Texas choke 'em ...and other postseason ramblings

[quick]

Can you believe Texas blew a 5-0 lead against the Yanks in game 1? Jeez. I went to bed believing this game was over and then I see where the Yanks come back to win 6-5. A regular Texas bullpen meltdown.

The Yanks seem to be deep in the heads of Texas, much like they have Minnesota's number.

I hope Texas has a good sports psychiatrist on retainer....

Of course, after the Phils deposit SF in the wastebin, I suspect they'll hammer the Yanks, too, and as much as I hate the Phils, I hate the Yanks more....

[The Rap]

Hope you are watching today's game.

[Wahoo]

Giants just took Game 1 from the Phils. Awesome.

[Hobbes]

Giants just took Game 1 from the Phils. Awesome.
Indeed.

[Chris_Moderato]

Here's hoping for a Texas vs. San Fran Series. I'm sick of New York and Philadelphia.

[Hobbes]

Here's hoping for a Texas vs. San Fran Series. I'm sick of New York and Philadelphia.
Seconded.

Although I would wager the ratings for such a series would be pretty dismal.

[Braves_fever]

Rangers vs Giants would be original indeed.

Texas could have led 2-0, but they don't made the same mistake in game 2 while leading by several runs.

Texas offense is better than Yankees, they can do it and not to see Yanks in World series would be a benediction, this team is a range of machines, without soul.

Surprised by Giants win, if Sf become NL Champion it would be less painful and disappointing for me, but it will show how many regrets Braves can have too.

[bravos4evr]

Seconded.

Although I would wager the ratings for such a series would be pretty dismal.

well the networks will just have to deal with it. If thats all baseball is about then get rid of all the teams but NY and LA and Chicago Boston and Philly......

Baseball isn't about stoopid networks stupid ratings.

[Hobbes]

well the networks will just have to deal with it. If thats all baseball is about then get rid of all the teams but NY and LA and Chicago Boston and Philly......

Baseball isn't about stoopid networks stupid ratings.
Well I wasn't speaking so much about the impact to the networks, but rather the amount of interest the matchup would have to fans.

[bravos4evr]

I dunno, I'm sick of yankees this and red sox that.... I'm also sick of hearing about the Phillies..... If it's Yankees Phillies I won't be watching. If it's any other scenario i will, cuz then I will at least have someone to root for.

[IkeWagner]

They've played 8 in NY and Cliff Lee has been stupid good. 8 IP, 2 hits, 1 BB, 13 K's. Guy is unreal. Texas leads the game 2-0.

[Hobbes]

Texas leads the game 2-0.
Now 8-0, as the Rangers have blown it open in the 9th.

[Middle Man]

Now 8-0, as the Rangers have blown it open in the 9th.

Ha, I love it. I don't even mind seeing Francoeur get a hit. I think he's gonna be one of those guys who plays for about 10 different teams before he's done as all the hitting coaches want to take a crack at fixing him.

And Teixeira makes the last out. Very nice.

[IkeWagner]

Feliz is just bringing it, 98-100.

[bravos4evr]

The Rangers are my new BFF's!!!!

[Hillbilly]

And Teixeira makes the last out. Very nice.


Struck out by one of the prospects he was once traded for. I love it.

[Braves_fever]

We understand better why Lee was so desired by Yankees.
In France word by word translated that gives "Lee is the black beast of the Yankees" :D

[quick]

Great game. Watching Lee is much like watching Maddog, but with 94 mph stuff to go with all of the movement. A joy to watch--so calm and collected in going about his business.

[Hobbes]

Texas starting to open up a lead now in the 7th of game four. They lead 7-3.

[Hobbes]

Texas wins 10-3, and now leads the series 3-1. Yay!

[luvdembravos]

Ha, imagine Francoeur with a ring.

[Braves_fever]

With another Lee game if necessary, NYY are almost swept.

Rangers are so powerful, more than Yankees who are already high power batting.

Some Yankees fan want Girardi to resign, and that before game 4 already.

The reaction of joy of the Yankee fan who helped Cano's home run is one of the symbol why Yankees fans are so hatable.

I don't see Phils or Giants beat them, Texas is like a bulldozer.

[Middle Man]

That was a great play by Elvis in the 4th inning last night to possibly prevent a big inning by the Yankees. It makes me a little sad to the watch the Rangers.

