2008 Baseball Playoffs

[yankspy]

Why would there be a huge Sox following in Florida? :lookaroun

Not for nothing...but "winning" isn't necessarily the reasoning behind the Sox fans. I remember going to sold out games when I was a child (back in the days of Marty Barrett and Dwight Evans) and that was WELL before they won a World Series in 2004.

Sure, the NESN network has invented "The Nation" but that was for TV ratings.

The large amount of displaced New Englanders should have something to do with it. When I lived in FL, I never had a problem finding a group of Red Sox fans to go watch a game with.

I know I know, I just felt like poking fun at sox fans. On a more serious note, does it look like Papi's wrist is still bothering him. I saw him check his swing and it looked like he grimaced in pain. As much as I do not like the sox, I do like Papi.

 

[TiggerBW]

I saw you on fan-o-vision!!!! HAHA!

OMG that game was amazing. I had goosebumps! I'm so torn because I want there to be a game 6 so I can go and experience that atmosphere again...but I don't want the series to have to go to game 6....It was worth every penny.

I was so excited I got to see Greg Maddux pitch an inning. He's always been my hero.

I just found this! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's so fun that you saw me!!!!!!! I'm 3 for 3 now with that hat on!!!!!!!!!!!
That was an amazing game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You might just see a game 6, but no worries. If so, we'll win it all then.

 

[TiggerBW]

WAHOO! WE WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!

1 MORE TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO PHILLIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:sohappy::sohappy::sohappy:

 

[imagineer boy]

BE CAREFUL PHILLIES. If you win too early, you may fall into the same trap the Rockies and the Tigers fell into where they swept and waited a whole week for the other league to finnish their series. And when it came time to the WS, they weren't on top of their game.

 

[WDWFREAK53]

As a die-hard Pirates fan (and, really, what other kind of Pirates fan can there be?), I am really glad that Jason Bay is doing so well. Either the Rays or the Sox can win and it would be fine, but Bay deserves some post season play for once!!

Bingo...I actually said to Tina last night...

I hope Tampa Bay wins it all. I like how they are playing and I like how the success came for them. Boston has had its wins...and I obviously would embrace another World Series Championship...but I'd like to see the Rays take it this year.

 

[DiPSU224]

BE CAREFUL PHILLIES. If you win too early, you may fall into the same trap the Rockies and the Tigers fell into where they swept and waited a whole week for the other league to finnish their series. And when it came time to the WS, they weren't on top of their game.

I said the same thing the other night to my friends. I don't want them to win it so early and then lose their momentum. I also want them to slow it down so they can win it all in game 6 at home when I'm at the game on Friday...

I'm hoping the Sox and Rays battle it out to the very end and exhuast themselves. Here's to a few more 5 hour games!

 

[SpongeScott]

It doesn't really matter who wins what in how many games. The longest the LCS's are to go is Friday (NL) and Saturday (AL). The World Series doesn't start until Wednesday (22nd), so this will give both teams a chance to rest up and pretty much set up their pitching rotation for the entire series, unless Boston or Tampa Bay has to burn their ace in a Game 7. If that happens, they simply flip-flop their #1 and #2 starters.

Basically, there is no advantage to finishing early or going late.

 

[WDWFREAK53]

Basically, there is no advantage to finishing early or going late.

...tell that to the Rockies.

 

[SpongeScott]

...tell that to the Rockies.

I'm not sure that had anything to do with it. Boston was a more superior team last year and it showed. Yeah, you might have some rust the first game, but all bets are off after that. I don't see NFL teams complaining about a bye week in the playoffs. Boston had serious momentum going into the WS last season, after taking three must-win games against Cleveland.

 

[WDWFREAK53]

I'm not sure that had anything to do with it. Boston was a more superior team last year and it showed. Yeah, you might have some rust the first game, but all bets are off after that. I don't see NFL teams complaining about a bye week in the playoffs. Boston had serious momentum going into the WS last season, after taking three must-win games against Cleveland.

