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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Games 162 Game Chatter

Let’s smash all the game 162 game chatters into one thread, shall we? There is a full slate of games, but as far as playoff races are concerned, these are the games that matter (although if you want to talk about any of the other games for any reason, feel free).

Red Sox (Lester) vs. Orioles (Simon) at 7:05 PM
Yankees (TBD- no, seriously, TBD) vs. Rays (Price) at 7:10 PM
Phillies (Blanton) vs. Braves (Hudson) at 7:10 PM
Cardinals (Carpenter) vs. Astros (Myers) at 8:05 PM

Gamingboy Posted: September 28, 2011 at 11:37 AM | 1763 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: community, game recaps, special topics

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1. Joey B. is counting the days to Trea Turner Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:17 PM (#3940720)

Have both leagues ever had to have the one game tiebreaker in the same year?

2. Edmundo got dem ol' Kozma blues again mama

Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:20 PM (#3940722)

The guess around Philly is that Blanton goes two innings (he's nowhere near ready to stretch out) and then Hamels goes about 4 innings. They are trying to vulture a win for Hamels apparently. Lidge and Madson will be the back end of the bullpen presumably.

The Phils will likely start the regular lineup and pull some of the guys after 2-3 ABs. They may rest Howard though, his ankle/whatever must be in bad shape.

3. You Know Nothing JT Snow (YR) Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:34 PM (#3940741)

TBD is for "The Big Doofus", Andrew Brackman gets the start for the Yankees.

4. Misirlou cut his hair and moved to Rome Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:35 PM (#3940742)

Have both leagues ever had to have the one game tiebreaker in the same year?

Don't think so:

2009 AL
2008 AL
2007 NL
1999 NL
1998 NL
1995 AL
1980 NL
1978 AL
1962 NL
1948 AL
1946 NL

I may have missed one or 2. Relying on memory for the pre-wild card ones.

edit: the 1946 and 1962 NL ties were decided by best of 3. And add 1951 NL (duh!) in there as well.

5. Jim Wisinski

Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:38 PM (#3940747)

I understand that they have to start him, there's no better choice, but the Red Sox can't be too happy about having to rely upon a short-rest Lester who has struggled badly lately.

6. snapper (history's 42nd greatest monster) Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:40 PM (#3940754)

TBD is for "The Big Doofus", Andrew Brackman gets the start for the Yankees.

Is that official? I was hoping to see Betances.

Oh well, probably see him in the 3rd.

7. Avoid Running At All Times- S. Paige Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:40 PM (#3940756)

I understand that they have to start him, there's no better choice, but the Red Sox can't be too happy about having to rely upon a short-rest Lester who has struggled badly lately.

I wonder if Price on short rest is better than the other options. Unlike the Sox, the Rays actually have good pitchers after their first two.

8. JJ1986 Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:41 PM (#3940760)

Further complicating things, it looks like rain tonight in Baltimore.

9. Matthew E Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:43 PM (#3940763)

This weekend I thought the Jays were a cinch to finish above .500, but apparently it was not to be. I would like to see them get that 81st win, though, and Morrow may just be the guy to do it.

10. Misirlou cut his hair and moved to Rome Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:46 PM (#3940768)

I wonder if Price on short rest is better than the other options. Unlike the Sox, the Rays actually have good pitchers after their first two.

Price last pitched on Friday. Today is full rest.

11. Bote Man Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:47 PM (#3940770)

I'm thinking somebody steals Price's toy dog and he can't go on.

12. ERROR---Jolly Old St. Nick

Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:47 PM (#3940771)

Have both leagues ever had to have the one game tiebreaker in the same year?

Yeah, the NFL in 1950 had 2 conference playoffs, Browns > Giants and Rams > Bears. Their conferences back then were the effective equivalent of baseball's leagues, since this was before they broke up the conferences into divisions.

13. Bourbon Samurai stays in the fight Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:48 PM (#3940773)

Predictions anyone?

