the "baseball only" thread

[milagros317]

Well, they waited 46 years in Chicago to get back to the World Series. 😀

 

[ticklingfeet4fu]

silly little man. I keep telling ya it is for selfish reasons I am rooting for the Sox, only for our management to get off their asses and field us a good team. As of Nov. 1, my hostilities towards the South Side will be back to normal. Silly rabbit, Trix is for kids

No self-respecting Cubs fan would ever root on the White Sox. Regardless of their reasons. That would be like Boston rooting on the Yankees. But if you want to be a trader that is your business. But please spare us next season when you tell us you are a Cubs fan because you are not. That is like saying Milagros is a Giants fan. He doesn't root for the Giants to EVER win a World Series. No matter what. So from now on you are a trader to ALL Cubs and National League Fans.

 

[CaptainQuantum]

I know what naturaltickler means. The White Sox making it to the World Series (and probably winning if tonight is any indication) might indirectly help the Cubs. Lemme explain what I mean.

Chicago is not New York City and it's not Southern California. Chicago has not one, but two baseball teams who have not won a World Series in at least 88 years. It's a whole different dynamic than NYC or California. Chicago has been for many years a Cubs town, and the White Sox have for many years been Chicago's other baseball team. The Cubs rely on mystique, on atmosphere, on having a great place to hang out and get shit-faced (and maybe watch the ballgame too). But if the White Sox win a World Series, Chicago could become a White Sox town overnight.

If that happens, the Cubs attendance, tv and radio advertising sales would start to suffer. And as any Chicago baseball fan knows, the best way to get the Chicago Tribune's attention is to hit them where it hurts...the ole bottom line. The Tribune has been getting by with spending just enough money to keep fans interested. But if the White Sox win a World Series, that won't cut it anymore I don't think. The result: the Tribune has to spend more money to build a real World Series contender, in order to compete with the White Sox for fan loyalty.

As I've managed to say in my usual long-winded fashion, the White Sox winning a World Series would indirectly help Cub fans because the competition would force the Tribune to try harder to build a winner.

 

[amk714]

That was a great Game 1! It's too bad (for Houston) Roger Clemens had to leave with a sore hamstring. Nevertheless, Jose Contreras, Jermaine Dye, Joe Crede, Neal Cotts, and Bobby Jenks really came through for Chicago. Tomorrow it's Andy Pettitte vs. Mark Buehrle, another fine matchup. Congrats to the White Sox on their first World Series win since Game 5 of the 1959 WS! 😀

 

[milagros317]

Congrats to the White Sox on their first World Series win since Game 5 of the 1959 WS! 😀

What I prefer to remember is Game 6 of the 1959 World Series. 😀

 

[chrisheaven]

Now remind me...baseball is the one where they have those little bats right?

 

[milagros317]

All that you need to know about baseball can be found here, Chris:

http://www.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/official_info/official_rules/foreword.jsp

 

[chrisheaven]

wow! thanks, Mils- I could become a fan

 

[ticklingfeet4fu]

I know what naturaltickler means. The White Sox making it to the World Series (and probably winning if tonight is any indication) might indirectly help the Cubs. Lemme explain what I mean.

Chicago is not New York City and it's not Southern California. Chicago has not one, but two baseball teams who have not won a World Series in at least 88 years. It's a whole different dynamic than NYC or California. Chicago has been for many years a Cubs town, and the White Sox have for many years been Chicago's other baseball team. The Cubs rely on mystique, on atmosphere, on having a great place to hang out and get shit-faced (and maybe watch the ballgame too). But if the White Sox win a World Series, Chicago could become a White Sox town overnight.

If that happens, the Cubs attendance, tv and radio advertising sales would start to suffer. And as any Chicago baseball fan knows, the best way to get the Chicago Tribune's attention is to hit them where it hurts...the ole bottom line. The Tribune has been getting by with spending just enough money to keep fans interested. But if the White Sox win a World Series, that won't cut it anymore I don't think. The result: the Tribune has to spend more money to build a real World Series contender, in order to compete with the White Sox for fan loyalty.

As I've managed to say in my usual long-winded fashion, the White Sox winning a World Series would indirectly help Cub fans because the competition would force the Tribune to try harder to build a winner.

My point is that is no matter what the White Sox do the Cubs are not going to change their pathetic ways of doing things. If they were to change they would have to sell the team to someone like a George Steinbrenner who cares more about winning than he does about anything else.That is my point. The Tribune makes more money because they have so many resources. If they haven;t done anything to this point they will not start now.

 

[milagros317]

It is raining in Chicago now, and the start of the game is delayed. 🙁

 

[ticklingfeet4fu]

The White Sox must be giving great blow j*bs to the umpires before the games start. Who in their right mind thought that Jermaine Dye got hit by that pitch? I mean if it weren't for all these calls going for them they probably would have been eliminated a round earlier. The umpires owe it to MLB and the fans of MLB to get these calls right. I mean I know they are human but how in the world can you say a man got hit on the forearm and he didn't even say ouch? I mean the pitch was a 92 MPH fastball. If he got hit your would think he would say ouch and drop the bat and show some sort of pain. I think even Dye was surprised he was being awarded first base. The umps have to do a better job.