I just know that players don't like the All-Star break because it throws their timing off...and some won't do the home-run derby because it changes their swinging habits. One game in the World Series could mean it all.

:shrug: We could talk about this until we're blue in the face (Hehe, Freakazoid is )...but the only people that know are the players.

 

[SpongeScott]

I just know that players don't like the All-Star break because it throws their timing off...and some won't do the home-run derby because it changes their swinging habits. One game in the World Series could mean it all.

:shrug: We could talk about this until we're blue in the face (Hehe, Freakazoid is )...but the only people that know are the players.

True, Brian. I think a lot of this issue also falls on the manager--keeping the players motivated and sharp through practices and simulated game situations.

As for the Home Run Derby, I don't understand why the players participate in this. It really does have an adverse affect, ala Bobby Abreu, Josh Hamilton. For the AS Break itself, some players relish in that too. I know it did the Rays a world of good this season, stopping a seven game losing streak.

 

[WDWFREAK53]

True, Brian. I think a lot of this issue also falls on the manager--keeping the players motivated and sharp through practices and simulated game situations.

As for the Home Run Derby, I don't understand why the players participate in this. It really does have an adverse affect, ala Bobby Abreu, Josh Hamilton. For the AS Break itself, some players relish in that too. I know it did the Rays a world of good this season, stopping a seven game losing streak.

So if it helps in some situations...it could hurt in others. If a team is on a roll...they don't want to stop (just like in football...if a team is moving down the field...the momentum is swinging their way...they don't want the other team to take a TO or the quarter to end).

With the Rays, they had a slump going...and the break got them out of it because they could get refreshed.

I, myself, think it gets hyped more than it should...if a team is good...they're going to remain good. I do feel that TOO much time could get them out of their "routine" though.

 

[SpongeScott]

Good luck tonight, Brian. I've actually gained some respect for the Sox in this series. Never thought I would say that. :lol:

 

[WDWFREAK53]

Good luck tonight, Brian. I've actually gained some respect for the Sox in this series. Never thought I would say that. :lol:

Well, I gained a LOT of respect for the Rays over the course of this season...so, GOOD LUCK to you guys too! Any other team and I'd be completely pulling for the Sox...now I'm just hoping it's a great series. (Last night didn't help though!)

EDIT: Actually, to be honest with you...like every year, I prefer watching the ALCS over the World Series. Here's to a long, full series!

 

[SpongeScott]

Well, I gained a LOT of respect for the Rays over the course of this season...so, GOOD LUCK to you guys too! Any other team and I'd be completely pulling for the Sox...now I'm just hoping it's a great series. (Last night didn't help though!)

EDIT: Actually, to be honest with you...like every year, I prefer watching the ALCS over the World Series. Here's to a long, full series!

How long? :lookaroun

:lol:

 

[palmage]

Awesome game last night!!!!
Go Rays

 

[WDWFREAK53]

How long? :lookaroun

:lol:

7 Games...and go into Extras in the 7th.

(That 5 hour and 27 minute game comes to mind :lol: )

 

[SpongeScott]

Boston starters: Dice-K, Beckett, Lester.

This series isn't over yet, but I'm blown away at how well the Rays are playing.

And, I think Youkilis looks 100 times better with a full beard.

 

[NemoRocks78]

:dazzle:

 

[WDWFREAK53]

Boston starters: Dice-K, Beckett, Lester.

This series isn't over yet, but I'm blown away at how well the Rays are playing.

And, I think Youkilis looks 100 times better with a full beard.

I don't know how Dice-K does it...but he's scary to watch.

Beckett isn't Beckett this year.

Yes, I agree with you about Youk :lol:

Scott, this isn't the same Red Sox team that came back to beat the Indians last year. No Manny (although Bay is holding his own), No Lowell, No Papi, No pitching.