Go Braves.

24 innings of baseball. That's all I'm asking for. Well, that and some strained hammies.

Strained hammies? We want torn labrums! It's the playoffs, damnit!

There's snow on the ground here in Denver this morning. The Rockies really dodged a bullet by not qualifying for the playoffs.

I thought the oblique was the strain of choice recently.

I'll get in my omnichatter early, as when game time comes tonight I'll actually be at the Ballpark. I'm trying to stay philosophical. It helps that I like the Orioles, and even have some residual fondness for Buck Showalter, who I imagine would love to win a postseason game here.

I'm pretty sure Medlen can handle throwing 24 shutout innings today if he has to.

I'm hoping to see a crisp, well-played baseball game today.

But mostly I'm hoping that I see the Rangers win.

Hey Bob - I'm in 332 tonight with my BoSox friend from Seattle.

On paper, the odds sure don't look too good for Baltimore, with Saunders going against Darvish. Plus, Texas pretty much pounded the hell out of the O's in the season series this year. But just about anything can happen in one game, so let the crapshoot begin!

let's go o's!

let's go...hmmm. Let's go 15 inning nl game!

Also, all the people who thought that it made sense to have the wild card winners start the division series at home and make the higher seeds start on the road deserve to be exiled to a Siberian gulag for life.

Here are the estimated win probabilities using the announced starting lineups and Oliver projections.

STL: 42.1%
ATL: 57.9%

BAL: 30.5%
TEX: 69.5%

Here are the estimated win probabilities using the announced starting lineups and Oliver projections.

Lines from Vegas make ATL a 61% favorite and Texas a 65% favorite (and moving in Baltimore's favor).

Also, all the people who thought that it made sense to have the wild card winners start the division series at home and make the higher seeds start on the road deserve to be exiled to a Siberian gulag for life.

It's a scheduling thing, and it's only for 2012. I assume they'll start the season earlier next year to create a better travel schedule for the WC/LDS games.

Lines from Vegas make ATL a 61% favorite and Texas a 65% favorite (and moving in Baltimore's favor).

God. Being favored makes it even more stressful. I hate the playoffs.

Lineups for the NL.

STL
Jon Jay, CF
Carlos Beltran, RF
Matt Holliday, LF
Allen Craig, 1B
Yadier Molina, C
David Freese, 3B
Daniel Descalso, 2B
Pete Kozma, SS
Kyle Lohse, P

ATL
Michael Bourn, CF
Martin Prado, LF
Jason Heyward, RF
Chipper Jones, 3B
Freddie Freeman, 1B
Dan Uggla, 2B
David Ross, C
Andrelton Simmons, SS
Kris Medlen, P

God. Being favored makes it even more stressful. I hate the playoffs.

Are you watching? I thought you didn't cheer for Wild Card teams.

Lineups for the AL.

BAL
Nate McLouth, LF
J.J. Hardy, SS
Chris Davis, RF
Adam Jones, CF
Matt Wieters, C
Jim Thome, DH
Mark Reynolds, 1B
Ryan Flaherty, 2B
Manny Machado, 3B

TEX
Ian Kinsler, 2B
Elvis Andrus, SS
Josh Hamilton, CF
Adrian Beltre, 3B
Nelson Cruz, RF
Michael Young, DH
David Murphy, LF
Mike Napoli, C
Mitch Moreland, 1B

Are the rosters online somewhere. I assume all the teams are loaded up with relief pitchers.

Are you watching? I thought you didn't cheer for Wild Card teams.

1. I haven't decided.

2. I don't.

I do, however, root for bad things to happen to Natinal fans, so I guess that's sort of a thing.

WHAT!? Nate McLouth isn't dead?!? How is that even possible? How is it even remotely possible that Nate McLouth is starting for a playoff team?!

Are the rosters online somewhere. I assume all the teams are loaded up with relief pitchers.

They're not all finalized yet but are supposed to be submitted to the league by 10. Not sure when they'll be announced.

St Louis's roster is set.

Pitchers: Lohse, Lynn, Jason Motte, Mitchell Boggs, Edward Mujica, Marc Rzepczynski, Sam Freeman, Joe Kelly, Fernando Salas and Trevor Rosenthal.

