Welcome to our Open Game Thread for the ALDS game today. Chat with fellow readers as we watch the Guardians play the White Sox! Only Members can participate, and unlike our usual game chats, your messages will be posted immediately.
Our Member community is made up of thousands of incredibly knowledgable baseball fans, and we think this is a great way to follow a game with like-minded baseball enthusiasts. We might even have some FanGraphs Staff drop in and join the fun. Please be courteous to your fellow Members, or you may find your chat privileges revoked.
Philedited
Moves set in Chicago: The Man with the Golden Arm is interesting and worth watching. It is not as daring as the book. But Sinatra as a not especially likable character is very surprising casting that works pretty well in the end.
Sean Dolinar
Hey everyone! We had some exciting games yesterday. Specifically the Yankees fan interference. I’m hoping this is almost as entertaining.
Phil
Can't think of any non-baseball movies set in Cleveland right now, though I'm sure there are some I'm not thinking of.
Sean Dolinar
A Christmas Story?
Sean Dolinar
Guess that was filmed there not set there.
Philedited
Is that the one with their air rifle–"you'll shoot your eye out"?
Sean Dolinar
Yup! You can’t miss it if you turn on the TV on Christmas.
bob
Abe Froman
millvillemeltdown
i don't see a lot of movies. i tried to go to movie nights but i kept getting spooked and overstimulated. shame, because they're a really fantastic artform
millvillemeltdownedited
the word that comes to mind is "Gesamtkunstwerk"
Sean Dolinar
I’d prefer to watch movie at home. Watch the NFL at home. Baseball is better in person. Postseason baseball is something else
Matt Martell
Hi everyone!
Matt Martell
For Chicago, my no. 1 is The Fugitive
Matt Martell
Draft Day is set in Cleveland!
Matt Martell
Kyle Teel, nooooooo!
Matt Martell
2.2 inches is terrible
jzmaxson27
Doesn't Howard the Duck take place in Cleveland?
Sean Dolinar
It does! I barely watched that. Can’t believe it’s a Marvel property.
Sean Dolinar
I’d think everyone would be on point with ABS. Maybe all that pressure.
Matt Martell
I just posted about this on Bluesky. But when I reported on the different strategies teams and players were using when deciding whether to challenge, the White Sox told me their strategy was to be more aggressive with them rather than waiting for a moment that might never come.
The challenge to Lowe aligned with that strategy, in that it made sense from a leverage perspective, especially in the playoffs when scoring first is so important. The problem was that pitch was nowhere near the zone.
jzmaxson27
I still remember when the Dodgers made Vargas go to the plate during spring training to get a feel for things when he was hurt and couldn't swing the bat in spring training, and Grienke just f'd with him by throwing eephus pitches and laughing. I miss Grienke.
I can understand that strategy but continue to be stunned at some of the challenges. It makes sense to only use them in high leverage situations but, even after a full season, there seems to be no rhyme or reason in far too many instances
Matt Martell
Was… was Jerry Reinsdorf smoking a cigar in his owner's box?
Matt Martell
Reminder that Austin Hedges had a 100 wRC+ this season
Philip Christy
The White Sox don't get enough crap for being one of the most historically terrible franchises
Sean Dolinar
I remember people hating the Hahn years with the Star Trek 2 meme.
Phil
Sesn, I asked this last night and Davy said to ask you–have you looked into creating a live scoreboard in Fangraphs? Would it be hugely expensive? Just curious, though it would be useful since I often have FG open while watching a game anyway.
Yes, I guess I was imagining it built into the banner, like at a certain red-branded site that starts with an E. But the scores page is very cool! I should bookmark it.
Sean Dolinar
We've kicked around having the scores in the header. It might be a customization feature, just so we don't force everyone to have a thicker header. I fought for about a year to get the header sized down back in 2017.
bosoxforlife
Doyle was definitely not looking for a fastball down the middle on 3-2.
bosoxforlife
Montgomery quickly pulled his hand back even though he knew it was a ball.
Matt Martell
Teel's incorrect challenge earlier put Montgomery in a bind
bosoxforlife
Most definitely.
Sean Dolinar
This has happened a few times this postseason.
baycommuter
The Blues Brothers is probably Chicago's favorite movie.
