I suppose I should be excited going into game three against the Angels today, but Im actually feeling more for Simon and the Cubs fans right now...Baseball can be a cruel game...
What else is there to say? The Cubs had the best record in the National League, the NL's best offense, the NL's 3rd best team ERA, the best run differential in all of baseball...and they were unceremoniously swept out of the first round for the second year in a row.
An amazing season, a season in which the Cubs actually looked poised to go all the way and end a century of frustration, comes to a depressingly bitter end, as the team looked DOA against the Dodgers. There's plenty of blame to go around for it, but for now...all that matters is that it's over.
Once again, the Cubs and their fans do what they do which is...wait until next year.
Aside from the Angels just winning the WS in 2002, (aslight difference in waiting since 1908)
from an email:
I just got back from the game - I have been to angel stadium many times before, but I have never ever seen angel stadium so vicious and vile. There were at least 5 fights in the right field seats, and one boston fan had a spit cup thrown on him. I got called a faggot at least 100 times. Last year in the ALDS it was much calmer, and the time before that was sane as well. I saw at least 100 "Boston Sucks" shirt in angel red.
The red sox contingency was about 1/4 of normal - but it was still a good showing.
No I have no such feelings for Angels fans. They can pack up their thundersticks, rally monkey, and spitcups for the winter (hopefully today) and it wouldnt faze me in the least. I'd never give a second thought to it.
I know I'm not telling you guys anything you don't know already but Manny in the lineup effects (to a degree) the pitches the batters see on both sides of him... couple that with the psyche of the team? ...dramatic turnaround.
Was it just me or did the Cubbies seem to be somewhat "uptight" these three games?
If so ...is it Lou? ...or Lou's team prep?
I won't feel sad for the Angels fans either... or the Boston fans... or the Brewer fans.... or the Debbil Ray fans... or the Dodger fans ...or the Phillie fans ...or the White Sox fans ...or the Cubbies fans!
That guy was called faggot 100 times ? Was that from one person or from a hundred ? I hardly ever hear that term used anymore-especially out here.
I wasn't expecting you to 'feel sorry' for any fans.I just thought it interesting that the case you made for the Cubs could be applied to the Angels-except for the 100 year drought.
It's also interesting you turned one 'spitcup' into plural. I'm trying to remember the last 'spitcup' I saw at a ball game, and can't recall any.
I've heard Angels Stadium referred to in a lot of ways, but 'vicious and vile' is a first.I'm sure you're emailing friend was telling it as he saw it. If there's an Angel fan in Boston , I'm sure he'll be treated with the utmost respect today.
but Manny in the lineup effects (to a degree) the pitches the batters see on both sides of him... couple that with the psyche of the team? ...dramatic turnaround.
The best part of the deal for the Dodgers? the Red Sox are paying his salary..
thats a sweetheart deal!
Id want Hiways perspective on how he changed the team--TBS gave the stats of those hitting around him and it has jumped dramatically--but almost as important it looks to me like they are enjoying playing on the field...
Its the Phils as I type..
..these gamedays take forever..I still have 3 hours until game time....
Before Manny arrived, the team played like it didn't know what to do. Players failed to execute at an alarming rate. Bunting, moving runners over, hitting to opposite field-whatever the need, it seemed beyond their abilities. It seemed like they all wanted to hit home runs, on a team and a ballpark not built for home runs.
Beyond that, the young players were still resisting instruction, and advice. Last season's clashes between the Jeff Kent vets, and the James Loney,new kids, still hung over the team like a cloud.
The 'addition' of Andruw Jones, the injuries to Furcal, Nomar, made for a team that didn't know what it was. It took Joe Torre half the season to even get a handle on who these players were. Lots of potential, but little living up to it.
Basically-no one was having fun.
Of course, Manny changed all that. He immediately produced big hits in big situations. Of course, he made the hitters around him get better pitches to hit ( as much as Jeff Kent refused to admit it ). Where before, any and every player could be pitched around, there was now Manny who had to be dealt with. From game one, the team looked way better, just looking at the line up.
