BBTF's Game Chatter Discussion :: ALCS Game 5: AL Central Champ Chicago White Sox at AL West Champ LA Angels, 7:35pm ET on FOX

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Sunday, October 16, 2005

ALCS Game 5: AL Central Champ Chicago White Sox at AL West Champ LA Angels, 7:35pm ET on FOX

J. Contreras vs. P. Byrd

White Sox lead series 3-1

Who knew that the White Sox’s hottest pitcher would be the only one to lose a game so far? It’s backs to the wall time for the Angels, who have gotten nothing from Vlad Guerrero in the entire postseason.

SG in ATL Posted: October 16, 2005 at 11:07 AM | 970 comment(s)
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1. Bull Pain Posted: October 16, 2005 at 12:36 PM (#1686447)

It's going to be a struggle waiting 7-8 hours for this game to start.

2. shoewizard Posted: October 16, 2005 at 12:38 PM (#1686449)

Does this mean Vlad is no longer "clutch"?

3. Pastor Toastman (PH) Posted: October 16, 2005 at 12:43 PM (#1686454)

Oh man oh man oh man oh man oh man oh man oh man...

Shitty weather out, too, so I can't even put this anxiety to good use running.

4. The Jerry Royster Experience Posted: October 16, 2005 at 12:44 PM (#1686456)

I'm nervous as all hell.

I don't mean to come across as negative, and believe me, I'm having fun. But this "advancing in the postseason" stuff has me all at sixes and sevens. I keep imagining worst-case scenarios.

Now that I've got that off my chest, this Byrd-Contreras rematch looks fairly good for the White Sox. As long as they can avoid running themselves out of innings, the way they did in Game 1, they can beat Byrd.

As for Contreras, he needs to keep BitC™ locked away in whatever closet he's been in for the last two months.

5. There's a chill wind blowing in Misirlou's soul Posted: October 16, 2005 at 12:50 PM (#1686461)

But this "advancing in the postseason" stuff has me all at sixes and sevens. I keep imagining worst-case scenarios.

So I'm guessing you won't be singing "root, root root for the champions..." in the seventh.

6. The Jerry Royster Experience Posted: October 16, 2005 at 12:54 PM (#1686467)

So I'm guessing you won't be singing "root, root root for the champions..." in the seventh.

To let you know my frame of mind, I panicked a little when Erstad hit that two-out, nobody-on single in the ninth last night.

I really need to calm down.

7. VG Posted: October 16, 2005 at 01:00 PM (#1686473)

I was tense till the last out last night, and I'll be tense all day today, I'm sure.

I won't be around here during the afternoon, but I'll be back in time for the game.

8. Urban Faber Posted: October 16, 2005 at 01:21 PM (#1686495)

Rain possible in Anaheim tonight. Other than that, no nerves here. I'm anxious for the game to start, though.

So far it's following the 2003 NLCS pattern of home/road wins, but it is also following the 1991 NBA Finals, the last Chicago-Los Angeles matchup. That was a better Game 5 for Chicago.

9. Pastor Toastman (PH) Posted: October 16, 2005 at 02:12 PM (#1686538)

I guess this is as good a time as any...

Let's go, Go-Go White Sox!
We're with you all the way
You're always in there fighting
And you do your best
We're glad to have you out here
In the Middle West
We're gonna root, root, root, root White Sox!
And cheer you on to victory
When we're in the stands
We'll make those rafters ring
All through the season
You will hear us sing
Let's go, Go-Go White Sox!
Chicago's proud of you!

10. Kirby Kyle Posted: October 16, 2005 at 02:27 PM (#1686555)

So far it's following the 2003 NLCS pattern of home/road wins

I had noticed the same thing. After the Cubs took their 3-1 lead, they appeared comfortable, and the game 5 loss wasn't considered a big deal since Prior and Wood were lined up for the next two starts. But strange things happen in sixth games. I'd really like to see the Sox end it today.

Another postseason that comes to mind is the '96 Series, when Atlanta dominated the Yankees with 12-1 and 4-0 wins in the first two games. Nobody gave the Yankees much of a chance to come back against the Brave starting pitching...

11. Greg Maddux School of Reflexive Profanity Posted: October 16, 2005 at 02:53 PM (#1686566)

it is also following the 1991 NBA Finals, the last Chicago-Los Angeles matchup. That was a better Game 5 for Chicago.