Ice Cream Helmet
Does anybody else just pull up to the stats on those 90's Cleveland lineups every so often and nod approvingly?
bosoxforlife
MLB did an essay on those Cleveland teams, "The Dynasty That Almost Was".
Is Blues Brothers more loved in Chicago than Ferris Bueller's Day Off?
asf123
They’re both loved here. I don’t know if you could say one more than the other.
Sean Dolinar
Something happened! Finally. What a hit!
asf123
I went to the game yesterday, and if you don’t love Seven Nation Army and the Cha Cha Slide, it is…not the place for you.
bosoxforlife
The men on MLB radio today were raving about Meidroth. That trade is going to be remembered for a long time on the South Side.
Dan Szymborski
@Matt, I could probably use a new kneecap too.
Rollie's Mustache
The fan wearing the gaudy M&Ms bomber jacket and a giant, novelty-sized cap is a vibe I'm strangely jealous of.
bosoxforlife
I don't know how any catcher can make that play.
Phil
Some command issues in this game.
Sean Dolinar
I kind of hoped that was going to go out and just clear the bases.
bosoxforlife
This is a good challenge.
Rollie's Mustache
Home Alone needs a shoutout for Chicago-set movies. Every couple years that's a holiday re-watch.
Sean Dolinar
Can't believe this didn't cross my mind until now.
bosoxforlife
There are good fastballs and good sliders but the best pitch a pitcher has is the atom ball.
millvillemeltdown
similar-sounding but unrelated: the demon core slider, which creates a little supercriticality event when the bat meets the ball. you may give up a nuke but the batter won't feel so good the next day
Dan Szymborski
Good idea to actually get a hit
Yer Main Guy
M&M jacket man has been at every game for many years.
Sean Dolinar
Is this like Marlins Man but not at all?
Philip Christy
Re: live scores in the header – this might make some people avoid your site sometimes, if they have DVR'd their game and don't want it ruined. If people want live scores they know how to find it
Dan Szymborski
The best pitches are the ones from NES Baseball Simulator 1.000 that nobody can throw…yet
Rollie's Mustache
That game came out just as I was developing serious baseball fandom as a 9 year old. The number of hours I was allowed to play it is shocking in hindsight. That was straight up bad parenting, tbh.
millvillemeltdown
it's a shame it happened before the advent of mainstream esports too.
Dan Szymborski
Maybe a clicky option?
mockcarr
The Sting was mostly in Chicago
Yer Main Guy
Chicago suburbs classics: Home alone, Sixteen Candles, Uncle Buck, some of FBDO.
Yer Main Guy
Pretty in Pink , Breakfast Club
Rollie's Mustache
National Lampoons Christmas Vacation
Sean Dolinar
They really don't make Midwest movies (or TV) like they used to.
millvillemeltdown
i'm supposed to be watching a movie for class but i nearly had a panic attack so i'm calming down by checking baseball scores
millvillemeltdown
unfortunately, i doubt The Hurt Locker (2008) is a midwest film
Phil
To me, a real Chicago movie has to have an L scene. The one in Blues Brothers is perfect. Fugitive also.
Dan Szymborski
A new version of it would be awesome
bosoxforlife
Two weeks ago I watched Snow White with my 4 year old great-grand daughter sitting on my lap, Now that was a great movie experience. I am getting to visit her and her 2 year old sister again on Saturday
Dan Szymborski
OH geez
Dan Szymborski
Oh, Fedde's OK
Dan Szymborski
From the reaction, I thought he had gotten it square in the face
asf123
It was funny, he watched the liner go past him into center, but then opened his glove to see if it might have also ended up there somehow.
bosoxforlife
Jose – Jose -Jose – Jose. !!!!!!
Dan Szymborski
Turns out homers are good
Sean Dolinar
I hope Keaton is watching and happy.
Matt Martell
José is AMPED!
Dan Szymborski
I was heartbroken back when he was coming up and found out his name wasn't pronounced Bibby
Matt Martell
You mean Bibberty?
Keaton Arneson
I'm too busy trying to replace our Meidroth/sistene chapel picture with Jose Ramirez
A little it becomes uncool once everyone does. Defensive shifts were the same way. Once everyone did it. It wasn't a competitive edge. It was just lame.