I predict Braves, Cardinals, and Rays win, exhausted Red Sox fall just short.

Then Jacoby Ellsbury unleashes native american curse against useless teammates for keeping him from winning MVP since he is "not on a playoff team", 80 years till next Boston WS win.

14. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:49 PM (#3940774)

I understand that they have to start him, there's no better choice, but the Red Sox can't be too happy about having to rely upon a short-rest Lester who has struggled badly lately.

I've gotta say I'm trying to stay positive but it's hard to feel that way. Lester has been pretty bad and as you say, is on short rest (though he didn't throw many pitches on Saturday). Beyond that even with a win the Rays have Price against a Yankee team that is hardly going to be at full intensity so even if we win tonight, we have to go to Tampa tomorrow with Wake or Lackey on short rest against a team that has kicked our ass all season.

Pitiful that it has come to this.

15. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:50 PM (#3940777)

Predictions anyone?

Braves and Rays win, Sox and Cards lose.

16. JJ1986 Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:52 PM (#3940780)

Predictions anyone?

Sox, Rays and Braves win. Cards lose. Rays crush the Sox on Thursday.

17. Joey B. is counting the days to Trea Turner Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:52 PM (#3940781)

I understand that they have to start him, there's no better choice, but the Red Sox can't be too happy about having to rely upon a short-rest Lester who has struggled badly lately.

They'd better get a big lead too. I'm sure they would prefer to not have to use Papelbon again after that tough 28 pitch inning last night.

18. JJ1986 Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:53 PM (#3940784)

Apparently Buchholz may be activated and available.

19. SoSH U at work Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:54 PM (#3940786)

Further complicating things, it looks like rain tonight in Baltimore.

I could live with that. Last week's rain in New York really screwed with the Sox, so it would be nice if that ##### Mother Nature evened things out.

20. ERROR---Jolly Old St. Nick

Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:56 PM (#3940789)

Predictions anyone?

Rays and Cards win, Braves lose, Sox get rained out, Selig has heart attack while praying for Sox to lose the makeup game on Thursday.

21. snapper (history's 42nd greatest monster) Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:56 PM (#3940790)

Apparently Buchholz may be activated and available.

Wow, that smacks of desperation. Which is appropriate, I guess. Would hate to see him re-injure himself.

I think Braves lose, others win. Rays crush Sox on Thursday.

22. vortex of dissipation Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:57 PM (#3940793)

TBD is for "The Big Doofus", Andrew Brackman gets the start for the Yankees.

That choice is a devastator.

23. flournoy Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:57 PM (#3940792)

Three predictions for the Braves to win? Wow. Well, at least Hudson is starting today, so there's a chance. The "scoring runs" part may be troublesome, though.

24. Harveys Wallbangers

Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:58 PM (#3940794)

Ok if the Mets/Brewers yammer a bit on the Braun/Reyes race for the batting title?

And look at Prince trying to steal the home run title on the final day? That charming Ewok-like exterior hides a devious soul.

25. RB in NYC (Now Semi-Retired from BBTF) Posted: September 28, 2011 at 01:58 PM (#3940795)

Apparently Buchholz may be activated and available.

It would take some serious stones to put a guy into his first real game in months and have it be this one. I don't know if Francona is that kind of manager, but if they stuck Drew out there the other day, I suppose they will.

Prediction: Rays, Cardinals and Red Sox win. Braves lose. Rays beat Boston at the Trop tomorrow. I do a merry little gig.

26. Rafael Bellylard: The Grinch of Orlando. Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:00 PM (#3940803)

Predictions anyone?

Cards win, Braves win.
Rays lose, Red Sox lose in 13 after rain delay.

27. Harveys Wallbangers

Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:01 PM (#3940804)

I do give the Astros a punchers chance with Myers on the mound. He has been very good the last month. Not great numbers against the Cards, but if he gets the calls on his breaking stuff Myers can be very tough.

