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Thursday, October 22, 2009

Phillies beat Dodgers, advance to World Series

Powered by Ryan Howard, Jayson Werth and all those other big bats, the Philadelphia Phillies are headed back to the World Series.

Werth hit two home runs, Shane Victorino and Pedro Feliz also connected and the defending champions beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 10-4 in Game 5 on Wednesday night to win their second straight NL pennant.

Brad Lidge closed it out, Howard was selected NL championship series MVP and manager Charlie Manuel’s Phillies became the first team to reach consecutive World Series since the New York Yankees in 2000-01.

“Big games call for big times,” Werth said. “Hopefully, we can keep it going. We’ve got four more games to win.”

Repoz Posted: October 22, 2009 at 04:08 AM | 104 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: dodgers, game recaps, phillies

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1. AndrewJ Posted: October 22, 2009 at 04:20 AM (#3361788)

Congratulations to maybe the unlikeliest-ever back-to-back champs.

Wonder how Manuel will set up the rotation with one week until Game One.

This could shape up to be a very intriguing Series.

2. The Most Interesting Man In The World Posted: October 22, 2009 at 04:23 AM (#3361790)

Congrats to the Phillies.

On the other hand, no more ads for "Lopez Tonight" or "Men Of A Certain Age". Hopefully FOX will continue to air that wonderful ad with Fergie telling us to buy something.

3. ERROR---Jolly Old St. Nick

Posted: October 22, 2009 at 04:25 AM (#3361791)

I am so glad that the Phillies won, since they're the only NL team where I can recognize most of the names on the roster. And anyway, I'm still mildly pissed about LA's coldcocking of Brooklyn, and installing a True Yankee as your manager doesn't erase that.

4. Hugh Jorgan Posted: October 22, 2009 at 04:27 AM (#3361794)

Brad Lidge closed it out

Woohoo, way to hold that 6 run lead Brad!

Congratulations to maybe the unlikeliest-ever back-to-back champs

I concur. When Rollins said a few years ago they were going to win the whole thing alot of us scoffed and guffawed(o.k., I only scoffed, but still...) Dude is looking like a prophet right now. Though it would help if he hit a little better in the next series.

5. Greg Goosen at 30 Posted: October 22, 2009 at 04:29 AM (#3361795)

Are there still people in Baltimore who are upset with Brooklyn's syndicate ownership transferring most of the good Baltimore Orioles of the 1890s to the City of Churches?

To me, Joe Torre will always be a true Milwaukee Brave.

6. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: October 22, 2009 at 04:33 AM (#3361802)

I was hoping for a more compelling series, but wanted Philly to take it. The Dodgers had done their job by keeping St. Louis from advancing, so I can let it slide they didn't make the NLCS more interesting.

It'll be interesting to see how Philly stacks up against New York, given their plethora of lefty power.

7. mashimaro Posted: October 22, 2009 at 04:35 AM (#3361803)

8. The Most Interesting Man In The World Posted: October 22, 2009 at 04:38 AM (#3361805)

Are there still people in Baltimore who are upset with Brooklyn's syndicate ownership transferring most of the good Baltimore Orioles of the 1890s to the City of Churches?

Just like the good residents of Troy hate the Giants.

9. Eric J can SABER all he wants to Posted: October 22, 2009 at 04:43 AM (#3361808)

Congratulations to maybe the unlikeliest-ever back-to-back champs.

Ooh, anyone else up for this debate? Of course, they're only league champs so far... the '24-'25 Senators? '39-'40 Reds?

10. Cooperstown Schtick Posted: October 22, 2009 at 05:02 AM (#3361813)

Let's just hope the Yanks win tomorrow and the World Series will be a sweep by whoever wins. Let's just get it over with. Cheer for the same team that won last year, or cheer for the Empire- I don't feel inspired.

I know. I hate baseball, too.

Not that it means anything meaningful, but the Phillies played the Yankees for three games in May, and the Yankees started Burnett, Pettitte and Sabathia in that series. The Phillies did pretty well against all three, won two of the games, and would have swept if Brad Lidge hadn't had a ninth inning melt down in the second game.

11. phatj Posted: October 22, 2009 at 05:16 AM (#3361816)

Not that it means anything meaningful, but the Phillies played the Yankees for three games in May, and the Yankees started Burnett, Pettitte and Sabathia in that series. The Phillies did pretty well against all three, won two of the games, and would have swept if Brad Lidge hadn't had a ninth inning melt down in the second game.

As Lidge is back to lights-out, Yankees should be afeared.

