2011 World Series Thread: Rangers vs Cardinals

[scmavl]

Who you got?

I want the Cards to win, just so Stan Musial could see them win one more time before he passes. Rangers are a great team though. Cards in 6.

[dangeroso]

Rangers in 6, but I'm biased.

[smcgov]

After watching the Cards resolve in taking down my Phillies...I'm going to say Cards in 6.

[bigdaddy]

I'll take the over in each game.

[Diablo]

Rangers win this one!! First WS win for the Rangers!! Whoohoo!!!!

[Tuberoast]

I didn't watch all of the Cards/Brewer series, but Texas is a hell of a team. I hope the Cardinals knock them into outer space for beating up the Tigers in the final game.

[roadscholar]

Rangers in 6!

[Papajuice]

Another Rangers in 6

[27sauce]

Rangers in 5

[Tony]

I'll take the over in each game.

And the under on "innings pitched by starting pitchers."

I'm a SoCal native but have been in St. Louis for 4 years now, so I'll say... Cards in 6.

[mattball826]

I didn't watch all of the Cards/Brewer series, but Texas is a hell of a team. I hope the Cardinals knock them into outer space for beating up the Tigers in the final game.

game 6 iirc

[nsureit]

Rangers split in STL, win 3 straight at home. With the DH in play at home, it will be hard to outscore Rangers. The Ranger's no. 9 batter hit .301 during the season.

[ACfixer]

The Ranger lineup is pretty hot right now, hard to bet against a team seeing the ball that well.

Rangers in 6.

[FlackBase]

Rangers in 7. Keep in mind their no. 9 batter will be pitchers who haven't batted all year in games 1-2 and 6-7.

[nsureit]

Rangers in 7. Keep in mind their no. 9 batter will be pitchers who haven't batted all year in games 1-2 and 6-7.

Not worried about a game 6 or 7!:rotflmao

[FiestaRed]

Was that snow?

[Flyin' Brian]

Rangers win this one!! First WS win for the Rangers!! Whoohoo!!!!

Not a great start.

[silencer eleven]

Good game but OMG bad umpiring, foul ball = 2 runs. Foul off of Beitre's foot and it's an out.

I was shocked he was called out. They need instant replay.

[michael c]

Good game but OMG bad umpiring, foul ball = 2 runs. Foul off of Beitre's foot and it's an out.

Foul ball = 2 runs? What foul ball? Definitely a foul off Beltre's foot though.

[Papajuice]

Foul ball = 2 runs? What foul ball? Definitely a foul off Beltre's foot though.
The first 2 runs the ball it was on the outside of the line on the chopper from Lance Berkman. Ran the dvr back several times close but it was just outside the line in front of the batters box.

[bigdaddy]

The first 2 runs the ball it was on the outside of the line on the chopper from Lance Berkman. Ran the dvr back several times close but it was just outside the line in front of the batters box.

Doesn't matter. It could be right in front of the dugout for a while, as long as it crosses the base in fair territory, it's a fair ball. That one clearly did.

[John Hurtt]

Doesn't matter. It could be right in front of the dugout for a while, as long as it crosses the base in fair territory, it's a fair ball. That one clearly did.

This....the ball could roll in foul territory all the way down the 1st base line and then nick the outside edge of the base...and it becomes a fair ball. That ball was called correctly...but the umpiring crew missed that foul off of Beltre's foot. Don't know if it would have mattered...but Beltre should have had another pitch.

Cards outpitched Rangers tonight....my prediction of Cards in six with the starting pitching making the difference looks good so far...

[nsureit]

Cards outpitched Rangers tonight....my prediction of Cards in six with the starting pitching making the difference looks good so far...

You may be right...hope not. I think Ranger's bats will come alive tomorrow.

[Papajuice]

Either way it was a good game and we have no one to blame but ourselves. The bats just need to come alive for the rest of the series.

[dohootowl]

The only concern I have is the weather. Rangers are used to 100-plus, not 40. I think that's going to affect their hitting. Low-scoring games are not in the Rangers favor. That being said, this team has bounced back all year. I still expect them to win it all. Wash made some questionable moves tonight, but he doesn't make many mistakes. I expect him to pull some rabbits out of his hat.

[coldfingaz]

WTF happened? Less than double digit runs scored by BOTH teams combined??? Decent starting pitching???? Wow.

Good game.

I do think it's kinda BS that a team like Texas gets screwed out of home field advantage because of the All-Star Game. Just doesn't seem right given their regular season success & the Cards just squeaking in at the 11th hour.

But, man... the Cards have proven they deserve to be here. Gonna be interesting from here on out.

Still sticking with my Rangers in 6 prediction, but how knows...

[bigdaddy]

The only concern I have is the weather. Rangers are used to 100-plus, not 40. I think that's going to affect their hitting. Low-scoring games are not in the Rangers favor. That being said, this team has bounced back all year. I still expect them to win it all. Wash made some questionable moves tonight, but he doesn't make many mistakes. I expect him to pull some rabbits out of his hat.

Questionable moves? He intentionally walked Nick "automatic out" Punto. That's not questionable, that's downright stupid.

[bigdaddy]

Either way it was a good game and we have no one to blame but ourselves. The bats just need to come alive for the rest of the series.

We?? You're on the team and you don't even know the rules? :huh:huh:huh

[ford]

Good game but OMG bad umpiring, foul ball = 2 runs. Foul off of Beitre's foot and it's an out.

Sorry... Berkman's hit wasn't a foul ball... it's been discussed on ESPN and other places... it is completely where the ball crosses the base if it is hit on the ground... it can hit back and forth between foul and fair all the way to the base... go directly over or hit the bag or inside the bag and it is a fair ball.. even if it was foul the first 89 feet..

this is why you see players run up and touch a bunt while it is in foul territory as it kills the ball and makes it foul.

If a ball is hit in the air though..once it is past the bag, it has to land on or inside the line to be fair...doesn't matter if it starts off fair in the air.. it can curve and land outside the line when it touches...and be foul.

It isn't the easiest rule to understand... and when coaching young players it is really good to show them how it works...

[ford]

WTF happened? Less than double digit runs scored by BOTH teams combined??? Decent starting pitching???? Wow.

Good game.

I do think it's kinda BS that a team like Texas gets screwed out of home field advantage because of the All-Star Game. Just doesn't seem right given their regular season success & the Cards just squeaking in at the 11th hour.

But, man... the Cards have proven they deserve to be here. Gonna be interesting from here on out.

Still sticking with my Rangers in 6 prediction, but how knows...

In the past home field just switched back and forth between the leagues...so it was never based on best record.

[KCWM]

It was a competitive game, even if a lot of scoring didn't occur. The Rangers left more than enough runs on the bases to have made a different, but "that's the way baseball go". I felt the Rangers were much closer in this game than they were in any game they lost in last year's World Series. I'm looking forward to more games.

[Papajuice]

We?? You're on the team and you don't even know the rules? :huh:huh:huh

No just a generic we as in meaning the Texas Rangers, as a fan of the team you feel apart of it. Fans do feel apart of their teams and if you listen to the guys on the Ranger team they all feel the fans and their support is part of their team.

[Papajuice]

It was a competitive game, even if a lot of scoring didn't occur. The Rangers left more than enough runs on the bases to have made a different, but "that's the way baseball go". I felt the Rangers were much closer in this game than they were in any game they lost in last year's World Series. I'm looking forward to more games.

Agreed we had are chances just did not capitalize on them. Don't want to second guess The Wash but i do think he was out coached on a few moves mainly bringing in German or Gentry I think I would have kept Murphy in and take the chance. Tonight should be a really good came I think Colby will do it.

[hazel-rah]

Questionable moves? He intentionally walked Nick "automatic out" Punto. That's not questionable, that's downright stupid.

Stupid? It forced Carp out of the game.

