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NLCS Game 1
2007-10-11 15:43
by Mark T.R. Donohue

Does anybody else think that these stories about the MLB competing with the NFL in profites aren't just smoke and mirrors? Even the dedicated football fans I know right now seem disillusioned, more interested in their fantasy teams than their real teams. The MLB playoffs are full of fresh blood and and there have been pulse-pounding endings to spare in the last three weeks. In the NFL, Peter King is grasping at straws, describing a game where the winning team's quarterback threw five interceptions and probably should have thrown another three or four had both teams not played so badly as one for the ages. Only a few flat-earthers (who coincidentally seem to be all Patriots fans and as such have awarded the World Series to the Red Sox already) think that the Rockies and the Diamondbacks being in the NLCS is bad for baseball.

You know what? TV ratings are one thing, but the atmosphere in Denver (and the resale I'm going to get on my extra tickets for Games 4 and, if necessary, 5) are another entirely. People want to be baseball fans again in Denver, and people in New York and Chicago and Los Angeles aren't going to stop being baseball fans because some of the have-nots are having a go of it this year. In fact, maybe this NLCS will be the one that reminds people who have become Red Sox or Yankee or Dodger followers exclusively of the days when people all over the country used to watch the national game on weekends no matter what two team were playing. Baseball is more fun to watch the more you know about it, and this year you're going to have to learn the names of at least a few young guys you don't know about yet. Myself included -- I've been sleeping like everyone else on the young arms Cleveland has both in the rotation and in relief.

But tonight it's all about the Mountain Time Zone, as the Arizona Diamondbacks host your Colorado Rockies. I have band practice for the first part of the game, but I trust you all to break this one down and build it back up on your own.

Comments (234)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2007-10-11 15:59:39
1.   dzzrtRatt
I'm from LA.

NFL. NFL. National Federation of Lacrosse?

2007-10-11 16:01:02
2.   gpellamjr
I am just stoked that an NL West team is going to be in the WS. Although I'm a Dodger fan, I'm glad Gonzo won't be in this one. Stupid Gonzo.
2007-10-11 16:20:04
3.   Ali Nagib
1 - I dunno, try one of these:

http://www.nfl-bay.com/
http://www.nflonline.org/
http://www.nfl.org.au/
http://www.nationalfertilizers.com/

2007-10-11 16:22:16
4.   Linkmeister
"I have band practice"

Um. Marching? ;)

2007-10-11 16:32:40
5.   dzzrtRatt
Random question. Is the "end of game" music in Cleveland Three Dog Night's "Shambala?" That's what it sounded like.
2007-10-11 16:32:50
6.   Xeifrank
what time are starting lineups due out?
vr, Xei
2007-10-11 16:50:08
7.   Humma Kavula
2 It's almost enough to make one root for the D-Backs, just because they jettisoned him.

Almost.

OK, it's not nearly enough to do that. I'm a liar.

2007-10-11 16:53:35
8.   underdog
7 So you'll almost root for the Dodgers next season for the same reason. Almost? ;-)

Go Rockiebacks!

2007-10-11 16:54:13
9.   underdog
I mean, not almost, even more vehemently I should say.
2007-10-11 16:57:09
10.   trainwreck
Being a Raider fan, this is the most excited I have been for football in years.

This is late in the year for us to be in the playoff chase.

2007-10-11 16:57:50
11.   El Lay Dave
0 Only a few flat-earthers ... think that the Rockies and the Diamondbacks being in the NLCS is bad for baseball.

Is this the beginnings of a Mark T.R. Donohue vs. Scott Long Toaster feud?

2007-10-11 16:58:42
12.   Bob Timmermann
Colorado
Taveras CF
Matsui 2B
Holliday LF
Helton 1B
Atkins 3B
Hawpe RF
Tulowitzki SS
Torrealba C
Francis P

Arizona
Young CF
Drew SS
Byrnes LF
Jackson 1B
Reynolds 3B
Snyder C
Upton RF
Ojeda 2B
Webb P

2007-10-11 16:58:57
13.   trainwreck
Clearly, Mark does not watch much ESPN.
2007-10-11 17:10:50
14.   trainwreck
I don't like Tulowitkzi being moved out of the two spot. I think they should have moved Matsui down in the order.
2007-10-11 17:11:25
15.   trainwreck
*Tulowitzki
2007-10-11 17:18:34
16.   gpellamjr
14 I'm curious whether anyone thinks putting Taveras in there is a good idea.
2007-10-11 17:26:39
17.   El Lay Dave
16 Seems risky. He hasn't played since 9/8 - did he rehab in the AZ fall league or something? Not to be a simpleton, but the Rockies just went, what, 17-1 without him? I can see starting him over Sullivan/Spilbourghs against Webb, but hitting him 7th or 8th might be a safer choice.

Watch him go 3-5 with a walk and 3 runs scored now.

2007-10-11 17:27:35
18.   Bob Timmermann
The DBacks have three catchers for this series for some reason. They added Robby Hammock.
2007-10-11 17:28:26
19.   trainwreck
16
He's their Juan Pierre.
2007-10-11 17:28:35
20.   Bob Timmermann
17
Taveras went to the AZ Fall League. He played in a game in which Micah Owings was pitching and got hit twice by a pitch.
2007-10-11 17:32:48
21.   gpellamjr
20 I know Micah Owings is talented, but I had no idea he could hit Taveras twice with one pitch.