12. Sean Forman Posted: October 22, 2009 at 05:16 AM (#3361817)

Just got back from the game. That was one of the most pitiful team pitching performances I have ever seen. The Phillies had fewer hits than the Dodgers throughout the game, but 3 HBP and like 7 walks.

Also, Torre really mismanaged the 8th. Should have pinch hit Thome for Martin to force Eyre in and then at least Blake would have had the platoon advantage if Thome made an out.

13. Gold Star - just Gold Star Posted: October 22, 2009 at 05:18 AM (#3361818)

This series will not be mentioned at Torre's induction into the HofF.

14. Adam B. Posted: October 22, 2009 at 05:19 AM (#3361821)

@Sean, agreed from Section 109. Ending that game without using Thome at all means you blew an opportunity. Also, why not double-switch Hudson for Belliard?

15. OCF Posted: October 22, 2009 at 05:20 AM (#3361822)

Are there still people in Baltimore who are upset with Brooklyn's syndicate ownership transferring most of the good Baltimore Orioles of the 1890s to the City of Churches?

That was the first Orioles team.

The second Orioles team picked up, moved and eventually became the Yankees.

(Describing all the things that John McGraw did between 1898 and 1902 that involved Baltimore, Brooklyn, or New York would take more space than I want to spend in this post.)

The third Orioles (the IL team) sold Babe Ruth to the Red Sox.

Plenty of historical reasons for Baltimore fans to hate New York can be found.

16. Avoid Running At All Times- S. Paige Posted: October 22, 2009 at 05:22 AM (#3361823)

The phils' dynasty years? And did ed wade set them up?

17. NaOH Posted: October 22, 2009 at 05:27 AM (#3361824)

And did ed wade set them up?

Last year when the Phillies won the pennant, Pat Gillick wanted to talk about everything but himself. The first person he mentioned, though, was Ed Wade and what he did for the team. You can see him being interviewed here at about the 1:50 mark.

18. My guest will be Jermaine Allensworth Posted: October 22, 2009 at 05:31 AM (#3361827)

FISTED!

19. Dag Nabbit: Sockless Psychopath Posted: October 22, 2009 at 05:32 AM (#3361828)

In honor of Philly's first ever back-to-back pennants, I present: the most recent consecutive pennants for all existing franchises.

Before clicking, can you guess what two pre-expansion teams have still never done it?

20. Kiko Sakata

Posted: October 22, 2009 at 05:44 AM (#3361832)

Before clicking, can you guess what two pre-expansion teams have still never done it?

White Sox and ... I'm drawing a blank. Um, Cleveland?

21. Lassus Posted: October 22, 2009 at 06:01 AM (#3361845)

I still can't believe this all seems to have happened primarily because Broxton couldn't manage to throw a freaking strike to Matt Stairs.

22. TerpNats Posted: October 22, 2009 at 06:05 AM (#3361846)

Indians, for certain. White Sox technically won back-to-back AL pennants in 1900 and '01, but in that first year, the AL wasn't yet considered major.

23. TerpNats Posted: October 22, 2009 at 06:19 AM (#3361849)

If it is a Phils-Yanks Series, it should be pretty even. Both have explosive starting eights (not counting the DH), and while I give the Yankees a bit of a pitching edge, it's not insurmountable. And having played three games at the new Stadium, the Phils will have some familiarity with the place. Moreover, New York vs. Philadelphia is usually fun in any sport. This could be the first World Series to extend past election day (Nov. 3), which would happen if it goes past five games.

P.S. The Giants play the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field at 1 p.m. Nov. 1; that night, game 4 would occur on the north side of Pattison Street.

24. Jefferson Manship (Dan Lee) Posted: October 22, 2009 at 06:36 AM (#3361857)

Indians, for certain.

Yep. 1920, 1948, 1954, 1995, 1997.

25. Phil Coorey. Posted: October 22, 2009 at 06:53 AM (#3361860)

Why the late November finish - this is just dumb

26. Russlan is not Russian Posted: October 22, 2009 at 07:03 AM (#3361862)

Back in mid-September 2006, I really thought the Mets would be having the success the Phillies are having.

Jayson Werth is a star player. It's weird to think that but it's true. I keep thinking he's just a platoon guy but he's been a 5-win player the last two years and is having an excellent season.

What's wrong with Hamels? He might be the Phillies worst starter right now.

Does Pedro get a start against the Yankees?

27. Phil Coorey. Posted: October 22, 2009 at 07:51 AM (#3361872)

Late November - forgive me - I'm sure you get my point...

