to excuse myself from the table. :D

[Dingo Jellybean]

Whoa, Dingo are you serious?! Vlad is a much better defensive player than Sheffield and he just might have the strongest arm in MLB history. I saw him throw a ball from the batter's box over the left field fence before a Yankees game earlier this year.

Sheffield had a great year, but Vlad single-handedly took the Angels into the playoffs. It's a tight race, but I give the MVP to him.

Take care all.

You can look at the Fielding percentage this year. Sheffield will win the Gold Glove for his position. His fielding percentage his higher than Guerrero's and Sheffield made 5 errors all season compared to Guerrero's 9.

I don't think Vlad alone propelled Anaheim to the playoffs, if he did he should've propelled them to the WS. As good as Sheffield is, he didn't take his team into the playoffs alone, but he's been as consistent a defender as there is, and making only 5 errors through the year is enough to give him a gold glove...maybe, Ichiro might get his 4th straight gold glove, but I think Shef will get it though.

EDIT: Scratch that. Shef will not win a GG. Ichiro will. Anyone who makes 3 errors in 158 games and has a .992 fielding percentage should win.


Buck did a good job, I agree with you and your see-through-like-paper-plate-of-KFC Rangers bias for once KB. But if the words 'Kenny Rogers' and 'Cy Young' ever start creeping into the same sentence I'm going to have to excuse myself from the table. :D

LMAO, you're damn right about KB's bias.

But it's not like Kenny Rogers was bad himself. And don't tell me Minnesota's lineup is nearly as potent as Texas'. Minnesota has a better pitcher, Texas has a better lineup, so you trade off. I agree, but I give the slight edge to Gard.

<b>EDIT: USe edit/delete next time please. -SD</b>

[The Captain]

The thing with Gold Gloves in the outfield is that I think they just give 3 of them to outfielders and not specifically to each position of the outfield, so for instance, three Left Fielders could all win Gold Gloves. Or, perhaps I'm mistaken.

Take care all.

[Del Murder]

I'm pretty sure each position gets one. I hope Kotsay gets one, he's played some great d this year, though Torii Hunter is outstanding.

[Del Murder]

No one hits a bad ball better than Guerrero. You can one hop the pitch home and he'll still hit it out.

[Dingo Jellybean]

No one hits a bad ball better than Guerrero. You can one hop the pitch home and he'll still hit it out.

I have to disagree. Carlos Beltran and Barry Bonds are the 2 best bad ball hitters.

Proof? Remember when J. Tavarez injured his hand in the NLCS? That's because he threw a low and away pitch, so low it was at Beltran's ankle. What did Beltran do with the pitch? He jacked it for a HR, he hit it like a tee shot.

Bonds...well, I don't think I need to say anymore than that.

[The Captain]

Actually, the thing with Bonds, and I think you'll agree with me Dingo on this, is that Bonds doesn't see or hit any bad balls because he won't swing at them.

Vlad has been doing it for longer than Beltran so I give him the current title of best bad ball hitter and this is due not only to the fact that he's played longer, but also because he's much more of a free swinger. Though I wouldn't mind having either on my team.

Doomsday, perhaps you're misreading what I wrote, but I said Vlad deserves the MVP as well.

Take care all.

[Kirobaito]

Yeah, Vlad is the best bad-ball hitter. Although I still love the time when Carlos Almanzar struck him out on three straight sliders, all swings and misses, all more and more outside, up until the last one which was about 2 feet outside and Guerrero fell down trying to hit it.

And about the Cy Young...I don't think there's any question that Kenny Rogers deserves it. :D

In all seriousness, Drese was a better pitcher than him this year anyway. Santana for Cy Young, hands down.

[Dingo Jellybean]

Yeah, Vlad is the best bad-ball hitter. Although I still love the time when Carlos Almanzar struck him out on three straight sliders, all swings and misses, all more and more outside, up until the last one which was about 2 feet outside and Guerrero fell down trying to hit it.

And about the Cy Young...I don't think there's any question that Kenny Rogers deserves it. :D

In all seriousness, Drese was a better pitcher than him this year anyway. Santana for Cy Young, hands down.

So we all agree that Santana and Randy Johnson should get the Cy Young awards. Though in RJ's case, it's more like Cy Old. *rimshot*

[Del Murder]

Don't give up your day job, Dingo.

[Kirobaito]

Well, I'm still undecided about the NL Cy Young. I've got it narrowed down to RJ and Clemens, but I'm starting to lean toward Johnson.

[Del Murder]

I like you Doomsday. Were you one of the seven loyal Expo fans that went to the games this year?

[Del Murder]

My brother had an idea for a reality show where the winner got the Expos.

[Del Murder]

He had the idea before the Virgin one started promos. The actual substance of our show is yet to be determined.

[escobert]

The expos are done!?

[The Captain]

I'd actually pick Santana over those three, but of those three, Johnson, then Clemens, then Schilling.