You heard it here first: John Paxson seals it with a series of late jumpers from the wing.

12. Eraser-X is dominating this site! Posted: October 16, 2005 at 03:03 PM (#1686580)

I've been so lose. I think it's the flipside of having a historically horrendous team. I'm happy to be here and enjoying it, and the fact that we've even made it this far tells me that this team has nothing to do with the historical inepititude. White Sox teams don't choke down the stretch--they are never even in the position to do so.

This is new territory, we might win, we might lose, so we might as well enjoy it!

13. There's a chill wind blowing in Misirlou's soul Posted: October 16, 2005 at 03:24 PM (#1686598)

But strange things happen in sixth games.

Bartman, Denkinger, Buckner. Three pretty memorable ones. Any more?

14. Pastor Toastman (PH) Posted: October 16, 2005 at 03:28 PM (#1686599)

Bartman, Denkinger, Buckner. Three pretty memorable ones. Any more?

Fisk?

15. There's a chill wind blowing in Misirlou's soul Posted: October 16, 2005 at 03:30 PM (#1686603)

Yeah, I thought of that, but I wouldn't call it strange. Certainly memorable, as was game 6 of the 1986 NLCS. Those were two of the greatest games ever played.

16. Biff, Red Sox Jinx Posted: October 16, 2005 at 03:57 PM (#1686631)

Bartman, Denkinger, Buckner. Three pretty memorable ones. Any more?

Slappy McBluelips!

17. Urban Faber Posted: October 16, 2005 at 04:34 PM (#1686685)

Kirby Puckett. Joe Carter. Jack Clark with first base open.

18. Robert S. Posted: October 16, 2005 at 04:41 PM (#1686693)

Why has Erstad abandoned his inspirational ways? He's hung Colon and Vlad out to dry. I thought the whole point of Winneracity was that it never took a day off?

19. Bob T Posted: October 16, 2005 at 04:42 PM (#1686696)

It may rain in Anaheim, but it won't be much. It will be cooler and overcast so shadows shouldn't be an issue today.

The cool air will make the Angels fly balls die short of the warning track now.

20. Bob T Posted: October 16, 2005 at 04:48 PM (#1686703)

Ooh, thunderstorms out here in Southern California now....

Sorry, they're infrequent out here.

21. retro-shiite Posted: October 16, 2005 at 05:13 PM (#1686729)

So far it's following the 2003 NLCS pattern of home/road wins

I had noticed the same thing

The Cubs won game 4 of the 03 NLCS 8-3 on the road. The Sox won game 4 of this year's ALCS 8-2.

I don't see Paul Byrd shutting out the Sox on 2 hits with 12 Ks in game 5, however.

22. KDub's CellPiece (BLtDH) Posted: October 16, 2005 at 05:34 PM (#1686746)

would very much like to see this closed out tonight.....don't want to get to game 6 when teh pressure will be back on the sox.

23. Squash Posted: October 16, 2005 at 05:40 PM (#1686750)

Why has Erstad abandoned his inspirational ways? He's hung Colon and Vlad out to dry. I thought the whole point of Winneracity was that it never took a day off?

You're thinking of gamerliness. That never takes a day off.

24. Biff, Red Sox Jinx Posted: October 16, 2005 at 05:44 PM (#1686755)

would very much like to see this closed out tonight.....don't want to get to game 6 when teh pressure will be back on the sox.

That's crap. There's still a lot more pressure on Anaheim than Chicago in Game 6.

25. There's a chill wind blowing in Misirlou's soul Posted: October 16, 2005 at 05:53 PM (#1686764)

Jack Clark with first base open.

Bill James wrote an analysis of this in his 1986 abstract which defended Lasorda's decision. I tend to agree with it. There were 2 outs, so there was no need for a DP. And while Jack Clark was a better hitter than VanSlyke, all that was needed to lose the lead (it was 5-4 Dodgers at the time) was a single, and VanSlyke was a better hitter for average against righties (Niedenfuer) than Clark, especially considering he would have batted with the bases loaded and the pitcher unable to walk him.

I know CW says to walk the million dollar hitter and pitch to the hundred thousand dollar one, but in that case I don't agree.

26. Urban Faber Posted: October 16, 2005 at 06:01 PM (#1686766)

That's crap. There's still a lot more pressure on Anaheim than Chicago in Game 6.

Could be, but I'm with BL. I'd rather not find out.

