# MLB: The Playoffs **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** baseball-mlb\ **Created:** [September 30, 2011, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-the-playoffs/598185 "2011-09-30T18:45:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 40
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-the-playoffs/598185/781 "2011-10-29T02:31:41Z")
> [@Shniru](#): > > It’s been awhile since I’ve watched baseball, but why do the pitchers keep coming up to bat so many times? What happened to the DH? I used to watch baseball back when Jose Conseco was playing for the Rangers; I think I remember him as the DH then. Is there not a special spot for that now, or what? The DH is not used in the National League ballpark. It was used in Texas during games 3-4-5. ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-the-playoffs/598185/782 "2011-10-29T02:37:54Z")
> [@Maserschmidt](#): > > So far this may be one of the worst Game 7s in memory, due in some large part to a wobbly strike zone. At this point (after 7) it’s either coming down to an incredibly exciting classic one-for-the-ages finish, or a major letdown after last night (unless you’re a Cards fan, of course). I’m guessing: the latter. ---
**Author:** ![Shniru](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4da419/32.png) [@Shniru](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shniru)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-the-playoffs/598185/783 "2011-10-29T02:38:21Z")
> [@kunilou](#): > > The DH is not used in the National League ballpark. Ah, I see. National League doesn’t have it. I didn’t realize the leagues had different rules. Any other big differences between AL and NL, out of curiosity? > [@jsc1953](#): > > At this point (after 7) it’s either coming down to an incredibly exciting classic one-for-the-ages finish, or a major letdown after last night (unless you’re a Cards fan, of course). I’m guessing: the latter. Hey! It ain’t over yet! Knock it off with them negative waves, man! ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-the-playoffs/598185/784 "2011-10-29T02:39:55Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > Sloppy games so far. Why shouldn’t the umps join in. True enough, though they’re [squeezing the Rangers a lot more than the Cardinals](http://www.brooksbaseball.net/pfxVB/zoneTrack.php?month=10&day=28&year=2011&game=gid_2011_10_28_texmlb_slnmlb_1%2F&prevDate=1028). So sloppy _and_ lopsided umping. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-the-playoffs/598185/785 "2011-10-29T02:44:12Z")
> [@Shniru](#): > > Any other big differences between AL and NL, out of curiosity? Nothing to write home about. The differences in strategy between the leagues are pretty much dependent on the DH. A bit more pinch-hitting and many more double switches in the NL. It all depends on one’s cup of tea. I’m an AL fan, and always have been, but I’ll have no problem when the DH finally goes the way of the GWRBI. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-the-playoffs/598185/786 "2011-10-29T02:53:38Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > FOX has this obsession with “camera shots of whatever our current hero is.” When the Yankees are in the playoffs it’s Derek Jeter; the camera constantly went to him even when he wasn’t involved in the play. When Aaron Boone hit the winning homer in the 2003 ALCS they showed as much footage of Derek Jeter being happy as they did of the guy who’d just hit the home run. > > This year, apparently, it’s Nolan Ryan. I swear they go to Ryan twenty times a game, at least. I don’t want to see Nolan Ryan, and I don’t think anyone else does either. I have nothing against Nolan Ryan, Nolan Ryan was a great pitcher but he’s not playing or coaching or managing. He’s sitting there in an overcoat. He’s not even interesting as a crowd reaction shot; if you want to show me spectators show me some people who actually react. But in general I want to see the guys who are actually, you know, participating in the baseball game. And, there another shot of Nolan Ryan. ::takes a drink:: ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-the-playoffs/598185/787 "2011-10-29T03:01:40Z")
It’s bedtime, yet here I am watching Lance Lynn pitch. (If we go 11 again, I won’t make it.) ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-the-playoffs/598185/788 "2011-10-29T03:14:41Z")
> [@Frank](#): > > It’s bedtime, yet here I am watching Lance Lynn pitch. (If we go 11 again, I won’t make it.) Don’t think it’s going to happen. Since the Rangers walked in the Cardinals’ fourth run, the result has had a feeling of inevitability about it. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-the-playoffs/598185/789 "2011-10-29T03:17:49Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > Don’t think it’s going to happen. > > Since the Rangers walked in the Cardinals’ fourth run, the result has had a feeling of inevitability about it. I tend to agree, but, y’know, if you’d have told me last night as I fell asleep that the 7-4 Rangers lead had a feeling of inevitability about it, I’d have tended to agree with that too. Here we go. ---
**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-the-playoffs/598185/790 "2011-10-29T03:19:46Z")
Rangers lost the Series last night. Game 7 just never had the feel of much more than a formality. Congrats to the Cards. Maybe we’ll meet again after another 162. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-the-playoffs/598185/791 "2011-10-29T03:19:51Z")
Nolan! _glug_ ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-the-playoffs/598185/792 "2011-10-29T03:22:01Z")
Also, I vote that LaRussa retires right now. ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-the-playoffs/598185/793 "2011-10-29T03:24:13Z")
And that’s it. Damn good series. Maybe we’ll make it back 3 times in a row… ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-the-playoffs/598185/794 "2011-10-29T03:24:26Z")
Well, you know what sucks? Baseball season is over. Winter has begun. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-the-playoffs/598185/795 "2011-10-29T03:26:28Z")
How far back was St. Louis two months ago? What are the odds they would win the World Series on September 1? ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-the-playoffs/598185/796 "2011-10-29T03:27:52Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > Well, you know what sucks? > > Baseball season is over. Winter has begun. But hockey just started, and the Stars are doing well! ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-the-playoffs/598185/797 "2011-10-29T03:30:09Z")
> [@Mahaloth](#): > > How far back was St. Louis two months ago? If I recall correctly, they were 10 1/2 games back of the wild card spot in late August. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-the-playoffs/598185/798 "2011-10-29T03:30:55Z")
> [@Mahaloth](#): > > How far back was St. Louis two months ago? What are the odds they would win the World Series on September 1? They were 10 1/2 games out of the wildcard spot on August 27. In the second week in September, an anonymous Cardinal fan got 500-1 odds that they’d win the pennant and in a separate bet, 999-1 odds that they’d win the Series. That guy is now $375,000 richer! ---
**Author:** ![Cubsfan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f4b2a3/32.png) [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-the-playoffs/598185/799 "2011-10-29T03:34:31Z")
I hope Cruz doesn’t hang himself or anything over last night. Losing the WS 2 years in a row is bad enough but missing a certain victory has got to mess with your head. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [October 29, 2011, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-the-playoffs/598185/800 "2011-10-29T03:39:09Z")
St. Louis now has increased their National League lead in both World Series played in and World Series won. They trail only the Yankees in both categories. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-the-playoffs/598185.md?page=39) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-the-playoffs/598185.md?page=41)