[bkd_guitarist]

My Rangers got screwed on the Beltre foul call, but no matter. I fully expected them to lose the Carpenter start. Carpenter has made the leap to legendary postseason pitcher status, and they would have been lucky to beat him. All is still going according to plan, Rangers in 6.

[AJ Love]

The Cardinals seem to be the team with momentum this season. We'll see if their pitching can hold up though, the Rangers have a lot of greathitters

[AJ Love]

Stupid? It forced Carp out of the game.

Exactly. Welcome to real baseball, American League fans, where a manager actually has to strategize

[bigdaddy]

Exactly. Welcome to real baseball, American League fans, where a manager actually has to strategize

So why is forcing Carpenter out of the game a good thing? It's not like the Cards have a shitty bullpen. Carpenter's ERA for the WS: 3.00, The Cards bullpen: 0.00.

And what did the pinch hitter do? Oh yeah. He singled and drove in the winning run. :omg:omg:omg Punto is a career .249 hitter who drove in 20 runs all year and has a career OPS of .652. Allen Craig is a career .290 hitter who drove in twice as many runs as Punto this year and had a 2011 OPS of .917.

It was a stupid move, a really stupid move.

[John Hurtt]

The only concern I have is the weather. Rangers are used to 100-plus, not 40. I think that's going to affect their hitting. Low-scoring games are not in the Rangers favor. That being said, this team has bounced back all year. I still expect them to win it all. Wash made some questionable moves tonight, but he doesn't make many mistakes. I expect him to pull some rabbits out of his hat.

Washingtons managment of the game came was definitely a factor last night. As I've stated before...from what I've seen from him he isn't a very good game manager. LaRussa outmanaged him last night...and Bruce Bochy badly outmanaged him in last years WS.

[John Hurtt]

Stupid? It forced Carp out of the game.


Carpenter would have probably pitched only one more inning anyway. The real question is do you pitch to Nick Punto or to a pinch hitter?

[John Hurtt]

So why is forcing Carpenter out of the game a good thing? It's not like the Cards have a shitty bullpen. Carpenter's ERA for the WS: 3.00, The Cards bullpen: 0.00.

And what did the pinch hitter do? Oh yeah. He singled and drove in the winning run. :omg:omg:omg Punto is a career .249 hitter who drove in 20 runs all year and has a career OPS of .652. Allen Craig is a career .290 hitter who drove in twice as many runs as Punto this year and had a 2011 OPS of .917.

It was a stupid move, a really stupid move.

He was agreeing with you, I believe...

[Bankston]

Berkman is such a money hitter in the post-season. Really smart cat, who's also very funny. I love his quote about needing to win the NL-style games and trying to avoid playing "Gorillaball" with the Rangers.

[Hwoltage]

Well... This game just got interesting...

[Papajuice]

Wow what a pitchers dual.

[FiestaRed]

That's why you play all 9 innings

[drgonzoguitar]

Great game tonight!

[nsureit]

I just peed my pants! What a great game and great win! Rangers can play a little National League ball!:boxer

[FlackBase]

BeeeYOOOteeful!

[KCWM]

A much better game, at least for the Rangers. Either way, regardless of who won, it was a great game of and for baseball. Colby Lewis pitched an excellent game, and I expect Ogando to see more action when he doesn't have to be taken out. It is odd to see him give up two runs in as many games, but I have confidence he'll work it out. Both Ogando and Feldman are quality enough to be starting pitchers (Feldman less so), and that's a huge weapon for the Rangers.

Here's looking to more competitive, close games. I can hardly stand to watch but I can't look away!

[Vince]

I sure hate to see my Redbirds lose, but that was some great baseball tonight. The pitching was fantastic, and the Rangers defense kills. That bare-handed double play was beautiful.

[daveg777]

WOW. We needed that win tonight and Colby stepped it up and threw great I thought. I like this!


Dave

[AaronAllen]

I sure hate to see my Redbirds lose, but that was some great baseball tonight. The pitching was fantastic, and the Rangers defense kills. That bare-handed double play was beautiful.

The barehanded double play was great, but I think that glove toss by Andrus to Kinsler at 2nd base to end the inning was my favorite play of the game. :bow

[GAT]

The barehanded double play was great, but I think that glove toss by Andrus to Kinsler at 2nd base to end the inning was my favorite play of the game. :bow

Man, those were so great!

[coldfingaz]

These first two games have been a total blast to watch.

Dropping the game last night cannot feel good for Cards fans especially considering how it happened so late & also knowing they're going to Texas for the next 3.

But, man... what a great comeback win for the Rangers.

The starting pitching was absolutely fabulous last night. That is a very, very tough game for Garcia to have to lose & it's ironic that neither starter factored in the decision.

[bkd_guitarist]

That was the Andrus & Kinsler Show last night, both offensively and defensively. What a great game and a great series so far. Infuriatingly, I have a gig during the game on Saturday night...I wonder if it would be unprofessional to have an iPad going on stage with the game on? ;) I really must learn to be more selective about gig scheduling during huge sporting events, but three months ago when I took this gig I wasn't thinking about my Rangers being in the WS. I'm still getting used to the idea of them being a perennial contender. It requires mental adjustment on several levels.

[Chappie]

I'm a St. Louis fan...so last night hurt a little..but it is so cool to see well played (except for Pujols not cutting the ball off) baseball in the Series...I hope it continues...

I'd much rather see low scoring, well-pitched games than what happened in both LCS...

Just hope the Cards come out on top...

Chappie

[MichaelThomas]

For a game that dragged on for so long that last inning was incredible. Seriously great performance from both teams...Texas really stepped up in the end. People are gonna be talking about those moves from Andrus and Kinsler for a while. Gotta love a great ball game.

[pickaguitar]

I'd much rather see low scoring, well-pitched games
lol...I'm just the opposite. I wanna see 15-5 big hitting games

[Cornbread]

I sure hate to see my Redbirds lose, but that was some great baseball tonight. The pitching was fantastic, and the Rangers defense kills. That bare-handed double play was beautiful.

^^^^^^
sums up my feelings

[traviswalk]

Good win for Texas, going to be a great series.

[MichaelThomas]

Agreed. Those are the kind of games you watch when you know that there are two beautifully matched teams playing some serious baseball. The defense from both teams alone made it feel like a clash between titans.

[silencer eleven]

I feel like La Russa made some bad management decisions last night. Does he also call pitches, too?

[coldfingaz]

I feel like La Russa made some bad management decisions last night. Does he also call pitches, too?


It's funny because somebody else said the same thing about Ron Washington the night before.

I really don't buy it at all.

These were both well played, low scoring, 1-run games that could've gone either way.

These managers have to make so many decisions that we don't even consider. There's so much going on.

Guess I just think it's easy to blame the manager in hindsight. He's not the only one making decisions (players, coaches & luck all play into the equation), but he's making a lot of the tough ones. Managers tend to be scrutinized if their roll of the dice fails & hailed as the hero when it works.

There's no way Ron Washington would be in the World Series 2 years in a row if he sucked.

It's like suggesting Bobby Cox was out-managed nearly every time he made it to the playoffs... which is nonsense.

[Papajuice]

.I wonder if it would be unprofessional to have an iPad going on stage with the game on? ;)

I would do it, went to see Paper Tongues and Bush last year and the sound guy had two TV's going under his console. So did the on stage monitor guy and did not effect anyone.

[bkd_guitarist]

lol...I'm just the opposite. I wanna see 15-5 big hitting games

Different strokes...I love the tension of the 2-1 game. This series overflows with both quality pitching and quality hitting, so games like these last two are always one hanging curveball away from a complete change in direction. The 10-8 slugfest is entertaining in its own right, but I love the tension of a one-run game that can change completely on one swing of the bat.

I would do it, went to see Paper Tongues and Bush last year and the sound guy had two TV's going under his console. So did the on stage monitor guy and did not effect anyone.

You've convinced me. I'm doing it.