27. Joe Cowley's #1 MVP choice Posted: October 16, 2005 at 06:08 PM (#1686771)

But we have Wood and Prior back in Chicago if we somehow lose game 5. Oops I meant Buehrle and Garland.

28. The Jerry Royster Experience Posted: October 16, 2005 at 06:39 PM (#1686799)

In a way, the Angels are at their most dangerous right now.

Sciosca won't give Byrd any rope, and will go to the bullpen at the first sign of trouble.

Normally, this would be a good thing for the White Sox, but Sciosca has done an excellent job at keeping his bullpen fresh despite the fact that his starters haven't been working deep into games, and with nothing to lose, he can work all his best relievers tonight.

We'll see Francisco Rodriguez and Scot Shields almost no matter what tonight. Unless the Sox jump on Byrd early or Contreras is absolutely lights-out, the Sox will have trouble winning this one.

29. Bull Pain Posted: October 16, 2005 at 07:14 PM (#1686845)

No Finley. Rivera plays LF, Garret CF, Kotchman at DH but batting 7th after Erstad and Molina.

30. The Jerry Royster Experience Posted: October 16, 2005 at 07:21 PM (#1686866)

Anderson in center?

Really?

31. Richard Gadsden Posted: October 16, 2005 at 07:43 PM (#1686940)

Contreras to get another CG for the White Sox?

Is the record five consecutive CGs in the postseason? I've been through all the World Series down to the thirties and relievers were common enough by then that I think it's unlikely. The most impressive run is Boston in 1903: eight games, seven CGs and the one relief appearance was by Cy Young, who also got three CGs. Their run, after the Cy of relief, was Dinneen-Young-Dinneen-Young-Dinneen for five CGs.

32. VG Posted: October 16, 2005 at 07:45 PM (#1686945)

Anderson in center?

Really?

I read this from the bottom, and I thought: TGAH™ isn't on the playoff roster! And I had heard on the radio earlier that GA was playing center field, but still thought of Brian Anderon first. Heh.

33. Don Guillote (The Cheat) Posted: October 16, 2005 at 07:45 PM (#1686947)

I've been able to convince myself that the White Sox have no chance of advancing. -- That makes it easy to head into each game with no expactations of winning, only hope. But with the Sox distance from the Series being counted in outs and not games now, I can hardly deny it anymore. -- I'm finally a little nervous. More than anything I'm really F'n excited; I'm just holding it right below the surface. If they're able to avoid the inevitable Chicago collapse, I'm going to lose it.

34. The Jerry Royster Experience Posted: October 16, 2005 at 07:55 PM (#1686991)

So, a friend of mine (a fellow expatriate Chicagoan) with a lot more disposable income than me decided late last night to go down to Anaheim. He got on a plane this morning.

He just now called me saying that he walked up to the box office and bought a ticket.

35. Kirby Kyle Posted: October 16, 2005 at 07:58 PM (#1687013)

Tying run at third with no outs, and the Cards fail to score in the ninth. Houston now up 3-1.

36. The Jerry Royster Experience Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:00 PM (#1687023)

I was hoping for a Sox-Cards World Series, but it doesn't look like that will happen now.

Today was close to a must-win for the Cards.

37. There's a chill wind blowing in Misirlou's soul Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:02 PM (#1687031)

Tying run at third with no outs, and the Cards fail to score in the ninth. Houston now up 3-1.

Mabry was safe.

38. Urban Faber Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:04 PM (#1687036)

Astros and White Sox each one game away from extending the Bagwell-Thomas parallel to another level.

39. Don Guillote (The Cheat) Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:06 PM (#1687041)

He just now called me saying that he walked up to the box office and bought a ticket.

Online, the Angels ticket exchange listed about 900 tickets available this morning. [LINK]

40. Pastor Toastman (PH) Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:06 PM (#1687042)

Kenny Lofton's wearing a normal suit. Jeannie Zelasko must've borrowed one of his.

41. Vaux, A.B.D. Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:08 PM (#1687047)

Well, there's going to be a 3-1 comeback in one of the series, because a White Sox-Astros World Series would mean a team had to win it who just isn't going to win it. Although, I guess the Astros could be allowed to win it.

42. Urban Faber Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:12 PM (#1687053)

So I guess this game isn't starting at :15 past the hour as alleged.

43. Eraser-X is dominating this site! Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:13 PM (#1687056)

Vaux, are you trying to reverse jinx the White Sox to the World Series Championship? If you said it wasn't going to snow 100 inches tomorrow, I'd start planning to dig myself out.

