MLB Thread

[Salacious Kitty]

OK Guardians, three more of those. 😀

Edited October 18, 2024 by Salacious Kitty

[roamyn]

3 hours ago, Salacious Kitty said:

OK Guardians, three more of those. 😀

Honestly, I'd rather they lose in 6 or 7 games.

Yes, I know it's good for the city and for small market ball, but I'm tired of losing in the WS and be more of a laughing stock since we're stuck with the Browns too.  We're the only team to lose two WS in extra innings of a game 7 ('97 & '16).  And there's no way we'd beat the Dodgers.

[DoctorAtomic]

I'm not a regular baseball watcher. Is it still 9 innings or first team to 15?

[Carey]

The Mets survive.  They probably emptied the tank doing so, but the Arizona/Philadelphia outcome was real life not too long ago.  Of course, the Dodgers are at least a little more stacked

Edited October 19, 2024 by Carey
Proper grammar

[Lantern7]

YESTERDAY: I go to New York Comic Con. After about 3-4 hours, I bail out. There was a panel I wanted to see, but I was so tired and over things. I manage to get home during daylight, and I don’t see a flood of Mets fans as I get off the 7 line.

TODAY: I have a better day. I stay there until after 6. I get off the 7 . . . no Mets fans. It wasn’t until I was waiting for the bus to check out ESPN. I honestly thought they would’ve started at 8 p.m. That’s not a dumb presumption, right?

I did see a Grimace at the show. I’ll post the pics shortly. And I’m glad the Mets didn’t go down without a fight. I still think mail-blasting fans about watching Game 6 at Citi Field was pushing it.

[DoctorAtomic]

Good for the Mets for not rolling over. 

[ProudMary]

Tampa Bay Times reports on the extensive damage to Tropicana Field from Hurricane Milton. The Rays definitely will not be able to begin their season at the Trop, likely won't play there at all in 2025, and possibly won't play there again as they're scheduled to be playing elsewhere three seasons from now. Many different scenarios and potential solutions included in this in-depth article. Photos of the damage, too. 😢

Where Rays will play in 2025 one of many questions after Trop damage

[Carey]

Yankees escape.  For now; the series could've been over, but they'll still have a chance to end theirs before LA

[DoctorAtomic]

They certainly like the drama. I don't know if 'escape' is the right term; they did break the closer two games in a row. Cleveland hasn't had an answer for Stanton yet either. 

[Jane Tuesday]

On 10/13/2024 at 8:36 PM, Jane Tuesday said:

All the games I've watched over the years, pleading for Jack to keep it together and not be such a headcase. And now I *want* the joker to show up, and he's pitching the game of his life. Ugh....

And...there's the Joker. 

I have so much affection for Jack, but if he pitches for your team, come prepared with heartburn medication. 

[twoods]

@Jane Tuesday I was thinking of your previous spot on comment when I saw his disastrous pitching on display. 
 

Sensing this series will go to 7 games- the lack of starting pitching is going to bite the Dodgers. If they somehow get past the Mets I don’t know if they can survive having a few bullpen games when even some of their pitchers they rely on are now injured. And Freeman is pretty much done. Not looking good for them at all. 

[ProudMary]

12 hours ago, DoctorAtomic said:

They certainly like the drama. I don't know if 'escape' is the right term; they did break the closer two games in a row. Cleveland hasn't had an answer for Stanton yet either. 

Did you see the headline on the TBS postgame show? It read, "Clase Dismissed." 😄

I just hope that good Rodón shows up tonight. 

[DoctorAtomic]

I was surprised Clase came in for the second day on a row, while the game was tied. Were they not expecting him to pitch tonight? 

[ProudMary]

It's the playoffs and they were the home team. I didn't even think twice about Vogt bringing Clase in when the game was tied. Two days in a row for your closer isn't a big deal and it probably was important for him to get right back on the mound the day after the Yankees had roughed him up, even though the Guardians won that game. It just didn't work last night.