Dan Szymborski
It'll be funny if the White Sox end up scoring 10 and none of them via hit
millvillemeltdown
chase meidroth's name sounds like a very rude imperative
millvillemeltdown
probably uttered by bart simpson or similar
millvillemeltdown
joey bart simpson. is this anything.
millvillemeltdown
d'oh. chandler was also right there.
Dan Szymborski
Sabrowski games drive me nuts, because I have a reflexive reaction to every time his name is said because it's a common way people mispronounce my last name if they don't really read the order of the letters right
bosoxforlife
There is nothing that I find more useless than the 1st base penalty. There are two plays a 1st baseman has to do that no other fielder has to make. Scooping and avoiding the runner on the throw to 2nd. Murakami has surprised me with his deft fielding .
Matt Martell
This game rules!
bosoxforlife
Yesterday I complained to Sean that I couldn't find a "neither" button when asked who I wanted to win between the Rays and the other team. Today it is a "both" button that is needed because I will be rooting for whichever team wins this series when they meet the Rays
Sean Dolinar
I'm going to start just putting in teams that aren't playing in the game.
Matt Martell
Good challenge by Kwan!
bosoxforlife
Used at the proper time.
Phil
This game is insane. I have lost track of the number of lead changes. Though some of that is I am not sure I know how to define a lead change. Does tying count? But does that mean tying and then going ahead counts as two? Hmm. (Maybe there won't be any more, though–this game is getting out of hand as I'm typing this.)
asf123
Yeah, that slipped away quickly.
Sean Dolinar
Just made a poll for this!
Dan Szymborski
I run the bathroom and hell breaks out
MikeS
Unsurprisingly, the White Sox have run out of pitching.
SadaharuWhoa
Yes, the game feels wild. I told my wife "There's just so many hits!" which is dumb because it's a baseball game and hitting baseballs is kind of the thing they do. And Chicago doesn't even have that many hits! It just feels like there's so much happening on the bases. I'm know this easy easy to quantify, but I prefer "total base vibes" and the vibes are large
Sean Dolinar
We need to add TBV to the leaderboards.
Sean Dolinar
There's been 4 lead changes. One each inning that a team scored. I'd say tying doesn't count, but it doesn't matter, because it was never tied after the inning finished.
Matt Martell
I think DeLauter is out
Sean Dolinaredited
I called him out and did my little hand signal at my TV.
bosoxforlife
Thanks everybody. There have been a couple of late nights here on the east coast and this one is ovah so I will be heading off. Can't wait for Saturday night. Grandma and Great grandpa will be back from the family visit just about in time for the start.
Jon Becker
I just went 1-1 in my kickball doubleheader, pitched very well in the second game, and I’m here and ready to party
Dan Szymborski
10.242
Dan Szymborski
3333333333333333333-6+
Dan Szymborski
0
Dan Szymborski
0
Dan Szymborski
ack
Jon Becker
Hello to Dan’s cat
Dan Szymborski
Yeah, that was Justinian
Sean Dolinar
The spam filter caught the repeated messages.
Sean Dolinar
I thought maybe you were loading ZiPS data into the chat.
Phil
Justinian is good at Live Game Thread.
mattmc510
Do we have some analysis of RPs being overexposed in playoff series? I'm sure it's been done plenty of times but the Grant Taylor of it all this series seems like a fascinating case study
Whats the scuttlebutt on how much the White Sox will be willing to spend moving forward now that the competitive window is open? Dark horse on Skubs?
David
Maybe if the Catholic Church is pitching in funds.
Davy Andrews
I don't have any intel, but I'm inclined to agree with David CHW.
(I'm choosing to believe that the team you root for is part of your name.)
Antonio Bananas
So basically get the Vatican to sell off some of their art collection and see what they can get. Is Jeffrey Loria still around? Whats the surplus value of a Raphael painting?
David
You have to differentiate in the sea of Davids
Phil
There have to be some players in MLB who would sign a below-market deal if personally asked to do so by the Pope. I'm guessing quite a few.
danodea
I have lived all over America and never met anyone with an accent like the people in George and Mandy's First Marriage
Alan Sherman
If Grant Taylor just got the overwork penalty, Cade Smith may be due for his in game 5
David
Vogt certainly does not deserve big points for how he's deployed his guys most of this series. Back to back days in effective mop-up for Smith.