Isn't Spilborghs a better player than Taveras?

2007-10-11 17:34:01
22.   El Lay Dave
19 Except his OBP is ok - .367

20 That must have been some pitch; I thought only someone like maybe Bugs Bunny could pull off such a thing. Owings must be a mound magician!

2007-10-11 17:34:06
23.   Bob Timmermann
21
Arlen Specter called it "the magic baseball."
2007-10-11 17:40:07
24.   Saburo
CBS Sportsline with the bias with its Gamecenter play-by-play: "Unknown grounded out to third. (sinker)"
2007-10-11 17:40:52
25.   trainwreck
22
Juan Pierre had a .78 OBP one year with Colorado and a better ISoP.
2007-10-11 17:41:07
26.   trainwreck
.378 OBP
2007-10-11 17:42:32
27.   RIYank
21 Must have been a gyroball.
2007-10-11 17:42:37
28.   Andrew Shimmin
Brandon Webb is good at baseball.
2007-10-11 17:44:14
29.   RIYank
28 The throwing part, anyway.
2007-10-11 17:50:51
30.   Mike Carminati
I didn't know Drew was that fast
2007-10-11 17:51:09
31.   trainwreck
You can see the extra dirt they put on the field to deaden the ball for Webb.
2007-10-11 17:53:29
32.   RIYank
Five batters. But only twelve pitches.
2007-10-11 17:55:28
33.   Mike Carminati
32 for both pitchers
2007-10-11 17:56:17
34.   Linkmeister
Somebody send me some food thru the nets; I'm stuck on a liquid diet for a "procedure" tomorrow, and I can't nibble without being caught.
2007-10-11 17:57:27
35.   Mike Carminati
34 Because the internet is a series of tubes.
2007-10-11 17:58:54
36.   Mike Carminati
Sinker didn't sink much on Atkins.
2007-10-11 17:59:48
37.   Bluebleeder87
I hope the Rox capitalize in this inning with 2 men on & no outs...
2007-10-11 18:01:00
38.   Mike Carminati
Webb really pitched around Hawpe there.
2007-10-11 18:03:42
39.   Bob Timmermann
"He beat out Clint Barmes in spring training."

Remember when we thought Barmes was going to be really good?

I remember like it was 2005.

I want some venison.

2007-10-11 18:06:14
40.   Mike Carminati
Gold Glove for Tulowitzki this year? RoY? Bueller...Bueller?
2007-10-11 18:08:03
41.   trainwreck
I still think Braun deserves ROY even if he can't field.
2007-10-11 18:08:22
42.   Bob Timmermann
It all depends if Jimmy Rollins is considered a better "fielder" by Gold Glove standards which are even more arbitrary than the Oscars.
2007-10-11 18:10:17
43.   Bob Timmermann
Sager has the order of events wrong.

The DBacks celebrated a playoff spot first because the Mets lost.

They celebrated the division title the next day before their game began when San Diego lost.

2007-10-11 18:10:21
44.   Mike Carminati
I thought J-Roll had a somewhat down year defensively. Not basing that on any stats, just observation.
2007-10-11 18:11:10
45.   Eric Stephen
I thought that video Craig Sager voiced over was cool. D-Backs celebrating a win, then Conor Jackson saw on the scoreboard that the Padres lost, and they started celebrating more wildly as they realized they made the playoffs.
2007-10-11 18:11:12
46.   Mike Carminati
43 But what color is his suit today? Chartreuse?
2007-10-11 18:11:53
47.   Eric Stephen
43 Good call Bob. I still liked the video, facts be damned.
2007-10-11 18:12:47
48.   Mike Carminati
Augie Ojeda = Brian Doyle of 2007?
2007-10-11 18:12:48
49.   Eric Stephen
46 I actually think Sager's suits have been relatively conservative during the playoffs.
2007-10-11 18:14:21
50.   Bob Timmermann
Sager has a blue suit on tonight.

At least I think that color is blue.

Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2007-10-11 18:15:01
51.   Mike Carminati
50 Is he going to the prom...in 1978?
2007-10-11 18:15:22
52.   Bob Timmermann
44
But Derek Jeter wins the AL Gold Glove by default now, so I don't know how poor of a year defensively by Rollins he would have to have to not win the GG.
2007-10-11 18:16:09
53.   Mike Carminati
52 Yeah, voters am dumb.
2007-10-11 18:17:13
54.   trainwreck
Derek Jeter's dive into the stands assured him the GG until he retires.
2007-10-11 18:21:02
55.   Bob Timmermann
Glenallen Hill is wearing the Vin Scully-approved helmet while coaching first.
2007-10-11 18:21:34
56.   Mike Carminati
Is Sager appearing in Guys and Dolls after the game?
2007-10-11 18:21:44
57.   Bob Timmermann
Navy blue jacket with white stripes. Pink shirt. Pink and blue tie.

Craig Sager's wardrobe.