28. Bourbon Samurai stays in the fight Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:01 PM (#3940805)

If the Red Sox traded for a starter like they have been talking about, could they use him in game 163? Its an extra regular season game right?

What's Pedro doing? He could sign a one day contract.

29. SoSH U at work Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:01 PM (#3940806)

Predition: They all lose. Seems the most fitting.

If the Red Sox traded for a starter like they have been talking about, could they use him in game 163? Its an extra regular season game right?

I don't see why not.

30. Lassus Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:09 PM (#3940820)

Predictions:

Braves lose, Cards win, Sox and Rays both lose, Rays lose to Sox in game 163, Reyes gets batting title at 5th decimal place.

31. Tulo's Fishy Mullet (mrams) Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:10 PM (#3940823)

I recall sitting through, going home and returning to the park for that Reds at Brewers game with the 8 hour rain delay, game ending at midnight, with the Reds playing the Mets are short time later.

Is that kind of situation possible tonight in Balt?

32. Textbook Editor Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:12 PM (#3940826)

Stranger things have happened; the A team Yankees could put runs up early, get pulled after 5 with the AAA Yankees holding on... but, yeah, Price tonight is probably as close to a mortal lock as you're going to get in a game.

I don't seem them doing it, but tomorrow would be Beckett's throw day, so you'd think he could give them a couple of innings. A rainout tonight would be very interesting, as you'd then have Lester on normal rest on Thursday with the possibility of Beckett on 3 days' rest for a playoff game on Friday. If they started Lackey or Wakefield in a Friday 1-game playoff over a 3 days' rest Beckett there could be rioting in the streets of Boston.

33. Kiko Sakata

Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:15 PM (#3940830)

It would take some serious stones to put a guy into his first real game in months and have it be this one.

I'm reminded of Kerry Wood. In his fabulous rookie season of 1998, his last regular-season appearance was on August 31st. He was then activated to pitch Game 3 of the NLDS. His next start in a meaningful game was May 2, 2000. I really hope the Red Sox don't do something stupid with Buchholz.

34. Mayor Blomberg Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:16 PM (#3940835)

splendid night to be teaching 7-10.

35. and Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:17 PM (#3940836)

Three predictions for the Braves to win? Wow. Well, at least Hudson is starting today, so there's a chance. The "scoring runs" part may be troublesome, though.

Yeah, folks clearly haven't been watching Braves games. They look worse than the Sox to my eye (I've seen a good bit of both this month).

Not that this is news to anyone, but the Sox and Braves have been BAD this month. Not struggling but BAD. Like, if they played that way the first month you'd fire the GM, manager, trade anyone with less than 3 years on their contracts and call up the kids. Which maybe should have been done a couple weeks ago anyway.

My predictions: Braves lose, Cards win. Rays win, Sox lose on O's walkoff on a rain-soaked field at 3am EDT.*

* That is to say: MLB will get this game in no matter what.

36. Textbook Editor Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:17 PM (#3940837)

NOAA Forecast for Baltimore

Not looking great. Since MLB controls things as far as delaying/postponing the game, you'd have to think they wouldn't start the game if they thought they couldn't get a good bit in before any further delay.

Though with the Red Sox' luck, they'll start the game, Lester will throw 1 inning and then there'll be a 5 hour delay and Miller will come in and give up 10 runs around 2am. While most of Boston sleeps, the playoff chase runs off into the storm drains of Baltimore.

37. and Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:19 PM (#3940843)

I don't seem them doing it, but tomorrow would be Beckett's throw day, so you'd think he could give them a couple of innings. A rainout tonight would be very interesting, as you'd then have Lester on normal rest on Thursday with the possibility of Beckett on 3 days' rest for a playoff game on Friday. If they started Lackey or Wakefield in a Friday 1-game playoff over a 3 days' rest Beckett there could be rioting in the streets of Boston.

If they don't get the game in in Baltimore tonight MLB should schedule the make up for noon in Baltimore, order the Rays to fly to Baltimore and, if the Sox win, play the playoff immediately following the O's/Sox game.