I think Pedro gets a start with Hamels not being himself - I CAN'T WAIT FOR THAT - though I fear the ending...

28. Bowling Baseball Fan Posted: October 22, 2009 at 07:56 AM (#3361876)

2002 World Series. 85 runs in 7 games. This has some potential to be broken this year.

29. AndrewJ Posted: October 22, 2009 at 10:24 AM (#3361888)

This has nothing to do with anything, but the Phillies have now won their last five NLCS appearances dating back to 1980. A franchise which was 1-11 in postseason play from 1883-1976 has gone 18-5 the last two Octobers.

30. Gamingboy Posted: October 22, 2009 at 10:38 AM (#3361889)

Something that they said last night that kind of shocked me:

Only 3 NL teams have won consecutive WS: 07-08 Cubs, 21-22 Giants, 75-76 Reds.

Oh, and Charlie Manuel has the best playoff WP% amongst managers with at least 20 Post Season Games.

31. Quinton McCracken's BFF Posted: October 22, 2009 at 10:57 AM (#3361891)

This could shape up to be a very intriguing Series.

Or not. But I sure hope so!

32. AndrewJ Posted: October 22, 2009 at 11:10 AM (#3361896)

33. Mr Dashwood Posted: October 22, 2009 at 11:33 AM (#3361899)

Before clicking, can you guess what two pre-expansion teams have still never done it?

Is the other one Pittsburgh? At first I thought they did it in the 00's or 20's, but now I'm not so sure.

34. TerpNats Posted: October 22, 2009 at 11:43 AM (#3361902)

Is the other one Pittsburgh?

No, although the Pirates have never appeared in consecutive World Series. The Bucs won NL pennants from 1901-03, and only in the last year was there a Series.

The Phils became the final pre-expansion NL team to win back-to-back pennants, dating back to their relocation from Worcester in 1883. This is probably the apex of the franchise's 127-year history.

35. Mr Dashwood Posted: October 22, 2009 at 11:53 AM (#3361903)

Silly me. The question had already been answered.

36. Misirlou cut his hair and moved to Rome Posted: October 22, 2009 at 12:00 PM (#3361908)

Only 3 NL teams have won consecutive WS: 07-08 Cubs, 21-22 Giants, 75-76 Reds.

And only 4 AL teams, though a few have done it multiple times:

Ynkees, A's, Red Sox, Blue Jays. The Jays are the only expansion team to win back to back pennants.

37. Weekly Journalist_ Posted: October 22, 2009 at 12:03 PM (#3361910)

Game 4 of the World Series in Philadelphia is scheduled for the same day as the Giants/Eagles game at the Linc. Just sayin'.

of course, ACLS is far from over. I can't count all the times the Yankees have lost three straight to the Angels.

38. Weekly Journalist_ Posted: October 22, 2009 at 12:07 PM (#3361912)

07-08 Cubs,

Ah yes, who can forget those magical years? Fukudome's series winning grand slam. Carlos Zambrano's perfect game in Game 7 of the NLCS...When does Piniella get his golden statue on Michigan Avenue?

39. ERROR---Jolly Old St. Nick

Posted: October 22, 2009 at 12:14 PM (#3361915)

Trivia Question: Have the Yankees won more World Series under a Democratic President, or under a Democratic New York City Mayor?

40. Weekly Journalist_ Posted: October 22, 2009 at 12:15 PM (#3361916)

Not having home field advantage may not be so bad for the Phillies -- they were three games better on the road in 2009 anyway. And the new Yankee Stadium with its short right field porch will be inviting for the Phils' offense.

This. I don't see much of a HFA for either team. I'm guessing there will be plenty both team's fans at each stadium, as well. About as close to a same city-series as you can get.

41. Gamingboy Posted: October 22, 2009 at 12:19 PM (#3361921)

More reason to root for the Angels (especially tonight): If the Yankees clinch tonight, we'll have almost a week of hype about the Yankees-Phillies WS that is coming.

Think about it:
Defending Champs vs. the Yankees
+
Two of the most powerful offenses on the face of the Earth in Baseball's two largest launching pads
+
Ciff Lee vs. CC Sabathia (in a suicide attempt, Cleveland sets the Cuyahoga river on fire)
+
Two of America's oldest and most historic cities face off once again (they don't like each other much)
+
Two great Baseball towns (The Eagles may be king in Philly, but it's such a great sports town in general that it makes little difference)
-
The Mets
+
A-Rod and Ryan Howard's rampages
+
East Coast Bias
=
Hypeapalooza (if only Favre could get involved!)

I really don't want to deal with that.