Suddenly, they were playing like they wanted to be there. Andre Ethier went on a tear. James Loney started to find himself. Russell Martin, though not having as good a year as last, matured, and much of the weight that was on him eased.
Manny made going to Dodger Stadium fun again. The fans fell in love with him from day 1. Seems like he hit at least 1 home run every game I went to , and sometimes more than 1. If you really wanted a Dodger Dog fast, you'd get one when Manny was at bat. Except Manny hitting was more important than a short line.
Joe Torre says the biggest surprise was Manny's work ethic, and commitment to keeping himself sharp.
Of course, we've only seen Manny on his best behavior, but that's ok.
The Dodgers have got to sign him, no matter what it takes. They're delusional if they think they can maintain this without him.
Ive always said that about Manny--he did it in Cleveland andhe did it here and now he is enlivening the whole fan base and team in LA--Now after hitting his 500th earlier this year he is much more on the radar but he has since the day of his arrival in Boston 8 years ago my favorite guy to watch..and when he is in the zone--like he has been in LA--there is nothing like it. Its one of my favorte things on earth to do is to watch him step into the batters box..enjoy it while you can--I'd like to see him stay over there--but I have a suspicion that he'll be signin' with the Yankees...
As much as I was seriously bummin when he left --Jason Bay is doing just fine in left
They can--no one is underestimating the Angels on this end i assure you-
-That was a real game last night ---inning after inning--but once the Sox brought in Javy Lopez in the 12th, I pretty much knew that I was riding on hope alone,..Javy is just not the guy you want to see at that point......
We'll see what kind of magic Francona and Sciosia pull out of their bag of tricks today during the Lester/Lackey rematch--both bullpens got pretty much used up last night---this should be interesting.....
When Ellsbury k'd in the late innings I had a conversation with a friend l about balls and strikes and the strikezone,
I later found this article which is very good from Hardball Times...
I looked at your article mstar... gave me tired head... too early for all of that!
One thing is for sure... in the Angels/BoSox series we are seeing two of the better managers in baseball... come to think of it, that's a common denominator with all of the teams in the playoffs (excepting Mil and it's too soon to tell)
yeah... I'm thinking they'll leave Lowell out of the lineup tonight... I also think it was kind of a tribute to him that Francona put him in the first home game... it looks like the Angels bats have woken up somewhat and hits need to count...
Speaking of which... did Torii forget how close the LFer is at Fenway? What was he thinking with his bad knee? ...but it did look like he almost beat the tag (if he didn't) by reaching around...
I dont know what that was all about with Torii--if the ball gets down in that corner its 99% --double bad knees or not, but Bay hustled, cut it off and threw well---maybe he thought Manny was still out there talking on his cell phone!
A game full of oddities --i went through the roof when Ellsbury over slid second as i did during the squander when they had the bases loaded against Rodriguez--To be fair the Angels had their fill of anxious moments and runners left on base as well.--It all amkes for a good game
Tonight doesnt start until 8:37 so they could be playing until 2AM
Time to end this now so I and the rest of New England can get some sleep
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mstar1
I suppose I should be excited going into game three against the Angels today, but Im actually feeling more for Simon and the Cubs fans right now...Baseball can be a cruel game...
What else is there to say? The Cubs had the best record in the National League, the NL's best offense, the NL's 3rd best team ERA, the best run differential in all of baseball...and they were unceremoniously swept out of the first round for the second year in a row.
An amazing season, a season in which the Cubs actually looked poised to go all the way and end a century of frustration, comes to a depressingly bitter end, as the team looked DOA against the Dodgers. There's plenty of blame to go around for it, but for now...all that matters is that it's over.
Once again, the Cubs and their fans do what they do which is...wait until next year.
Better luck next year Simon
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hiway29
Are you going to feel sorry for Angels fans as well? They are the AL equivalent to the Cubs, in terms of dominating the season.
I didn't think so.