Position players: Yadier Molina, Tony Cruz, Bryan Anderson, Allen Craig, Daniel Descalso, Skip Schumaker, Pete Kozma, David Freese, Ryan Jackson, Matt Carpenter, Carlos Beltran, Jon Jay, Matt Holliday, Shane Robinson and Adron Chambers.

It's a scheduling thing, and it's only for 2012. I assume they'll start the season earlier next year to create a better travel schedule for the WC/LDS games.

I know, and it's still a bunch of B.S.

If you're swept in the two road games, you're hosed in a 2-2-1 format too. Just win the damn games and stop whining.

BAL: 30.5%
TEX: 69.5%

Wowsa. I guess Oliver hates Joe Saunders but good.

From the perspective of who the Yankees would play, I don't really have a preference (since I'm sure they'll disappoint me no matter what) but I'm coming around to the idea that I'd like to see Baltimore win. I'm not terribly convinced they're going to be a playoff team next year--in fact, I'm pretty convinced they are not--so it would be nice for their fans to get some home playoff dates.

If you're swept in the two road games, you're hosed in a 2-2-1 format too. Just win the damn games and stop whining.

Stop whining? Joey?

SG: Are you sure on the Texas lineup? I was pretty sure that Soto would be catching with Napoli at 1B...

Per Jamey Newburg: SSS, but Soto hits Saunders well, and Yu's CERA with Soto is far better than with Napoli...

Fun fact: Jim Thome was also in the lineup for the last Orioles postseason game.

The Birds' (the Cardinals', that is) lineup 1-6 is pretty tough.

Let's see if during their 16 hour-video session yesterday they discovered Medlens' Achilles' heel.....

Just win the damn games and stop whining.

Sir, I promise I'll do my best sir!

I think opening with the road two makes sense in a 7 game series where it's 2-5 or something crazy like that- really giving an incentive to the team with the better record. Then again that should really only happen in a world with a balanced schedule.

I think opening with the road two makes sense in a 7 game series

When the ALCS/NLCS were 5 games, they always did 2-3. Fewer off days is better.

Joe Saunders at the Ballpark at Arlington, career: 6 starts, 0-6, 9.38 ERA.

Heading down to Turner Field at 2pm to start tailgating (with wife and daughter in tow). It is perfect weather here. I can't wait!

Wow, I'm in three fantasy leagues and have never heard of:
Ryan Flaherty, 2B
Daniel Descalso, 2B
Pete Kozma, SS
Andrelton Simmons, SS

I guess I'm biased against middle infielders.

The betting odds are really against the Orioles. That seems high for any MLB game.

Starting Saunders might make sense against a team like the Mets who are extremely lefthanded. But if anything, the Rangers are biased to the right.

His splits this year are outrageous (.359/.201 wOBA), but even his career split is fairly big (.346/.277). That means the average righty has hit like Mike Napoli's 2012.

Plus, you know 4.6 K/9 in the new MLB...the Orioles don't have anyone better to throw out there?

Wow, I'm in three fantasy leagues and have never heard of:

Three of these guys are pretty obscure, but Descalso's been a regular in the league for a few years and played in the World Series last year.

Simmons is a defensive whiz (who put up pretty good offensive numbers before he broke his finger.) I could see why he wouldn't be a big name in fantasy circles. His value is not evident in counting stats.

yes they do; relievers from innings 4 thru 13.

yes they do; relievers from innings 4 thru 13.

That's what I figured, but then I thought what are the chances he gets through even 3 innings without giving up several runs?

Also the fact that the Orioles vaunted bullpen's features prime players Darren O'Day and Luis ####### Ayala makes me a little ill.

the Orioles don't have anyone better to throw out there?

It's pretty debatable. I agree that it seems like an odd decision, but Saunders had a good month in September, so maybe he's thinking "go with the hot hand".

And considering that Showalter is a baseball genius who has just pulled off one of the greatest managerial jobs I've ever seen in my life, I'm certainly not going to question the man.

The Rangers crush lefties and Steve Johnson is a better pitcher. I'd guess they might switch early to cancel the Rangers' platoons, but it looks like they are going with Moreland and Murphy anyway.

Wow, I'm in three fantasy leagues and have never heard of:
Ryan Flaherty, 2B
Daniel Descalso, 2B
Pete Kozma, SS
Andrelton Simmons, SS

This year Daniel Descalso played in 143 games, mostly as the Cardinals' starting 2b. In their World Series-winning 2011 he played in the second most games on the team during the season.