42. Misirlou cut his hair and moved to Rome Posted: October 22, 2009 at 12:22 PM (#3361927)

Think about it:
Defending Champs vs. the Yankees
+
Two of the most powerful offenses on the face of the Earth in Baseball's two largest launching pads
+
Ciff Lee vs. CC Sabathia (in a suicide attempt, Cleveland sets the Cuyahoga river on fire)
+
Two of America's oldest and most historic cities face off once again (they don't like each other much)
+
Two great Baseball towns (The Eagles may be king in Philly, but it's such a great sports town in general that it makes little difference)
-
The Mets
+
A-Rod and Ryan Howard's rampages
+
East Coast Bias
=
Hypeapalooza (if only Favre could get involved!)

- all games ending after midnight local time, so that only disinterested people in California are still watching.

43. ERROR---Jolly Old St. Nick

Posted: October 22, 2009 at 12:23 PM (#3361929)

Stupid East Coast Bias!

44. Weekly Journalist_ Posted: October 22, 2009 at 12:37 PM (#3361938)

the ws games are going to have first pitch times of 7:57. That's reasonable to me.

45. Misirlou cut his hair and moved to Rome Posted: October 22, 2009 at 12:53 PM (#3361948)

the ws games are going to have first pitch times of 7:57. That's reasonable to me.

Certainly more reasonable than last year's 8:37, so yes, that's progress. And if it were all all LA WS, I'd have no problem with a later start.

46. Weekly Journalist_ Posted: October 22, 2009 at 12:57 PM (#3361955)

Also, the Rutgers football board I frequent might have a meltdown.

47. Textbook Editor Posted: October 22, 2009 at 01:15 PM (#3361973)

This is certainly the peak 2-year period in the history of the Phillies franchise. So regardless of how it ends up, this is the best Phillies team in franchise history, which is a pretty cool achievement.

My question is: who DHs? The bench is pretty painfully weak. You could DH Stairs to get another lefty bat into the mix, but can he run at all? Or you could start Francisco in LF and DH Ibanez.

Last year Coste DH'd Game 1 (likely because Kazmir pitched Game 1) and Dobbs DH'd Game 2, even with Stairs on the roster... With Sabbathia getting Game 1, I wouldn't be surprised to see Francisco in LF and Ibanez at DH, but a Game 2 against a RHP is a bit more of a mystery--does anyone recall why Dobbs got the call least year over Stairs for Game 2's DH?

48. Weekly Journalist_ Posted: October 22, 2009 at 01:25 PM (#3361985)

I'd go with Stairs. He can't run any worse than Matsui and Posada.

49. Shooty would run in but these bone spurs hurt!

Posted: October 22, 2009 at 01:26 PM (#3361987)

Go Phillies! I don't see what's the problem, Utley, Hamels, Rollins, Howard, Victorino, Ibanez, Pedro...these seem like fun guys to root for. I'm looking forward to the Series.

50. Textbook Editor Posted: October 22, 2009 at 01:27 PM (#3361990)

WJ, I would too, but there's no way they start Stairs against Sabbathia in a Game 1.

Stairs PH against Rivera in the late innings... That could be entertaining.

51. Sean Forman Posted: October 22, 2009 at 01:31 PM (#3361996)

- all games ending after midnight local time, so that only disinterested people in California are still watching.

Umm, yeah, I'm sure no one in Philly is going to stay up for that. Among the people who know what I do for a living, about 80% have asked me what I think about the World Series. Interest in the Phillies is the highest that it will ever be here.

52. Weekly Journalist_ Posted: October 22, 2009 at 01:32 PM (#3361998)

53. RB in NYC (Now Semi-Retired from BBTF) Posted: October 22, 2009 at 01:39 PM (#3362005)

Stairs PH against Rivera in the late innings... That could be entertaining.

14 PAs, 2 singles, 4 K. Stairs does sport a 1.738 OPS vs. Chad Gaudin, however!

I like Matt Stairs, though I remain sort-of perpetually astounded he still has a MLB job. Not that he doesn't deserve it, I just remember watching him with Oakland in the 2000 playoffs and thinking that even then he looked like someone who was two or three years away from playing for the Newark Bears.

54. TerpNats Posted: October 22, 2009 at 01:40 PM (#3362006)

The Nats take Amtrak to NYC and Philly.

55. Weekly Journalist_ Posted: October 22, 2009 at 01:43 PM (#3362009)

The ACELA series!!

56. SoSHially Unacceptable Posted: October 22, 2009 at 01:45 PM (#3362014)

Seems like more of a hassle than just taking a nice bus.