44. Stately, Plump Buck Mulligan Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:13 PM (#1687057)

"Mabry was safe."

Not according to my TiVo -- I was able to freezeframe the ball closed in Berkman's glove with Mabry still a half-second from 1st base.

The umpiring has been bad enough in both championship series that we don't need to create controversy where none should exist.

45. Robert S. Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:15 PM (#1687062)

Prediction: Contreras throws a SHO on about 40 pitches.

46. Brandon in MO (for America!) Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:16 PM (#1687066)

The Satanic Knights will be here in force for this game

47. CWS Keith Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:17 PM (#1687069)

Gosh... time is going by painfully slow right now.

Go get 'em, Jose. Whenever that is, go get 'em.

48. Eraser-X is dominating this site! Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:19 PM (#1687072)

Did those ######## really just say that Iguchi's tagging up before a three-run homer was the important play, NOT the three-run homer?

I know, I know, they said that Ozzie said that, but let's face it, Ozzie saying moronic things is actually advantageous to him and his team and his job, but these ########' job is to do journalism and call BS when managers just make #### up.

49. Urban Faber Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:21 PM (#1687075)

Oh, we still have to see NFL highlights, don't we? First pitch won't be for a while.

50. Pastor Toastman (PH) Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:22 PM (#1687078)

The Bears could very well win the NFC North with a 6-10 record.

51. VG Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:23 PM (#1687079)

Wow, I didn't think people in SoCal had umbrellas.

52. Bob T Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:25 PM (#1687081)

I have several umbrellas, but I never use them. It's easier to wear a raincoat with a hood.

53. Urban Faber Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:25 PM (#1687082)

The waiting is the hardest part of watching baseball on FOX, that's for sure.

54. The Jerry Royster Experience Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:26 PM (#1687083)

Did they just play "the waiting is the hardest part" by Tom Petty?

55. Isotta Fraschini Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:26 PM (#1687084)

We do, but don't know how to use them. Similar to our ability to drive in the rain, according to experts from out-of-state.

56. Los Angeles Waterloo of Black Hawk Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:26 PM (#1687085)

Garret Anderson in center at this point is pure desperation. He can't play center. Period. Put Erstad out there and stop (forget)ing around.

Rivera is better suited to center than Anderson.

57. CWS Keith Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:28 PM (#1687087)

What the ####?

Is Fox out on anyone else besides me?!?!?!?

58. VG Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:29 PM (#1687091)

Here we go.

59. Pastor Toastman (PH) Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:29 PM (#1687093)

Yup, the waiting is out of Fox's control. At least we're gonna be playing some damn ball now.

60. Urban Faber Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:29 PM (#1687094)

No NFL highlights? Only a few minutes later than scheduled.

Deep breaths ... here we go.

61. Mark Edward's Got That Go Go Gadget Flow Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:29 PM (#1687095)

Is the park going to be as empty as the guy on that blog link makes it out to be? Doesn't exactly look like it.

The Braves have problems drawing fans for the playoffs, but I'm pretty sure even they sell out the championship series.

62. Greg Maddux School of Reflexive Profanity Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:30 PM (#1687098)

That snake-bursting-out-of-the-chest thing is beyond absurd.

63. Golfing Great Mitch Cumstein Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:30 PM (#1687100)

I think Buck has had a few cold fresh budweisers.

"If the Angels win tonight, the two teams will play again.. I don't know Tuesday night?"

64. VG Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:30 PM (#1687101)

Man, I'm glad I didn't have to see the closeups of Byrd in Game 1. This game will be more than enough of that.

65. Eraser-X is dominating this site! Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:30 PM (#1687102)

Was it just me or did the morons have the score 3-0 posted at the top when Podsednik came up?

66. Pastor Toastman (PH) Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:32 PM (#1687103)

There's a gift.

67. VG Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:32 PM (#1687105)

Alright, Emperor™.

68. Pastor Toastman (PH) Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:33 PM (#1687109)

Ball one to Jermaine is a Phil Cuzzi strike.

69. Eraser-X is dominating this site! Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:33 PM (#1687108)

Gotta love Tadahito "Don Baylor" Iguchi

70. Pastor Toastman (PH) Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:34 PM (#1687112)

Wow. That was spectacularly awful defense.

71. The Jerry Royster Experience Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:34 PM (#1687113)

That'll look like a line drive in the box score.