[Chris_Moderato]

Ha, imagine Francoeur with a ring.

Great. Now I don't know who to root for...

The Giants knocked us out, which sucked. The Phillies are the Phillies and they inherently suck. The Yankees are the Yankees and **** them. The Rangers have Frenchy, which makes it hard to pull for them...still, I suppose that goofy jackass having a ring isn't reason enough not to root for them.

Go Rangers minus Frenchy!

[Hobbes]

Great. Now I don't know who to root for..
I will root for the Giants if they make it, or Texas if they're playing the Phillies. I prefer a National League winner if possible, unless it's a team I hate (like the Phillies).

If it's the Phillies vs the Yankees somehow, then I'm screwed.

[Braves_fever]

I will root for the Giants if they make it, or Texas if they're playing the Phillies. I prefer a National League winner if possible, unless it's a team I hate (like the Phillies).

If it's the Phillies vs the Yankees somehow, then I'm screwed.

I can understand the hate towards Yankees, but why so much hate for Phillies ? ( I'm french so i'm not aware of all rivalries vs Phillies ).

[Hobbes]

I can understand the hate towards Yankees, but why so much hate for Phillies ? ( I'm french so i'm not aware of all rivalries vs Phillies ).
First, they are a divisional rival of the Braves. I have a similar distaste for the Mets.

But the main reason is because I live in the Philly area (where I live is the suburbs of Philadelphia). Being around the obnoxious fans of this area gives me a strong dislike of all Philly teams. Their bandwagon support of the Phillies in recent years has only made them more annoying.

Attending games here with my wife and fearing for our safety from belligerent "fans" only strengthens that distaste. Even the New York fans do not exhibit the violent tendencies I have experienced from fans in this city. They take a perverse pride in that boorish behavior as well. Certainly there are many respectful fans here, but there is no way to tell which ones may start a fight just because you root for another team.

So that is why I hate the fans of this city, and the teams they root for. I actually had to root for the Yankees -shudder- last year in the World Series.

[bravos4evr]

If Texas wins today they are my new BFF's!!!!!!! lol

[Hobbes]

Giants just beat the Phils to go up 3 games to 1. :thumbsup:

[quick]

Giants just beat the Phils to go up 3 games to 1. :thumbsup:


Makes the Braves look good in losing to SF in four very close, one-run games. Also, I would never have thought the H2O Phils could be outpitched by SF, good as SF's staff is, as well as outhit. This is quite amazing.

[Hobbes]

Well the Phillies and Yankees have managed to hang it there for at least another game. I hope the Giants and Rangers don't blow this.

[Middle Man]

I have a bad feeling about the Phils-Giants series. The baseball gods were with the Phils last night in the 3rd inning. That's a bad sign when the baseball gods choose sides. I still think the Rangers are going to win.

[The Rap]

You know the networks are scared shtless that we will have a Series between the Giants and Rangers.

[IkeWagner]

Rangers up 6-1 in the 8th. The skankees are finished.

[Hobbes]

Texas wins it!

[IkeWagner]

Glorious.

[bravos4evr]

told ya they were my bff's!

[Hobbes]

Now if the Giants can just buckle down and finish the job.

[Dreamscape]

The best possible thing about the Rangers beating the Yanks...A-Rod caught looking to end the series. As deadspin said, A-Rod's finally worth $252 million to the Rangers.

[The Rap]

This is going to be one hell of an offseason here in NY as both NY teams attempt to rebuild. The Yankees face a real problem with the left side of their infield as both ARod and Jeter showed age for the first time. Posada is done and Pettite might not want to come back. Another huge problem is AJ Burnett because who would take on his contract? The Mets have too many problems to even begin addressing.

[Hobbes]

Giants clinging to a one-run lead in the bottom of the 9th.

[Hobbes]

Giants win!

PHILLIES LOSE!!!

[Chris_Moderato]

The Giants win the pennant! The Giants win the pennant! The Giants win the pennant! More importantly, Ryan Howard struck out looking and the Philly fans get to go cry home to their mamas!

[bravos4evr]

The Giants win the pennant! The Giants win the pennant! The Giants win the pennant! More importantly, Ryan Howard struck out looking and the Philly fans get to go cry home to their mamas!

Yes yes there is a god. I'm so stoked for the Rangers/ Giants matchup. The giants have the pitching edge but man can the Rangers hit..... should be a great series!