I believe that's what the Colts and Bengals do, as well as the Bulls and Bucks.

57. TomH Posted: October 22, 2009 at 01:48 PM (#3362018)

the New Jersey Turnpike Series

(As a teen I lived near exit 2, but when I was a youngster I was closer to exit 13.)

58. Textbook Editor Posted: October 22, 2009 at 01:59 PM (#3362029)

The "Revenge for 1950" Series!

59. Lassus Posted: October 22, 2009 at 02:20 PM (#3362056)

Go Phillies! I don't see what's the problem

I CAN HELP YOU WITH THAT

Seriously, though, I have to root for the NL anyhow.

What a pain in the ass.

60. Edmundo got dem ol' Kozma blues again mama

Posted: October 22, 2009 at 02:23 PM (#3362062)

My prediction for last night was:
Nail-biter (I was dead wrong)
Padilla gives up 6 runs in 3 2/3 (pretty darn good)
Hamels keeps it close (pretty easy)

I know that metrics seem to think that Hamels is just having mirror bad luck to his good luck last year, but he is leaving occasional pitches right down the middle and he is having trouble putting batters away with 2 strikes. He'll need to make some changes in the off season -- whether it's fine-tuning the curve or adding a cutter.

My guess for the rotation:
Lee, Pedro, Hamels, Blanton

61. HCO Posted: October 22, 2009 at 02:25 PM (#3362065)

Phillieeeeeeeeeees fever! Don't count the Angels out yet. I will be happy if the Phillies beat LA two series in a row.

62. rr

Posted: October 22, 2009 at 02:45 PM (#3362092)

I will be happy if the Phillies beat LA two series in a row.

If I were a Phils' fan, I think I'd want the team to play the Evil Empire.

63. Forsch 10 From Navarone (Dayn)

Posted: October 22, 2009 at 02:56 PM (#3362102)

I've always found the self-styled intensity of Philly fans to be annoying, but this is a team that's very easy to like (especially with Brett Myers off the roster). Utley, Howard, Rollins, Victorino, Ibanez--all favorites of mine.

Plus, Rollins' Rickey Henderson impression is awesome (skip ahead to 1:25).

64. Harveys Wallbangers

Posted: October 22, 2009 at 03:07 PM (#3362114)

Congrats to the Phillies and their fans.

The Phillies have really enjoyed strong postseasons the past several years from Werth and Victorino. Those two just light it up come the postseason.

65. Captain Joe Bivens, Pointless and Wonderful Posted: October 22, 2009 at 03:20 PM (#3362124)

Seems like more of a hassle than just taking a nice bus.

Bus rides through snowstorms suck.

66. Steve Balboni's Personal Trainer Posted: October 22, 2009 at 03:23 PM (#3362129)

Actually, it's fair to say that the Yankees' dominance over large stretches of baseball history has limited the number of non-Yankee repeat winners from either league since the Yankees began their Ruthian dominance in the early 1920s:

92-93 TOR
75-76 CIN
72-74 OAK
29-30 PHI (AL)

All other repeat non-Yankee winner occur before the Yankees get Ruth. If you look at it, that 1964-1976 gap (the "Mantle/Reggie" Gap), when the Yankees struggled, and the 1981-1996 gap (the "Reggie/Jeter" Gap), represent three of the four non-Yankee repeat winners. The Philadelphia A's of the late 20s/early 30s are a remarkable team. They were able to beat the Yankees consistently for a few years there, with their matchup of:

Cochrane vs. Dickey
Foxx vs. Gehrig
Simmons vs. Ruth

The difference, it appears, is that the A's had a lot more pitching that the Yankees during this era...namely, Lefty Grove.

The lesson here? If the Yankees are competing, then you should have peak-Lefty Grove in your rotation...

67. ERROR---Jolly Old St. Nick

Posted: October 22, 2009 at 03:26 PM (#3362131)

Also, this might be a dumb question but would the Yankees and Phils bus to away games? Do the Mets and Phils actually fly between NY and Philadelphia? Seems like more of a hassle than just taking a nice bus.

They'd almost certainly take the bus, as IIRC the Phils and the Orioles did in 1983.

What's really comical about a Yanks-Phils Series would be the "travel date," as if it actually took a whole day to get from New York to Philadelphia, even in I-95 traffic. The whole concept of an arbitrary "travel date" involving teams in the same time zone didn't even exist until 1960. Prior to that, any World Series that didn't involve significant mileage used to be played straight through, with no off days. That included the 1934 Cardinals-Tigers Series, which makes Dizzy Dean's 26 innings even more impressive.