He went 2-for-2 in the epic Game 6 after being inserted as a pinch hitter in the 8th, and he started the 2-run rally in the 10th that re-tied the game and set the stage for Freese's 11th-nning walkoff homer.

Now who the hell is Ryan Flaherty?

Daniel Descalso hasn't done much in 2012 that was newsworthy, but he did have two hits in the World Series last year.

Fun fact: Jim Thome was also in the lineup for the last Orioles postseason game.

I like that.

No one else from that game is still active - oops Omar Vizquel is. There were some big names there: Manny, Justice, both Alomars (on opposing teams), Baines, Eric Davis, Palmeiro, Ripken, Mussina etc...

Starting Saunders might make sense against a team like the Mets who are extremely lefthanded. But if anything, the Rangers are biased to the right.

They should be, at least, but Washington's starting Murphy (298/361 wOBA split career) and Moreland (277/342).

I was thinking that Showalter should pull Saunders in the 2nd inning and just go with the bullpen that brung him here, but Washington has cut him off at the pass by starting his worst possible vs. LHP lineup. Stupid like a fox, that Wash.

Descalso singled to lead off the 10th inning of 2011 WS Game 6. Appeared as a defensive replacement in 5 games. Bulk of the series. Not exactly a lightweight.

I don't know who to root for in Cards-Braves, since these are my two least favorite NL teams. I think the Braves will win, due to Medlen, which will at least get the Cards out.

Strike that, I still dislike the Mets more.

Starting Saunders might make sense against a team like the Mets who are extremely lefthanded. But if anything, the Rangers are biased to the right

Saunders gets killed in Texas, too. Everything is against the Orioles today. Therefore, my projection on Saunders:

7 2 0 0 1 11

I'll confess to not watching the WS last year because I was out of the country for a bit and after the Yankees lost I didn't have the heart to watch any more baseball.

Darren O'Day: 255 career games pitched, ERA+ 164.
His 184 ERA+ this season is his worst of the three seasons in which he's pitched at least 50 innings.

SG: Are you sure on the Texas lineup? I was pretty sure that Soto would be catching with Napoli at 1B...

Not positive, I can't find where I got it from now but it's not confirmed on MLB.com so it may be wrong.

From the perspective of who the Yankees would play, I don't really have a preference (since I'm sure they'll disappoint me no matter what) but I'm coming around to the idea that I'd like to see Baltimore win.

I want Baltimore to win too since I think Texas is better and the travel would be much easier for the Yankees. But it certainly wouldn't surprise me to see Baltimore beat the Yankees in the ALDS.

Darren O'Day: 255 career games pitched, ERA+ 164.
His 184 ERA+ this season is his worst of the three seasons in which he's pitched at least 50 innings.

Cut by the Mets to add Casey Fossum, I believe.

Flaherty: rule 5 pick, scrappy guy with a chance to hit a little. This year: not very good.

Pete Kozma, SS

Does the Cardinals magical ability to turn crummy players into heroes know no bounds?

Are all games available on MLB TV?

More on O'Day:

Angels got him as an undrafted free agent out of Florida. Was promoted to the bigs before he needed to be put on a 40 man and was a slightly below average big reliever.
Unimpressed, the Angels outrighted him, leaving him available for the Rule 5 draft.

The Mets selected him, only to waive him after four appearances where he failed to allow an earned run.

Texas claimed him on waivers here he was picked up by Texas. He finished the year with a 1.94 ERA in 68 games across the two stops, followed by a 2.03 ERA in 72 games the next year.

In 2011, he battled injury (only 16 games) and consequent ineffectiveness (5.40 ERA), thus was let go by the Rangers.

This time, the Orioles were the team to claim him on waivers and he had a 2.28 ERA in 69 games for them, finishing 7th in the AL in WPA.

Dude needs to be used carefully, but the ratio of effectiveness to accorded respect here is remarkable.

I've always liked O'Day, and I'm not looking forward to him pitching against the Beltre/Cruz/Young triumvirate tonight, most likely in a critical situation.

The fans loved him too - one of the few that got his own chant (O'Day...O'DayO'DayO'Day...O'Day...O'Day).

