MLB Thread

[mojoween]

Wow how much does that suck that the Cubs and Rockies are fighting to the death.  Of all the NL teams, personally I would prefer either the Dodgers or Braves to get bounced and Rockies and Cubbies both moving on.

[Calvada]

4 hours ago, prican58 said:

The 1982 team was so good.  Back then when I was so into baseball I didn't care who was in the WS. I usually rooted for the AL except whenever the Pirates were in it. I wanted them to beat up on the Cards but it was not to be. That was a good team. Sigh! I miss the old alignment of the leagues.

I know zip about any of the NL teams and don't really care but I think the Brewers will go to the WS. Just a feeling. If Yanks don't get there but Sox do I will root so hard for Milwaukee. 

Brewers fans, does Robin Yount ever make appearances at the stadium? Is he iconic there?  I remember when he was a rookie, watching the Yanks game and Rizzuto had good things to say about him. Wasn't he 18 or 19 years old and didn't he wear that number in his rookie season? I seem to recall that. 

Yes, Robin Yount shows up regularly.  He is BELOVED by Brewers' fans, the City of Milwaukee, and the State of Wisconsin.  I heard "Rockin' Robin" played about eleventy billion times at County Stadium.  And yes, he came to the big leagues at the age of 18 (thus the nickname of The Kid) and wore #19.  Made the amazing catch in the outfield that ensured Juan Nieves' no-hitter, the only no-no the Brewers have had.  In 1982, he led the AL in hits, won a Golden Glove, was named MVP, and hit 2 homeruns against Jim Palmer and the Orioles in the last game of the season which clinched the AL East for the Brewers.  The Brewers lost to the Cards in the WS in seven games, but not because of Yount.  He hit .414 in the Series.  Without a doubt, the greatest Brewer ever.  

[MVFrostsMyPie]

4 hours ago, mojoween said:

I can only imagine the grin on @MVFrostsMyPie‘s face if she (I think she’s a she, heh) is watching Kenley Jansen give up back to back dingers.

Haha, I didn't watch the game, but that does put a huge smile on my face (yes, I'm a she :D). Their fans take after their players like Puig and were such SORE winners yesterday. Booing Pence, disrespecting our players, being klassy as usual. 

[bosawks]

20 hours ago, SnoGirl said:

I wish I could have taken off to go to Chicago today-I am SO EXCITED for the Brew Crew.  I’ll admit, I was crying today when they caught the third out. I’m in my thirties so I’m too young for the Wallbangers Crew, and I was at the Wildcard game they won last time they made it this close to the dance. 

I love baseball so much. This October is sweet! ??

Harvey's Wallbangers is one of my all time favorite nicknames!

And that glorious m/b baseball mitt hat.  I'm Sawks all the way but I have a huge soft spot for the Brewers, I wasted many a day and night in college in those old bleacher seats at County Stadium drinking smuggled beer and eating a Brat. 

[mojoween]

I fully understand how deeply unpopular Yasiel Puig is but I love him.  And if he wants to do his postgame interviews shirtless, who am I to stop him?

[marymon]

Go Rockies!!!!!!!  

[prican58]

calvada, thanks for the info. I always liked Yount and while we all know of his greatness he rarely is mentioned when folks talk about the greats. 18 years old and in the majors. How amazing was that? We are all amazed at the 21 to 23 year old kids today but he had the poise and talent to come up for and stay for almost 20 years. Has there been any talk about what the Brewers would do to honor that team if this one goes to the WS? I can see RY throwing out the first pitch at the very least.

Does he live in the Milwaukee area? I notice he was coaching a few years ago.

[smittykins]

Severino is starting the WC game for the Yankees.  I’ve got a bad feeling about this...

[mojoween]

Just now, smittykins said:

Severino is starting the WC game for the Yankees.  I’ve got a bad feeling about this...

Depends which one shows up!  The team pulled his ass out of the fire last year.

