# Major League Baseball: The 2010 Playoffs **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** baseball-mlb\ **Created:** [October 6, 2010, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-the-2010-playoffs/556197 "2010-10-06T00:24:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 15
**Author:** ![Mince](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@Mince](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mince)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2010, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-the-2010-playoffs/556197/281 "2010-10-20T01:58:48Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > I am not able to dust the foul pole for baseball prints. Obviously. [QUOTE=Marley23] But my opinion wasn’t based on the replay, it was based on the live footage and then backed by the replay. I think the ball had already curved foul by the time it reached the pole. [/QUOTE] You wouldn’t be able to overturn the ruling of home run based on any of TBS’s replays and, if the umpires had no other source for replay, neither would they. ---
**Author:** ![Mince](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@Mince](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mince)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2010, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-the-2010-playoffs/556197/282 "2010-10-20T02:09:51Z")
> [@markdash](#): > > But you freely admit that you can’t definitively conclude that an atom of the ball did not make contact with an atom of the pole, based on Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle? And if he can’t definitively conclude that, how could he conclude “Berkman’s hit was definitely foul.”? ---
**Author:** ![Kyla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/eada6e/32.png) [@Kyla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyla)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2010, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-the-2010-playoffs/556197/283 "2010-10-20T02:15:02Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > By brother claims it glanced off the pole. I’m not sure. I didn’t see that so Mince has a point at least. To me it looked foul. My dad and I thought it glanced off the pole too, so we replayed TBS’ slow-mo shot in even slower-mo and eventually decided that the call was correct - it did not glance off the pole after all. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2010, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-the-2010-playoffs/556197/284 "2010-10-20T02:20:48Z")
Teixiera helped fro mthe field. Thames is in to pinch run for him; the presumption at this point is that Thames will enter the game in Teixiera’s spot, but will play outfield, and Swisher will play first. The announcers were talking about Berkam nmoving to first but that would lose the Yankees the DH, so I don’t see how that’s a better option. ---
**Author:** ![Hawkeyeop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/958977/32.png) [@Hawkeyeop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hawkeyeop)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2010, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-the-2010-playoffs/556197/285 "2010-10-20T02:21:50Z")
> [@Mince](#): > > And if he can’t definitively conclude that, how could he conclude “Berkman’s hit was definitely foul.”? We aren’t putting a person to death here. Really really likely is good enough. I agree with the thoughts on replay other than I’d take a poor replay system over none at all. ---
**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2010, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-the-2010-playoffs/556197/286 "2010-10-20T02:31:59Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > Teixiera helped fro mthe field. > > Thames is in to pinch run for him; the presumption at this point is that Thames will enter the game in Teixiera’s spot, but will play outfield, and Swisher will play first. > > The announcers were talking about Berkam nmoving to first but that would lose the Yankees the DH, so I don’t see how that’s a better option. Well we have already established they are not collectively very smart. Losing Teix is a huge blow. He really anchors the Yanks ‘D’ The injury looks bad, like miss rest of the postseason bad. I am hoping for only a charlie horse ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2010, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-the-2010-playoffs/556197/287 "2010-10-20T02:36:39Z")
The 3-run jack by Molina also not good for the Yankees. Geez, I do not like intentional walks. I mean, in extreme situations - tie game, bottom 9, men at second and third, you need a force - sure, but this early in the game all I can think is “Well, that’s just one more run if the pitcher throws a meatball,” and sure enough, Fifty Cent Head threw a meatball. I mean, David Murphy is a better hitter than Bengie Molina but we’re not talking about Barry Bonds here. And if you lack confidence in Burnett to get Murphy out - and I can’t help but notice he damn near heaved a pitchout over Cervelli’s head, so maybe that’s a clue too - shouldn’t you be bringing in some relief? ---
**Author:** ![Mince](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@Mince](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mince)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2010, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-the-2010-playoffs/556197/288 "2010-10-20T02:37:05Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > Teixiera helped fro mthe field. > > Thames is in to pinch run for him; the presumption at this point is that Thames will enter the game in Teixiera’s spot, but will play outfield, and Swisher will play first. > > The announcers were talking about Berkam nmoving to first but that would lose the Yankees the DH, so I don’t see how that’s a better option. Giving up the DH is the least likeable option. Your pitcher has to hit and you might have to pinch hit for relievers who would otherwise pitch another inning. It could cost them if this close game goes to extra innings. You could run out of relievers quickly or have a reliever batting with bases loaded and two outs. The announcer (not sure which, except it wasn’t Ernie Johnson) said “Grabbing the back of the leg is usually an indication of a hamstring.” Before that, I had thought grabbing the back of the leg was an indication of a brain injury. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2010, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-the-2010-playoffs/556197/289 "2010-10-20T02:42:42Z")
> [@Mince](#): > > The announcer (not sure which, except it wasn’t Ernie Johnson) said “Grabbing the back of the leg is usually an indication of a hamstring.” Before that, I had thought grabbing the back of the leg was an indication of a brain injury. What, you mean it’s not an elbow? Is it too much to ask that they hire some color commentators who can add some insight into the game? I remember when they used to get Al Leiter to do commentary. He was great. Every game he’d say three or four things and I’d think “Wow, that’s really interesting, I didn’t know that.” But they didn’t use him for long because apparently he’s too smart, and they have to use John Smoltz instead. I think it worth noting that John Smoltz is the guy who once suffered a serious burn on his chest because he tried to iron a shirt while he was wearing it. They picked that guy to be a color commentator. ETA: I see now Al Leiter’s on [MLB.COM](http://MLB.COM). I won’t pay for that though. ---