Fun fact: Jim Thome was also in the lineup for the last Orioles postseason game.

By the way, since that game in 1997, Thome has played 39 more playoff games, while the Orioles have played none.

I am pulling for the Braves, but only because I picked up Medlen soon after the AS break in all three of my leagues, and he kept me in the thick of it down the stretch.

CHECKLIST (due to the enormity of postseason checklists, this will only be posted once per page and at the end of games, unless there is a flurry of, like, 6 items at once):

Conradian Play [ ] (Reminder: Conradian Play, named in honor and remembrance of Brooks Conrad's 3 errors in a single NLDS game. To qualify, it must not be a simple error, but an error on a seemingly routine play where there is no question as to whether it was an error or not)
"Come on, this train!" [X]
Dramatic HR, 7th inning or later [ ]
Baserunning Gaffe [ ]
Strikeout of Side [ ]
Double Play [ ]
Stolen Base [ ]
Caught Stealing [ ]
Intentional Base on Balls [ ]
Play at the plate [ ]
Replay review [ ]
Umpiring Gaffe that means there will be cries for expanded replay [ ]
Umpiring gaffe eliminates a team from postseason [ ]
1-2-3-4-5-6 inning [ ] (both ends of an inning are perfect)
"This could be Chipper's last game" [X] (I'll get this out of the way)
Movie Ads: Argo [ ] Wreck-It Ralph [ ] Skyfall [ ] Here Comes the Boom [ ] Cloud Atlas [ ] Lincoln [ ]
Mention of how this year's ALDS and NLDS will be 2-3 format [ ]
Tomahawk Chop [ ]
Mention of 1996 Olympics [ ]
Game 6 of the 2011 WS flashback during NL game [ ]
Hank Aaron pointed out in crowd [ ]
Bobby Cox reference [ ]
Stan Musial mentioned [ ]
Mark McGwire referenced [ ]
Bad pun made on the name "Medlen" [ ]
Pujols is mentioned [ ]
David Freese picks up where he left off last October [ ]
Image of Brian McCann sitting in dugout [ ]
Dave Duncan mentioned [ ]
Brian McCann gets in the game [ ]
Flashback to Braves' loss in 2011's 162 [ ]
Matheny honors Tony LaRussa, uses 4 or more pitchers in one inning [ ]
Game 6 of the 2011 WS flashback during AL game [ ]
At least one member of Bush family at Rangers game [ ]
Jeff Maier flashback [ ]
Tony Fernandez flashback [ ]
1983 WS flashback [ ]
Cal Ripken actually says something critical from the booth [ ]
Rangers' Antlers-thing []
Flashback to Hamilton's 4-HR night [ ]
Josh Hamilton FA talk [ ]
Jim Thome retrospective [ ]
Orioles' extra inning victory streak mentioned [ ]
Matt Wieters does something good [ ]
Ron Washington goes nuts in the dugout [ ]
Mention of all of the Ex-Rangers with the Orioles [ ]
Michael Young called "great teammate", "classy" etc. [ ]
Orioles bullpen comes into play before Rangers bullpen [ ]
Nolan Ryan is interviewed at any point of the game [ ]
Mention of Japanese media coverage of Yu Darvish [ ]
Yu Darvish's life story recapped for people who only pay attention during playoffs [ ]
Game goes past midnight [ ]
"We're deep in the heart of Texas..." [ ]
Reference to Josh Hamilton's HR Derby performance a few years back [ ]
Reference to the Dallas Cowboys [ ] (Reference to Baltimore Ravens [ ])

David Murphy has hit .347 against LHP this year, the main reason why he's playing every day. Though why he's been doing that at the expense of Craig Gentry (.343 against LHP this year, and their best and fastest outfielder) is not entirely explicable.

Moreland has hit LHP as well as Soto has since he got here (.239), and with more power.

The best lineup the Rangers could field would probably have Murphy in left, Gentry in center, Hamilton DHing, Napoli at first, Soto catching, Young waiting around to PH for Soto at some moment when a single would really help, and Moreland waiting to bat against a RH reliever. But Wash is not about to get even slightly creative for a game like this, and I don't know if I really blame him. Some managers stick with guys and others fuss and fidget, and you have to look at their overall success with their philosophy.

I'm in 332 tonight with my BoSox friend from Seattle

Great! I'm in 341, I think. I'll probably wear a Newark Eagles cap.