2007-10-11 18:22:16
58.   Mike Carminati
Nicely Nicely Sager
2007-10-11 18:22:18
59.   Bob Timmermann
Please note that Bob Brenly used the same misplaced modifier about Owings and Taveras as I did.
2007-10-11 18:23:09
60.   Mike Carminati
Does Caray know that the Mets are not in the playoffs?
2007-10-11 18:24:43
61.   Eric Stephen
Wouldn't it be worth it for TBS to actually sell at least a fraction of the 9 hours per day they show Frank TV commercials, to show other commercials? The benefits:

1) More ad revenue
2) Less people that are sick of Frank TV before it's actually on (it might be a good show, but all these ads have tainted it for me)

This is straight out of the Fox playbook, of overhyping a series during the playoffs to the point of nausea. Most shows flopped (Girls Club, Skin, etc), although I'm not sure how much of that was the fault of the show and how much was Fox's fault. I can't remember if 24 was pre-hyped, but I do remember thinking ill of House right around the 300th time I heard "you're risking a patient's life!" But House turned out alright.

2007-10-11 18:25:16
62.   Bob Timmermann
Perhaps Taveras and Matsui are a poor man's version of Rollins and Victorino.
2007-10-11 18:26:11
63.   Bob Timmermann
61
I hear your father is the district attorney!
2007-10-11 18:27:33
64.   Eric Stephen
The grandfather discussion between Caray and Gwynn struck me as humorous, as Caray must be thinking Gwynn's grandson is guaranteed a spot in baseball, the way Chip "earned" his spot in the booth.

Even though the playing side is based (mostly) on ability, as opposed the nepotistic announcing side.

2007-10-11 18:28:31
65.   Eric Stephen
63 I remember that line. Can you remember any other Fox shows hyped during playoff time?

I guess Prison Break was another.

2007-10-11 18:29:18
66.   Mike Carminati
They might have been crossed up?
2007-10-11 18:29:36
67.   Eric Stephen
The Diamondbacks' "db" logo behind home plate looks kind of like the Greatest American Hero logo.
2007-10-11 18:30:31
68.   dzzrtRatt
Well, Carey does have a sonorous voice.

But I'll never forget "This crowd is up for grabs!" What a maroon.

2007-10-11 18:30:34
69.   Eric Stephen
67 ...or perhaps a modified "supa-finger" or whatever the hell Dave Cook's logo is, as an homage to the dark lord of baseball ads.
2007-10-11 18:30:54
70.   Bob Timmermann
65
Are you some kind of a teacher?
I don't know, are you some kind of a student?
2007-10-11 18:30:59
71.   trainwreck
What can Glenallen Hill teach anybody?

Hey, do not be like me.

2007-10-11 18:31:06
72.   Sam DC
67 Believe it or not.
2007-10-11 18:31:44
73.   Mike Carminati
62 A poor man's Rose and McBride.

That Hawpe pitch didn't look bad, but he seemed to be looking for it.

2007-10-11 18:33:03
74.   Eric Stephen
70 Ah yes, Boston Public. What will be known as the pre-Pushing Daisies (and pre-Undercover Brother) vehicle for Chi McBride.
2007-10-11 18:33:52
75.   dzzrtRatt
If the Rockies have this little of a problem overcoming Webb, this series might not last too long.
2007-10-11 18:34:15
76.   Bob Timmermann
71
It would be more interesting if Glenallen Hill were the outfield instructor.

"So when you see the ball go in the air to you, turn around four times, then fall over, then get back up run as hard as you can and throw your glove in the air and hope that the ball finds it. I'll hit you some fungoes to practice that."

2007-10-11 18:34:17
77.   Eric Stephen
71 I wonder if Glenallen Hill was the driving force behind squashing the ads on the bases for Spider Man a few years back.
2007-10-11 18:35:08
78.   Sam DC
So, I googled myself today, something I have not done in years.

It turns out that the "note" (med length paper) I wrote for the law review has gotten cited a number of times, and I've even been described and discussed at some length as part of a "movement." This based on a paper I crashed and wrote in about 10 days. Kind of an odd feeling. I agree with what I wrote and all, but I'm sure not manning the barricades or anything.

2007-10-11 18:39:46
79.   trainwreck
74
Chi McBride's best film or show is "The Frighteners."
2007-10-11 18:42:17
80.   Mike Carminati
79 He was pretty good in the 1980 World Series and he palyed with his mouth wired shut.
2007-10-11 18:43:53
81.   Bluebleeder87
75

I've heard Hawpe owns Webb, wow, who knew

2007-10-11 18:48:03
82.   Bluebleeder87
I also heard the Rox are the #'s favorite for this series as well with better defense, team ERA (best in the NL for the entire 2nd half) & a better team batting average if I remember correctly. So I guess the D-Backs are the "underdogs" but I just can't root for them, sorry.
2007-10-11 18:48:49
83.   trainwreck
You won't let us forget who does that John Madden impression.
2007-10-11 18:51:02
84.   Bluebleeder87
So when you think about it, it's kind of no surprise the Rox are were there at at the moment, really nice stretch run though.
2007-10-11 18:52:00
85.   Bob Timmermann
The Rockies and DBacks want to make sure that people on the West Coast will be able to see "The Office" on time.
2007-10-11 18:52:35
86.   Mike Carminati
84 And to be honest, a very weak NL this year.
2007-10-11 18:55:15
87.   Mike Carminati
How did Matsui become Rogers Hornsby with the Rox?
2007-10-11 18:57:45
88.   Bob Timmermann
The 1942 Cardinals won 17 of their last 19 regular season games and then went 4-1 in the World Series against the Yankees.

That may be the most comparable run to the Rockies. But the 1942 Cardinals went 106-48.

The Cardinals were also big underdogs in the World Series to the Yankees that year because the Yankees hadn't lost in their last eight trips to the World Series.