[drgonzoguitar]

That was the Andrus & Kinsler Show last night, both offensively and defensively. What a great game and a great series so far. Infuriatingly, I have a gig during the game on Saturday night...I wonder if it would be unprofessional to have an iPad going on stage with the game on? ;) I really must learn to be more selective about gig scheduling during huge sporting events, but three months ago when I took this gig I wasn't thinking about my Rangers being in the WS. I'm still getting used to the idea of them being a perennial contender. It requires mental adjustment on several levels.

Do it!

[roadscholar]

What a fantastic game. Enjoyed every minute of it, even if it did give me a few more gray hairs. Can't wait for the rest of these games!

[nsureit]

These managers have to make so many decisions that we don't even consider. There's so much going on.

LaRussa didn't miss the cut-off from right field. One of the greatest players of all time did...:huh

That's how baseball go.:D

[John Hurtt]

It's funny because somebody else said the same thing about Ron Washington the night before.

I really don't buy it at all.

These were both well played, low scoring, 1-run games that could've gone either way.

These managers have to make so many decisions that we don't even consider. There's so much going on.

Guess I just think it's easy to blame the manager in hindsight. He's not the only one making decisions (players, coaches & luck all play into the equation), but he's making a lot of the tough ones. Managers tend to be scrutinized if their roll of the dice fails & hailed as the hero when it works.

There's no way Ron Washington would be in the World Series 2 years in a row if he sucked.

It's like suggesting Bobby Cox was out-managed nearly every time he made it to the playoffs... which is nonsense.

That was me that said that...and Washington was outmanaged in Game 1. But, that's just my opinion. I didn't say that Washington sucked, I just said that from what I've seen from him in the World Series the last two years he came up short vs. the two managers he has faced.

Besides, if you have enough talent on your team and a bit of luck you can make back to back WS...why not? After all, how many times have I heard so far that the Texas players love Washington because "he just rolls the balls out there and lets them play?"...

Just sayin'....

[John Hurtt]

LaRussa didn't miss the cut-off from right field. One of the greatest players of all time did...:huh

That's how baseball go.:D


....yep, and apparantly he ducked the media last night and left the rest of the team to discuss the game...

Good leadership there, Mr. Pujols! :huh

[coldfingaz]

After all, how many times have I heard so far that the Texas players love Washington because "he just rolls the balls out there and lets them play?"...

Just sayin'....


But, do you really believe it's that simple?

His bullpen moves throughout the entire playoffs have been fantastic. Having a great pen helps, but he's deployed it very wisely... including key usage of guys like Feldman & others that are new pieces to the puzzle... hell, pretty much all of it is new pieces to the puzzle except Feliz.

I cannot underestimate this because until the WS began (and really not until last night), their starting pitching was below mediocre.... in every single game!

Maybe I'm nuts, but I don't think there was too much to criticize him for last year either. The reason the Rangers lost the World Series seemed pretty obvious to me & it had nothing to do with Washington being outmanaged.

[John Hurtt]

But, do you really believe it's that simple?

His bullpen moves throughout the entire playoffs have been fantastic. Having a great pen helps, but he's deployed it very wisely... including key usage of guys like Feldman & others that are new pieces to the puzzle... hell, pretty much all of it is new pieces to the puzzle except Feliz.

I cannot underestimate this because until the WS began (and really not until last night), their starting pitching was below mediocre.... in every single game!

Maybe I'm nuts, but I don't think there was too much to criticize him for last year either. The reason the Rangers lost the World Series seemed pretty obvious to me & it had nothing to do with Washington being outmanaged.


Sure, it can be that simple if you have the right team. Last year Washington was outmanaged but it didn't really matter...his team was dominated by the Giants in all facets of the game.

I don't think he's done a terrible job with his bullpen, but luckily he faced a team in the NLCS that pitched even worse.

[Bankston]

You do realize he use to be the majority owner before he was President and only sold his share because he had to to be in office.

I think W was the managing partner . . . he didn't own the biggest chunk but he was the face of the ownership and the franchise for several years. I think he took over about the same time Nolan Ryan signed with the Rangers.

He stepped down as the manager partner when he became governor of Texas but I don't think he sold his shares until he threw his hat in the ring for the presidency.

[nsureit]

I think W was the managing partner . . . he didn't own the biggest chunk but he was the face of the ownership and the franchise for several years. I think he took over about the same time Nolan Ryan signed with the Rangers.

He stepped down as the manager partner when he became governor of Texas but I don't think he sold his shares until he threw his hat in the ring for the presidency.

Correct. GW owned a very small part of the club, but he did a great job running the team and getting the new stadium built.

[RichM752]

How much of his own money did he invest in the club and construction of the new stadium? I think it was all done with other peoples money? He was a failure at every business he had control of and it was always with other peoples money, never his own. And he gets a front row seat?

[nsureit]

How much of his own money did he invest in the club and construction of the new stadium? I think it was all done with other peoples money? He was a failure at every business he had control of and it was always with other peoples money, never his own. And he gets a front row seat?

Team emerged from oblivion while he was here. Stadium was built with 50% private funds, 50% City of Arlington 1/2 cent tax levy. Entire debt was paid off in 9 years: 11 years ahead of schedule. I call that fvcking good management. GW and Nolan Ryan are close friends. That's good enough for me.

Anyway, Rangers in 6!!!

[silencer eleven]

How was Washington outmanaged last year? In three of the Giants wins in the series, the Rangers had scored a total of 1 run....can't manage much if you get shutout.

As to coldfingazz, I think La Russa is a good manager, but I felt he made a bad decision by taking out Motte. With runners on 2nd and 3rd and no outs you want a pitcher up there to give you the best chance to get a K. Motte gives you that chance.

Also, as soon as Kinsler stole second I would've intentionally walked Andrus. Hamilton is playing at 50% and looks no where near himself. Anything on the ground is an easy double play.

Discussions like this are what makes baseball so great!

Sure, it can be that simple if you have the right team. Last year Washington was outmanaged but it didn't really matter...his team was dominated by the Giants in all facets of the game.

I don't think he's done a terrible job with his bullpen, but luckily he faced a team in the NLCS that pitched even worse.

[John Hurtt]

How was Washington outmanaged last year? In three of the Giants wins in the series, the Rangers had scored a total of 1 run....can't manage much if you get shutout.

As to coldfingazz, I think La Russa is a good manager, but I felt he made a bad decision by taking out Motte. With runners on 2nd and 3rd and no outs you want a pitcher up there to give you the best chance to get a K. Motte gives you that chance.

Also, as soon as Kinsler stole second I would've intentionally walked Andrus. Hamilton is playing at 50% and looks no where near himself. Anything on the ground is an easy double play.

Discussions like this are what makes baseball so great!


Let's just hit a couple of the highlights...shall we?

1. Game 5 - How in the world do you let Cliff Lee pitch to soon to be MVP Edger Renteria with men on 2nd and 3rd....two out....and badly slumping Aaron Rowand on deck? Rangers fans remember the result as the series winning three run homer...

2. Game 1 - How long does Washington leave Cliff Lee in while the Giants keep piling on runs? No attempt was made to slow down the game...no one hurried getting a reliever ready until the game was almost done. What Washington did was let his Ace stay out there about 15 pitches too long...and it cost him Game 1. Why? Because he let Lee take the responsibility instead of manning up and going out there when it was obvious Lee was done. Pretty much the same thing as in Game 5...either he let Lee decide what to do or screwed up the decision...either way...

3. Game 2 - The game was only 2-0 Giants in the bottom of the 8th...two outs and no one on base for the Giants. The Rangers had Cruz, Kinsler and Murphy due up in the 9th. After a single, Washington brings in Holland who promply walks three consecutive hitters...on only 13 total pitches if I remember correctly...Washington waits until a huge insurance run has been walked in before he replaces Holland...while the game becomes a laugher for the second game in a row Texas best reliever sits out in the bullpen...