 

[CaptainQuantum]

The White Sox must be giving great blow j*bs to the umpires before the games start.

Hey, you could say the same thing about the Astros in the NLCS. Tony LaRussa and Jim Edmonds both got ejected in one game because the calls were so ridiculous that they both lost it. But I think I heard recently that LaRussa is one of those against bringing instant replay into baseball. Human error is part of the game they say. But since when is error a good thing?

 

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Hey, you could say the same thing about the Astros in the NLCS. Tony LaRussa and Jim Edmonds both got ejected in one game because the calls were so ridiculous that they both lost it. But I think I heard recently that LaRussa is one of those against bringing instant replay into baseball. Human error is part of the game they say. But since when is error a good thing?

You know that was 1 game. I was rooting for the Cards to get to the Series. But throughout the playoffs the White Sox continued to get calls. That was not the scenerio for the Astros. They had game five against the Braves and game four versus the Cardinals. That is it. The White Sox have yet to lose a controversal called game. In fact, the Angels series was nothing but controversy. How do you compete against that? They say it all evens out. So far it has been so one-sided it makes me wonder. I mean if you miss a call or two that is one thing but the umpires have missed the entire post-season. They should all get some glasses they are missing some good games.

 

[amk714]

The White Sox must be giving great blow j*bs to the umpires before the games start. Who in their right mind thought that Jermaine Dye got hit by that pitch? I mean if it weren't for all these calls going for them they probably would have been eliminated a round earlier. The umpires owe it to MLB and the fans of MLB to get these calls right. I mean I know they are human but how in the world can you say a man got hit on the forearm and he didn't even say ouch? I mean the pitch was a 92 MPH fastball. If he got hit your would think he would say ouch and drop the bat and show some sort of pain. I think even Dye was surprised he was being awarded first base. The umps have to do a better job.

There's no doubt the home plate umpire was wrong in that instance, and if I were an Astros fan I would be just as pissed as I was when Doug Eddings ruled that Chicago catcher A.J. Pierzynski was safe in Game 2 of the ALCS after appearing to call him out. Even so, we don't know what would've happened if the right call had been made. The White Sox have had some lucky breaks, but they are also a great team. Their pitching, hitting, and defense has been excellent, as has Houston's. I don't see any conspiracy here, and this is a diehard Angels fan talking. Sorry to disagree with you but that's my two cents, or whatever the hell my opinion's worth.

 

[ticklingfeet4fu]

There's no doubt the home plate umpire was wrong in that instance, and if I were an Astros fan I would be just as pissed as I was when Doug Eddings ruled that Chicago catcher A.J. Pierzynski was safe in Game 2 of the ALCS after appearing to call him out. Even so, we don't know what would've happened if the right call had been made. The White Sox have had some lucky breaks, but they are also a great team. Their pitching, hitting, and defense has been excellent, as has Houston's. I don't see any conspiracy here, and this is a diehard Angels fan talking. Sorry to disagree with you but that's my two cents, or whatever the hell my opinion's worth.

Momentum swung clearly in the favor of the White Sox in the Eddings game and in last night's game. The Angels were thinking we have to bat and the pitcher and fielders were all headed if not already in the dugout. In that game clearly they were thinking tenth inning and not concentrating on pitch selection. Heck they let the wiining run steal second without even a throw. That tells you that their minds were thinking about being off the field and not focusing on what was going on the field. Is that an excuse ... maybe but when you go to the dugout you focus on the at-bats and suddenly they were told that the third out wasn't recorded when in fact it was. So now they go back on the field annoyed and upset. Were the White Sox upset? They talk about game one in that series when a play went against them but the bottomline is it would not have changed the outcome of the game. This clearly did.
Last night, clearly that ball hits off the bat. There was no disputing it. Except in the mind of the home plate umpire. If that is a foul ball and he gets Dye to ground out the game is still 4-2. Then Konerko comes up in the 8th with bases empty. He can hit the ball from Chicago to Anaheim and he is still going to get credit for a solo homerun. The umpires have imposed their will on the play-offs and have impacted it to the point where Houston has no prayer in this series. That is not fair to the Astros. As it was not fair to the Angels. Now I do keep in mind the Angels benefited from a call in game 5 against the Yankees that allowed them to advance. And that was Joe West who made that horrible call. They say it all evens out. I like to know when another team is going to start benefitting from the calls made by the umpires. I think the White Sox have gotten enough calls go their way.

 

[CaptainQuantum]

If you were watching the game last night, did you notice that the announcers were talking about the last time Brad Lidge came in to a game, he gave up the homer to Pujols in Houston.

Announcer 1: I wonder if Lidge still has a bad taste in his mouth after giving up that homer to Pujols.
Announcer 2: I don't think that taste was ever there.

Next pitch, Scott Podsednik hits a homer off of Lidge. OWNED!