2007-10-11 18:57:47
89.   Mike Carminati
Helton should have gotten a base on that; Reynolds should not have.
2007-10-11 19:02:37
90.   Bob Timmermann
Poor B.J. Upton, it's going to take more than a couple of years for his team to make it to the postseason.
2007-10-11 19:04:21
91.   Mike Carminati
That doesn't get him the Gold Glove?
2007-10-11 19:04:47
92.   Mike Carminati
Do you let webb bat here?
2007-10-11 19:04:58
93.   Bob Timmermann
And why is he called B.J. Upton when his given name is Melvin Emanuel Upton?

I had an uncle named Melvin.

2007-10-11 19:05:02
94.   Eric Stephen
I've never understood why networks feel we need to see the interview subject(s) as they are being interviewed. If you want to do it during the game, fine, but just show the game on screen, and we can listen to the interview. I'm pretty sure we can tell which voice is Craig Sager and which voice isn't.

Attempting to show both screens at once is pointless as well, as it effectively cuts the baseball action to 20-25% or so of the screen.

2007-10-11 19:05:35
95.   Bob Timmermann
91
Haven't they already voted for the Gold Gloves?
2007-10-11 19:06:33
96.   Bob Timmermann
94
I have picture-in-picture available on my TV and I rarely use it. It ensures that there are two pictures that I can't see.
2007-10-11 19:06:37
97.   Mike Carminati
94 And they missed Upton striking out.
2007-10-11 19:07:03
98.   Mike Carminati
95 yes, but you get my point.
2007-10-11 19:10:07
99.   Bob Timmermann
The Rockies are flirting with two violations of the Grabowski Principle by giving up a hit to Webb and a walk to Short Chris Young.

The Grabowski Principle: When a pitcher gives allows an inferior hitter to reach base in an unlikely way, then that pitcher is likely to give up a big hit soon after.

Named after former Dodger Jason Grabowski who got a pinch single off of Kevin Jarvis of the Cardinals which was then followed by a home run.

2007-10-11 19:12:09
100.   Bob Timmermann
The sequence of events was slightly wrong there.

This is the Grabowski Principle game:

http://retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2005/B05100SLN2005.htm

The top of the sixth is the key.

Show/Hide Comments 101-150
2007-10-11 19:13:32
101.   Eric Stephen
93 Bossman, Jr. I believe.
2007-10-11 19:15:21
102.   Bob Timmermann
101
Nobody ever called my Uncle Melvin "Bossman, Jr." however.

We just called him "Uncle Mac." He sold tractors and was really rich. Although likely not as rich as BJ Upton.

2007-10-11 19:18:14
103.   Eric Stephen
102 That's the tractor story?
2007-10-11 19:20:39
104.   Bob Timmermann
Hey, if anybody needs a deal on a combine, I can hook you up.

http://www.timmermannimp.com/

2007-10-11 19:21:56
105.   Bob Timmermann
I know the answer to the trivia question!

I saw that game.

Hint: I was a very wee lad. It's one of the first postseason games I remember. Although it was a day game, I was home from school to see it. I guess it was on a weekend.

I also didn't go to school for a long time back then.

2007-10-11 19:22:04
106.   Mike Carminati
Bob, by the way, the best record in the last 20 games by a World Series winner was 17-3 by the '42 Cards and the 1970 O's:

(I don;t know if this table will come through)

Yr Team W L Last 20 W Last 20 L
1970 Baltimore Orioles 108 54 17 3
1942 St. Louis Cardinals 106 48 17 3
1965 Los Angeles Dodgers 97 65 16 4
1952 New York Yankees 95 59 16 4
1927 New York Yankees 110 44 16 4
1993 Toronto Blue Jays 95 67 16 4

2007-10-11 19:23:16
107.   Bob Timmermann
The table made it through with minimal damage.
2007-10-11 19:24:54
108.   Mike Carminati
...And the only WS winner to go 13-1 in their last 14 games was the '65 Dodgers:

Yr Team W L Last 14 W Last 14 L
1965 Los Angeles Dodgers 97 65 13 1
1952 New York Yankees 95 59 12 2
1934 St. Louis Cardinals 95 58 12 2
1942 St. Louis Cardinals 106 48 12 2
1970 Baltimore Orioles 108 54 12 2
1908 Chicago Cubs 99 55 11 2
1927 New York Yankees 110 44 11 3
1948 Cleveland Indians 97 58 11 3
1951 New York Yankees 98 56 11 3
1975 Cincinnati Reds 108 54 11 3
1986 New York Mets 108 54 11 3
1989 Oakland Athletics 99 63 11 3

2007-10-11 19:25:43
109.   Mike Carminati
(Those are regular-season games, by the way.)
2007-10-11 19:26:50
110.   Mike Carminati
Take that Gold Glove away!
2007-10-11 19:33:26
111.   Eric Stephen
Anyone who has said Juan Cruz should be the MVP of the Arizona pitching staff should be shot.

Including Chip Caray.

2007-10-11 19:34:26
112.   Bob Timmermann
I get a gold star from Chip Caray!
2007-10-11 19:35:55
113.   Andrew Shimmin
112- Technically you just got his permission to give yourself a gold star.
2007-10-11 19:36:07
114.   Bob Timmermann
108
Gee, I wonder why the 1908 Cubs just went 11-2 in their last 14 games?