4. Washington sends out Tommy Hunter in the pivotal Game 4. Texas had won Game 3 to creep back in the series. Hunter had been absolutely abysmal in the playoffs and Washington would have been better off sending out Holland or even Cliff Lee....but decided that Hunter was his guy.

Keep in mind that San Francisco had been pitching at a historical rate for a couple months by this time. Washington poor game decisions with his pitching staff probably didn't cost his team the series...they were so soundly outplayed...but they did make things worse.


And last night, I agree LaRussa made the wrong decision by pulling his closer...

[RichM752]

Team emerged from oblivion while he was here. Stadium was built with 50% private funds, 50% City of Arlington 1/2 cent tax levy. Entire debt was paid off in 9 years: 11 years ahead of schedule. I call that fvcking good management. GW and Nolan Ryan are close friends. That's good enough for me.

Anyway, Rangers in 6!!!


Well he sure did loose his management skills later in life didn't he?

[bunuel]

Correct. GW owned a very small part of the club, but he did a great job running the team and getting the new stadium built.
He didn't do any of those things. It is well-established that GW's gig with the rangers had been about the same as Ronald at McD's.

[Papajuice]

Here is Bush's history with the team, I stand corrected on his percentage but he did a lot to improve the team.
http://static.espn.go.com/mlb/bush/timeline.html (httphttp://static.espn.go.com/mlb/bush/timeline.html)

[silencer eleven]

I agree it was terrible to pitch to Renteria.

Tommy Hunter actually pitched a decent game, but the rangers got shut out, so it didnt matter regardless. As far as tryibg to bring in Lee to pitch, he just got shelled and then you wanna throw him on short rest?

As far as the game 2 insurance run, the rangers were shut out. I'll agree Washington made some questionable decisions, I guess hindsight is 20/20. Regradless, nothing Washington could do would've made any difference in the series.

Can we all agree CJ Wilson, for the most part just can't pitch for his life in the playoffs it seems?

Edit: After reading his stats it seems he's not that bad, but this post season it doesn't seem like hes been great.

Let's just hit a couple of the highlights...shall we?

1. Game 5 - How in the world do you let Cliff Lee pitch to soon to be MVP Edger Renteria with men on 2nd and 3rd....two out....and badly slumping Aaron Rowand on deck? Rangers fans remember the result as the series winning three run homer...

2. Game 1 - How long does Washington leave Cliff Lee in while the Giants keep piling on runs? No attempt was made to slow down the game...no one hurried getting a reliever ready until the game was almost done. What Washington did was let his Ace stay out there about 15 pitches too long...and it cost him Game 1. Why? Because he let Lee take the responsibility instead of manning up and going out there when it was obvious Lee was done. Pretty much the same thing as in Game 5...either he let Lee decide what to do or screwed up the decision...either way...

3. Game 2 - The game was only 2-0 Giants in the bottom of the 8th...two outs and no one on base for the Giants. The Rangers had Cruz, Kinsler and Murphy due up in the 9th. After a single, Washington brings in Holland who promply walks three consecutive hitters...on only 13 total pitches if I remember correctly...Washington waits until a huge insurance run has been walked in before he replaces Holland...while the game becomes a laugher for the second game in a row Texas best reliever sits out in the bullpen...

4. Washington sends out Tommy Hunter in the pivotal Game 4. Texas had won Game 3 to creep back in the series. Hunter had been absolutely abysmal in the playoffs and Washington would have been better off sending out Holland or even Cliff Lee....but decided that Hunter was his guy.

Keep in mind that San Francisco had been pitching at a historical rate for a couple months by this time. Washington poor game decisions with his pitching staff probably didn't cost his team the series...they were so soundly outplayed...but they did make things worse.


And last night, I agree LaRussa made the wrong decision by pulling his closer...

[John Hurtt]

I agree it was terrible to pitch to Renteria.

Tommy Hunter actually pitched a decent game, but the rangers got shut out, so it didnt matter regardless. As far as tryibg to bring in Lee to pitch, he just got shelled and then you wanna throw him on short rest?

As far as the game 2 insurance run, the rangers were shut out. I'll agree Washington made some questionable decisions, I guess hindsight is 20/20. Regradless, nothing Washington could do would've made any difference in the series.

Can we all agree CJ Wilson, for the most part just can't pitch for his life in the playoffs it seems?

Edit: After reading his stats it seems he's not that bad, but this post season it doesn't seem like hes been great.

Hunter went four innings...gave up 5 hits...walked a guy...and with a bit of luck only gave up two earned runs. I would have brought Lee back on short rest against Bumgarner to get my team back to even in the series and have him available for a few innings if it got to Game 7. However, I can only assume Washington felt his struggling pitcher Hunter would outpitch the rookie the Giants put out there.

Washington still had a chance in Game 2....but his bullpen mismanagement turned a 2-0 deficit with an inning left into a 9-0 loss. Did he just give up? Or, did he know that the Rangers couldn't put two runs up on the Giants closer in the 9th. Of course, the Rangers did just that a couple nights ago...maybe he learned?

CJ Wilson pitched well in the series...he just had the misfortune of going against Matt Cain. I will say one thing...the Rangers had no chance against the Giants pitching...they just looked clueless for the most part at the plate. I would have thought that Washington would have tried a couple different approaches during the series...start more runners..maybe a little small ball...

[rongtr]

How was Washington outmanaged last year? In three of the Giants wins in the series, the Rangers had scored a total of 1 run....can't manage much if you get shutout.

As to coldfingazz, I think La Russa is a good manager, but I felt he made a bad decision by taking out Motte. With runners on 2nd and 3rd and no outs you want a pitcher up there to give you the best chance to get a K. Motte gives you that chance.

Also, as soon as Kinsler stole second I would've intentionally walked Andrus. Hamilton is playing at 50% and looks no where near himself. Anything on the ground is an easy double play.

Discussions like this are what makes baseball so great!

I agree- what was bothering LaRussa about Motte is that the Rangers batters were catching up to his fastball- he didn't think Motte could get a strikeout, could be because he had pitched the night before.

[coldfingaz]

I agree- what was bothering LaRussa about Motte is that the Rangers batters were catching up to his fastball- he didn't think Motte could get a strikeout, could be because he had pitched the night before.

Motte was & is vulnerable. He's fallen apart several times especially since late in the season. I don't think Tony ever officially named him as closer yet. I can understand second guessing the move to pull him out, but that's textbook LaRussa management. Can't blame him for managing the same way he has considering how far it's gotten him this season.

This critique of Washington from this year to last is funny to me. Put anyone under the microscope & you'll find some mistakes, but none of it caused the Rangers to lose the series last year. He gets there two years in a row, but somehow we got some TGP'ers capable of doing a better job :rolleyes:.

[John Hurtt]

Motte was & is vulnerable. He's fallen apart several times especially since late in the season. I don't think Tony ever officially named him as closer yet. I can understand second guessing the move to pull him out, but that's textbook LaRussa management. Can't blame him for managing the same way he has considering how far it's gotten him this season.

This critique of Washington from this year to last is funny to me. Put anyone under the microscope & you'll find some mistakes, but none of it caused the Rangers to lose the series last year. He gets there two years in a row, but somehow we got some TGP'ers capable of doing a better job :rolleyes:.

Relax...who said they could do a better job? What I've said is that Washington was outmanaged last year by Bochy and in Game 1 by LaRussa. It's not like I'm alone in thinking this...;)

Besides...the Rangers were heavily favored to win the Series last year....and were bounced big time by the underdog Giants. Doesn't Washington deserve some of that microscope time?

[silencer eleven]

Actually Wilson is horrible in the playoffs. Just read that he's the 6th pitcher in history to lose 5 straight post season decisions

[coldfingaz]

Relax...who said they could do a better job? What I've said is that Washington was outmanaged last year by Bochy and in Game 1 by LaRussa. It's not like I'm alone in thinking this...;)

Besides...the Rangers were heavily favored to win the Series last year....and were bounced big time by the underdog Giants. Doesn't Washington deserve some of that microscope time?