72. Greg Maddux School of Reflexive Profanity Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:34 PM (#1687114)

I'm calling a three-run homer on a hanging breaking pitch.

73. Bunny Vincennes Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:35 PM (#1687115)

Boy was that "Deap Dish Pizza," bit was really, really stupid.

74. The Jerry Royster Experience Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:35 PM (#1687116)

Rivera needed to take charge there.

75. Pastor Toastman (PH) Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:35 PM (#1687117)

Is it too much to ask for another first-inning homer from Paulie?

76. Greg Maddux School of Reflexive Profanity Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:37 PM (#1687118)

Got his pitch on 2-1 and missed it. Damn.

77. Pastor Toastman (PH) Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:37 PM (#1687119)

Damn. Didn't work again. Good rip. And Vlad hit the cut-off man!

78. The Jerry Royster Experience Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:37 PM (#1687120)

Come on, Carl.

One time.

79. Mark Edward's Got That Go Go Gadget Flow Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:38 PM (#1687122)

I think, in the next twenty-thirty years, there'll be music played throughout the game, a la pro basketball.

80. Greg Maddux School of Reflexive Profanity Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:39 PM (#1687123)

"How's the knee? How's the knee?"

81. The Jerry Royster Experience Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:39 PM (#1687124)

Pro basketball plays music throughout the game?

I admit, I haven't watched an NBA game in probably ten years.

82. Don Guillote (The Cheat) Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:40 PM (#1687125)

Everett still sucks.

83. The Jerry Royster Experience Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:40 PM (#1687126)

That was a terrible swing by Everett.

He looks bad up there these days.

84. Mark Edward's Got That Go Go Gadget Flow Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:41 PM (#1687128)

Was that a preview for Jumanji 2?

On the plus side, it is directed by Jon Favreau.

85. Pastor Toastman (PH) Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:43 PM (#1687132)

Contreras has zero K's as opposed to 10 BBs, according to that Fox graphic. They only had five hours to get it right.

86. Bunny Vincennes Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:43 PM (#1687131)

Is Lou Pinella wasted?

87. Golfing Great Mitch Cumstein Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:44 PM (#1687133)

After "Senor Tumblelina", ESPN radio with Joe Morgan beats out Fox tv with McCarver and Pinella.

88. Pastor Toastman (PH) Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:44 PM (#1687134)

El Conde is part ninja.

89. VG Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:44 PM (#1687136)

Flash some leather, El Conde™!

90. Los Angeles Waterloo of Black Hawk Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:45 PM (#1687137)

Stupid IRC network is autokilling me. Lameass Dalnet ...

91. Pastor Toastman (PH) Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:46 PM (#1687139)

Desperate Housewives, only on ~~FOX~~ ABC!

92. The Jerry Royster Experience Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:47 PM (#1687140)

I don't think that McCarver needs to worry about getting "bogged down with numbers".

93. Pastor Toastman (PH) Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:48 PM (#1687142)

Good at-bat by Anderson there. Let's keep Vlad cold.

McCarver may be annoying, but Buck keeps prodding him. Just like the Sunday night NFL crew. Mike Patrick keeps adding fuel to the idiot banter.

Vlad is out of control.

94. Greg Maddux School of Reflexive Profanity Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:49 PM (#1687144)

Well, good thing he had a great session practicing hitting low pitches.

95. Pastor Toastman (PH) Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:50 PM (#1687146)

I'm buying a new TV if the Sox make the World Series. The tubes in this one are dying to where that Angel red is bleeding over onto the rest of the picture.

96. Pastor Toastman (PH) Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:51 PM (#1687147)

That guy in the White Sox "I live for this!" commercial -- is he standing on the Fundamentals deck? Pretty good view from there.

AARON HIT THE BALL TO OPPOSITE FIELD!

97. The Jerry Royster Experience Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:51 PM (#1687148)

Nice start, Aaron.

98. Greg Maddux School of Reflexive Profanity Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:52 PM (#1687151)

Portillo's will be the death of me...

99. Pastor Toastman (PH) Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:52 PM (#1687152)

They better score Aaron now. I don't like taking the bat out of A.J.'s hands.

100. The Jerry Royster Experience Posted: October 16, 2005 at 08:53 PM (#1687153)

I didn't like that bunt. Pierzynski was likely to pull the ball (and unlikely to K) anyway.

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Sunday, October 16, 2005

ALCS Game 5: AL Central Champ Chicago White Sox at AL West Champ LA Angels, 7:35pm ET on FOX

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