I assume that stretch included September 23, 1908.

2007-10-11 19:40:06
115.   Mike Carminati
114 The query just looked at the last 20 games including ties. I don;t have the dates but 9/23 sounds like it would be in that range.
2007-10-11 19:42:11
116.   Mike Carminati
114 9/22 to 10/8/1908.
2007-10-11 19:43:22
117.   Eric Stephen
Holliday has had "one of the best years in National League history" this year? Really, Chip Caray?
2007-10-11 19:43:59
118.   Mike Carminati
Are these guys even watching the game?
2007-10-11 19:47:45
119.   Mike Carminati
Ronan Tynan time?
2007-10-11 19:47:52
120.   Ghost of Carlos Perez
Can anybody give me a brief rundown of how OPS+ "park adjusts"? I just looked up Tulowitzki's and Holliday's home/road splits, and I have a hard time believing (particularly for Tulowitzki) that, had they played all their games in a hitter-neutral park, their respective OPS+ would be that high.
2007-10-11 19:49:09
121.   Eric Stephen
117 I looked it up, and Holliday has actually had one of only 34 seasons in NL history with both a .340+ BA and 130+ RBI. He ranks 29th in OPS+ among those seasons:

http://www.bb-ref.com/pi/shareit/qhxx

I'm still not comfortable calling Holliday's 2007 "one of the best years in National League history".

2007-10-11 19:49:52
122.   Bob Timmermann
The ghosts of Rogers Hornsby and Hack Wilson are going to attack Chip Caray in his sleep tonight.
2007-10-11 19:50:43
123.   trainwreck
Thanks for showing that, TBS.
2007-10-11 19:51:34
124.   Mike Carminati
120 There's an explanation at B-R:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/about/bat_glossary.shtml
2007-10-11 19:51:45
125.   Eric Stephen
120 This is from Baseball-Reference.com:

Adjusted OPS+

This value is calculated differently from the Total Baseball PRO+ statistic. I chose OPS+ to make this difference more clear. PRO+ as best I can tell is

PRO+ = 100 * ( OBP/lgOBP + SLG/lgSLG - 1)/BPF

Where lgOBP and lgSLG are the slugging and on-base percentage of a league-average player, and BPF is the batting park factor. This takes into account the difference in runs scored in a team's home and road games, so it doesn't depend on how good an offense or defense a team has.

My method is slightly more complicated, but I think it is more correct. The BPF is set up for runs and the way it is implemented in PRO+ applies it to something other than runs.

1. My method Compute the runs created for the league with pitchers removed (basic form) RC = (H + BB + HBP)*(TB)/(AB + BB + HBP + SF)
2. Adjust this by the park factor RC' = RC*BPF
3. Assume that if hits increase in a park, that BB, HBP, TB increase at the some proportion.
4. Assume that Outs = AB - H (more or less) do not change at all as outs are finite.
5. Compute the number of H, BB, HBP, TB needed to produce RC', involves the quadratic formula. The idea for this came from the Willie Davis player comment in the Bill James New Historical Baseball Abstract. I think some others, including Clay Davenport have done some similar things.
6. Using these adjusted values compute what the league average player would have hit lgOBP*, lgSLG* in a park.
7. Take OPS+ = 100 (OBP/lgOBP + SLG/lgSLG* - 1)
8. Note, in my database, I don't store lgSLG, but store lgTB and similarly for lgOBP and lg(Times on Base), this makes calculation of career OPS+ much easier.

2007-10-11 19:52:06
126.   Bob Timmermann
123
Well, I had missed that game because I was working.

It's not like the Dodgers had much of a chance to make the playoffs with all the injuries they had down the stretch anyway.

And they were starting Esteban Loaiza in big games.

2007-10-11 19:53:03
127.   Mike Carminati
Given that Ojeda is up third in this inning, what kind of depth dothey have on the bench to PH for him?
2007-10-11 19:53:21
128.   Bob Timmermann
I think the biggest question now is: will the game last long enough for Mark to get home to see the end of it?
2007-10-11 19:53:47
129.   Eric Stephen
123 Now they just need to show the game-ending HR from the last game Saito gave up more than one run (before the aforementioned Helton contest)!
2007-10-11 19:54:43
130.   dzzrtRatt
Bob Brenly and Tony Gwynn are subtly starting to show impatience with the lame comments of Mr. Carey.

Now they are explaining to him that if you're a player whose team is hot, you don't spend any time thinking about the "pixie dust" wearing off.

2007-10-11 19:56:17
131.   Bob Timmermann
The Rockies are trying to be the first team since the Cardinals in Game 5 of last year's World Series to win a postseason game without an extra base hit.
2007-10-11 19:57:05
132.   Bob Timmermann
Justin Upton channeling Marlon Anderson there.
2007-10-11 19:57:29
133.   dzzrtRatt
Upton, tsk tsk.
2007-10-11 19:57:55
134.   Eric Stephen
127 DBacks bench tonight:

C - Montero
C - Hammock
IF - Callaspo
1B/3B/PH - Cirillo
1B/PH - Clark
OF - Jeff Salazar

So they could have pinch hit Clark for Ojeda, then brought in Callaspo to play 2B.

2007-10-11 19:59:43
135.   Eric Stephen
Looks like Mark T.R. Donohue will be able to see the game when he gets home after all!
2007-10-11 20:00:08
136.   Bob Timmermann
The Arizona fans need to pick their spots to go nuts.