The Giants had a cinderella season. Nobody was beating them last year. They got ridiculous clutch hitting in the playoffs they didn't have all season. Their pitching was far more dominant than it was all season. It was one of the extremely rare instances of us being fortunate enough to witness fate in action. I truly believe that. It was magical & something truly special to watch.

You could second guess anyone's management during the playoffs this year or last after the fact, but by your logic guys like Washington & Charlie Manuel shoulder much of the responsibility for the failure of their players to step up & get it done. I just don't see it that way at all.

Being outplayed doesn't mean your manager is to blame... or at least it shouldn't... unless you were in Boston this year ;).

I'm enjoying the hell out of this Series so far. When teams end up winning by such small margins you can always play Monday morning Quarterback, but I just personally fail to see the point of it. Both of these guys have done a tremendous job just getting there & so have their players.

Especially given the salaries involved, I think it's kind of a waste of bandwith to blame what I'd consider non-game changing decisions by either manager instead of looking at player mistakes (like Pujols') if you really want to blame someone.

Again, I'm never looking for blame after a loss unless there were egregious & obvious mistakes being made all over the place that impacted the outcome. But, we don't scrutinize the players enough... we seem to fall into the same trap as the media & ownership of these teams & view the managers as scapegoats far too often. I just find it all kind of ridiculous, but I'm not aiming to change the world here... just offering another perspective.

[Papajuice]

Can we say bad umpiring baseball really need instant replay.

[coldfingaz]

Can we say bad umpiring baseball really need instant replay.


Incredibly horrible call (you've got to be near-blind to miss that), but Texas hasn't helped themselves defensively since.

I feel bad for Harrison.

[Hwoltage]

Ouch.

[justin]

Someone tell that ump that Mark Cuban didn't buy Rangers.

[Papajuice]

I think it just woke us up.

[nsureit]

I think it just woke us up.

Big bats are BACK!!!

[Hwoltage]

By the time a player makes it to the World Series you would think they're not afraid of the ball anymore. What a rookie. :bonk

[VicAjax]

can one of you Texans sneak into the Arlington Holiday Inn Express tonight and staple Tim McCarver's goddam mouth shut?

[Hwoltage]

Great game!!

[VicAjax]

Great game!!

except for the pitching part.

[coldfingaz]

can one of you Texans sneak into the Arlington Holiday Inn Express tonight and staple Tim McCarver's goddam mouth shut?


Turn your TV's volume off &/or find ESPN's radio broadcast to hear Orel Hershiser.

Sloppy game tonight. The antithesis of the last two.

[In Absentia]

3 homers for Big Al.

[jm2000]

Cards in 6

[ford]

New record for most total bases in a World series for big Albert...14...

Passed two guys named Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson...whoever they are...

[Zilmo]

except for the pitching part.

The pitching was fine. Who the hell wants to watch a baseball game with a score like a soccer match?

[silencer eleven]

The pitching was fine. Who the hell wants to watch a baseball game with a score like a soccer match?


A lot of baseball fans. The pitching was pretty sad

[Cornbread]

birds on bats !!

[VicAjax]

The pitching was fine. Who the hell wants to watch a baseball game with a score like a soccer match?

spoken like a true football fan.

[Papajuice]

Just shows you how one bad call can be a mental change in momentum

[VicAjax]

Just shows you how one bad call can be a mental change in momentum

i don't think the bad call caused the shitty pitching. definitely can't blame the game on that call.

[Papajuice]

Not totally but if the call was correct it would have been a double play and the pitching would not have gotten as rattled, Napoli would not have made such a crappy throw home. Are mind set was just different after that call so yea it changed it. Granted we should have been a lot better at overcoming it but the pitching and defense just was off after that it was like we had already lost.

[nsureit]

Just shows you how one bad call can be a mental change in momentum

Nah, just reveals the weakness of bad pitching...:dunno

[silencer eleven]

Nah, just reveals the weakness of bad pitching...:dunno

That's not at all true. It was he was out and called safe....do great pitchers strike everybody out, swinging? that way the umps can't reveal their weaknesses.

[Hwoltage]

A lot of baseball fans. The pitching was pretty sad

The fielding was sad. How many errors? I can recall 4.

[smiert spionam]

The pitching was fine. Who the hell wants to watch a baseball game with a score like a soccer match?

spoken like a true football fan.

Exactly.

What a crappy game. I was only able to watch bits and pieces of the first two, which were fantastic duels. Game 3 was exactly the kind of sloppy home run garbage that makes me drift away from baseball.

Blech.

[silencer eleven]

The fielding was sad. How many errors? I can recall 4.

at times it looked like little league. Napoli is obviously a catcher and not a first baseman.

Also, his slide at homeplate was absolutely horrible. Feet first to the center of homeplate? wth? Head first to the back of the plate and he's safe.

[coldfingaz]

Exactly.

What a crappy game. I was only able to watch bits and pieces of the first two, which were fantastic duels. Game 3 was exactly the kind of sloppy home run garbage that makes me drift away from baseball.

Blech.


I completely agree.

I mean, I don't mind a boatload of dingers, but not when the game is such a shitshow defensively & not even very competitive.

In spite of the runs scored, records broken by Pujols, etc., Game 3 was a total snoozer compared to the first two.

It's funny what different ballparks, temperatures & lower grade starting pitching can do.

[John Hurtt]

The Giants had a cinderella season. Nobody was beating them last year. They got ridiculous clutch hitting in the playoffs they didn't have all season. Their pitching was far more dominant than it was all season. It was one of the extremely rare instances of us being fortunate enough to witness fate in action. I truly believe that. It was magical & something truly special to watch.

You could second guess anyone's management during the playoffs this year or last after the fact, but by your logic guys like Washington & Charlie Manuel shoulder much of the responsibility for the failure of their players to step up & get it done. I just don't see it that way at all.

Being outplayed doesn't mean your manager is to blame... or at least it shouldn't... unless you were in Boston this year ;).

I'm enjoying the hell out of this Series so far. When teams end up winning by such small margins you can always play Monday morning Quarterback, but I just personally fail to see the point of it. Both of these guys have done a tremendous job just getting there & so have their players.

Especially given the salaries involved, I think it's kind of a waste of bandwith to blame what I'd consider non-game changing decisions by either manager instead of looking at player mistakes (like Pujols') if you really want to blame someone.

Again, I'm never looking for blame after a loss unless there were egregious & obvious mistakes being made all over the place that impacted the outcome. But, we don't scrutinize the players enough... we seem to fall into the same trap as the media & ownership of these teams & view the managers as scapegoats far too often. I just find it all kind of ridiculous, but I'm not aiming to change the world here... just offering another perspective.

With respect...managers game management can determine the outcome of a game, or of a series. I didn't bring up this particular part of the game in this topic, but it is just as legitimate to discuss it as it is to discuss any other facet of the game. If you don't want to "waste bandwidth on it" than it's as easy as you letting the discussion go. ;)

[John Hurtt]

A lot of baseball fans. The pitching was pretty sad

Agreed...it was T-Ball time for much of last night. This is just another reason why I love baseball...things can change so much. For example, last night the Cardinals scored 16 runs. In last years World Series...in five games...the Rangers only scored 12 total runs. Remarkable!

Texas is quite the pitchers park...the most runs scored in MLB this year I believe...yet in three games last year in the Series the home team Rangers scored only five runs...

Crazy!

[John Hurtt]

i don't think the bad call caused the shitty pitching. definitely can't blame the game on that call.

Ah....the one call could have dramatically changed the game....or not. Hard to say, really...

[coldfingaz]

With respect...managers game management can determine the outcome of a game, or of a series. I didn't bring up this particular part of the game in this topic, but it is just as legitimate to discuss it as it is to discuss any other facet of the game. If you don't want to "waste bandwidth on it" than it's as easy as you letting the discussion go. ;)


Of course it's true that managers can determine the outcome, but you seem to have entirely missed my point. None of the examples for which you cited "poor management" had game or series outcomes decided based on managerial decisions.