[Lauren T.]

I adore Brian Wilson. (http://multimedia.foxsports.com/m/video/33885681/the-cheap-seats-brian-wilson.htm)

[luvdembravos]

So much for the Phillies dynasty the pundits were talking about a few weeks ago. :rolleyes:

It should be a good series but who to root for? Normally, I always go for the NL team but it's hard for me to pulll for a team from the left coast, especially San Francisco of all places.

I'm pulling for Francoeur and the Rangers!

[Braves_fever]

I have the impression by watching parts of the NLCS that Giants have played better vs Phillies than against us. I've expected Texas win but never imagine Giants winning 4 games.

Yanks and Phillies played seriously but the excitement, momentum and willingness were on Rangers and Giants side.

Rangers are favorites for me, cause of batting power, but they are 0-9 at AT & T Park, anything can happen.

Anyway i prefer a NL team winning World Series.

[IkeWagner]

Brian Wilson (aka The Bearded Lady) is an idiot. That gesture he makes after a save is ridiculous, and that stupid mohawk -- "look at me!". Screw that guy. Go Rangers.

[Lauren T.]

I love BWild because he's hilarious. But then, I take their off-the-field personalities (http://multimedia.foxsports.com/m/video/33885681/the-cheap-seats-brian-wilson.htm) into consideration.

[quick]

I just cannot believe the Phils lost. I figured the Phils had a wash in pitching, better offense and equivalent defense. SF pitching proved better and SF's weak offense really showed up. Amazing.

And, since the Yankees lost, I don't have to worry about a "weak" SF team losing to the hated Yanks.

This will be fun. Watching Lee pitch against Lincecum will be about as good as it gets, even if Lincecum is one of the homeliest looking dudes I can imagine. :eek:

[bravos4evr]

IMO, the two biggest difference makers are Hamilton and Vlad. The Giants just don't have anyone on their team that is just a monster to instill fear in the opposing pitchers. Now Ross is currently playing like that guy.... but IMO you pitch around him and make their other guys beat you.
I just can't see the Rangers losing. In fact I think they are even money to win in 5 games or less.( IMO, I didn't read those odds anywhere)

[Lauren T.]

Pat Burrell and Aubrey Huff are kinda their versions of Hamilton and Vlad. Not really the same.

[Hobbes]

Pat Burrell and Aubrey Huff are kinda their versions of Hamilton and Vlad. Not really the same.
Kind of like comparing the Monkees to the Beatles.

[-Dr. Brave-]

Kind of like comparing the Monkees to the Beatles.

My wife prefers the Monkees. Just saying.

[Lauren T.]

From DOB a couple of days ago... (http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2010/10/25/francoeur-in-world-series-chippers-rehab-update-etc/)

Before I give you my prediction and ask what you think, let’s look at what some guys said in response to my e-mails, texts, DMs and calls on Sunday when I sought some predictions from Braves past and present, plus a few other notables, including a Hall of Famer and a couple of rockers:

– Chipper Jones: Texas in five

– Tom Glavine: Texas in six

– Andre Dawson: Texas in six

– Derrek Lee: Texas in seven

– Kris Medlen: Texas in six

– Derek Lowe: “I don’t bet; rule 18-6″

– Will Ohman: San Francisco in six; “The misfits will prevail.”
Love Will Ohman. :D

[Lauren T.]

Just got a press release from MLB - Willie Mays is throwing out the ceremonial first pitch tonight. Orlando Cepeda, Monte Irvin, Juan Marichal, Willie McCovey, and Gaylord Perry will also be on the field. :)

[Middle Man]

I heard Bonds has rented a kayak and will be out in McCovey Cove.

I usually try to pull for the NL team but will be cheering for the Rangers this year. I'm not quite sure why, but I really dislike the Giants. Maybe the Bonds stench hasn't worn off or something.

[quick]

Just got a press release from MLB - Willie Mays is throwing out the ceremonial first pitch tonight. Orlando Cepeda, Monte Irvin, Juan Marichal, Willie McCovey, and Gaylord Perry will also be on the field. :)

I suspect there will be at least one trail of vaseline left on the field....

Seems like most are picking the Rangers, just like most picked the Phils. Yes, SF's offense isn't a world beater, but their pitching sure is and their offense has sure turned it up a notch lately, at least in terms of timely hitting. It will be fun to watch.