Matt Martell
This is a crazy pitching decision
HappyFunBall
Cool
danodea
Man I love baseball
Keaton Arneson
I blame Gavin Williams coming in and ruining game 5 due to Cade Smith pitching yesterday with a 6 run lead.
HappyFunBall
So now Smith is likely burned for game 5? Wild…
Antonio Bananas
So give them more looks at your closer, exhaust your closer, have your do or die game starter use bullets 2 days before said game. That's the strategy
mattmc510
This pitcher usage has all felt so extreme panic button from Cleveland
Keaton Arneson
Is Matt Festa hurt? He should have pitched the 9th yesterday and now today.
HappyFunBall
Festa must have kicked Vogt's dog or something
drplantwrench
late to the game, but if the white sox come back i'll eat one (1) walking taco
asf123
Managering.
Rich Hill's Fastball
Pulled this chat up to complain about this bullpen management but looks like y'all have that covered
danodea
I think this is great. Pitchers should pitch!!!
asf123
Benintendi was just hopeless there.
danodea
Incredible curves. These guys can pitch more pitches and more often than they do, so let's see it. Go White Sox though
Keaton Arneson
I understand you NEED to win tonight to survive, but you also NEED to win the next game to survive. I just can't believe 1 inning in a 4 run lead is better now than getting 5 innings the next game in another must win game.
danodea
Whatever happens here they should absolutely start him game 5. Ligaments are replaceable but flags fly forever
Matt Martell
This is beautiful
asf123
It's not just a matter of injury risk, though – it's a matter of effectiveness in an elimination game.
danodea
These curveballs look pretty effective to me
asf123
Today, yeah…
asf123
Where's Emmanuel Clase when you need him?
danodea
House arrest? I think?
Keaton Arneson
I was mad last night about Cade Smith in the 9th, and now I'm really mad. Also, I didn't love Smith in the 8th with a 4 run lead, but it's defensible.
danodea
They get a day off they'll be fine
danodea
Both these dudes are 27 years old, peak physical condition
Sean Dolinar
Thanks everyone! Looks like we got another one of these on Saturday!
Welcome to our Open Game Thread for the LDS games today. Chat with fellow readers as we watch four baseball games for the last time all year! Only Members can participate, and unlike our usual game chats, your messages will be posted immediately.
Our Member community is made up of thousands of incredibly knowledgable baseball fans, and we think this is a great way to follow a game with like-minded baseball enthusiasts. We might even have some FanGraphs Staff drop in and join the fun. Please be courteous to your fellow Members, or you may find your chat privileges revoked.
We are going to open the chat up at 3:30 PM ET and it will remain open until the final out of the Brewers-Padres game.
Jon Becker
Hi everyone! And for the record, my favorite Midwestern foods are cheese curds, Juicy Lucys, and buckeye candies
Eminor3rd
Midwestern-style pizza is underrated. There's Detroit-style, but there's also this generally square cut, sort-of-but-not-super-thin standard MW pizza that just hits the spot.
Jon Becker
I would know, I have been a Midwesterner all my life
Sean Dolinar
Have you gone to an Elvis game?
Jacquehammer Jones
Which World Series Game in Chicago does the Pope go to?
Sean Dolinar
Game 3 or 7? Feel like those are the most Catholic numbers. Unfortunately, there is no game 12.
Broken Bat
What WHITE Sox celebrity I’d throwing out first pitch? Luis Aparicio… MJ ?
Jonathan Vander Lugt
MJ in the red City Connect jerseys would be sick
Eminor3rd
Bumpy cake!
Jeremy Fox
Dan's not in this chat, so I guess we can say Cincinnati chili
Sean Dolinar
I had Skyline back in July. It definitely gets too much hate.
Keaton Arneson
Is it called a casserole or hotdish?
Eminor3rd
As a child I used to get the little Skyline hotdogs, but without the chili. They came in sets of 2 or 3 and would have like a full block of cheddar grated on top of them. So good.
Sean Dolinar
I'd say casserole. But I'm from Pittsburgh.
Eminor3rd
Also casserole, from Columbus
Keaton Arneson
Sean are you adding features mid chat with the team flairs?
Sean Dolinar
I added it this morning. But yes, team flair. Someone kept on saying "As a [TEAM] fan, I want this…". And I'm like we make that simpler.