**Author:** ![Mince](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@Mince](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mince)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2010, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-the-2010-playoffs/556197/290 "2010-10-20T02:44:36Z")
> [@Hawkeyeop](#): > > We aren’t putting a person to death here. Really really likely is good enough. > > I agree with the thoughts on replay other than I’d take a poor replay system over none at all. I do not have an issue with ruling that a foul ball. My issue is with _overturning_ the ruling. If it had been called a foul ball initially and overturned to award a home run, I’d be making the same argument. My argument (either way) is based on MLB’s rules regarding replay: to overturn a ruling made on the field, the visual evidence must be conclusive. ---
**Author:** ![Hawkeyeop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/958977/32.png) [@Hawkeyeop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hawkeyeop)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2010, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-the-2010-playoffs/556197/291 "2010-10-20T02:55:06Z")
> [@Mince](#): > > I do not have an issue with ruling that a foul ball. My issue is with _overturning_ the ruling. If it had been called a foul ball initially and overturned to award a home run, I’d be making the same argument. My argument (either way) is based on MLB’s rules regarding replay: to overturn a ruling made on the field, the visual evidence must be conclusive. It is conclusive. It may not be 100% certain, but if it is 99% likely it still worth overturning. Or 90% or really even 60%. The goal is to get the calls right no? ---
**Author:** ![Mince](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@Mince](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mince)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2010, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-the-2010-playoffs/556197/292 "2010-10-20T03:01:33Z")
> [@Hawkeyeop](#): > > The goal is to get the calls right no? Sure, but I don’t how it could be done using any of the video I’ve seen as a tool. If the umpires used exclusive video to overrule the call, I wish PBS would show it. [QUOTE=Hawkeyeop] It may not be 100% certain, but if it is 99% likely it still worth overturning. Or 90% or really even 60%. [/QUOTE] How do you calculate certainty in this instance? ---
**Author:** ![Mince](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@Mince](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mince)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2010, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-the-2010-playoffs/556197/293 "2010-10-20T03:04:22Z")
Well, 7-3, it appears the Yankees season is done. They have Cliff Lee staring them in the face (in Arlington) in game 7; that’s _if_ they get past two of the Rangers’ lesser pitchers. This game isn’t over, of course, but a comeback isn’t likely. If not for a 5-0, late-inning comeback in game one, we’d be on the precipice of a sweep. ---
**Author:** ![storyteller0910](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecae2f/32.png) [@storyteller0910](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/storyteller0910)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2010, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-the-2010-playoffs/556197/294 "2010-10-20T03:39:07Z")
How was that last pitch to Alex Rodriguez not a strike? ---
**Author:** ![Mince](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@Mince](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mince)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2010, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-the-2010-playoffs/556197/295 "2010-10-20T03:47:47Z")
HPB, no call. Perfect game ruined; Yankees just lost a run. Man MLB needs replay. ---
**Author:** ![gonzomax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e8c25b/32.png) [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2010, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-the-2010-playoffs/556197/296 "2010-10-20T03:59:25Z")
Texas should have swept the Yankees. Time for the yanks to trade off the team and restart. Getting old and stale. ---
**Author:** ![Mince](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@Mince](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mince)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2010, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-the-2010-playoffs/556197/297 "2010-10-20T04:09:09Z")
Look at Pettitte’s forlorn expression. What, you’ve only won 15 rings in your career? Awwwwww. C’mere. Me kiss it and make it better. ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2010, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-the-2010-playoffs/556197/298 "2010-10-20T04:40:41Z")
Yanks were really robbed in the bottom of the 8th with no HBP called. We should have had replay for that _and_ for examining interference on the first HR. Otherwise, fun game. ---
**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2010, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-the-2010-playoffs/556197/299 "2010-10-20T05:28:00Z")
_Ignore everything in parentheses._ You gotta tip your cap to the Rangers, especially Ron Washington (cokehead) and Josh Hamilton (crackhead, drunk, steroid freak) and Bengie Molina (fat bastard)…I kid, I kid. The Rangers are playing great baseball, they look like the better team in every way. Girardi made some strange decisions, especially bringing in Mitre for the ninth. What is he saving Rivera for? Five innings should have been enough for Burnett, he should have been relieved to get that much. That’s not hindsight, after the fifth I was praying for a pitching change. It’s odd because last postseason it seemed like Girardi was over-managing and now it seems like he’s playing mid-July games. The Yankee offense has been Cano and Jeter and not much else. Posada is looking old and Swisher appears over-matched just like he did last year. Teixeira is hitless and A-Rod is missing in action. Bleh. Looks like another drought for the Yankees. 😉 I wonder how long we’ll have to wait for the their next championship. ---
**Author:** ![Mince](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@Mince](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mince)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2010, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-the-2010-playoffs/556197/300 "2010-10-20T05:38:18Z")
> [@BlankSlate](#): > > Looks like another drought for the Yankees. 😉 I wonder how long we’ll have to wait for the their next championship. I’m wagering months to the Cubs’ years. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-the-2010-playoffs/556197.md?page=14) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/major-league-baseball-the-2010-playoffs/556197.md?page=16)