Take care all.

[escobert]

Schilling

[The Captain]

Thing with Schilling is, will he ever be healthy again?

Take care all.

[The Captain]

Though he did say he wouldn't have been able to pitch game 6 of the Series had it gone that far.

I'll stick with youth and domination, which is why I'd take Santana.

Take care all.

[escobert]

I hope he's well for next season. We need him for another world series :D

[The Captain]

Honestly, I don't see the Sox repeating as many of the pieces will be leaving via free agency.

Take care all.

[escobert]

I know but shhhh I dont wanna cry myself to sleep tonight :(

[eestlinc]

I said Schilling deserved the Cy Young before the playoffs and I still think the same.

Outfield GOld GLoves go to any three outfielders, and usually go to center fielders. What else could they do with both Andruw Jones and Jim Edmonds in the same league?

Anyway, fielding percentage is a very misleading stat. It doesn't take into account how many balls you manage to field that others would not even get to. And besides, since when has Sheffield been a great fielder? That is a joke. He only has a strong arm in comparison to Bernie Williams next to him. Sheffield is a capable right fielder but nowhere near Gold Glove capabilities.

[The Captain]

Eest, if you look at overall stats, Santana completely blew Schilling out of the water: Lower WHIP, Lower ERA, more strikeouts, and his team scored a heck of a lot fewer runs for him than for Schilling. Was Schilling amazing in the playoffs? Yes, he was, but Santana had a better season and had his team scored more runs for him, he would have had more victories than Schilling as well.

Take care all.

[Del Murder]

And even then he only had one less.

[Strider]

I was kinda surprised at The Sporting News and the people they gave the hardware to. For example, Jason Schmidt as NL Pitcher of the Year. While I'm not complaining, I do know, though, that he stumbled just a little bit down the stretch in September, when his leg started acting up again. After a bit of analysis, though, I still have to hope the baseball writers give him more than a fleeting thought in the NL Cy Young voting.

You figure the top three candidates for the award are Schmidt, Randy Johnson and Roger Clemens. A lot of people are making a case for the Big Unit to win the award despite his wins and losses (16-14), but I found that he actually gave up more runs (88) than both Schmidt and Clemens. However, the defense behind him was awful enough to allow 17 unearned runs. If you reduce that number to 6 -- the same as Clemens' unearned runs -- his ERA jumps to a shade below 3.00. That's more comparable to Clemens and Schmidt.

Of the three, Schmidt hurled the most shutouts, while Johnson had the most innings. Johnson also gave up more hits than Clemens and Schmidt, but had considerably fewer walks. Johnson also led the NL in strikeouts, which I tend to think the voters overrate, but it nonetheless gives him an advantage. On top of that, his opponents' batting average is slightly better than Schmidt's (.197 vs. .202).

... Alright, you know what? I'll throw my weight behind Jason Schmidt to win the Cy Young, since he's my guy and all, but I fully expect Randy Johnson to come away with the win. Looking at the numbers, he really was just a notch above the rest this year.

[eestlinc]

I'm not saying Schilling had better stats. I'm saying Schilling was a better pitcher this year. It goes beyond quantification. It's based on my personal feeling that Schilling was the best pitcher in the American League this year. If you award the Cy Young on superior stats alone, why even bother voting? Why not just have a computer pick the winner?

[The Captain]

Santana pitched just as well as Schilling in the postseason, but played for a weaker team, so I don't hold that against him.

We'll agree to disagree, though I think if Schill can get to 220 wins or so, he's a lock for the Hall Of Fame. Then, again, why is Jack Morris not in there after his TEN INNING shutout in game seven of the world series a decade or so ago?

Take care all.

[Dingo Jellybean]

Pedro has more wins than Satchel Page...and he's already in the hall of fame.

But Schilling should be in the Hall of Fame. A shame he was a former Oriole.

[Strider]

Schilling in the Hall of Fame? Come on now.

Pedro Martinez, Kevin Brown and John Smoltz will have as legitimate a shot at the Hall of Fame when they're done as Schilling, if that tells you something. All of those guys are considered borderline, at best.

EDIT:

The only reason Pedro has more wins than Satchel Paige is because Paige didn't begin pitching in the majors until he was 42 years old. He only went 28-31 in the Majors, but look past all that. With his time in the Negro Leagues, Paige pitched for five decades. And straight up dominated, if I forgot to mention that, considered by everyone to be the best Negro League pitcher ever.

He racked up 64 scoreless innings in a row, longer than Orel Hershiser's recognized 58-inning streak in 1988. 21 straight wins at one point. 31-4 in 1933. Joe DiMaggio called him "the best and fastest pitcher" he'd ever faced.

[Del Murder]

Well wins are hard to compare with today's five man rotation and use of pitch counts. When the face of the game changes so should the mechanisms used to evaluate the best players.