Most often, the players determine the outcome. Managers simply give them a chance to succeed (or fail).

For some reason lots of folks (including fans, media & team owners) tend to blame managers instead of the players that fail to execute. The only reason for this, IMHO, is money. The manager is a pawn & his income is pocket change in comparison to team ownership revenues & top (or even medium) level players... so managers are very disposable.

[John Hurtt]

Of course it's true that managers can determine the outcome, but you seem to have entirely missed my point. None of the examples for which you cited "poor management" had game or series outcomes decided based on managerial decisions.

Most often, the players determine the outcome. Managers simply give them a chance to succeed (or fail).

For some reason lots of folks (including fans, media & team owners) tend to blame managers instead of the players that fail to execute. The only reason for this, IMHO, is money. The manager is a pawn & his income is pocket change in comparison to team ownership revenues & top (or even medium) level players... so managers are very disposable.

I did get your point....but I disagree. I don't think that good/poor decisions are no biggie just because your team would have lost anyway. You are either in the game...or you aren't.

Let's agree that we just can't come to a consensus on this and move on. After all, we're both just baseball fans!

[Cornbread]

Zooey ... game's off to a good start ;)

[Hwoltage]

The umps are off to a good start...

http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/6817262/2/istockphoto_6817262-blind-umpire.jpg

[skydog]

the clown behind the plate tonight is the same guy that blew the call at first last night.

[VicAjax]

the clown behind the plate tonight is the same guy that blew the call at first last night.

I guess he's trying to make up for it by calling a strike zone the size of McCarver's mouth.

[bigdaddy]

Shoulda let the kid finish it.

[Hwoltage]

Well. :bkw

Good pitching, though.

[nsureit]

16 runs last night, 0 tonight.

My, oh my! Keep throwing breaking balls. Cards too impatient.

[silencer eleven]

I think Holland was powered on by that incredibly shady stache.

Man, what a game! When the cards brought in Boggs I made a joke to my buddy about Napoli going yard first pitch! Really, Jackson threw a fantastic game, as well.

Wilson is DUE for a quality start, could be a heck of a battle between he and Carp tomorrow. Can't wait.

I agree, I thought they should've let him finish it. His pitch count was 116, but that's not excessively high.

[John Hurtt]

I think Holland was powered on by that incredibly shady stache.

Man, what a game! When the cards brought in Boggs I made a joke to my buddy about Napoli going yard first pitch! Really, Jackson threw a fantastic game, as well.

Wilson is DUE for a quality start, could be a heck of a battle between he and Carp tomorrow. Can't wait.

I agree, I thought they should've let him finish it. His pitch count was 116, but that's not excessively high.

Texas might need Holland again, so it was a good move to pull him.

[Hwoltage]

Gotta feel good to walk towards the dugout and find Nolan Ryan slamming his hands together.

[suckamc]

Gotta feel good to walk towards the dugout and find Nolan Ryan slamming his hands together.

No doubt about that.

[coldfingaz]

I think Holland was powered on by that incredibly shady stache.


:rotflmao

Yeah, even his teammates give him a hard time about that.

I was happy to see him pitch so well. I mean incredibly well. It ain't easy to cool off red hot bats like the Cards had coming into the game last night.

Holland has been up & down for much of the season, but when he's on he can be shutdown good like he was last night. I can't imagine how great he felt having an outing like that especially after getting seriously belted around in the ALCS.

[pickaguitar]

Great game...a shutout almost makes up for the embarrassing scorefest the night before lol

[bkd_guitarist]

That was as clutch a performance from a pitcher as I've ever seen in the postseason. Amazing. He was strong throughout, never got in trouble, and was still throwing 96 in the 8th. All that said, it was the right move for Wash to lift him. The Cards' big bats coming up with some of them already having seen Holland 3 or 4 times is a scary prospect. In that situation, with the overpowering Feliz ready to come in, smart move to pull the trigger.

Tonight's game scares me. Carpenter has been untouchable while CJ Wilson has served up more meat than Ron Jeremy. Ugh.

[nsureit]

Most unpredictable series EVER! Who knows what's going to happen tonight...:bonk:huh:omg

[KCWM]

As much of a Rangers fan as I am, I think the Cardinals take the game tonight. I picked the Rangers in 6, but I don't like the idea of them having to win two out in St. Louis.

[coldfingaz]

As much of a Rangers fan as I am, I think the Cardinals take the game tonight. I picked the Rangers in 6, but I don't like the idea of them having to win two out in St. Louis.

Both bullpens should be pretty well rested, and this game could very well come down to that. But, I'd also like to think C.J. is capable of tossing a nice game tonight... he's overdue (it's not like he was horrible the last time out against St. Louis either).

The question is, can Texas get to Carpenter. The dude's been ridiculous in games that really mattered ever since he tossed that shutout to clinch their wildcard spot. But, he did have one very off game in the playoffs so I wouldn't say he's a lock to pitch like he did last time.

The real concerning thing to me about the Rangers is Josh Hamilton. It's a shame to see him not be his real self, but man... he's come up with huge RBI's in this series... total gutsy performance.

[John Hurtt]

Both bullpens should be pretty well rested, and this game could very well come down to that. But, I'd also like to think C.J. is capable of tossing a nice game tonight... he's overdue (it's not like he was horrible the last time out against St. Louis either).

The question is, can Texas get to Carpenter. The dude's been ridiculous in games that really mattered ever since he tossed that shutout to clinch their wildcard spot. But, he did have one very off game in the playoffs so I wouldn't say he's a lock to pitch like he did last time.

The real concerning thing to me about the Rangers is Josh Hamilton. It's a shame to see him not be his real self, but man... he's come up with huge RBI's in this series... total gutsy performance.

He's what....? 2-18 with two rbi's so far? His sac fly in Game 2 was big...but overall I would say that as potent as the Rangers lineup is Hamilton should probably be moved down in the lineup. If he was healthy but just cold that would be one thing. But, that's just me being an armchair manager..

[John Hurtt]

As much of a Rangers fan as I am, I think the Cardinals take the game tonight. I picked the Rangers in 6, but I don't like the idea of them having to win two out in St. Louis.

Carpenter vs Wilson tonight? Should be fun...huge game for both teams, but Texas virtually has to win. Tough going heading back to St. Louis to win two games, but doable...

[coldfingaz]

He's what....? 2-18 with two rbi's so far? His sac fly in Game 2 was big...but overall I would say that as potent as the Rangers lineup is Hamilton should probably be moved down in the lineup. If he was healthy but just cold that would be one thing. But, that's just me being an armchair manager..


I know what you're saying & don't disagree (how the hell can he play the field???), but in reality he also had the game winning RBI last night too. I don't know if I'd mess with that lineup. I mean... they can hurt you early, in the middle or late like Napoli proved last night.

I know the Pujols' HR's were ridiculous, but Napoli just crushed that ball last night. Welcome to the game, Mr. Boggs.

[John Hurtt]

I know what you're saying & don't disagree (how the hell can he play the field???), but in reality he also had the game winning RBI last night too. I don't know if I'd mess with that lineup. I mean... they can hurt you early, in the middle or late like Napoli proved last night.

I know the Pujols' HR's were ridiculous, but Napoli just crushed that ball last night. Welcome to the game, Mr. Boggs.

Yeah...if he can't run the bases it must limit his range in the outfield. Napoli scalded that ball last night...and pretty much ended the game. Good to see him have something positive after catching all the flack for the bad throw from the night before. In reality, the only way the Washington shouldn't move Hamilton down is if he thinks it hurts team chemistry in the clubhouse. You can't have your #3 guy hitting .118 or whatever...too many big at bats...