[Calvada]

19 minutes ago, prican58 said:

calvada, thanks for the info. I always liked Yount and while we all know of his greatness he rarely is mentioned when folks talk about the greats. 18 years old and in the majors. How amazing was that? We are all amazed at the 21 to 23 year old kids today but he had the poise and talent to come up for and stay for almost 20 years. Has there been any talk about what the Brewers would do to honor that team if this one goes to the WS? I can see RY throwing out the first pitch at the very least.

Does he live in the Milwaukee area? I notice he was coaching a few years ago.

No, he lives in Arizona, but is a regular visitor to Milwaukee.  Robin was the bench coach for the Brewers for a very short time.  If the Brewers get to the WS, yes, I think Robin would throw out the first pitch of a game.  Other options:  Gumby (Jim Gantner - also played his entire career with the Crew and a Wisconsin native), or Coop (Cecil Cooper).  Those were 3 of the 4 of that great infield, with Coop at 1B, Gumby at 2B, Robin at SS, and Paul Molitor at 3B.  I can see the Brewers having Uecker throw out a first pitch too.  If the Braves weren't in the playoffs, possibly Henry Aaron, although of course he's better known as a Milwaukee Brave than a Milwaukee Brewer.  He's also loved by the fans, and Hank has a great affection for Milwaukee.  

I hope some of these national broadcasters get a chance in the next couple days to learn something about the Brewers.  During game #163, they were confused by the fact that the Brewer faithful in Wrigley were booing Mike Moustakas.  No, you morons, they were saying "Moooose."  If they brought back Cecil Cooper, they would probably be confused by the "Coooooop" that would fill Miller Park.  Perhaps if ESPN had showed someone other than the Yankees and Red Sox throughout the regular season, they would be a bit more familiar with the other teams in the playoffs.  

[catrox14]

1 hour ago, marymon said:

Go Rockies!!!!!!!  

Yes indeed, GO ROCKIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[prican58]

Quote

 

No, he lives in Arizona, but is a regular visitor to Milwaukee.  Robin was the bench coach for the Brewers for a very short time.  If the Brewers get to the WS, yes, I think Robin would throw out the first pitch of a game.  Other options:  Gumby (Jim Gantner - also played his entire career with the Crew and a Wisconsin native), or Coop (Cecil Cooper).  Those were 3 of the 4 of that great infield, with Coop at 1B, Gumby at 2B, Robin at SS, and Paul Molitor at 3B.  I can see the Brewers having Uecker throw out a first pitch too.  If the Braves weren't in the playoffs, possibly Henry Aaron, although of course he's better known as a Milwaukee Brave than a Milwaukee Brewer.  He's also loved by the fans, and Hank has a great affection for Milwaukee.  

I hope some of these national broadcasters get a chance in the next couple days to learn something about the Brewers.  During game #163, they were confused by the fact that the Brewer faithful in Wrigley were booing Mike Moustakas.  No, you morons, they were saying "Moooose."  If they brought back Cecil Cooper, they would probably be confused by the "Coooooop" that would fill Miller Park.  Perhaps if ESPN had showed someone other than the Yankees and Red Sox throughout the regular season, they would be a bit more familiar with the other teams in the playoffs.

 

I remember those guys. Gantner was a tough guy and Cooper seemed so calm and quiet. Molitor. Well he is no longer a Twin so he's available for a ceremony. Uecker was a catcher so Robin could throw to him. Two birds, one stone.

I'm a Yankees fan and even I'm tired of seeing them and the BoSox on ESPN. 

BTW I love the sausage race you guys have at the park. So goofy yet so American.

Edited October 2, 2018 by prican58

[Calvada]

20 minutes ago, prican58 said:

BTW I love the sausage race you guys have at the park. So goofy yet so American.

Was an occasional event in 1993, and became an every-game event in 1994, beginning with the day they retired Yount's #19.  Just to bring this discussion full circle.  

Nothing better than a day at the ballpark with a brat and a beer!  

[prican58]

Very nice how you brought that back to Robin. Let's see how far Yanks and Brewers can go. 