68. Textbook Editor Posted: October 22, 2009 at 03:26 PM (#3362132)

Edmundo--do you think they'd risk the mediastorm of a Pedro start in Yankee stadium? I get the idea perhaps he's better suited to a road start, and maybe that's the way they go anyway, but I was under the impression that the school of thought is to start LHP in YS III whenever possible, to combat the LHB/short RF porch thing...

69. Best Regards, President of Comfort, Esq., LLC Posted: October 22, 2009 at 03:26 PM (#3362133)

Lee, Pedro, Hamels, Blanton

I can already hear Yankee Stadium chanting "Who's Your Daddy?"

70. Best Regards, President of Comfort, Esq., LLC Posted: October 22, 2009 at 03:30 PM (#3362139)

What's really comical about a Yanks-Phils Series would be the "travel date," as if it actually took a whole day to get from New York to Philadelphia, even in I-95 traffic. The whole concept of an arbitrary "travel date" involving teams in the same time zone didn't even exist until 1960. Prior to that, any World Series that didn't involve significant mileage used to be played straight through, with no off days. That included the 1934 Cardinals-Tigers Series, which makes Dizzy Dean's 26 innings even more impressive.

It's probably a TV thing -- you need to have the series dates scheduled ahead of time so that the networks can set their programming, and you don't know if it's going to be a subway series or a cross-country series. Gotta have the travel day.

Amusing TV-baseball thing: on another forum some guy was complaining about House being delayed for the game Monday, asking why the playoff game had to bump House when there are all these other sports networks they could have moved it to.

Y'know... House is on tape, buddy. It can wait.

71. SoSHially Unacceptable Posted: October 22, 2009 at 03:32 PM (#3362142)

Edmundo--do you think they'd risk the mediastorm of a Pedro start in Yankee stadium?

It's the World Series. I'd suspect that's mediastormy enough as is.

Now the short porch thing is a legitimate issue, though the only way you avoid that altogether is to give Pedro just one start.

72. Padraic Posted: October 22, 2009 at 03:35 PM (#3362148)

I think Dobbs started last year at DH simply because he had a much better season than Stairs. Dobbs is a 76 OPS+ in 169 ABs this year, 111 OPS+ in 240 ABs last year.

With the short porch, I would be shocked if they didn't start Stairs as the DH against a RHP. For the two lefties, I think Fransisco in LF and Ibanez at DH is the most natural move.

Girardi will have an interesting question about whether to start Burnett in Game 2 or 3. In Game 2, that brings Stairs into the equation, in Game 3, he might be forced to go without a DH AND Posada in the lineup.

73. ERROR---Jolly Old St. Nick

Posted: October 22, 2009 at 03:38 PM (#3362155)

If Pedro does get a start in Yankee Stadium, I hope he brings Grady Little with him for 8th inning encouragement.

74. Captain Joe Bivens, Pointless and Wonderful Posted: October 22, 2009 at 03:38 PM (#3362156)

the only way you avoid that altogether is to give Pedro just one start.

That's all they'll need out of him.

Wheeeeeeeeee!!

75. Best Regards, President of Comfort, Esq., LLC Posted: October 22, 2009 at 03:40 PM (#3362158)

Girardi will have an interesting question about whether to start Burnett in Game 2 or 3.

He's starting Game Two, no real question about that.

I think it's a given that CC is starting 4 and 7 on 3 days' rest.

76. will Posted: October 22, 2009 at 03:57 PM (#3362181)

" I think it's a given that CC is starting 4 and 7 on 3 days' rest."...........maybe the Angels can push the ALCS to 7 games? Only 2 off days between a 7 game ALCS and game 1 of WS.

77. Textbook Editor Posted: October 22, 2009 at 04:02 PM (#3362188)

In the NL park, no DH basically means sitting Matsui, though, right? That's not that big of a deal.

If you start Burnett in Game 2, does he pitch Game 5 on 3 days' rest? Or does Gaudin start? Or Joba? And then does Pettite pitch Game 6 on 3 days' rest too? There's no way to avoid a 4th starter in a 7 games-in-9-days series--the only issue is what game does he throw? If Sabbathia goes 1-4-7, one of the other 4 has to be taken by a 4th starter anyway, unless you expect Pettite & Burnett to go on 3 days rest also.

I do wonder with all the lefties if it doesn't make more sense to start Happ (with Blanton in reserve) in a Game 4. I do worry Happ's not stretched out enough at this point to give you much more than 4-5 innings, but I suppose if you tandem him with Blanton you wouldn't tax the bullpen too much (assuming no one's been bombed in games 1-3).