David Murphy has hit .347 against LHP this year, the main reason why he's playing every day. Though why he's been doing that at the expense of Craig Gentry (.343 against LHP this year, and their best and fastest outfielder) is not entirely explicable.

Murphy has a .433 BABIP against lefties this year. It's obviously a huge fluke - his power and plate discipline numbers are just as terrible as they've always been against southpaws. Even if Craig Gentry were a generic righty fifth outfielder, no way should Murphy be playing.

Moreland has a .277 wOBA against lefties for his career. That's basically Jeff Francoeur 2012. There is absolutely no way that he's the best option for the Rangers.

Besides the Cardinals, Braves and Rangers one-game Wild Card rosters are out.

Braves are only going with 9 pitchers: Only 2 starters behind Medlen, 6 relievers. 16 position players including 3 catchers. MLB.COM link 1

For the Rangers, bless his heart, Ron Washington is using an 11-man pitching staff. 5 RHP relievers, 2 LOOGYs, and 3 starting pitchers behind Darvish. If Yu gets into trouble and the relievers crater, Oswalt, Holland, and Harrison will be rested and ready. MLB.COM link 2

Add checklist: Replay of Josh Hamilton dropped flyball Wednesday.

Does the Cardinals magical ability to turn crummy players into heroes know no bounds?

I spent a while looking, and did find one example of the Cardinals bringing up a player from the minors and him not being good. Anthony Reyes. I think he's the only one, though.

As for turning crummy veterans into heroes, they have about a 90% success rate, but there are counterexamples such as Marlon Anderson, Preston Wilson, and Timo Perez.

Oswalt, Holland, and Harrison will be rested and ready

I realize you are funning, but of course even the "rested" part isn't true of Harrison or Holland, who were the losing pitchers Tuesday and Wednesday (when Holland threw 50 pitches in relief).

A one-game roster is a rather bizarre idea, but as long as they're playing it that way, Harrison and Holland should be nowhere near it. Maybe Oswalt could at least pinch-hit … no, I'm at a loss. Oswalt has barely pitched in the last four weeks; he's chronically hurt and has no real role on the club anymore.

Anthony Reyes.

Faustian bargain came due after Game 1 of the '06 World Series. The Cardinals did at least get THAT from Reyes.

From the perspective of who the Yankees would play, I don't really have a preference (since I'm sure they'll disappoint me no matter what) but I'm coming around to the idea that I'd like to see Baltimore win. I'm not terribly convinced they're going to be a playoff team next year--in fact, I'm pretty convinced they are not--so it would be nice for their fans to get some home playoff dates.

Plus, your buddy Larry would get to see the Yankees play in the playoffs!

I'm hoping to all hopes that the Orioles win tonight.... but I just feel like there is no way they will, they Joe Saunders will get jumped early on, that the Orioles will be unable to come back from that early deficit...

Checklist request, to satisfy exasperated Cardinal watchers: Matheny orders a bunt with a runner on second and nobody out.

EDIT: a non-pitcher bunt

Braves are only going with 9 pitchers: Only 2 starters behind Medlen, 6 relievers. 16 position players including 3 catchers. MLB.COM link 1

No Juan Francisco? That's a bit surprising.

Plus, your buddy Larry would get to see the Yankees play in the playoffs!

Ok, so there's some minuses as well, no one is arguing that point.

I'm little surprised Texas is carrying Holland, who did pitch on Wednesday and would--I assume be one of the starters if they win. I guess Harrison is the first guy out of the pen in the event that Darvish hits early trouble. Of course, that might also be Holland. I don't really know why they have both of those guys.

I'm hoping to all hopes that the Orioles win tonight.... but I just feel like there is no way they will, they Joe Saunders will get jumped early on, that the Orioles will be unable to come back from that early deficit...

I'm really rooting for a Baltimore/Washington WS. Two cities without a world series team in forever, geographic rivals, and I bet the people around there would love to have some distraction from this ongoing election nonsense.

Joe Saunders will get jumped early on, that the Orioles will be unable to come back from that early deficit...

The last time I expected "Above Average" Joe Saunders to get shelled, he threw 5 2/3 innings of perfect baseball and finished with 6 1/3 innings and no runs allowed. Granted, Yunel Escobar was batting fifth in that game, but he wasn't as bad in the AL East as I thought he'd be.