38. vortex of dissipation Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:20 PM (#3940846)

I'm sure 99% of you know this, but the Yankees, Red Sox, and Braves games are all available on ESPN3 tonight.

39. .

Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:23 PM (#3940850)

Not looking great. Since MLB controls things as far as delaying/postponing the game, you'd have to think they wouldn't start the game if they thought they couldn't get a good bit in before any further delay.

Though with the Red Sox' luck, they'll start the game, Lester will throw 1 inning and then there'll be a 5 hour delay and Miller will come in and give up 10 runs around 2am. While most of Boston sleeps, the playoff chase runs off into the storm drains of Baltimore.

This has Bud throwing his arms up, a la All-Star '02, written all over it. One kind of hopes for a Mid-Atlantic monsoon for that reason alone.

40. Nasty Nate Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:27 PM (#3940861)

What's Pedro doing? He could sign a one day contract.

This came up amonst me and my friends last night while we were listening to the game and used a stop-watch to measure 54 seconds in between Papelbon pitches.

Bring back #45 for #163!!

41. Textbook Editor Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:27 PM (#3940862)

#37--The day forecast for Baltimore on Thursday is pretty bad too; doesn't look like a decent stretch of dry weather until Thursday night (and even then there's 30% chance of T-storms).

In fairness, had they been able to play in NY last Friday, Lester would be on normal rest, and Lackey would be on normal rest for a playoff game set for Thursday, so a rainout tonight would sort of just be getting things back to where they were as of last Friday morning.

But boy, I don't think anyone wants Lackey on normal rest over Beckett on 3 days' rest for a 1-game playoff.

42. Textbook Editor Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:31 PM (#3940867)

It is somewhat a mystery to me why in mid-July the team didn't kick the tires on Pedro, even if it was just for depth. They had lost Dice-K and Buchholz at that point... Though it is possible Pedro wanted to be assured of a starting job, etc. and it wasn't worth the headache.

I'll always think it somewhat sad his career ended on the mound at YS in the 2009 WS. But then I'm sure it delights Yankee fans to no end.

43. RB in NYC (Now Semi-Retired from BBTF) Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:32 PM (#3940869)

All this talk is nice, but they're playing the Red Sox and O's tonight even if the players need to be wearing life jackets and dodging the guy building the ark in center field to do it. There's no way MLB is risking having the playoff schedule disrupted. They would rather make a farce of tonight's game.

44. Nasty Nate Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:32 PM (#3940871)

I don't want Lackey over anything for a 1-game playoff

45. .

Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:34 PM (#3940875)

Could those of you with more invested and more on the ball let the rest of us (even if it's just me) know ... do the tiebreaker policies provide in advance for what happens if O's/Sox is rained out tonight? They don't really say explicitly that they play early Thursday and if BOS wins, they fly to the Trop to play Thursday night, right?

46. Weekly Journalist_ Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:38 PM (#3940880)

47. Weekly Journalist_ Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:42 PM (#3940890)

This is almost as exciting as hoping for the Three Way Dance (TM) last year! stupid Braves ruined it

48. esseff Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:50 PM (#3940899)

2009 AL
2008 AL
2007 NL
1999 NL
1998 NL
1995 AL
1980 NL
1978 AL
1962 NL
1948 AL
1946 NL

edit: the 1946 and 1962 NL ties were decided by best of 3. And add 1951 NL (duh!) in there as well.

Also missing 1959 NL

Like the other NL playoffs before divisional play, it was best-of-three. AL rules stipulated singled-game tie-breakers. It's an example of different rules for the different leagues before the DH.

49. You Know Nothing JT Snow (YR) Posted: September 28, 2011 at 02:53 PM (#3940905)

TBD is for "The Big Doofus", Andrew Brackman gets the start for the Yankees.

Is that official?

No, sorry about that. I made up the nickname too.