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mstar1
Aside from the Angels just winning the WS in 2002, (aslight difference in waiting since 1908)
from an email:
No I have no such feelings for Angels fans. They can pack up their thundersticks, rally monkey, and spitcups for the winter (hopefully today) and it wouldnt faze me in the least. I'd never give a second thought to it.
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Tom Strange
I know I'm not telling you guys anything you don't know already but Manny in the lineup effects (to a degree) the pitches the batters see on both sides of him... couple that with the psyche of the team? ...dramatic turnaround.
Was it just me or did the Cubbies seem to be somewhat "uptight" these three games?
If so ...is it Lou? ...or Lou's team prep?
I won't feel sad for the Angels fans either... or the Boston fans... or the Brewer fans.... or the Debbil Ray fans... or the Dodger fans ...or the Phillie fans ...or the White Sox fans ...or the Cubbies fans!
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hiway29
That guy was called faggot 100 times ? Was that from one person or from a hundred ? I hardly ever hear that term used anymore-especially out here.
I wasn't expecting you to 'feel sorry' for any fans.I just thought it interesting that the case you made for the Cubs could be applied to the Angels-except for the 100 year drought.
It's also interesting you turned one 'spitcup' into plural. I'm trying to remember the last 'spitcup' I saw at a ball game, and can't recall any.
I've heard Angels Stadium referred to in a lot of ways, but 'vicious and vile' is a first.I'm sure you're emailing friend was telling it as he saw it. If there's an Angel fan in Boston , I'm sure he'll be treated with the utmost respect today.
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mstar1
The best part of the deal for the Dodgers? the Red Sox are paying his salary..
thats a sweetheart deal!
Id want Hiways perspective on how he changed the team--TBS gave the stats of those hitting around him and it has jumped dramatically--but almost as important it looks to me like they are enjoying playing on the field...
Its the Phils as I type..
..these gamedays take forever..I still have 3 hours until game time....
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hiway29
Before Manny arrived, the team played like it didn't know what to do. Players failed to execute at an alarming rate. Bunting, moving runners over, hitting to opposite field-whatever the need, it seemed beyond their abilities. It seemed like they all wanted to hit home runs, on a team and a ballpark not built for home runs.
Beyond that, the young players were still resisting instruction, and advice. Last season's clashes between the Jeff Kent vets, and the James Loney,new kids, still hung over the team like a cloud.
The 'addition' of Andruw Jones, the injuries to Furcal, Nomar, made for a team that didn't know what it was. It took Joe Torre half the season to even get a handle on who these players were. Lots of potential, but little living up to it.
Basically-no one was having fun.
Of course, Manny changed all that. He immediately produced big hits in big situations. Of course, he made the hitters around him get better pitches to hit ( as much as Jeff Kent refused to admit it ). Where before, any and every player could be pitched around, there was now Manny who had to be dealt with. From game one, the team looked way better, just looking at the line up.
Suddenly, they were playing like they wanted to be there. Andre Ethier went on a tear. James Loney started to find himself. Russell Martin, though not having as good a year as last, matured, and much of the weight that was on him eased.
Manny made going to Dodger Stadium fun again. The fans fell in love with him from day 1. Seems like he hit at least 1 home run every game I went to , and sometimes more than 1. If you really wanted a Dodger Dog fast, you'd get one when Manny was at bat. Except Manny hitting was more important than a short line.
Joe Torre says the biggest surprise was Manny's work ethic, and commitment to keeping himself sharp.
Of course, we've only seen Manny on his best behavior, but that's ok.
The Dodgers have got to sign him, no matter what it takes. They're delusional if they think they can maintain this without him.
That's my 2 cents, at least.
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mstar1
Ive always said that about Manny--he did it in Cleveland andhe did it here and now he is enlivening the whole fan base and team in LA--Now after hitting his 500th earlier this year he is much more on the radar but he has since the day of his arrival in Boston 8 years ago my favorite guy to watch..and when he is in the zone--like he has been in LA--there is nothing like it. Its one of my favorte things on earth to do is to watch him step into the batters box..enjoy it while you can--I'd like to see him stay over there--but I have a suspicion that he'll be signin' with the Yankees...