[KAOS Agent]

2 hours ago, Calvada said:

Perhaps if ESPN had showed someone other than the Yankees and Red Sox throughout the regular season, they would be a bit more familiar with the other teams in the playoffs.  

Indeed. Last year the AL Wild Card game was the first time the Twins had been seen on ESPN all season. The announcers were all about the Yankees and had all kinds of things to say about them (because they are almost YES announcers at this point) while very obviously only reading facts from the media guide for the Twins. I don't blame the announcers for sharing the stuff about the Yankees since that information is generally good, but they knew at least a week in advance that the Twins would be in that game and never bothered to do even the most basic research on them.

[Mittengirl]

Charlie Blackmon looks like the Geico caveman.

[catrox14]

MY ROCKIES WON!!! YASSSSSSSS!!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHA!!!

[marymon]

Cubs overreact to everything.  Congrats Rockies.

[QueerGirrl]

Thank you Rockies!  Our long national nightmare is over!

[mojoween]

Wow.  Chicago has to work better at protecting their house.

I wanted to watch the whole thing but it was midnight and the 11th inning so I had to bail.

[Bort]

11th inning is about where I called it a night. Woke to pleasant news! Except the bartender at my favorite hangout is a Cubs fan, so now he’s going to be cranky for a few days.

[ebk57]

Adios Buck...  this makes me really sad.  

 

And I just wanted to say about Harvey's Wallbangers - they ruined Thanks Earl Day for me back in 1982.  But...it's kinda hard not to like them.  I've enjoyed both trips to Milwaukee to see games.  County Stadium reminded me a lot of Memorial Stadium.  And Miller Park is nice.  I love that the fans tailgate baseball games.  Don't see that in many places.  

 

Did I mention how sad I am that Buck and Adam won't be around?  Because I am.

[mojoween]

Wait wait wait what did I miss about Adam??

[ebk57]

4 hours ago, mojoween said:

Wait wait wait what did I miss about Adam??

Well, no, not officially.  I don't think he can negotiate with anyone until after the Series, and I think he at least wants to talk around.  But we said a lovely goodbye at the ballpark on Sunday.  As I said, I'd like to have to do that again when he re-signs here.  In my dreams... 

[prican58]

Tony Gwynn had every opportunity to change uniforms as SD was pretty much a bad team most of his career. But he didn't. Love and Loyalty. Adam is likely the same. He'll get paid wherever he plays so if he loves Baltimore so much and relishes a chance to be a mentor and team leader then he should stay and no one should give him a hard time about it. 

[mojoween]

But he’s soooooooo good-looking that he could even be MORE handsome in pinstripes.

Except for the fact that they have more outfielders than they know what to do with.  And Cashman had best do right by Gardy.

[prican58]

Nice start.

 

[Bort]

I can’t believe the A’s thought this all-bullpen crap would work in postseason. It’s not. They couldn’t use a starter? Not even Fiers?

[cleo]

The Brewers are doing the same thing next game. But their pitchers may be better to start with. 

Does seem crazy in a wild card game bc of the pressure. 

[prican58]

Still early, kariyaki. 

[Bort]

Yeah, Trivino is actually pitching well in this inning now.

[ebk57]

2 hours ago, prican58 said:

Tony Gwynn had every opportunity to change uniforms as SD was pretty much a bad team most of his career. But he didn't. Love and Loyalty. Adam is likely the same. He'll get paid wherever he plays so if he loves Baltimore so much and relishes a chance to be a mentor and team leader then he should stay and no one should give him a hard time about it. 

I hope he'd stay here - if the team wants him to stay here.  But let's face it, this organization is nothing if not stupid.  We'll see... 

[mojoween]

I’m confused about the media saying this is the first time New York and Boston have met in the playoffs since 2004, since 2004 didn’t happen?  They must be mistaken.

[Bort]

They're correct, Red Sox and Yankees have not faced off in a postseason game since 2004. You can bet that’s all they’re going to talk about til Friday. They know there’s another ALDS game that day, right?