Boone had the leeway to be able to rest Weaver last night after he'd thrown a lot of pitches in the first three games, having been repeatedly asked to get more than three outs. (Although he did have Weaver warming in the 9th.) He'll be fresher tonight.

The Clase situation will certainly be interesting tonight if the game is close, which I'm assuming it will be. Vogt won't want to bring Clase in three days in a row, but tonight's an elimination game for the Guardians, so there's no tomorrow if they lose. It's Johnny Wholestaff. I'd think we may very well see him again.

[baldryanr]

7 hours ago, twoods said:

Sensing this series will go to 7 games- the lack of starting pitching is going to bite the Dodgers. If they somehow get past the Mets I don’t know if they can survive having a few bullpen games when even some of their pitchers they rely on are now injured. And Freeman is pretty much done. Not looking good for them at all. 

If this series goes 7 then every conspiracy theorist in the world (plus plenty of Mets fans) will go nuts at any remotely questionable call.  Ohtani in the WS is the dream for MLB - if they luck out and the Yankees make it too then Ohtani vs Judge, Dodgers vs Yankees, LA vs NY, etc. does the marketing for them.  The Mets and Guardians can't come close to matching that.

[Carey]

I hardly think the NLCS is getting to Monday.  While that means the end for the Mets, no conspiracies here.  Though people would still make them given how dominant they've been despite missing a lot of people.

Meanwhile, the Clase situation might get offset if I see Clay Holmes on my television tonight

[DoctorAtomic]

3 hours ago, ProudMary said:

The Clase situation will certainly be interesting tonight if the game is close, which I'm assuming it will be. Vogt won't want to bring Clase in three days in a row, but tonight's an elimination game for the Guardians, so there's no tomorrow if they lose.

That's my point. Two days in a row isn't a big deal, but three days is. The game was tied. If Cleveland pulled it out again, he's ready to go for game 5 at 2-2. If the Yankees win, you need him for tonight at 1-3 to send it to New York. Bring in your game 7 starter to pitch the 9th, 10th, 11th, as pointed out, being the home team and having the benefit of the last AB. 

[Carey]

For those ALCS viewers that are planning to watch early AM London NFL, you can turn in now.

[Lantern7]

It is 11:37 p.m. as I type this. My heart goes out to Guardians fans. That ball just kept carrying and carrying. 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

ETA: Well, at least Yankees fans can stop griping about waiting fifteen years.

Edited October 20, 2024 by Lantern7

[Is Everyone Gone]

Yankees back to the World Series!!!

Juan Soto has been amazing.

[mojoween]

For a minute I was 

but now I’m 

First base was open.  Interesting decision to pitch to Stanton, but I WILL TAKE IT.

[Salacious Kitty]

Blleech. Go National League. 

[Carey]

I'll pass.  LA can get it next year.  The chances are pretty decent really, but a hard pass in present time

[ebk57]

I'm very sad.  But I'm happy for my Yankee friends here.

 

Did you all believe that?  I tried to be sincere... sorta...

[Jane Tuesday]

I'd rather see the Yankees win than the Dodgers. And I say that as a dyed-in-the-wool NL fan and certified Yankees hater.

[ProudMary]

As you all might expect, I'm very happy tonight. 🙂

I'm delighted for Giancarlo Stanton. What a series he had!

I'm thrilled that Aaron Judge finally gets to the WS.

I'm grateful for Juan Soto! Open up the checkbook, Hal. 😄

I'm giddy in a Mom sort of way for Anthony Volpe and Austin Wells. The talented Chicken Parmigiano buddies ran into each other's arms, jumping up and down like school kids. 😊

I'm so proud of Gleyber Torres, one of my favorites, and the unsung hero of the series. It seemed as if he was on base every other inning.

I'm amazed by Luke Weaver. I've enjoyed his consistency and his cool quirkiness all season, but man, he has been nails, closing in the postseason. 