 

[natural tickler]

No self-respecting Cubs fan would ever root on the White Sox. Regardless of their reasons. That would be like Boston rooting on the Yankees. But if you want to be a trader that is your business. But please spare us next season when you tell us you are a Cubs fan because you are not. That is like saying Milagros is a Giants fan. He doesn't root for the Giants to EVER win a World Series. No matter what. So from now on you are a trader to ALL Cubs and National League Fans.

First of all, let's get something straight. You might know baseball very well, but you do not KNOW Chicago. I can speak because not only do I live here, but I have LIVED Chicago baseball, felt the emotions, absorbed the disappointment, and even now, as I am WEARING my Cubs hat with pride, I will eat, sleep, breathe, shit Cubbie blue. I am a Cubbie fan to my bone marrow. Now, you being from New York, you know New York. You do not know Chicago. So quit trying to pretend you do. And secondly if you are trying to call someone a traitor, at least spell it right. And thirdly, even if it is the Sox winning, the city of Chicago has a title. That is something New York won't have for awhile. You worry about your Mets, I will worry about my team.

And as far as Tribune not spending money, well, the Mets have spent money for years, do they have any titles to hang their hat on?? No, they don't. Capt. Quantum explained it well. Maybe this will get the organization to get their acts together. For Cubs Nation, we can only hope it will

And last but not least, (and take this any way you wish) Who in the bluest of blue hells are you to speak for any Cubs fan, or any National League fans?? Who in the hell ever make you their spokesman?? I don't recall Tribune ever hiring you as a mouthpiece. Save your labels for your underacheiving Mets

 

[amk714]

If you were watching the game last night, did you notice that the announcers were talking about the last time Brad Lidge came in to a game, he gave up the homer to Pujols in Houston.

Announcer 1: I wonder if Lidge still has a bad taste in his mouth after giving up that homer to Pujols.
Announcer 2: I don't think that taste was ever there.

Next pitch, Scott Podsednik hits a homer off of Lidge. OWNED!

If Brad Lidge keeps this up, he'll be traded after the World Series is over.

 

[milagros317]

Giving up walk off home runs in the post season will get you traded, indeed.

 

[ticklingfeet4fu]

First of all, let's get something straight. You might know baseball very well, but you do not KNOW Chicago. I can speak because not only do I live here, but I have LIVED Chicago baseball, felt the emotions, absorbed the disappointment, and even now, as I am WEARING my Cubs hat with pride, I will eat, sleep, breathe, shit Cubbie blue. I am a Cubbie fan to my bone marrow. Now, you being from New York, you know New York. You do not know Chicago. So quit trying to pretend you do. And secondly if you are trying to call someone a traitor, at least spell it right. And thirdly, even if it is the Sox winning, the city of Chicago has a title. That is something New York won't have for awhile. You worry about your Mets, I will worry about my team.

And as far as Tribune not spending money, well, the Mets have spent money for years, do they have any titles to hang their hat on?? No, they don't. Capt. Quantum explained it well. Maybe this will get the organization to get their acts together. For Cubs Nation, we can only hope it will

And last but not least, (and take this any way you wish) Who in the bluest of blue hells are you to speak for any Cubs fan, or any National League fans?? Who in the hell ever make you their spokesman?? I don't recall Tribune ever hiring you as a mouthpiece. Save your labels for your underacheiving Mets

I have family who live in Chicago who were Cubs fans before you were an itch in Daddy's jock and they are very close to me. You don't have to agree with me. Quite frankly, don't care if you do or don't. The traitor comment was really funny. I actually thought about how I spelled it after you said it. Well stated Natural. I should learn to spell. But what the heck, what do you expect from a guy who rides the short bus and is a Mets fan. Nothing. So I did right by it.😛 You talk about Cubs Nation ( when did they start that? ). That is more like cursed nation there buddy. 2006 is coming though. And you can make it 98 years at the end of next season.

P.S. Don't be so testy. It is all in fun until the new season starts and you start up with your Cubs rehab program. 🙄

 

[amk714]

Let's move on. Game 3 features another pitching duel. Roy Oswalt will start for the Astros and Jon Garland will be on the mound for the White Sox. Houston, we have liftoff! Will the Astros crash and burn, or will they complete their mission successfully? Brad Lidge might be able to answer that question. I'm glad I'm not in his shoes! Especially since I can't pitch. 😀

 

[milagros317]

Lige will remember that walk off HR yesterday forever, just as Eckersley remembers Kirk Gibson's. 😀

 

[CaptainQuantum]

milagros, I think I read somewhere that the Cardinals are 2nd to the Yankees in number of World Series won. I would have thought it would be the Dodgers.

 

[amk714]

You're right, CQ. The Yankees have won the WS 26 times, the Cards nine, and the Dodgers have won six, one in Brooklyn and five in L.A. http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/postseason/mlb_ws.jsp?feature=club_champs

 

[milagros317]

Alas, the Dodgers have won only 6 World Series and the Cardinals have won 9.

(Dodgers: 1955, 1959, 1963, 1965, 1981, 1988. I watched them all, on television, that is.)