Keaton Arneson
The answer is hot dish (north dakota/minnesota)
GarageCat
Imo's pizza and frozen custard
Sean Dolinar
I've hosted a few parties with Imo's that I had shipped in. Along with a block of provel.
macseries
playoff odds graphs has small fluctuations since october 5. is this a weather situation, starting pitcher or pure vibes?
Sean Dolinar
It looks like it's like a 0.1% – 0.3% fluctuation. That's just randomness in all likelihood. We can adjust the playing time projections based on an injury or news. But there's always going to be some flux from run to run.
Bacterun
After googling 'popular mid western dishes' and clicking on an AllRecipes list i am going with Tater Tot Hot Dish as the best
James
Hot dish is a good choice. Hard to go wrong there.
Jorge Fabregas
So…who was the mystery first pitch thrower?
tjcook87edited
Also came here to ask. (And for, you know, the baseball chat)
Anonymous Member #46
After all of his injuries, it's so cool to see Daniel Espino starting a playoff game.
wenz
I love when teams do [color]-out games. Always looks so cool
Jacquehammer Jones
Crowd really committed to that BlackOut
macseries
crowd sounds very loud on the radio broadcast
Bacterun
Someone named Belmont Cameli from "Off Campus" threw out the first pitch…no idea who that is
Jorge Fabregas
Thank you. I had seen that name speculated, but likewise have no idea.
Jorge Fabregas
Apparently a square-jawed actor from Naperville
Bacterun
It was a lobbed throw that would hit a LHH but did make most of the way there, catcher reached a little so might have landed at the back of the batters box
wenz
As a Cubs fan, I was very sad when Len Kasper left. He got a lot of mockery for leaving to be able to call playoff games on the radio because the team fell apart right after he switched. I'm glad he's getting to finally do it
drplantwrench
the height of Midwestern food is the walking taco, an abomination of all cuisines involved
tjcook87
Skyline Chili has entered the chat.
drplantwrench
skyline chili is known by all, walking tacos is not known outside of the midwest. people like skyline chili, despite it not being chili
wenz
Socktober may be inevitable
wenz
Wow, less than an inning
Jorge Fabregas
Pretty sure the plan was just for 1 inning.
wenz
Ah, ok. I thought Vogt was panicking haha
drplantwrench
oh wait, you can add your team to your name? did i miss that
Jorge Fabregas
New thing today
Jorge Fabregas
Chat settings top-right gear
eandy
Are we in agreement, the White Sox are the team that everyone is rooting for if they don't have a dog in the fight?
bosoxforlife
That is when you challenge!
Jorge Fabregasedited
Darrin Jackson: umpire gave Peters the big ringy-ringy and has to take it back and apologize
Jorge Fabregas
Just early
drplantwrench
i enjoy the new team thing. before i always wondered what team other people like. like who knows what team "bosoxforlife" is rooting for
tdmocedited
huge bovine guy (bos/ox)
Alan Sherman
Hotdish. State fair fried food on a stick. Cheese curds
moomin
ooh, that was a silly little play
drplantwrench
total aside, huge fan of the moomintroll series
Alan Sherman
I think this is the only series where the teams are evenly matched cuisine wise
Anonymous Member #46
really depends on your stance toward Tampa Bay-style pizza
Alan Sherman
You're going to say that one type of dish can make tampa better than the most diverse food city in the hemisphere? I've had great Southern barbecue in Brooklyn in my admittedly very limited experience of NYC
Anonymous Member #46
I don't think my sarcasm warning was quite high enough!
Alan Sherman
sarcasm is very difficult to detect in text, sorry.
wenz
I know it isn't midwest cuisine, but the Korean corndogs at Rate Field are delicious and I highly recommend them
addctedtoglove32
The footlong Chicago dog at Rate Field is also very good
Raysfan42069
is it too late to say a giant tenderloin sandwich or a bowl of chili with a peanut butter sandwich on the side.
Alan Sherman
I will go for a sandwich alongside a sandwich.
Raysfan42069
I did a poor job of writing that sentence. The PB sammy goes with a bowl of chili. The tenderloin is a completely different amazing dish.