50. Edmundo got dem ol' Kozma blues again mama

Posted: September 28, 2011 at 03:01 PM (#3940918)

As if the Braves don't have enough to worry about, the Phillies have 2 historic incentives tonight:
1. Most wins in franchise history (tied at 101 with the 76 and 77 teams)
2. Charlie Manuel will pass Gene Mauch as the Phillies** winningest manager with a win tonight. I think 2 is as big for the players as 1.

** Granted, one of the easier "most wins by a manager" targets of the original 16 teams

51. The Yankee Clapper Posted: September 28, 2011 at 03:17 PM (#3940940)

There's no way MLB is risking having the playoff schedule disrupted. They would rather make a farce of tonight's game.

Close to that, I think, but if it's beyond the marginal standard used in similar circumstances, MLB might postpone. It will only affect 1 of the ALDS games, so they'd still have an AL game (Yanks v. Det or Tex) to televise. Much more of a problem if they couldn't determine either series until the Wildcard was settled.

52. The Long Arm of Rudy Law Posted: September 28, 2011 at 03:26 PM (#3940950)

I don't know what you guys are talking about, but there is a lot at stake today. From South Side Sox:
Sox, Reds, Nats, Jays, Indians, all within a game of one another
Tie breaker is worse record last year. Assuming protected picks still exist, 2 teams will end up with unprotected picks.

Adam Dunn is going to need a lot of help to get the six plate appearances he needs to qualify for the worst batting average of all time, especially since he's apparently not in the lineup today. Of course, if he was credited with six hits, the opposite of what they'd do if he was leading the league, he'd still be behind Rob Deer.

53. Gamingboy Posted: September 28, 2011 at 03:28 PM (#3940953)

By the way, as befitting BIG GAMES, we have a CHECKLIST.

As we know, there are rules for the checklist: Once the game(s) start the checklist is only posted in it's entirety when a new page starts OR a game ends. "Conradian Plays" are up to interpretation, but usually we'll go by the groupthink.

So, here is the 162 Checklist:
Conradian Play [ ]
Rain Delay [ ]
Ryan Lavarnaway went to Yale [ ]
Russell Martin shows his hatred towards the Red Sox [ ]
Moneyball reference [ ]
Pujols-in-final-year-of-contract mention [ ]
The manager of a contending team is thrown out [ ]
Buck Showalter is thrown out [ ]
The manager of a spoiler team other than the Orioles is thrown out [ ]
Matt Wieters does something makes Red Sox fans take his name in vain [ ]
LaRussa does what LaRussa does as far as the bullpen [ ]
Tito leaves someone in too long [ ]
The Cards-Astros game is in the 7th inning or later when the last EST timezone game is finished [ ]
Carl Crawford appears to be a double-agent for the Rays [ ]
Pujols goes deep [ ]
Somebody in one of the other games today does something noteworthy like a No-no or hitting 3 home runs or something [ ]
Dramatic home run 7th inning or later [ ]
Shot of out-of-town scoreboard showing score of game of other contending team [ ]
Use of Starter in relief [ ]
Selig has heart attack []

54. ERROR---Jolly Old St. Nick

Posted: September 28, 2011 at 03:35 PM (#3940960)

Hey, you forgot Selig's heart attack!

55. Gamingboy Posted: September 28, 2011 at 03:39 PM (#3940971)

There, I fixed it.

56. Joey B. is counting the days to Trea Turner Posted: September 28, 2011 at 03:41 PM (#3940973)

Is there a certain time by which the Yankees have to announce who's starting, or can they just wait until they give the lineup card to the umpires?

57. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: September 28, 2011 at 03:42 PM (#3940974)

53 - Solid list, a couple of suggested adds;

Clay Buchholz pitches [ ]
Triple play [ ] (may as well have it in there at this point)
Bucky Dent mention [ ]
Red Sox announce trade for Ted Lilly/Bruce Chen/some other pitcher [ ]

58. Edmundo got dem ol' Kozma blues again mama

Posted: September 28, 2011 at 03:56 PM (#3940987)

Use of Starter in relief [ ]

I'm pretty sure that Hamels will pitch some in relief for the Phillies. Perhaps that item should be Use of Starter in relief for a Wild Card Contender

59. RB in NYC (Now Semi-Retired from BBTF) Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:01 PM (#3940993)

Is there a certain time by which the Yankees have to announce who's starting, or can they just wait until they give the lineup card to the umpires?

No, but I assume the Rays will figure it out when the Yankees have someone throwing in the bullpen before the game. Of course, they could have two guys warming up, except that Girardi doesn't actually care. Now if it goes to the AL one-gamer, it would be great if Francona had Beckett, Lackey and Wakefield all throwing in the outfield.

60. Rafael Bellylard: The Grinch of Orlando. Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:01 PM (#3940994)

If I may add a few suggestions:

Extra innings [ ]
Aaron Laffey finally getting Casey Kotchman out [ ]
Three relievers in the same half inning [ ]

61. salvomania Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:03 PM (#3940999)

Three relievers in the same half inning [ ]

Need to up the degree of difficulty on this one, LaRussa's done that in 5 of the last 7 games.

62. Guapo Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:04 PM (#3941000)

TV Announcers observe that this team has nothing to play for, but is refusing to roll over for its opponent:
Orioles [ ] Yankees [ ] Phillies [ ] Astros [ ]

63. Gamingboy Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:07 PM (#3941005)

Okay, keep them coming. I'll add more/change-a-few later on when we get closer to the games. I also think that I'm going to add "Spoiler batter has 10+ pitch at-bat" and "Inside-The-Park Homer"

64. Avoid Running At All Times- S. Paige Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:07 PM (#3941007)

A Yankee fails to score on an inside-the-park homer hit by himself[ ]

65. Misirlou cut his hair and moved to Rome Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:08 PM (#3941008)

Triple play [ ] (may as well have it in there at this point)

Maybe any rare/unusual play. triple play, ITP, drop third strike reaching base, catcher's interference, ball hitting runner, obstruction...something like that

66. Textbook Editor Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:12 PM (#3941017)

Hell, there was an batter obstruction in the O's-Red Sox game last night! And a ball hitting Wieters in the head while running to 2nd! And the night before a guy got hit by a pitch while swinging at strike 3 and there had to be a 1-3 PO to complete the K!

67. Textbook Editor Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:13 PM (#3941018)

[ ] Mention of Pedro Martinez coming back and pitching Game 163 for the Red Sox.

68. snapper (history's 42nd greatest monster) Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:19 PM (#3941023)

Wow, Yankee SP still TBD.

What's the over/under on the announcement? 6 PM?

69. Avoid Running At All Times- S. Paige Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:21 PM (#3941025)

Buck Showalter fist pump

70. .

Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:25 PM (#3941029)

Hey, you forgot Selig's heart attack!

If you don't have a dog in the fight, how can you not root for rain and Bud having to make a decision on the fly?

71. Esmailyn Gonzalez Sr. Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:28 PM (#3941033)

If you don't have a dog in the fight, how can you not root for rain and Bud having to make a decision on the fly?

Tie game?

72. Captain Joe Bivens, Pointless and Wonderful Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:32 PM (#3941041)

There's no way MLB would make a team play 2 games in 2 different cities on the same day.

73. Benji Gil Gamesh VII - The Opt-Out Awakens Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:34 PM (#3941043)

Bring back #45 for #163!!

This actually happening would be the greatest thing that ever happened.

74. and Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:34 PM (#3941045)

Who needs one heart attack? If the Rays win and the Sox rain out, just go back to teh good ol' days and declare the Rays the wild card by one half game. Three quarters of Boston would have heart attacks.

75. SoSH U at work Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:34 PM (#3941046)

There's no way MLB would make a team play 2 games in 2 different cities on the same day.