I would hate to see what would happen if they were on the end of a call that actually was bad.

2007-10-11 20:00:19
137.   trainwreck
This is turning into a Simpsons episode.
2007-10-11 20:00:56
138.   Mike Carminati
134 But Callaspo only played 10 games at 2b. Dicey.
2007-10-11 20:00:59
139.   Bob Timmermann
I don't even think the Yankee fans got that angry in 2004 on the A-Rod/Arroyo slap play.
2007-10-11 20:01:43
140.   Bob Timmermann
138
Callaspo also suffers from:
1) having a bad back (I believe)
2) not being any good
2007-10-11 20:02:19
141.   StolenMonkey86
I remember my dad told me once the Yankees gave out frisbees at a game, and when the umps made a call the fans didn't like, about 10,000 frisbees ended up on the field.
2007-10-11 20:02:21
142.   Bluebleeder87
136

I was running on my treadmill & missed all the hoopla, bad call from the umps from what I hear Chip Caray say.

2007-10-11 20:03:36
143.   Bob Timmermann
142
It was not a bad call. Upton threw a rolling block on Matsui at second. You can't do that.

It was almost identical to what Marlon Anderson did to Tadahito Iguchi. Except Anderson did it in the 9th inning.

2007-10-11 20:03:37
144.   Mike Carminati
Here's my problem with the call: I don;t think Matsui had a play at first. I don;t even think he was prepared to throw to first. Upton made a gratuitous slide. Throw him out and let the game proceed in my opinion.
2007-10-11 20:04:26
145.   Bluebleeder87
Legit slide from Upton judging from the replay...
2007-10-11 20:05:14
146.   JIrv
way to stay classy Phoenix!
2007-10-11 20:05:23
147.   Mike Carminati
Also, here's the rule:

7.09
It is interference by a batter or a runner when...
(e) If, in the judgment of the umpire, a base runner willfully and deliberately interferes with a batted ball or a fielder in the act of fielding a batted ball with the obvious intent to break up a double play, the ball is dead. The umpire shall call the runner out for interference and also call out the batter-runner because of the action of his teammate. In no event may bases be run or runs scored because of such action by a runner.

2007-10-11 20:05:36
148.   Bob Timmermann
144
Plays like Upton were specifically told to be called interference because Hal McRae used to do that all the time. And he did in the 1977 ALCS to Bucky Dent I believe.

I think the umpires just want to avoid situations that will lead to fights.

2007-10-11 20:06:18
149.   Bluebleeder87
143

I guess your right but I've seen worse slides not get called.

2007-10-11 20:07:25
150.   Eric Stephen
King of the NL West comes in!
Show/Hide Comments 151-200
2007-10-11 20:07:43
151.   Mike Carminati
Also, let's say there was no interference and Mastui completed the DP. There would be a runner on third two outs. After the interference, there are two outs and a runner at second. I don't see why the penalty should put the team in a worse position than the DP would have.
2007-10-11 20:08:09
152.   Bob Timmermann
Marlon Anderson was called out for this slide:

http://tinyurl.com/yrhwhj

2007-10-11 20:08:10
153.   Humma Kavula
OK, it was first-and-second, nobody out. Upton throws up his arm. I get why he's out, and I get why the batter-runner is out on the interference.

Why did the runner who was on his way to third get sent back to second? That makes no sense to me in how the play progressed. If it had been an ordinary double play, it would be runner on third, two out, right?

2007-10-11 20:08:14
154.   Gen3Blue
The Main point to me is that the crowd has affected the game, as I hope they would in Dodger Stadium.
2007-10-11 20:08:53
155.   Bob Timmermann
153
If the offense interferes, no runners can advance.
2007-10-11 20:09:02
156.   Eric Stephen
Bob, if one day the NL West playoff race involves all 5 teams, will you name it the Steve Finley division or Matt Herges division?

Maybe they can play the Bruce Chen division winner in the 1st round.

2007-10-11 20:09:28
157.   Mike Carminati
Herges also had a 13.50 ERA for Az two years ago.
2007-10-11 20:09:30
158.   Gen3Blue
Is this Herges our Matt?
2007-10-11 20:10:03
159.   underdog
It's hard to believe the Rockies had 7 blown saves in September given how hot they were the second half of the month at least.
2007-10-11 20:10:18
160.   Bob Timmermann
156
The NL West will always be the Steve Finley Division to me.
2007-10-11 20:10:24
161.   Mike Carminati
155 I know that's what the rule reads, but I don't think it makes sense.
2007-10-11 20:10:36
162.   underdog
Herges got away with one there, barely.
2007-10-11 20:11:06
163.   Mike Carminati
158 Yeah, sorry.
2007-10-11 20:11:17
164.   Humma Kavula
155 Thanks. Couldn't figure it out.
2007-10-11 20:11:21
165.   Eric Stephen
Did that foul ball go more than 350 feet? Caray said "look how far that one went." It didn't go that far did it?

OK, I'm nitpicking here, but Caray is not good.

2007-10-11 20:11:31
166.   Bluebleeder87
157

that's news to me, I didn't realize Herges played for Zona.

2007-10-11 20:11:34
167.   underdog
Little known fact: Herges was once the creator of the Tintin comic book.

No wait. Strike that.