As much as I was seriously bummin when he left --Jason Bay is doing just fine in left
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Rocky
You've got it, YOU'VE GOT IT... No, YOU take it!!!
:o
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Tom Strange
wow... 90 pitches through 4? ...not his best game, is he sick? (just got to the game)
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mstar1
...strained oblique
Not his A stuff tonight..
going into the 10th....
this is why baseball was invented
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Rocky
The halos live to play another day!
btw, of the 8 playoff teams, only ONE will win its last game. But you already knew that.
The Dbacks at least got to finish the season with a win!
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hiway29
How bout that. The Angels won a game.
Is it just a blip on the radar, or have they now beaten 'the curse' ?
It still looks like an unlikely task to me, but I suppose if you can win one you can win two.
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mstar1
They can--no one is underestimating the Angels on this end i assure you-
-That was a real game last night ---inning after inning--but once the Sox brought in Javy Lopez in the 12th, I pretty much knew that I was riding on hope alone,..Javy is just not the guy you want to see at that point......
We'll see what kind of magic Francona and Sciosia pull out of their bag of tricks today during the Lester/Lackey rematch--both bullpens got pretty much used up last night---this should be interesting.....
When Ellsbury k'd in the late innings I had a conversation with a friend l about balls and strikes and the strikezone,
I later found this article which is very good from Hardball Times...
Strike Zone: Fact vs Fiction
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Tom Strange
I looked at your article mstar... gave me tired head... too early for all of that!
One thing is for sure... in the Angels/BoSox series we are seeing two of the better managers in baseball... come to think of it, that's a common denominator with all of the teams in the playoffs (excepting Mil and it's too soon to tell)
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mstar1
It WAS like a chess game between Francona and Sciosia last night..
Its interesting how managers come to the fore in the post season.
Speaking of which--its time for some lineup changes Tito--Drew back in right, Youkilis to 3rd and Casey at first tonight please.
Mike Lowell who can barely walk right now was just plain painful to watch
Its rainy and cold as hell right now--we'll see if we can get this game in tonight--If they play it will be less than ideal conditions
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Tom Strange
yeah... I'm thinking they'll leave Lowell out of the lineup tonight... I also think it was kind of a tribute to him that Francona put him in the first home game... it looks like the Angels bats have woken up somewhat and hits need to count...
Speaking of which... did Torii forget how close the LFer is at Fenway? What was he thinking with his bad knee? ...but it did look like he almost beat the tag (if he didn't) by reaching around...
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hiway29
Just found out I got great seats at the Ravine for next Monday. That one for sure they have to play.
In a perfect world, I'll see the Dodgers win the NL that night. So far, the world is not perfect, but it will be fun regardless.
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mstar1
I dont know what that was all about with Torii--if the ball gets down in that corner its 99% --double bad knees or not, but Bay hustled, cut it off and threw well---maybe he thought Manny was still out there talking on his cell phone!
A game full of oddities --i went through the roof when Ellsbury over slid second as i did during the squander when they had the bases loaded against Rodriguez--To be fair the Angels had their fill of anxious moments and runners left on base as well.--It all amkes for a good game
Tonight doesnt start until 8:37 so they could be playing until 2AM
Time to end this now so I and the rest of New England can get some sleep
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Tom Strange
Looks like it's gonna be the Rays... the team the BoSox fear this year...
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mstar1
I knew they were good--better than people thought but I think it was probably about May 15 I figured they'd start to fade.
Then I moved it up to June,
then the All Star Break
Then surely by the dog days of August ,
then no way they'd make it through September.
No more predictions from me, although I hope they fade sometime next week!
Whoever they get next should be a very good and hard fought series
Congratulations to Joe Madden
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Rocky
Yep them Rays are for real!!!
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mstar1
Lester 8 pitch first and has hit 98---Thats about as good as it gets
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mstar1
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Damn that was tense--
This game is why I love baseball. That game had it all. Highs and lows and a death defying ninth.
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