2011 MLB Season Discussion

We (the Phillies) never seem to produce runs when we need them. It's been the story of the past three playoffs. Poor Roy.

Polliwog wrote:

:(

We (the Phillies) never seem to produce runs when we need them. It's been the story of the past three playoffs. Poor Roy.

He was pretty awesome after the first inning tonight. I just love a good 1-0 game, and tis was a masterpiece. It would have been good either way. There were web gems, fly balls to the warning tracks, and just flat out dominating pitching performances. The fact that Carpenter had to face Utley, Pence and Howard in the the ninth was just intense.

It took long enough, but this last six weeks has been the Cardinal team I kept thinking would show up.

As I told the guy sitting next to me at the bar, I would root for the Phillies throughout if the Cards would have lost. It really is a class act of a team.

But next week is another story. The Brewers are bunch of showboaters, and on't seem to have much class at at all. I wonder how much Nyjer Morgan regrets his comments about the Cards watching them in the playoffs now? Looks like he will have to face "Alberta" man to man now.

Losing to the Phillies would have been respectable. Losing to the Brewers would be gut-wrenching. The vibe of this series will be much, much different.

<3 Nyjer Morgan. Get em' Brewers.

H8 Nyjer Morgan. Get em' Cardinals

Jayhawker wrote:

As I told the guy sitting next to me at the bar, I would root for the Phillies throughout if the Cards would have lost. It really is a class act of a team.

I concur JH, there's nothing really bad I can say about Cardinals, they played tough, and it was a fun series to watch, despite the outcome. I will be rooting for the Cards this round.

Besides, I believe the Cardinals are the next team closest to the Yankees in World Series championships, I would love for them to eventually pass them, even though the gap is huge. One championship at a time.

Kush15 wrote:

H8 Nyjer Morgan. Get em' Cardinals

Jayhawker wrote:

As I told the guy sitting next to me at the bar, I would root for the Phillies throughout if the Cards would have lost. It really is a class act of a team.

I concur JH, there's nothing really bad I can say about Cardinals, they played tough, and it was a fun series to watch, despite the outcome. I will be rooting for the Cards this round.

Besides, I believe the Cardinals are the next team closest to the Yankees in World Series championships, I would love for them to eventually pass them, even though the gap is huge. One championship at a time. :-)

Yeah, the Cards just became the second franchise to eclipse 100 postseason wins. The Yankees have over 200.

Prederick wrote:

<3 Nyjer Morgan. Get em' Brewers.

He's provided quite a spark for the Brewers. I just love the energy he brings to a team.
As far as showboating goes, I think the team is reflecting the excitement of a fan base that saw the end of decades long playoff drought a few years ago, and its first division championship in almost 30 years. This isn't a team that's challenged for anything on a regular basis in a long, long time.
The NLDS is behind the Brewers though, and it's time to get back down to business against a tough, tough divisional opponent.

I can't think of anything nice to say right now.. so I won't.

Here we go!

Q: After being around it for 18 games do these two teams legitimately dislike each other?

Greinke: "Maybe now. I think no one really likes Carpenter. But besides that I think they respect mostly everyone on their team."

Q: So what do the guys have against Carpenter?

Greinke: "I don't know. They think his presence, his attitude out there is sometimes a phony attitude. But -- and then he yells at people. He just stares people down and stuff. And most pitches just don't do that. And when guys do, I guess some hitters get mad. But when you do that some people will get mad. There's other pitchers in the league that do it, but a lot of guys on our team don't like Carpenter."

This is going to be a fun, nasty series.

Personally, I'm looking forward to it.

The Cards broke my heart after the All-Star break, and I thought we were done and dusted at 10.5 games back, but I don't regret still checking the score every morning and keeping an eye on Wild Card race.

I was able to get legitimately excited for the NLDS and now... well, let's just say the Eckstein jersey's coming out. Bring on the Brew Crew.

Those are interesting quotes. Greinke is a bit of an odd duck, but he really doesn't mince words. I think the key for the Brewers is to stay relaxed, especially on the road. You could just see them pressing in the 8th and 9th in game five of the NLDS. Once the pace and energy settled down a bit after Axford's solid 10th, the offense came alive.

Jayhawker wrote:

Championship Series
Cards sweep the Brew Crew

I'm sticking by this prediction. Milwaukee is far from focused.

So Carp responded to Greinke's comments today.

IMAGE(http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/6014/246869nldscardinalsphil.jpg)

Meanwhile...go Tigers, and eff the rain.

Jayhawker wrote:

So Carp responded to Greinke's comments today.

IMAGE(http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/6014/246869nldscardinalsphil.jpg)

Braun says: Deal With It.

1 down. 3 to go.

Jayhawker wrote:

After Game 1 last round someone claimed the Cards were toast.

it was a good game, even with the Brewers doing their Beast mode antics. I'm looking forward to Game 2.