And the players I haven't singled out, all played their parts. This was a team effort against a Guardians team that were certainly no pushover. These were some great games. Nailbiters. Agita inducers, but great games.

On to the World Series...

And for Sunday, LET'S GO METS!!!

[twoods]

Wow, I can’t believe it’s been 15 years for the Yankees with all the talent they’ve had. I think they can beat the Mets or Dodgers, but hope it’s a competitive series. 

[mojoween]

Must be too cold in Cleveland for even Giancarlo, the guns are fully covered up.

 

[Carey]

I'm sorry I keep on dissing Clay Holmes but for some reason I was sort of scared that I'd see him show up instead of Weaver.  Apologize for not completely paying attention as I was occupied with Texas/Georgia (among other things).  As mentioned, I figured that it would've offset Clase's struggles, and even though Cleveland didn't win, good for their closer that he did well this time around.

While they have to play the game to make the eventual winner's trip to Yankees Stadium a reality, probably the end of the road for the Mets.  That probability might or will dip if they win.  I don't know if they can play like they did on Friday going forward.  If they're close, good for them, but LA kept things very interesting in Game 5, which if that happens tonight, Major League Baseball will get their dream matchup

[ProudMary]

I don't know, I like the Mets' chances tonight and if they do win, Game 7 is a crapshoot. Anything can happen, both teams' backs are against the wall no matter who's playing where, and it often comes down to in-game decisions. We'll see, but I'm hopeful. Don't be trampling on my Subway Series dream! 😄 

BTW, I really should be rooting for the Dodgers. I think the Yankees match up better against the Dodgers than they do the Mets, and the Mets beat the Yankees in all 4 interleague games they played this season. A Subway Series could be a case of, "Be careful what you wish for" but the heart wants what it wants. 🙂

[DoctorAtomic]

I think the Mets have a shot if they get aggressive at the plate early. I'm rooting for a game 7 so Judge can get in some more BP.

[Jane Tuesday]

The only silver lining if the Dodgers win tonight will be seeing Tommy Edman win the LCS MVP. Love him so much, and he's never gotten enough credit. He was the perfect Cardinal. 🥰 😔 

[Lantern7]

Tuning in and out. Mets are down, but they’re not going out easily.

[Carey]

With apologies to ProudMary, as much as a guaranteed New Yorker winning something would have been pretty sweet, I'm okay with the outcome and what's next.  No, I'm not "staff" meaning that my "love" for Yankees/Dodgers is for me.  Not in connection to those that wanted it for whatever reason or reasons.

There are several players from each team that I adore.  That I respect.  Plus having family in both Los Angeles and New York makes me torn here.  Fortunately it means I can enjoy a good series (I think) and when it's over, I'll be happy and sad at the same time.

[Lantern7]

*sigh*

I know this sounds like a hollow praise phrase, but the Mets should hold their heads up. They were down hard in the beginning, and they wound up playing with house money. And it wasn’t all good luck charms. They have to remember this when they go to Spring Training. Management has to figure out how they can get up on the Phillies and Dodgers. I think 2025 might be a fun season for the New York Mets. I know that sounds like I’m inviting trouble, but I reckon next year might be a wilder ride, and we all have to get ready for it.

Lets Go Mets

LGM

OMG

[Jane Tuesday]

@Lantern7 - what do you think the odds are that Pete comes back? 

I hope he does. I'm of the opinion that baseball is best when teams hang on to their best players. 

[Salacious Kitty]

As much as it pains me, I'm going Skanks in 6. The Dodgers' pitching is decimated. 

[Carey]

So it looks like Los Angeles is opening at 1.5 over New York.  This is the year for the latter to get them since they've gotten to this point

[DMK]

Well, that’s it for baseball watching for me this year. I hate both final teams so that leaves me with a World Series that’s pointless to watch.