Alan Sherman
Anyone got some ballplayer food names? Ben Rice relevant today
Rich Hill's Fastball
Does Bryan Baker count?
Sean Dolinaredited
Boxberger was a good one.
Sean Dolinar
Ooof, out of challenges this early.
Jacquehammer Jones
Tim Salmon
Alan Sherman
first you send your Rice to the Miller, then it goes to the Baker, and then you have rice bread to go with your Salmon
Rich Hill's Fastball
You can eat it Fried too!
Asa
This is very advanced level stuff. Well done
drplantwrench
Hank Conger (if you eat eel)
bosoxforlife
Or Trout
tdmoc
Pretzels Getzien
Alan Sherman
Also Zach Wheat is an old Brooklyn hall of famer (Lighting the Jaffe signal)
Alan Sherman
Salmon Fried Rice is a great dish
Phil
Sean, it looks like Brendan's chat from earlier today disappeared–it's not in the main feed (not sure it was even while going, just linked from the banner at the top of the page). Just thought you'd want to know in case there's a glitch or Brendan neglected to click something that needed to be clicked.
Back to baseball. Fastballs away are not a good pitch.
Alan Sherman
Ben Clemens wrote that article earlier this year?
tdmocedited
I'm curious what pitches in what locations draw the fewest swings – I figure it's stuff that never looks like a strike, like breaking balls above the zone or fastballs below it.
Alan Sherman
fried catfish hunter too
Alan Sherman
and he hunts rob deer?
bob
Sox too confident?
Alan Sherman
I am loving the Hagen Smith/Grant Taylor/Ray Kerr bullpen surprise aspect of these playoffs
Rich Hill's Fastball
Smith's slider is *snapping* wow
bosoxforlife
He is unhittable if he can throw strikes which is still in question.
drplantwrench
JOOOOOO
Keaton Arneson
White Sox need the no triples defense that is being experimented with in the Fall League
bosoxforlife
That experiment is beyond the pale. I will stop watching if that is ever put in place.
HappyFunBall
Jo Adell should just try to hit triples every time
Alan Sherman
Let them load the bases again and finally got punished
drplantwrench
fun fact: when jo adell hits it, its called a jriple
tdmoc
man, that oppo groundball down the line is such a killer
.280 xBA and probably not much more xSLG
bosoxforlife
It doesn't look like much to a computer but gets the job done more often than not.
macseries
white sox make an out by contact challenge
Sean Dolinar
You don't see the dropped called third strike too often.
bosoxforlife
This has to be first in the history of baseball. Four different lefty pitchers in the first four innings of a game.
Benny The Jet
We back! Very cool touch with the team affiliations, thank you as always for putting these together!
bosoxforlife
Sean, how do I get my real team affiliation attached to my moniker?
Jon Becker
Settings cog in the top right!
Sean Dolinar
We didn't think you needed one!
bosoxforlife
Thanks!
Jon Becker
(I am not Sean but I am helpful)
Benny The Jet
I'll admit I tend to be skeptical of former players hired in the front office, and was doubly so in the case of Getz, having come from the previous mess of a FO, but he has done a phenomenal job it seems
Phillip Denny
White Sox still have some life left in them!
bosoxforlife
Ha Ha, love it!
Sean Dolinar
Double Challenge! 🚨🚨
Anonymous Member #46
These are total time sucks. MLB should be replaying the totality of plays when adjudicating challenges.
Sean Dolinar
Agreed it's too legal system-ish.
Phillip Denny
double uno reverse card
Rich Hill's Fastball
What a silly few minutes
Phillip Denny
Is *runner at 2B turns his head to look at the bag* the universal sign for telling the hitter it's a FB?
tdmoc
@Jon – I have to ask, do you and Jason have automations set up to track roster moves and lineup projections, or are you glued to your computer at all hours F5ing ad nauseam
Sean Dolinar
You should see them at dinner during Winter Meetings.
Sean Dolinar
I'll take that double over catcher's interference!
bosoxforlife
Peters loves those long AB's. Not quite 18 pitches but he delivered again.
wheelhouse
So Jazz Chisholm Jr. has likely played his last game as a Yankee
Phillip Denny
If you're the Yankees do you QO Jazz? If you're Jazz, do you accept?