[attica]

5 hours ago, mojoween said:

2004 didn’t happen

QFT. :)

[doodlebug]

3 hours ago, kariyaki said:

They're correct, Red Sox and Yankees have not faced off in a postseason game since 2004. You can bet that’s all they’re going to talk about til Friday. They know there’s another ALDS game that day, right?

 

They don't care, hence all of the ALDS games between those other, unimportant teams will be relegated to the middle of the weekday, so their fans will have to choose between their jobs and watching the teams they love.  Because, as we all know, the NYC-Boston axis is the center of the universe and nothing else matters.

Tomorrow's game in Houston is set for 2 PM.  I have it on good authority (cousin is a Cleveland cop who works the games) that Monday and Tuesday's games will be at either 1PM or 4PM.  The lucky winner will, of course, be blessed with the opportunity to play one of God's chosen teams however, and the ALCS will probably go Prime Time all the way.

Perhaps a friendly wager, Kariyaki?

[Bort]

5 minutes ago, doodlebug said:

Tomorrow's game in Houston is set for 2 PM.  I have it on good authority (cousin is a Cleveland cop who works the games) that Monday and Tuesday's games will be at either 1PM or 4PM.  The lucky winner will, of course, be blessed with the opportunity to play one of God's chosen teams however, and the ALCS will probably go Prime Time all the way.

Perhaps a friendly wager, Kariyaki?

Yes, the Houston/Cleveland game is at 2pm eastern/1pm central. I'm all set to go, got my tickets. I had to take a vacation day because they decided to make it a damn day game. And yes, the LCS games will be at night, there's only one set per league, so there isn't any conflict there. The scheduling issue only comes up for the LDS games.

What's the wager?

[doodlebug]

42 minutes ago, kariyaki said:

Yes, the Houston/Cleveland game is at 2pm eastern/1pm central. I'm all set to go, got my tickets. I had to take a vacation day because they decided to make it a damn day game. And yes, the LCS games will be at night, there's only one set per league, so there isn't any conflict there. The scheduling issue only comes up for the LDS games.

What's the wager?

I work for a corporate behemoth who insist on NINETY days notice for time off.   I have a feeling multiple employees are suddenly going to develop Indian Fever.  

[catrox14]

1 hour ago, doodlebug said:

They don't care, hence all of the ALDS games between those other, unimportant teams will be relegated to the middle of the weekday, so their fans will have to choose between their jobs and watching the teams they love.  Because, as we all know, the NYC-Boston axis is the center of the universe and nothing else matters.

Same for the NLDS with the Dodgers.  Rockies v Brewers are relegated to a day game so they can have the Dodgers on in the evening.  I can't watch and I can't miss work and my job is not one where I can even watch on my phone. Hopefully they'll still be playing during my lunch hour and I can watch. 

[doodlebug]

2 hours ago, kariyaki said:

Yes, the Houston/Cleveland game is at 2pm eastern/1pm central. I'm all set to go, got my tickets. I had to take a vacation day because they decided to make it a damn day game. And yes, the LCS games will be at night, there's only one set per league, so there isn't any conflict there. The scheduling issue only comes up for the LDS games.

What's the wager?

I dunno, but your boys are playing my boys, it seems like a friendly wager is in order.  Lucky you, getting to go to the game tomorrow!  I'm in a season ticket pool and didn't get either of the division games; will get 2 ALCS games if they happen here.  We're superstitious, so we're not doing anything with WS games yet.  I'll be listening to tomorrow's games on the radio while I (try to) work.

[Bort]

5 hours ago, doodlebug said:

I'm in a season ticket pool and didn't get either of the division games;

I’m confused by this. You had season tickets but no options for postseason ones, just a pool?

I had season tickets plus options to buy a whole package for all postseason games. 

[mojoween]

Kenny Albert AND David Cone AND AJ Pierzynski?  They should do all the games, even ones in different time zones at the same time.

