MLB: The Playoffs

[Kent_Clark]

@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.

[jsc1953]

@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.

[Shniru]

@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!

[Maserschmidt]

@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. So sloppy and lopsided umping.

[Frank]

@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.

[Thudlow_Boink]

@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::

[Frank]

It’s bedtime, yet here I am watching Lance Lynn pitch. (If we go 11 again, I won’t make it.)

[mhendo]

@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.

[Frank]

@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.

[lieu]

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.

[Frank]

Nolan!

glug

[Frank]

Also, I vote that LaRussa retires right now.

[scabpicker]

And that’s it. Damn good series. Maybe we’ll make it back 3 times in a row…

[RickJay]

Well, you know what sucks?

Baseball season is over. Winter has begun.

[Mahaloth]

How far back was St. Louis two months ago? What are the odds they would win the World Series on September 1?

[scabpicker]

@RickJay

Well, you know what sucks?

Baseball season is over. Winter has begun.

But hockey just started, and the Stars are doing well!

[Frank]

@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.

[Kent_Clark]

@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!

[Cubsfan]

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.

[Frank]

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.