Rich Hill's Fastball
I think they'll QO him and he'll decline it.
tdmocedited
haven't followed him much, but at a glance I'd say yes and no – he's only 29 next year and looks like a 2+ win guy moving forward
wheelhouse
Yes and yes but I am neither the Yankees nor Jazz Chisholm Jr.
drplantwrench
jazz has to have a free agency market, in spite of everything. i could def see the angels go after him
Sean Dolinar
I don't see someone who talks about having 50/50 season this year just accepting the QO.
wheelhouse
It obviously will depend on what other offers are on the table, but I think the appeal of accepting it would be a chance to redo his walk year after this year’s performance
bosoxforlife
if I was a GM he is not someone i would want on the team. He seems to dance to his own drum and isn't so good that you want him around at the price he is going to ask for.
Anonymous Member #46
I wouldn't mind a high-value, shorter contract if you trust your organizational culture, clubhouse leaders and manager, but I wouldn't want to be on the hook for six years and nine figures.
wheelhouse
I think that’s overrated, at least specifically in his case, but I do think the yankees are done with him. He objected hard to being benched for one postseason game in 2025, and now he’s going to have been benched for multiple postseason games in 2026, so they’re clearly past caring how he feels about it
Phillip Denny
if he has a QO attached to him I could definitely see him being one of those "unsigned into March" guys, let along the lockout playing a part
bosoxforlife
Not starting tonight is absolutely a ticket out of New York.
lzfreak
He's sitting against a RHP today. Not sure if that's happened before in the playoffs. Not a good look
bosoxforlife
Which is exactly why I made my comment.
Benny The Jet
Had me thinking about it so I just did the research and nobody has been stuck waiting until the season to take less $$ because of the QO since Keuchel in 2019- feels like it used to be 3-4 guys every year with the old CBA
lzfreak
Some of this is more guys accepting it too
bosoxforlife
Just a routine major league caliber play but still pretty nice.
Rich Hill's Fastball
Horrible way to allow the first run
Rich Hill's Fastball
That might've been even worse but I guess we'll take it?
bosoxforlife
The pitch of the year coming up
Sean Dolinar
I can just feel the leverage.
bosoxforlife
and that is what great players do!!
Nathaniel
did the ump rule that a catch? i couldn't see on the broadcast. not that it matters, i guess. what a recovery
bosoxforlife
I simply can't say enough about my appreciation of Jose Ramirez. He stayed with Cleveland when he could have got much more elsewhere. It is too bad that he didn't make that play in front of the home crowd.
war2d2
I have an unreasonable dislike for Chase Meidroth for the sole reason that his name has terrible mouthfeel.
Dan Szymborski
I still think J-Ram is the most underrated player of this generation and I hope he doesn't get shafted in the Hall vote
Dan Szymborski
Meidroth pronounced sounds like the name of a demon in an Elder Scrolls game
war2d2
Cleveland has been my AL team since the days of Albert “Don’t Call Me Joey” Belle, but it feels like a frontrunner move to add them as flair on my name.
TKDC
They haven’t won a World Series since the Truman Administration. I think it’s okay.
war2d2edited
J-Ram has an outside shot at 400 HR/400 SB, and maybe 2,500 hits if he really rebounds. I think he’ll get in.
Davy Andrews
Hey I'm writing up the LAD-ATL game tonight, so I'm just stopping in to say hi. Also, I'm glad you got that BOS tag next to your name, bosoxforlife. Now we'll finally know who you're rooting for.
bosoxforlife
I am very proud to have been a Red Sox fan since my first game at Fenway in August 1948 and am not afraid to show my loyalty through thin and, finally, thick.
Nathaniel
ok i'm switching to the LA-ATL game
Jon Becker
Asking for two innings from Cade Smith up four runs feels a little much
Rich Hill's Fastballedited
How many non-Grant Taylor relievers have attempted this in the last week already and gotten hit? Duran, Miller, etc
ktriskett
Hate it.
war2d2
Also the correct answer for “favorite Midwestern food” is Italian beef ordered wet, hot and sweet.
TKDC
Hotdish is my favorite Midwest food.
bosoxforlife
I am still trying to find a way to answer "neither" when asked who I want to win in the Rays-Yankees game.