Of course not. Rain often interferes with the postseason. I don't know how this would be meaningfully different than various rainouts that happen during the playoffs that screw up the postseason schedule. Baseball seems to handle it OK. Generally, you cut out an off-day somewhere down the road and everything's back to normal.

76. Captain Joe Bivens, Pointless and Wonderful Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:37 PM (#3941050)

I know, SoSH, I was responding to 45, who, for some reason, isn't clear about it.

77. .

Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:43 PM (#3941055)

The point of 45 was more to see whether the situation has an explicit answer known to all ahead of time. If it doesn't, Bud will have to make the call(s).

[Smiles with eye glean in anticipation]

78. The Long Arm of Rudy Law Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:44 PM (#3941057)

There's no way MLB would make a team play 2 games in 2 different cities on the same day.

It worked out OK for Joel Youngblood.

79. Captain Joe Bivens, Pointless and Wonderful Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:46 PM (#3941061)

I see your point, but even Bud wouldn't make the wrong call. It's really unpossible. Isn't it?

80. Javy Joan Baez (chris h.) Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:52 PM (#3941071)

If you don't have a dog in the fight, how can you not root for rain and Bud having to make a decision on the fly?

This may be the first time I am in complete agreement w/SBB about something.

I think the idea of Bud being stuck in an awkward state and having to make a snap decision is too delicious to ignore.

81. Javy Joan Baez (chris h.) Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:54 PM (#3941075)

I see your point, but even Bud wouldn't make the wrong call. It's really unpossible. Isn't it?

You underestimate him.

82. Roger Cedeno's Spleen Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:57 PM (#3941078)

[] Game starts and/or continues in virtual monsoon
[] Gruesome injury after fall and/or collision on rain-soaked field

83. JoeHova Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:57 PM (#3941079)

The Brewers/Pirates and Diamondbacks/Dodgers games also have playoff implications. If Milwaukee wins, they will be the 2nd seed in the NL (and thus have homefield advantage for the 1st round). If they lose and AZ wins, Arizona will be the 2nd seed. This seems like it could matter a great deal, not just in terms of avoiding the Phillies but also because Milwaukee has the best home record in baseball, to go with a below .500 road record.

84. Nasty Nate Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:57 PM (#3941080)

Bring back #45 for #163!!

This actually happening would be the greatest thing that ever happened.

He could slop and moxie his way to 5 innings and 2 runs probably.

85. SoSH U at work Posted: September 28, 2011 at 04:57 PM (#3941081)

I know, SoSH, I was responding to 45, who, for some reason, isn't clear about it.

I know. I was just agreeing with you, with the added comment wondering why people are making a big deal about what to about a rainout when it's hardly uncommon in the postseason.

86. Karl from NY Posted: September 28, 2011 at 05:01 PM (#3941088)

Reyes might be best off not playing at all, preserving his .33582 average. If Reyes doesn't play, Braun has to go 2-for-3 for .33630, 3-for-5 for .33688, or 3-for-6 for .33627.

87. Harveys Wallbangers

Posted: September 28, 2011 at 05:03 PM (#3941092)

What's infuriating about MLB (Bud) is that these scenarios are likely so folks should be thinking about them NOW. Instead one gets the impression that Bud is perpetually surprised by rather obvious turns of events.

He's been that way his whole life and I still cannot determine whether it's part of an act or whether his canniness is some kind of idiot savant thing where he can wave his hands and get people to hand MLB money to build stadiums for free while completely botch a command decision where the options are pretty straightforward and the answers seemingly stare you in the face.

88. Karl from NY Posted: September 28, 2011 at 05:05 PM (#3941095)

There isn't a whole lot Bud needs to decide. MLB will push back past rain if necessary. The LDS schedule will move rather than do a crazy split-city doubleheader. It did in 2009 when rain pushed the MIN-DET game 163 back an extra day. You just skip the first LDS off day and you're back on schedule.