No Juan Francisco? That's a bit surprising.

Seems like a BAD idea to me. 3 catchers, Overbay & Hinske.....seems as if there should've been room for Francisco

For the checklist:

Teagarden does Teagarden things in extra-innings [ ]

Seems like a BAD idea to me. 3 catchers, Overbay & Hinske.....seems as if there should've been room for Francisco

I'm pretty sure Francisco hurt himself a little in the last game of the season.

Gonzalez said he chose Hinske over Francisco. If this game comes down to that then the Braves have problems.

That's a Braves type thing to do. Hinske was there last year and provides as much flexibility as Francisco. I probably would have gone the other way, but whatever. If this game turns on that decision it's essentially random anyway.

One game rosters are ridiculous. These teams should be required to set a single roster for the wild card game and the divisional series.

In the AL, these one-game rosters are actually more restrictive than it would've been under the old rules.

If Texas and Baltimore were playing a game 163 wild card tiebreaker under last year's rules, they'd both have 40 man rosters.

One game rosters are ridiculous. These teams should be required to set a single roster for the wild card game and the divisional series.

I like it because it puts another light on the stupidity of the one game playoff.

So, as a public service announcement, I've decided that the combination of the new play-in format + Chipper allows me a one-year moratorium on hating the wild-card universally. I am rooting for Chipper.

I'm really rooting for a Baltimore/Washington WS. Two cities without a world series team in forever

Now I feel really old. I was a teenager when the Orioles won the World Series. Why that was just how many years ago? (pulls out calculator ...) Now, Washington, this will be their first playoff game since before my Dad was alive.

So, as a public service announcement, I've decided that the combination of the new play-in format + Chipper allows me a one-year moratorium on hating the wild-card universally. I am rooting for Chipper.

That's creaking noise you all hear is Sam's principles bending, but not breaking.

MLB Network has been having Chipper being passive-aggressive/sarcastic about the one-game format all day. It's funny.

I'm hoping to see a crisp, well-played baseball game today.

So you are not going to watch the Cardinal/Braves game? (Not a knock against the braves, but the Cardinals do not play well played games this year)

So you are not going to watch the Cardinal/Braves game? (Not a knock against the braves, but the Cardinals do not play well played games this year)

Since I'll be driving to Rangers' Ballpark in Arlington during the NL Wild Card game, probably not.

One game rosters are ridiculous. These teams should be required to set a single roster for the wild card game and the divisional series.

Agreed, that seems like a major loophole and a violation of the spirit of the rules.

Yes, this is one of the few problems I'm worried about if the Orioles do win: how the hell am I going to watch the other games, especially the 12 PM one on MLB Network. Highly doubt the hotel has MLB Network.... hmmmm

That's creaking noise you all hear is Sam's principles bending, but not breaking.

My decision here almost certainly guarantees a Cardinal win tonight.

Yes, this is one of the few problems I'm worried about if the Orioles do win: how the hell am I going to watch the other games, especially the 12 PM one on MLB Network. Highly doubt the hotel has MLB Network.... hmmmm

I paid the $4.99 for the mlbtv.com package.
They claim no blackout in the U.S. or Canada, you just don't get the broadcast feed.

#93 Hell is that place where fandom and principles meet.

MLB Network has been having Chipper being passive-aggressive/sarcastic about the one-game format all day. It's funny.

Just win the damn game and stop whining.

Okay, I've ordered the Postseason.TV thing... now how do I watch that on my phone, since I don't have At-Bat?

Orioles published their Wild Card roster. Also with 11 pitchers (Saunders + backup starters Britton and Johnson + two semi-starters Hunter and Arrieta, 6-man bullpen), only 2 catchers (Wieters! and Teagarden!!), 6 infielders, 5 outfielders, and one very slow DH. [Britt Ghilori]

Okay, I've ordered the Postseason.TV thing... now how do I watch that on my phone, since I don't have At-Bat?

You have to download AtBat. I don't think there is a charge if you are a subscriber (I've had premium all season, so I have long since forgotten how I set it up), it prompts for a Log In (I think, if on Android get AtBat Lite then Log In to see)

I'm pretty sure Francisco hurt himself a little in the last game of the season.

Missed that, but makes sense. Thanks!