2007-10-11 20:11:37
168.   Bob Timmermann
159
And of those seven blown saves, the Rockies won five of the games.
2007-10-11 20:12:14
169.   underdog
Caray's already been burned in effigy in NYC.
2007-10-11 20:12:43
170.   underdog
168 Wild! I figured something like that. The Comeback Kids...
2007-10-11 20:13:06
171.   Eric Stephen
Herges was once traded for Tall Chris Young (and another player).
2007-10-11 20:13:43
172.   Mike Carminati
My problem with this Captain morgan commercial is that these two guys don;t look drunk. Are they supposed to be baked? Is that why they want pizza? So why the Capt. Morgan?
2007-10-11 20:13:45
173.   Gen3Blue
Must be our Herges.
2007-10-11 20:14:26
174.   Bob Timmermann
172
I think the commercial is supposed to get you to want to eat pizza instead of drink rum.
2007-10-11 20:15:11
175.   Bob Timmermann
Matt Herges belongs to the world. He's kind of like Eleanor Roosevelt in that way.
2007-10-11 20:16:00
176.   Eric Stephen
172 The drunkard in the front seat is believable. His eyes seem to convey inebriation, at least to me.
2007-10-11 20:17:17
177.   Bob Timmermann
This just in:
the Phillies have declined to pick up the options on Rod Barajas and Abraham Nunez.

Plan your 2008 fantasy draft accordingly.

And Reggie Abercrombie has been picked up on waivers by Houston.

2007-10-11 20:18:29
178.   Bob Timmermann
Ahh, the back end of the DBacks bullpen.

It's full of Pythagorean goodness!

2007-10-11 20:22:11
179.   Mike Carminati
177 Ah, Barajas you'll be missed.
2007-10-11 20:24:12
180.   Mark T.R. Donohue
So, did I miss anything?
2007-10-11 20:25:18
181.   Bluebleeder87
I was reminded of a Simpsons episode watching all the bottle throwing...
2007-10-11 20:25:39
182.   Bob Timmermann
180
Did you get hit by water bottle?
2007-10-11 20:28:24
183.   Mike Carminati
To belabor the team record in the last 14 games topic, the 1960 Yankees went 14-0 and then lost the WS and the '74 O's went 13-1 and lost the ALCS.
2007-10-11 20:28:27
184.   Mark T.R. Donohue
I was afraid to put it on the front page in case I jinxed things, but the Rockies have hit Brad Hawpe this year and historically. I guess they did again. Boy, the Phoenix fans have proven they deserve everything I wrote about them and more. What an ugly night for baseball.
2007-10-11 20:28:59
185.   Mark T.R. Donohue
184 Argh.. Brad Hawpe has hit Brandon Webb, I mean.
2007-10-11 20:29:31
186.   Bob Timmermann
184
I think you may want to reword that.
2007-10-11 20:30:09
187.   Gen3Blue
AHHHH Reggie Ambercrombie. One of the BA issues I saved as I was beginning to use the Net, had him as a top ten D's prospect for his overall atheletisiscm, or something.
2007-10-11 20:30:31
188.   dzzrtRatt
Do you think this performance will hurt attendance for tomorrow's game?
2007-10-11 20:30:46
189.   Mike Carminati
184 What did you say about them?
2007-10-11 20:31:49
190.   Ken Arneson
Why did Hurdle burn Affeldt in the 7th instead of just bringing in Fuentes? Makes no sense.
2007-10-11 20:32:01
191.   Mike Carminati
188 It's not already sold out?
2007-10-11 20:32:14
192.   Bob Timmermann
189
I was just suggesting that Mark's original comment was missing a clause or two.
2007-10-11 20:32:29
193.   Mike Carminati
190 Lefty-lefty.
2007-10-11 20:32:55
194.   dzzrtRatt
Oh, Carey....

"I've always thought Coors Field was the biggest home disadvantage..." and proceeds to explain that the Rockies had a big advantage at home.

So, is he saying if they lost more games at home, they would have been better off?

2007-10-11 20:33:24
195.   Bob Timmermann
190
That's what Clint Hurdle does.

Hurdle is attempting to be the dumbest manager since Bob Brenly in 2001 to lead a team to a World Series win.

2007-10-11 20:33:31
196.   Mike Carminati
192 No, I mean what did he mean by, "the Phoenix fans have proven they deserve everything I wrote about them and more."
2007-10-11 20:33:39
197.   Mark T.R. Donohue
193 Affeldt is a lefty too.
2007-10-11 20:34:04
198.   dzzrtRatt
191 Tonight's game was not sold out, is what I heard. About 4,000 tix unsold.
2007-10-11 20:34:49
199.   Eric Stephen
189 https://badaltitude.baseballtoaster.com/archives/701899.html

"I think we need to start a smear campaign against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Let's start telling everybody horrible rumors, like they grind up the bones of lost kids at Chase Field then spread them on the infield to slow down ground balls for Brandon Webb starts. Or they soak Randy Johnson's elbow in pure heathen stem cells every evening."

Great stuff there.

2007-10-11 20:35:03
200.   Mark T.R. Donohue
192 Oh, I just said they don't have any loyalty and some other stuff. And Fuentes and Affeldt, lefties both. I'm sorry, I'm totally off my game tonight.
Show/Hide Comments 201-250
2007-10-11 20:35:47
201.   Bob Timmermann
You can buy a ticket for Game 2 right now on the DBacks website. $85.
2007-10-11 20:36:26
202.   Gen3Blue
Oh dear. I'm afraid I am hearing the chatter of Rockies announcers, and it could be obnoxious enough to hurt them. Hope not!
2007-10-11 20:36:39
203.   Mike Carminati
198 Disgraceful.