[nsureit]

Yeah...if he can't run the bases it must limit his range in the outfield. Napoli scalded that ball last night...and pretty much ended the game. Good to see him have something positive after catching all the flack for the bad throw from the night before. In reality, the only way the Washington shouldn't move Hamilton down is if he thinks it hurts team chemistry in the clubhouse. You can't have your #3 guy hitting .118 or whatever...too many big at bats...

Rangers won with the same lineup last night. Leave it be.

It's ALL ABOUT PITCHING, anyway. ;)

[Hwoltage]

Cardinals by 1 tonight.

[John Hurtt]

Rangers won with the same lineup last night. Leave it be.

It's ALL ABOUT PITCHING, anyway. ;)

Sure...both teams have shown if you pitch you win...but if the Rangers start giving up runs (and they probably will) than you will pay the price for not tweaking the lineup.

Hey, I like the Rangers...and I like Hamilton...but you have other guys that are hot...use them in better spots. Now, having said that...Hamilton might have a huge game tonight.:bonk

[doublee]

This isnt live online is it? Radio yes... but online?

[hawkeyeinexile]

This isnt live online is it? Radio yes... but online?

not for free anyway. i use local radio + mlb.com gameday to follow along.

mlb.com has online tv, but there's a charge...

:cool:

[bigdaddy]

Looks like the Rangers are willing to boot this one away.

[nsureit]

Murphy and Moreland made up for their errors, at least.

[Hwoltage]

****ing amateur hour GOD.

[GAT]

Killer double play!

[John Hurtt]

Killer double play!

Might have just ended the Cards hopes tonight...

[CowTipton]

I called Rangers in 5 so I'm already wrong anyway.
Would love to see it go 7 now.

[It's Time!]

Texas wins and leads 3 games to 2.

[GAT]

I called Rangers in 6. I still think they will take it, but it may take 7.

Great game and the Ranger's show a lot of heart, even after some bonehead plays.

[KCWM]

I'm so glad I was wrong. Another great game in the books.

[nsureit]

HOW 'BOUT THEM COWBO.....ERRRRR, RANGERS!!!:bonk

[Hwoltage]

That entire game, both sides, was just a total fail parade. Even you Rangers fans can admit that.

[traviswalk]

Great W by the Rangers, how about all the stories of the failed call to the bullpen by LaRussa? I do feel bad for the dude who came out to throw an intentional walk!

[Glenn D.]

Great W by the Rangers, how about all the stories of the failed call to the bullpen by LaRussa? I do feel bad for the dude who came out to throw an intentional walk!

I heard analysis after the game that LaRussa actually wanted the next pitcher out to pitch for a while, but he wasn't ready. If he had let the starter intentionally walk the batter the incoming pitcher wouldn't have had enough time, but by sending out an intermediary pitcher, with all of his warm up pitches, he gained enough time for the next pitcher to be ready.

[Stravinsky]

Great W by the Rangers, how about all the stories of the failed call to the bullpen by LaRussa? I do feel bad for the dude who came out to throw an intentional walk!

That wasn't a failed call to the bullpen. In addition to Motte not being ready, it can be difficult for a pitcher to find the zone after lobbing 4 straight intentional balls right out of the gate. Much better to have him come out and hit the corners with no lapse of focus - especially in a pivotal moment of the ballgame.

[pickaguitar]

Beltre is da'man
Go Rangers!!!

[dakotajones]

i hope C.J. Wilson's free agency sends him somewhere else next year. ;)

NAP-OH-LEE! NAP-OH-LEE!!

[KCWM]

i hope C.J. Wilson's free agency sends him somewhere else next year. ;)

NAP-OH-LEE! NAP-OH-LEE!!

This postseason has likely cost CJ a fair amount of money during next year's free agent season. I hope we do not see him back in the lineup.

[bigdaddy]

This postseason has likely cost CJ a fair amount of money during next year's free agent season. I hope we do not see him back in the lineup.

:facepalm

5 and a third with 1 ER while the defense made 2 errors behind you?? I think that any MLB manager would take that start any day. Especially in the WS.

[smcgov]

That entire game, both sides, was just a total fail parade. Even you Rangers fans can admit that.

That was some sloppy play for game 5 of the WS...looked like Spring Training level play. The worst was the crazy hit and run (or steal) with Puljos at bat.....kooky.

[Cornbread]

this series is going the way i was afraid it would

but

it's not over yet !



GO CARDS !!

[bc-cosmo]

Sloppy, yes...but a riveting game. Really turning out to be a great series.

[pickaguitar]

I agree..excellent series

[dakotajones]

great series...but way too stressful for me.

[KCWM]

:facepalm

5 and a third with 1 ER while the defense made 2 errors behind you?? I think that any MLB manager would take that start any day. Especially in the WS.

You forget the 5 walks that he put on the bases, the horrible location, and the fact that he hasn't had an "ace" outing in the post season. You also might have missed the detail that they had a guy warming up in the 2nd inning. I'd expect that from a number 3 or 4 guy, not from a guy who people were saying was going to make 100 million plus next year. Wilson wasn't all that great in last year's World Series either. He's a number 2 or 3 guy, at best.

So, if that's what you'd expect from a number one guy, then by all means, facepalm away.

[bigdaddy]

You forget the 5 walks that he put on the bases, the horrible location, and the fact that he hasn't had an "ace" outing in the post season. You also might have missed the detail that they had a guy warming up in the 2nd inning. I'd expect that from a number 3 or 4 guy, not from a guy who people were saying was going to make 100 million plus next year. Wilson wasn't all that great in last year's World Series either. He's a number 2 or 3 guy, at best.

So, if that's what you'd expect from a number one guy, then by all means, facepalm away.

The guy makes a quality start and gets a win in the World Series and you people find a way to bitch...

[John H]

great series...but way too stressful for me.

And some people think baseball is boring. :huh

[Papajuice]

The guy makes a quality start and gets a win in the World Series and you people find a way to bitch...

Are we talking CJ Wilson here if so he did not get a win and is win less. He had a no decision last night Oliver was the winning pitcher.

[QRSS]

The guy makes a quality start and gets a win in the World Series and you people find a way to bitch...

perhaps because "getting there" like they did last year, ain't good enough any more.

[Smakutus]

Are we talking CJ Wilson here if so he did not get a win and is win less. He had a no decision last night Oliver was the winning pitcher.

I think he would have been 0-5 in the post season if he had lost the other night?

Jeff

[Hwoltage]

Postponed!!!! :facepalm

[QRSS]

Postponed!!!! :facepalm

the reason i wanted MIL in the NL. already made commitments based on the allowing WS schedule. oh well, if it goes 7, i'll miss it.

[Papajuice]

I think he would have been 0-5 in the post season if he had lost the other night?

Jeff

That is correct he left and got a no decision and Oliver got the win even though it was his best outing. I think the 0-5 postseason is really going to put a crimp in his free agency. As far tomorrow night I hope the cold doesn't hurt my Rangers.

[Doug's Tubes]

Oh I forgot, the World Series is still going on........

[coldfingaz]

To be fair, Wilson has pitched fine in the World Series so far this year. ERA is around 3.25... under 3.20 when combined this year & last.

He's had a lot of walks this year in the Series, but overall I don't see the need to kill the guy. He's kept them in these WS games.

Clearly, he hasn't gotten much at all in the way of run support.

[Papajuice]

To be fair, Wilson has pitched fine in the World Series so far this year. ERA is around 3.25... under 3.20 when combined this year & last.

He's had a lot of walks this year in the Series, but overall I don't see the need to kill the guy. He's kept them in these WS games.

Clearly, he hasn't gotten much at all in the way of run support.
True and he really has not had the same run support in the post season as he did in the regular season.

[nsureit]

Oh I forgot, the World Series is still going on........

So have the Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies. Guess they're all playing golf.;)

[bigdaddy]

To be fair, Wilson has pitched fine in the World Series so far this year. ERA is around 3.25... under 3.20 when combined this year & last.