[Hobbes]

I heard Bonds has rented a kayak and will be out in McCovey Cove.

I usually try to pull for the NL team but will be cheering for the Rangers this year. I'm not quite sure why, but I really dislike the Giants. Maybe the Bonds stench hasn't worn off or something.
Yeah, I keep trying to convince myself to root for the NL team, but I can't help liking the Rangers more than the Giants for some reason. Somehow the Giants just don't come across as likable "misfits" to me, regardless of how the media is trying to paint them.

As a result, I'll probably wind up being too ambivalent to care much either way.

[Middle Man]

Yeah, I keep trying to convince myself to root for the NL team, but I can't help liking the Rangers more than the Giants for some reason. Somehow the Giants just don't come across as likable "misfits" to me, regardless of how the media is trying to paint them.

As a result, I'll probably wind up being too ambivalent to care much either way.

Wouldn't you know it - the NL finally has home field advantage in the WS, and I'm pulling for the AL team.

[Hobbes]

Giants have opened up a can of whupass on Lee and the Rangers.

[Chris_Moderato]

Frenchy suiting up for the Rangers is enough for me to root against them.

[quick]

Game 1: Some pitching duel, huh?

[Middle Man]

Rangers in 5. Take it to the bank.

[quick]

Rangers in 5. Take it to the bank.

Hopefully SF will cooperate by not hitting the ball to right field anymore....;)

[Hobbes]

Rangers in 5. Take it to the bank.
Looks like somebody forgot their deposit slip.

[Lauren T.]

I do hope the Giants send BMac a nice gift for their home field advantage. The atmosphere there seems amazing.

[Middle Man]

I almost pity the poor Giants now. They're going to be devastated when they lose 4 in a row. I still remember the pain of 1996. Ouch. Poor Giants.

Rangers in 6! Take it to the bank!

This time I really mean it.

[Hobbes]

Rangers in 6! Take it to the bank!

This time I really mean it.
Hmm...the Rangers are having a hard time finding that bank.

[-Dr. Brave-]

Hmm...the Rangers are having a hard time finding that bank.

I think he meant the Rangers in <game> 6. Yeah, that's the ticket.

I'll take the Rangers in 3.

[CanadaBravesFan]

There was a TV report up here that said that this years WS is one of the least watched in the US ever. Cant find much on the ratings comparison on-line (dont really want to search for it), but its a shame. To me, anytime the Yanks, Muts, Phills, and Red Sox are not in its good for baseball.

[Hobbes]

The Giants have won the World Series. Congrats to them.

[-Dr. Brave-]

I wonder if Jeff Francoeur will shave his beard. :headscratch:

[-Dr. Brave-]

The Giants have won the World Series. Congrats to them.

... despite the fact that Pat Burrell turned into Rick Ankiel during this World Series (0 for 13 with 11 strikeouts).

[Braves_fever]

Giants have been giant, that's all ...

Lee losing two times in WS, Lincecum, Cain, and amazing Baumgardner pitching very well, and Texas offense in the opposite of what it was vs Yankees, this was surprising that they lose so quick in 5 games.

I'm wondering if Braves with complete lineup would have been able to do what Giants have made.

[quick]

The Braves played SF tougher than either Philly or Texas, IMHO. If we have a healthy Prado and Wagner, we might have beaten them as we would not have had the Conrad errors nor blown the late lead in Game 3, I believe it was. This SF win makes the Braves look all the better.

That said, the SF pitching has been truly stunning. What a staff. Watching great pitchers at work and experiencing the pitch-by-pitch tension it generates makes me wonder again why people are so enamored of football.

[The Rap]

Because basically the onlky lull during a football game is when each team is startegizing which means the fans are as well while in basenball we have to wait for the batter to finish scratching his crotch

[-Dr. Brave-]

Or in other words, you need to be a jock to have jock itch.

[Middle Man]

Rangers in 9?

[jlcct]

Because basically the onlky lull during a football game is when each team is startegizing which means the fans are as well while in basenball we have to wait for the batter to finish scratching his crotch
I'm not a big football fan but a lot of my friends are and some of them have this thing from their cable provider that allows them to skip through any down time during the game and go exactly to the point where each play starts. It's pretty sweet. So for all those people who don't enjoy watching baseball because they aren't patient, well now it's going to seem even worse compared to football. I wonder how that fast forward thingy would work out for baseball.