89. Misirlou cut his hair and moved to Rome Posted: September 28, 2011 at 05:08 PM (#3941100)

The Brewers/Pirates and Diamondbacks/Dodgers games also have playoff implications. If Milwaukee wins, they will be the 2nd seed in the NL (and thus have homefield advantage for the 1st round). If they lose and AZ wins, Arizona will be the 2nd seed. This seems like it could matter a great deal, not just in terms of avoiding the Phillies but also because Milwaukee has the best home record in baseball, to go with a below .500 road record.

So the NL playoff sched is far from set. It could be Cards at Phillies, AZ at MIL, or it could be Cards at Phillies, Mil at AZ, or it could be MIL at Phi and ATL at AZ, or it could be AZ at Phi and Atl at Mil.

The AL is only slightly more set. If the Tigers win and Tex loses, the Tigers get either the Rays or Red Sox at home and the Yankees get the Rangers. If the Tigers lose, or Texas wins, Texas gets the wild card and the Tigers go to NY.

So, after 161 games:

Teams with three possible opponents:

Phillies, Brewers, Rangers, Tigers, Diamondbacks

Teams with 2 possible opponents:

Braves, Yankees, Rays, Red Sox,

Teams with 1 possible opponent:

Cards

90. Mike Emeigh

Posted: September 28, 2011 at 05:08 PM (#3941101)

Reyes is in the starting lineup for the Mets.

-- MWE

91. Misirlou cut his hair and moved to Rome Posted: September 28, 2011 at 05:09 PM (#3941107)

If Reyes doesn't play, Braun has to go 2-for-3 for .33630, 3-for-5 for .33688, or 3-for-6 for .33627.

I don't think Braun is playing today.

92. zack Posted: September 28, 2011 at 05:12 PM (#3941111)

Are the Brewers really starting Greinke today? I'd want to lock up not having to face the Phillies in the NLDS, but that seems unusual.

93. franoscar Posted: September 28, 2011 at 05:12 PM (#3941112)

Maybe still on the first page -- There are other meaningful games tonight. I don't know about the NL (and I'm attending a webinar right now so I don't want to look), but Cleveland @ Detroit & Texas @ California/Anaheim will determine who goes to NYC and who hosts the RedSox/Rays winner.

94. JJ1986 Posted: September 28, 2011 at 05:14 PM (#3941113)

Are the Brewers really starting Greinke today? I'd want to lock up not having to face the Phillies in the NLDS, but that seems unusual.

Game 3 (I assume that's when he will start) of the NLDS isn't until the 4th anyway.

95. Mike Emeigh

Posted: September 28, 2011 at 05:15 PM (#3941114)

If Milwaukee wins, they will be the 2nd seed in the NL (and thus have homefield advantage for the 1st round).

Given the Pirates' recent record in Miller Park, this seems like it should be "when", not "if".

-- MWE

96. Mike Emeigh

Posted: September 28, 2011 at 05:16 PM (#3941118)

I don't think Braun is playing today.

He rested Monday, and Roenicke announced then that he'd play the last two games.

-- MWE

97. Alex_Lewis Posted: September 28, 2011 at 05:19 PM (#3941123)

Bruce Chen, eh?

Giants will let you guys borrow Matt Cain for a day in exchange for Jed Lowrie.

98. Jose is an Absurd Sultan Posted: September 28, 2011 at 05:19 PM (#3941124)

Are the Brewers really starting Greinke today?

What's the rotation for the post-season? If it's Gallardo, Marcum, Greinke then having Greinke pitch today makes sense. Game Three would be Tuesday next week, right?

99. winnipegwhip Posted: September 28, 2011 at 05:20 PM (#3941125)

If the Red Sox traded for a starter like they have been talking about, could they use him in game 163? Its an extra regular season game right?

Wouldn't the player need to clear waivers? It would be great to see a lower team place a claim to screw the Sox.

100. zack Posted: September 28, 2011 at 05:24 PM (#3941127)

Reyes (bunt) singles! And is promptly removed from the game?

Classy.

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