Phillies-Yankees would be a very interesting series.

78. Textbook Editor Posted: October 22, 2009 at 04:08 PM (#3362200)

As someone pointed out at Baseball Prospectus, Sabbathia being unavailable for Game 1 of the WS (because he pitched in a Game 7 of the ALCS) would very much change the complexion of the WS, perhaps enough to make the teams pretty even to win it. Right now, with a relatively rested Sabbathia starting Games 1-4-7, the Yankees surely will be considered the favorite.

79. SoSHially Unacceptable Posted: October 22, 2009 at 04:09 PM (#3362205)

There's no way to avoid a 4th starter in a 7 games-in-9-days series--the only issue is what game does he throw?

This is something that apparently eluded Bob Brenly during his stellar 2001 World Series. He started Brian Anderson, his No. 4 starter, in Game 3, because he wanted a lefthander to face the Yankee lefthanders in a park with a short porch in right. But he still had to come back with his No. 3 guy, Miguel Batista in Game 5 (also at Yankee Stadium). The downshot is that the superior Batista was no longer on regular rest if you needed him in Game 7 when Schilling was going on short rest.

80. Famous Original Joe C Posted: October 22, 2009 at 04:21 PM (#3362224)

I can already hear Yankee Stadium chanting "Who's Your Daddy?"

How'd that one work out last time?

81. Textbook Editor Posted: October 22, 2009 at 04:36 PM (#3362245)

I think you have to start Lee/Hamels in 1/2 at YS III, considering the handedness, etc. And while throwing Happ in Game 4 makes the most sense because of the LH in the lineup, I suspect Charlie will lean on Blanton's "experience" from last year (and, admittedly, he pitched the game of his life), and that Blanton gets the Game 4 start.

SoSH, I had totally forgotten Anderson pitched Game 3...

82. Randy Jones

Posted: October 22, 2009 at 04:44 PM (#3362251)

People talking about starting Happ in game 4 because of lefties in the Yankee lineup realize that with no DH, the Yankee lineup has 2 LH, 2 RH, and 4 S, right?

83. Gamingboy Posted: October 22, 2009 at 04:46 PM (#3362254)

84. Home Run Teal & Black Black Black Gone! Posted: October 22, 2009 at 04:56 PM (#3362270)

The Yankees are my second least-favorite team and the Phillies somewhere in the bottom six. I suppose I will root for the Phillies because of that and the DH, and like someone playing the BCS rankings game, I like having the Marlins' division rivals do well--Marlins vs. World Series Champs is a sweeter series to watch than Marlins vs. WS Losers.

That being said, we have had a lot of clunker WS lately and this bad boy has the potential to be good. Real good. I hope I do not eat these words.

85. Famous Original Joe C Posted: October 22, 2009 at 04:57 PM (#3362272)

Another question: No matter WHAT team wins the ALCS (whether it be the Yankees or the Angels in a stunning comeback), could it be said that the winner of the series would be the "Team of the Decade"? I mean, the only way we were going to leave this year with a clear TOD would have required a Red Sox victory (which would ahve left them with 2 more than anyone else), but whoever were to win this year would have a reasonably good claim.

The only team that I think would be clearly ahead of the Red Sox if they won would be the Yankees, and *clearly* ahead only if they won the whole shebang (it's very close otherwise, IMO). The Angels - depends on how you look at it, it would be very close - same number of playoff appearances and Championships as the Sox (if they were to win it all this year) - but I think they'd need to go all the way to have a claim.

The Phillies needed to do *something* between 2000-06 - even with back-to-back titles, they are behind, I think.

86. Forsch 10 From Navarone (Dayn)

Posted: October 22, 2009 at 04:57 PM (#3362273)

Another question: No matter WHAT team wins the ALCS (whether it be the Yankees or the Angels in a stunning comeback), could it be said that the winner of the series would be the "Team of the Decade"?

As you mentioned, the buy-in is two championships. As I see it, Yankees win it, they're TOD. Angels win it, the Red Sox are TOD (barely over the Angels). Phillies win it, Red Sox are TOD.

87. RB in NYC (Now Semi-Retired from BBTF) Posted: October 22, 2009 at 04:59 PM (#3362277)

If the Yankees win the WS this year, there's no question they're the team of the decade (2 titles, 4 pennants, 9 playoff teams), if the Angels win, it's probably the Red Sox.