He's had a lot of walks this year in the Series, but overall I don't see the need to kill the guy. He's kept them in these WS games.

Clearly, he hasn't gotten much at all in the way of run support.

That was my point. 5 and a third with 1 earned is a quality start, not a mediocre start.

[K-Line]

Chewing nails here. Hopefully the Cards will play as they have all year when they faced tough odds. Texas has my respect as they are one of the best lineups in baseball. That Harry Carry pitcher they have is freaking hilarious. But I do not wish them good fortunes! Cards in 7.....

[VicAjax]

That was my point. 5 and a third with 1 earned is a quality start, not a mediocre start.

the single earned run is good, but i feel like a pitcher needs to make it at least through 6 and change to get a gold star.

[Papajuice]

But I do not wish them good fortunes! Cards in 7.....

Will remember this the next time you make the Arlington Guitar Show right next to Arlington Staduim. :rotflmao

[Smakutus]

To be fair, Wilson has pitched fine in the World Series so far this year. ERA is around 3.25... under 3.20 when combined this year & last.

He's also started multiple games against Verlander and Carpenter too... Did he pitch against Price too?

Jeff

[Papajuice]

And it's on lets go Rangers

[QRSS]

That was my point. 5 and a third with 1 earned is a quality start, not a mediocre start.

the definition of a QS(quality start) is 6 or more innings and 3 or less earned runs. one of my favorite evaluating stats.

[CowTipton]

These pitchers do not inspire much confidence so far.

[MichaelThomas]

Nice to see Furcal and Holliday colliding like they play in the little leagues. Unacceptable error.

[Papajuice]

Napoli is the man that ankle roll had to hurt.

[QRSS]

Napoli is the man that ankle roll had to hurt.

hurt even more when the swelling settles in and he's gotta squat.

[CowTipton]

WTF is going on in this game?

[Papajuice]

OMG is this the Little League World Series At least the Rangers are ahead again for now.

[Hwoltage]

OMG is this the Little League World Series At least the Rangers are ahead again for now.

I rarely see Little League World Series players overthrow balls this often.

[Papajuice]

I rarely see Little League World Series players overthrow balls this often.
True maybe Pee Wee

[FiestaRed]

This is a terrible game. Lots of errors on both sides, pitchers who can't find the strike zone, and bad calls.

[The Last Rebel]

It isn't pretty but if we win it doesn't really matter.

[QRSS]

it's a close game in the 7th is all that matters to me.

[Papajuice]

Back to Back and Cruz ties a major league record for home runs in the post season.

[Vince]

This is a terrible game. Lots of errors on both sides, pitchers who can't find the strike zone, and bad calls.

Agreed on the first two points, but Holliday didn't make it back in time. Which other ones were questionable?

[Papajuice]

Holland scores and they catch Larussa dropping a GD real good Fox.

[The Last Rebel]

I'm an absolute knot of anticipation but this one's almost over and Feliz is up, I'm starting to think this one is in the bag.

[DGDGBD]

I'm an absolute knot of anticipation but this one's almost over and Feliz is up, I'm starting to think this one is in the bag.
dun dun dunnnnn

[Flyin' Brian]

And then it was tied and extra innings

[Mike9]

What an amazing game - extra innings baby yeah!!!!!

[Hwoltage]

Oh hell yes.

[ACfixer]

Freese redeems!

I'm an absolute knot of anticipation but this one's almost over and Feliz is up, I'm starting to think this one is in the bag.

Not!

[CowTipton]

The Natural

[The Last Rebel]

Hamilton FINALLY comes through!!

[ACfixer]

I just can't believe this game.

[Cobra]

What a game...

[Papajuice]

OMG Thank you Josh

[CowTipton]

One of the sloppiest games I've ever seen but immensely entertaining.

[Cobra]

Here we go again!

[CowTipton]

Nearly a triple play there if that bunt hadn't gone over the rushing 3rd baseman.

[ACfixer]

One of the sloppiest games I've ever seen but immensely entertaining.

Precisely!

[Hwoltage]

What an awesome game. Errors included. They certainly have added to the excitement!!

[silencer eleven]

I just said the same thing to my brother!

Also before Hamilton came up, I thought if there was ever a time to swing like he's not injured it was then. FINALLY!

This game is too high tension for me.

Nearly a triple play there if that bunt hadn't gone over the rushing 3rd baseman.

[Cobra]

Deja-vu all over again...

[Da5Id]

I'm not going to be able to sleep!

[The Last Rebel]

Will the torture never end?!

[halorealm7]

wow...just wow..this is intense

[defcrew]

Does that Berkman single fall in if they play at regular depth?

[Bankston]

Puma does not shrink in the big moments.

One of the best post-season hitters of the past 10 years.

I'm pulling for the Rangers but Lance is one of my all-time favorite players.

[Papajuice]

Sorry but I am starting to think Wash is just trying to give this game away. 2 outs and runners in scoring position and Berkman comes up and you have the outfield so far back a single ties it.

[John Hurtt]

Huge AB by Berkman...whomever wins...lots of "what if" talk tomorrow...

[silencer eleven]

Its a tough call, Berkman is a great power hitter and they were playing for no double to score Pujols. If they do that earlier when Freese is up, that triple is caught and the game is over.

Sorry but I am starting to think Wash is just trying to give this game away. 2 outs and runners in scoring position and Berkman comes up and you have the outfield so far back a single ties it.

[ow my eyes]

What a game.
Now only if we can get McCarver to shut his trap...... : )

[John Hurtt]

Sorry but I am starting to think Wash is just trying to give this game away. 2 outs and runners in scoring position and Berkman comes up and you have the outfield so far back a single ties it.

Pretty common decision..an extra base hit wins the game...

[Jesus freak]

What a game.
Now only if we can get McCarver to shut his trap...... : )

Give 'em a break, lol

[Papajuice]

It is so sad that we have had one of the best bullpens in the majors and we are having such a hard time closing.

[Hwoltage]

It is so sad that we have had one of the best bullpens in the majors and we are having such a hard time closing.

I think you're just getting sad. :rotflmao:rotflmao

[John Hurtt]

It is so sad that we have had one of the best bullpens in the majors and we are having such a hard time closing.

Someone could run down to the local Taco Bell and see if Brian Wilson is around....:omg

[silencer eleven]

It is so sad that we have had one of the best bullpens in the majors and we are having such a hard time closing.

Its ironic because these bullpens have been absolutely lights out, until this game really.

[ow my eyes]

Hooooooly crap

[CowTipton]

Gotta give the Cards credit, no quit.

[The Last Rebel]

Shit. We'll win it tomorrow.

[ACfixer]

Freese with the walk-off!!!

That was just beyond words.

[DeeDub]

Son of a ...

Un. Be. Lievable.

[Hwoltage]

YEAH!!!

[silencer eleven]

Washington really made some horrible decisions in this game.

On to game 7

[Papajuice]

And we were a strike away but there is tomorrow.

[nsureit]

Ughhhhhhh.

[John Hurtt]

Good luck to Texas...when the Giants blew the Game 6 win in 2002 they came out so flat in Game 7....

Right now...looks much better for the Cardinals tomorrow than Texas...there are going to be lots of Rangers looking up at their ceilings in their hotel going "what happened?"

[John Hurtt]

Ughhhhhhh.

Get that t-shirt? Sorry 'mang...I know exactly how you are feeling right now...been there....

[DGDGBD]

Washington should have saved Holland for tomorrow.

[AbstractLunatic]

Go Cards! F the AL! :D

[DGTCrazy]

Good luck to Texas...when the Giants blew the Game 6 win in 2002 they came out so flat in Game 7....

Right now...looks much better for the Cardinals tomorrow than Texas...there are going to be lots of Rangers looking up at their ceilings in their hotel going "what happened?"


That was soooo painful to watch. Game 6 in the bag..............yet Angel's were in the outfield. If I'm a Texas fan........I'm getting ready to call Jim Kelly for some advice...LOL