I'm calling the Brewers over the Cards in 6. Miller Park was so loud today, it was nuts. I cannot wait to go again tomorrow.

Jayhawker wrote:

it was a good game, even with the Brewers doing their Beast mode antics. I'm looking forward to Game 2.

It was a good game, though it highlighted how bad it can go when La Russa leaves a starting pitcher in.

I was instantly angry about the Beast Mode BS. Going to be a good series.

Yeast mode...amirite?

Haakon7 wrote:
Jayhawker wrote:

it was a good game, even with the Brewers doing their Beast mode antics. I'm looking forward to Game 2.

It was a good game, though it highlighted how bad it can go when La Russa leaves a starting pitcher in.

I was instantly angry about the Beast Mode BS. Going to be a good series.

Yeah, we were debating it at the pub. I was kind of hoping Garcia came to bat in the top of the 5th, as he was due up next. I think La Russa might have pinch hit and replaced him at that point. He was at 82 pitches through 4 innings, and despite what La Russa said after the game, he was far from cruising. He just had no command, and was probably lucky it was just two runs by that point.

But with Garcia due up first in the next inning, I think La Russa rolled the dice to see if he could get one more inning out of him, and then have a pinch hitter to lead off the 6th.

In true St. Louis fashion, the guys at the bar thought I was nuts that I would even consider taking Garcia out so early, and then bashed La Russa for not taking him out after the damage was done. The problem was, when it was still 5-2, La Russa did not want to get into his pen so early. Then, as the wheels were coming off, it actually made more sense to have Garcia face Fielder than using up one of his two lefties so early.

It was just a really bad inning all-around. But I think the team is still in solid shape moving forward.

Jayhawker wrote:
Haakon7 wrote:
Jayhawker wrote:

it was a good game, even with the Brewers doing their Beast mode antics. I'm looking forward to Game 2.

It was a good game, though it highlighted how bad it can go when La Russa leaves a starting pitcher in.

I was instantly angry about the Beast Mode BS. Going to be a good series.

Yeah, we were debating it at the pub. I was kind of hoping Garcia came to bat in the top of the 5th, as he was due up next. I think La Russa might have pinch hit and replaced him at that point. He was at 82 pitches through 4 innings, and despite what La Russa said after the game, he was far from cruising. He just had no command, and was probably lucky it was just two runs by that point.

But with Garcia due up first in the next inning, I think La Russa rolled the dice to see if he could get one more inning out of him, and then have a pinch hitter to lead off the 6th.

In true St. Louis fashion, the guys at the bar thought I was nuts that I would even consider taking Garcia out so early, and then bashed La Russa for not taking him out after the damage was done. The problem was, when it was still 5-2, La Russa did not want to get into his pen so early. Then, as the wheels were coming off, it actually made more sense to have Garcia face Fielder than using up one of his two lefties so early.

It was just a really bad inning all-around. But I think the team is still in solid shape moving forward.

It happened so hot damn quickly. 4 pitches and WHAMMO! 8-6. Also, I personally don't mind the beat mode antics. It doesn't bother me none. How you play the game will always say more.

Can I say though, that I try really hard to dislike Braun and I just can't? Fielder with his Pirate beard I can take or leave but Braun is kinda awesome, even if he's playing for the Brewers.

Is Schumaker out with a bad hammy?

Yeah, Skip is sitting out this series. He was replaced by McClellen, and Lance Lynn replaced Westbrook. La Russa wanted more pitchers for a seven game series, as they will probably have a three game stretch.

IMAGE(http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/6014/246869nldscardinalsphil.jpg)

Nick Punto's got two rbi in this game. That's embarrassing.

iaintgotnopants wrote:

Nick Punto's got two rbi in this game. That's embarrassing. :)

So could tonight be the end of Beast Mode? Seriously, Fielder did it after a base on balls. Nyjer Morgan looked like a bumbling idiot in CF.

They are such a good team, I don't know why they waste time with so much BS.

After Game 1 last round someone claimed the Cards were toast.

It was a good game, even with the Brewers doing their Beast Mode antics. I'm looking forward to Game 2.

Ulairi wrote:
Jayhawker wrote:

After Game 1 last round someone claimed the Cards were toast.

it was a good game, even with the Brewers doing their Beast mode antics. I'm looking forward to Game 2.

I'm calling the Brewers over the Cards in 6. Miller Park was so loud today, it was nuts. I cannot wait to go again tomorrow.

Maybe. But I read a post at Bernie's Pressbox that lays out why I am not too worried. Obviously my prediction of a sweep is toast, but there is no way I would have predicted that the Cards win a road start by Garcia vs. a home start by Greinke. So that was a fail on my part.

Obviously, it sucks. That goes without saying. But there are many reason to have a) expected to lose, and to b) not really be too worried.