88. TomH Posted: October 22, 2009 at 04:59 PM (#3362278)

only if rings count 5x everything else. I hate the Yanks, but if they lose the WS, they are still TOTD. Maybe not by 2001-2010 tho :)

89. Famous Original Joe C Posted: October 22, 2009 at 05:02 PM (#3362286)

only if rings count 5x everything else. I hate the Yanks, but if they lose the WS, they are still TOTD. Maybe not by 2001-2010 tho :)

I think to be a clear "team of the decade" you need to win as many titles as anyone else. If the Yankees don't win the WS, then there's an argument to be made for them or (and?) the Red Sox.

90. RoyalsRetro (AG#1F) Posted: October 22, 2009 at 05:05 PM (#3362293)

Brett Myers' wife refuses to kiss him. What, just because of the whole domestic violence in public thing?

91. Forsch 10 From Navarone (Dayn)

Posted: October 22, 2009 at 05:07 PM (#3362296)

only if rings count 5x everything else.

I certainly understand the whims and foibles of the post-season, but I'm pretty much a "count the rings" type when it comes to this kind of argument. The ultimate goal is to win the World Series, and presently the Red Sox--much as I loathe them--have achieved that more times than anyone else across this arbitrarily defined span of years.

92. SoSHially Unacceptable Posted: October 22, 2009 at 05:09 PM (#3362297)

only if rings count 5x everything else. I hate the Yanks, but if they lose the WS, they are still TOTD. Maybe not by 2001-2010 tho :)

I could have written this word for word (including the Yankee hate). To me, the single additional WS triumph is not enough to top the two additional appearances and all those extra division titles.

93. Home Run Teal & Black Black Black Gone! Posted: October 22, 2009 at 05:15 PM (#3362303)

Definitely Red Sox, unless the Yankees win it all.

Also, even if the Steelers won it all this year, Patriots still take home NFL team of the decade. Not a bad year for NE sports.

94. Shooty would run in but these bone spurs hurt!

Posted: October 22, 2009 at 05:18 PM (#3362304)

Do we have to have a TOD? It seems like that should be reserved for when a team really dominates a decade. The 49ers and Lakers in the 80's, the Patriots in the Aughts, The Steelers in the 70's, the Yankees in the 50's, etc. If you have to bang your head against a wall trying to figure it out, it's an empty designation.

95. Gamingboy Posted: October 22, 2009 at 05:19 PM (#3362305)

The Phillies needed to do *something* between 2000-06 - even with back-to-back titles, they are behind, I think.

Yeah, I sort of draw the Phillies as being analogous to the Blue Jays of the early 90s, who I guess you could say were the "Team of the Half Decade" (apologies to the Braves).

Idea: Have a points system. Like X number of points for WS victory, X for WS defeat, X for LCS defeat, X for LDS defeat, X for game 163 defeat, etc.

96. rLr Is King Of The Romans And Above Grammar Posted: October 22, 2009 at 05:19 PM (#3362306)

Also, even if the Steelers won it all this year, Patriots still take home NFL team of the decade. Not a bad year for NE sports.

I'm sure these titles are a great consolation to the Red Sox fans who watched the nose-dive two weeks ago.

97. Home Run Teal & Black Black Black Gone! Posted: October 22, 2009 at 05:23 PM (#3362313)

Bad "decade," I should say.

98. SoSHially Unacceptable Posted: October 22, 2009 at 05:24 PM (#3362314)

Do we have to have a TOD? It seems like that should be reserved for when a team really dominates a decade. The 49ers and Lakers in the 80's, the Patriots in the Aughts, The Steelers in the 70's, the Yankees in the 50's, etc. If you have to bang your head against a wall trying to figure it out, it's an empty designation.

I could get behind that. Vacant is my choice for the TOD in the 80s in MLB.

99. McCoy Posted: October 22, 2009 at 05:25 PM (#3362317)

Brett Myers' wife refuses to kiss him. What, just because of the whole domestic violence in public thing?

I think that one goes right up there with the other all time great NLCS funny which is Buck? (Or was it McCarver) asking Tony Womack if the woman standing next to him was his mother and it turns out it was his wife. I laughed so freakin hard at that one.

The Myers one is weird because it looks like the wife was going to kiss him and then realized she was supposed to hate him or something and then yells at him "don't kiss me".

100. Famous Original Joe C Posted: October 22, 2009 at 05:31 PM (#3362324)

I'm sure these titles are a great consolation to the Red Sox fans who watched the nose-dive two weeks ago.

"Team of the Decade" means nothing, but the two titles in the last five years? Those were absolutely consolation.

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