197 Right, sorry, forgot Fuentes lefty. Brain cramp.

2007-10-11 20:38:18
204.   Bob Timmermann
I believe it is physically impossible for an opera singer to hit a note that would crack a glass bottle that was filled with a liquid.

I'm not expecting anyone to prove me wrong right now.

2007-10-11 20:39:34
205.   Mike Carminati
204 Is that an African or a European swallow?
2007-10-11 20:40:04
206.   Ken Arneson
203 Brain cramp, huh? Well, I guess that explains Hurdle's decision pretty accurately.
2007-10-11 20:41:58
207.   Gen3Blue
204 I believe that has been proven impossible. But certain pre-stressed crystal goblets are still possibilities.
2007-10-11 20:42:50
208.   Bob Timmermann
I went to Game 2 of the NLDS at Dodger Stadium in 1995. There were only 46,000 at the game meaning there were 10,000 empty seats.

Granted fans were still upset about the strike. It was also the same day the OJ Simpson verdict was handed down (criminal trial). That was probably the most scared I've ever felt at Dodger Stadium by the crowd. People were not acting like normal human beings that day.

Or perhaps they were acting normally and we all just put on a show.

2007-10-11 20:43:33
209.   Gen3Blue
205 I curse in your general direction.
2007-10-11 20:43:53
210.   Bob Timmermann
207
A full bottle that is sealed isn't going to be able to vibrate enough to crack.
2007-10-11 20:44:39
211.   Mike Carminati
209 Your mother was a hampster and your father smelled of elderberry.
2007-10-11 20:46:23
212.   Mike Carminati
208 I know some Yankee fans who could have sold a lung and not gotten a playoff ticket.
2007-10-11 20:47:01
213.   Eric Stephen
208 Bob, I was also at Game 2 in 1995. Karros's 2 HR were not enough! Wasn't the OJ verdict the day before (on October 3)?

I remember I was inside the Straw Hat Pizza on the UCSD campus ditching class watching the verdict, but I don't remember also driving to LA that same day.

2007-10-11 20:47:53
214.   Gen3Blue
210 Agreed
211 But it was very good elderberry.
2007-10-11 20:48:01
215.   Mark T.R. Donohue
Woooo!
2007-10-11 20:49:43
216.   Mike Carminati
It's not very often that you PH for your #7 hitter just to get the lefty-right matchup. And yet they do not PH for Ojeda?
2007-10-11 20:50:19
217.   Mike Carminati
Those Howard K's were gifts though.
2007-10-11 20:50:33
218.   Mark T.R. Donohue
Wow, that was bad.
2007-10-11 20:50:35
219.   Eric Stephen
What a nice way to end it!
2007-10-11 20:51:23
220.   dzzrtRatt
That look on Matsui's face was priceless.

"Can you believe this ?"

2007-10-11 20:51:31
221.   Mark T.R. Donohue
Oh my gosh, the Rockies are up 1-0 to go to the World Series and the team they are playing is TERRIBLE!
2007-10-11 20:52:01
222.   Mike Carminati
Ugly end. I haven't seen Francis much but he did exactly the same thing to the Phils in the NLDS, and he looks like he's about 15.
2007-10-11 20:52:49
223.   Eric Stephen
221 But now you have to face all those tough non-Webb D-Back starters!
2007-10-11 20:53:19
224.   Bob Timmermann
213
The OJ verdict was the day before, but it seemed that nearly everybody at the game was talking about it and wondering if there wsa going to be a riot.
2007-10-11 20:54:12
225.   Mark T.R. Donohue
223 Ha ha, and they have to face our #2 and #3 starters who began the year in AAA and AA respectively!
2007-10-11 20:54:15
226.   Gen3Blue
Without meaning to violate any rules, it always floors me that while Americas attention was rapt on the OJ trial------

Great game for the Rockies!!! and that works for me.

--------------- The trial of the Muslim cleric who tried to blow up the world trade center with fertilizer in the middle nineties was universally ignored.

Go figure.

2007-10-11 20:58:41
227.   Eric Stephen
225 James Loney also began the year in AAA. Ergo, Franklin Morales must be very, very good! :)
2007-10-11 21:00:55
228.   Bob Timmermann
226
It wasn't televised.
2007-10-11 21:01:55
229.   Ken Arneson
204 Sounds like Mythbusters Episode #31 needs a sequel:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MythBusters_(season_3)#Breaking_Glass

2007-10-11 21:04:35
230.   Bob Timmermann
229
I saw that one. But the guy wasn't trying to shatter a full beer bottle.
2007-10-11 21:08:46
231.   Gen3Blue
Does anyone have a head bigger than Cal Ripken ? I think BB's may fit inside. It must be twice as big as JP's. Oh well.

Everyone must have a little Captin inside.

2007-10-11 21:26:38
232.   underdog
DBacks fans are definitely fair-weather, and, frankly, annoying.
2007-10-11 22:17:22
233.   Gen3Blue
Darn, I'm at this site, but my support of the rocks doesn't seem to help. Must be a dream. Good-night all.
2007-10-12 00:35:45
234.   scareduck
211 - is a hampster a cross between a hamster and a hamper?

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