1. Garcia's stats on the road, and Greinke's at home. These I really don't need to list, because everyone knows them. In all honestly, this game wasn't ours to win. But their are a ton of positives from this game, the biggest being we put up 6 runs vs a guy who's been unbeatable at home. That's a very big plus. I'm excited about our offense, and so should you be. We're past Phillies aces. Our offense is in control.

2. Edwin Jackson. He's pitching for millions of dollars, more than likely twice in this series. Marcum has let up 25 earned runs in his last 5 games spanning 29 innings. For those of you who don't know, that's god awful. Now he's facing an offense that's ready to implode. Good luck in games 2 and 6, Brewers.

3. Chris Carpenter. Do I need to say more? Gallardo has let up 15 earned in 23 innings vs the Cardinals this year. Who do you want pitching for you in game 3? How about a game 7 (hint:ask Roy Halladay).

4. Our bullpen. The game 1s in both series are so similar its ridiculous (think:why show them what you have when losing at this early in a series)-will the Brewers really see Mcclellan or Boggs in games 2,5, or 7? No. Not gunna happen. You'll see Motte and Salas for multiple innings before you see that. I trust those guys right now, as should you.

5. Randy Wolf. Wolf vs the Cardinals this year: 19 earned, 32 IP. Lohse will be pitching at home. Advantage Cards

6. Game 5 is at home. See points 1 and 4. Again, I like our chances.

7. Carp pitches in game 7. (I feel this needs to be stated twice).

8. Here's what the Brewers need to accomplish.

a) Win both games where Marcum starts, and win 1 game game on the road. Unlikely, but the best scenario for the Brewers to win.

b) Split the Marcum starts, win 2 on the road. Even more unlikel.

c) Split the Marcum starts, win 1 on the road, and beat Carpenter in 7. Doubt it.

These are the 3 most likely scenarios...of which I see none of happening. Maybe I'm missing something. But I like the Cards odds.

Jayhawker wrote:
iaintgotnopants wrote:

Nick Punto's got two rbi in this game. That's embarrassing. :)

So could tonight be the end of Beast Mode? Seriously, Fielder did it after a base on balls. Nyjer Morgan looked like a bumbling idiot in CF.

They are such a good team, I don't know why they waste time with so much BS.

They were in "Getting the Snot Kicked Out of Us" mode yesterday, and I loved it. Nothing I hate more than players acting like jackasses.

And I am officially stating that Texas is locked in right now. Sure, that game went to 11 inning, but how deflating is it to have Nelson Cruz walk off with a grand slam like that. Texas looks like the best team in the playoffs thus far.

Yeah, I love how Texas has put together their team. They were my go to team last year, and I have them facing the cards in the WS this year. They just have an awesome balance of speed, power, pitching and defense.

Love it. I just hate that the games start at 1:05 am my time, and I have to work the next day.

TortyCraig wrote:

In town to throw out the 1st pitch for Game 3, Jeff Suppan came by today. He advised Theriot to grow a full goatee. "It worked for Miles..."

Suppan then talked to Carp about his approach in Game 3, "Might I suggest throwing more softly?" he said. "It worked for me in the '06 NLCS"

Carp said, "Jeff, I'm not throwing $%^#@&% softer. That's $%^#@&$ crazy talk." Suppan replied, "Crazy, is it?" Carp said, "$%#@#$% A it is."

Suppan said, "I have a 1.68 career NLCS ERA. What's yours?" Carp answered: "4.15." Suppan replied, "I rest my case. Throw more softly."

"Hold on, Jeff," said Carp. "Let me check & see what my Cy Young Award says." Carp got his CYA out of his locker. "I'm not throwing softer."

Later on I overheard Suppan: "So I pitched really well in the '06 playoffs and Milwaukee signs me for $40 million! Haha!" Everyone laughed.

"That's not the funniest part!" Suppan continued. "Last year Milwaukee paid me $12 million to pitch for you guys! Haha!" Everyone laughed.

This may be my most favorite post-season ever.

The Brewers are sitting Nyjer Morgan tonight. Looks like he is being protected from the big, mean Chris Carpenter in favor of Mark Kotsay. Kotsay has nice numbers vs. Carp, so it is an interesting move. But the guy has not played much CF in years. He did have 10 games there this year, but at this point that is a pretty big liability to carry in a playoff game. Of course, Morgan looked terrible in CF on Monday, so that may be a wash.

Kotsay has a .364 batting average against Carp, and hitting second, he could create some real problems for Carpenter if he s on in front of Braun and Fielder. But if Milwaukee can get a lead, they can get Kotsay out and get Gomez in CF to lock it down. the Cardinals have to do similar things with Berkman in RF.

In the end, I think the Cardinals are going to unload on Gallardo. They have hit him well this season, and the team seems really locked in right now.

St. Louis has been going squirrel crazy all day, so expect a lot of weird looking signs and costumes at the game tonight. It's nice to have the playoffs feel more fun and festive.