[mojoween]

Huh.  I don’t have a horse in the race in the NL in any way, and normally when that happens I'm all about the home team, but when the Rockies/Brewers ended, I was actually a little disappointed.  Weird.

[prican58]

Day time playoffs have been going on since I was in middle school/ high school in the late 60s & 70s. I remember rushing home from school after 3:30 to watch them. Plenty of adults were at work and missed them. No rebroadcasts, no dvr, smart phones.  It's not that big a deal. Most of those series did not involve the Yanks but I was a big fan and loved seeing teams that I couldn't see unless they played the Yanks or Mets.

I do think the marquee clubs get most of the prime time, but that's what happens when the networks have the power. I'm more annoyed at the fact that I can't watch Yanks on YES or Mets (2015) on SNY. 

[Bort]

Yeah, I remember last year the ALDS had day games but since the Astros were playing the Red Sox for that, I didn’t have to deal with a day game schedule. 

ETA: Go Brewers! ::switches over to the Braves Dodgers game::

[Calvada]

I didn't get to watch the first 4 1/2 innings of Brewers/Rockies - stupid job!  Crazy busy day at work, I couldn't leave early, and then inexplicably they did not clear the roads for my drive home.  What's up with that?  Anyhoo, I was chewing my fingernails off as the Brewers failed to tack on any insurance runs, and then went crazy during the 9th.  But Moustakas came through in the 10th.  A big win for the Crew, especially since it would have been a bigger loss, if that makes sense.  My favorite part of the celebration - Hernan carrying the Gatorade all the way to the outfield and then missing Moose.  

I thought Kenny Albert and the gang did a good job.  I missed Brian Anderson on the call, which is funny, because when he began with the Brewers over 10 years ago, I thought he was terrible.  I think a baseball announcer has to sound like he's having a conversation with you (Vin Scully is the absolute master of this), and it was a while before I felt that with BA.  In recent years, he's called NL playoff games, but this year, he's got AL games.  

[Bort]

Could somebody please tell the MLB announcers how to pronounce Acuña’s name? Have they never heard of a tilded N?

Speaking of the ill-timed day games, courtesy of the Astros Twitter feed: 

[doodlebug]

3 hours ago, kariyaki said:

I’m confused by this. You had season tickets but no options for postseason ones, just a pool?

I had season tickets plus options to buy a whole package for all postseason games. 

I share season tickets with a group of friends, we each take between 10-20 regular season games. So, when the post-season rolls around, we get our same pair for all the games and we get together, draw numbers and then each of us picks games until there aren’t any left.  So, yeah, the Indians sold us our seats for all the games, but we split them amongst ourselves.

[Moose135]

3 hours ago, prican58 said:

Day time playoffs have been going on since I was in middle school/ high school in the late 60s & 70s. I remember rushing home from school after 3:30 to watch them.

October 1969, NY Mets in the World Series, and games 3, 4, and 5 were week day games played at Shea.  I was in the 4th grade at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic school on Long Island.  We had TVs in the classrooms as part of the diocesan broadcasting system, and the nuns put the games on when they started - 2pm, I think.  When school was dismissed at 3, I ran home (I lived about a block away) to watch the rest of the game at home.

Edited October 5, 2018 by Moose135

[ebk57]

52 minutes ago, Moose135 said:

October 1969, NY Mets in the World Series, and games 3, 4, and 5 were week day games played at Shea.  I was in the 4th grade at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic school on Long Island.  We had TVs in the classrooms as part of the diocesan broadcasting system, and the nuns put the games on when they started - 2pm, I think.  When school was dismissed at 3, I ran home (I lived about a block away) to watch the rest of the game at home.

Did you have to bring up 1969??  I was just this season softening on the Mets...and now I'm having flashbacks.  Thanks for nuthin'.......

 

I remember a few day games where I wasn't in school because it was...Yom Kippur.  So we'd go out to the car to listen on the radio since no TV on in the house because...Yom Kippur.  Somehow, it didn't seem fair that I was off school and couldn't watch the game.