[Magog]

11 hours ago, Carey said:

There are several players from each team that I adore.  That I respect.  Plus having family in both Los Angeles and New York makes me torn here.  Fortunately it means I can enjoy a good series (I think) and when it's over, I'll be happy and sad at the same time.

 

10 hours ago, Salacious Kitty said:

As much as it pains me, I'm going Skanks in 6. The Dodgers' pitching is decimated. 

This World Series will be a "rooting for no one" type of Series. In fact, I find getting excited for Yankees - Dodgers is like rooting for Jerry Jones & the Cowboys. Basically, Jerry Jones are the Yankees & his loser son, Stephen Jones are the Dodgers.

Edited October 21, 2024 by Magog

[ProudMary]

Down to two teams, the postseason schedule and how to watch just got a lot simpler. All the games are on Fox 🤮 and they all start at 8:08 p.m. Eastern.

WORLD SERIES SCHEDULE

 

(All times ET)

Friday, Oct. 25
Game 1: NYY @ LAD, 8:08 p.m. (FOX)

Saturday, Oct. 26
Game 2: NYY @ LAD, 8:08 p.m. (FOX)

Monday, Oct. 28
Game 3: LAD @ NYY, 8:08 p.m. (FOX)

Tuesday, Oct. 29
Game 4: LAD @ NYY, 8:08 p.m. (FOX)

Wednesday, Oct. 30
Game 5^: LAD @ NYY, 8:08 p.m. (FOX)

Friday, Nov. 1
Game 6^: NYY @ LAD, 8:08 p.m. (FOX)

Saturday, Nov. 2
Game 7^: NYY @ LAD, 8:08 p.m. (FOX)

[Carey]

Meh.  The schedule is fine.  With a decent series, it ends on the weekend

[Lantern7]

From ESPN: "Why the Mets' 2024 MLB playoff run is start of something big" It pretty much articulates how I'm feeling about the team now, which is positivity about the future. I looked up the covers of the New York tabloids, and they were split between the Mets' loss and the New York Liberty's first WNBA title. The important thing is that little precious space was used to show how the Giants and Jets sucked. You think Pete Alonso would lend his Playoff Pumpkin to Aaron Rodgers?

1 hour ago, Carey said:

Meh.  The schedule is fine.  With a decent series, it ends on the weekend

It's kind of effed up how the NLCS was on Fox Sports 1 and not Fox. I mean, I've grown to like The Floor, but I could have gotten along without it for a week. It's also weird to see the days laid out like that, because I grew up with the World Series kicking off on Saturday. We will be getting a Sports Equinox next Monday, with all four league in action that night.

[Lantern7]

In case you didn't hear, Fernando Valenzuela passed away at the age of 63. I'm thinking the Dodgers will honor him before Game 1.

[baldryanr]

40 years ago yesterday Fernando had a complete game victory in Game 3 of the World Series - he threw 147 pitches.  How times have changed.

Speaking of which, random fact of the day - in 2005 the White Sox beat the Angels 4-1 in the ALCS (yes, those two teams used to be really good).  The White Sox pitching staff threw 4(!) complete games and the bullpen pitched 2/3 of an inning in the series.  I think there's a better chance of an earthquake swallowing Dodger Stadium whole than anything like that ever happening again.

[ProudMary]

Video from inside Tropicana Field. 

 

[mojoween]

Les Miz is my favorite musical of all time.  It is playing this week in Syracuse and the hubby asked if I wanted to go.  Duh.  He said ok let’s get the best seats available.

Those seats are available tonight at 7:30.  And we are going.  😭

[ProudMary]

Starting lineups for Game 1. Teoscar Hernandez batting clean-up. 😱 Dear Aaron Boone, please walk him if first base is open. 🙏 

 

Edited October 25, 2024 by ProudMary

[ProudMary]

From CBS Sports:

Rudy May, 1980 American League ERA champion who pitched for Yankees, Angels, others, dies at 80

[Carey]

Try again tomorrow, New York.