Sean Dolinar
I’ll try to remember for tomorrow.
macseries
walking ten and striking out 16 times (and counting!) is not a good way to win a baseball game
Phillip Denny
feels like the Dodgers hitting plan for today was "sit on the splitter and wait for a bad one"
Rich Hill's Fastball
This broadcast totally forgot about Tyler Anderson 🙁
Dan Szymborski
So do GMs, most years
Phillip Denny
remember when he randomly popped for 4 WAR in 2022 and got way overpaid by the Angels? Pepperidge Farm remembers.
Jos
i was at his near no hitter vs the angels and its the one time ive ever been actively mad at shohei since he broke it up in the ninth
TKDC
Smoltz says players will evolve in “when, how, and why they will challenge” in ABS. I want him to expand on this “how” element of the challenge system.
tdmoc
accidentally while adjusting their helmets
TKDC
I was thinking maybe more taps? Like at least five or six.
Benny The Jet
Cleveland is Clevelandmaxing
Rich Hill's Fastball
Gotta sit Cade now, right?
Benny The Jet
I don't much want to watch him broadcast baseball, but I would absolutely watch Smoltz try to play a video game
Nathan
He was proudly Smoltzsplaining how to get a big lead and force a throwover. I would watch that.
bosoxforlife
How fate twists and turns as life goes on. Early in the year Davis Martin was a leading candidate for the Cy Young and now he is relegated to mop up duty.
macseries
mop-up guy came in in the third
tdmoc
wow! still Cade Smith? with a 6 run lead?
bosoxforlife
Stephen Vogt is usually one step ahead but this is definitely a questionable decision.
Sean Dolinar
Great response with the CLE/CHW poll! Most of you were wrong. But I like the participation!
Alan Sherman
Has Davis Martin made a start in the playoffs yet?
lzfreak
3 hard hit outs against Mahle that inning
Phillip Denny
the BABIP gods giveth, the BABIP gods taketh away.
TKDCedited
Muncy hit a really good pitch 390 feet. Braves should be very worried about third time through but are very inconsistent about how much they consider that.
Phillip Denny
Could we *not* check in on the prediction trends, driven by Polymarket?
Phillip Denny
5 walks is bad and all, but ultimately 4.2 IP 1 ER from your #4 starter in the playoffs is perfectly adequate
Matt Martell
Hello from Yankee Stadium
Matt Martell
Here's a poll question:
Will the Yankees make more errors than I eat press box cookies tonight?
Davy Andrews
If I were there and this question were about me, it would be no contest.
Matt Martell
For those of you who don't know, during last year's ALDS, Davy carried multiple plastic cup's worth of cookies out to the auxiliary press box in the right field upper deck stands. It was inspiring
Davy Andrews
Cookies are my favorite food.
lzfreak
Teoscar looks hurt
danodea
Can't believe that wasn't a triple. Did he not run out the box? Tbh I guess that's fair cause I *really* can't believe it wasn't a homer lol
bosoxforlife
He didn't go into his HR trot but he never hit high gear.
Antonio Bananas
Feel like we should find a way to tax ad spend for gambling sites. Consider it a pigouvian tax.
Antonio Bananas
So twice ATL wont score because a baserunner didnt get to 3rd when they should have
Davy Andrews
Wait, Harris scored on the first one.
bosoxforlife
Last night it was easy to find time to have dinner between games but I am befuddled by what I am going to have to do to fit my chicken alfredo into the schedule.
Davy Andrews
How was the pizza?
bosoxforlife
It was, as always, just right. Crisp and loaded with meats of all kinds.
TKDCedited
Brandon Gaudin clearly saw the criticism of Joe Davis and didn’t want the same.
wheelhouse
Well, time to watch the judge yankees die
wheelhouse
they gave fried schlittler’s numbers in the tv graphic
lzfreak
I was so confused by this
bosoxforlife
It looks like Fuentes is beginning to show some fraying around the edges.
TKDC
I think it was 47 pitches and then two days rest. That feels like a lot of pitches to only rest two days.
Nathaniel
i think he was safe
JakeDubois
Yeah, but seriously Teo, come on
bosoxforlife
Too close to overturn.
lzfreak
Closer than it needed to be though. Would've been a total tootblan
Schmegs
I'm happy anytime there's a chance to say TOOTBLAN
wheelhouse
What was that, 6 pitches?
wheelhouse
New lineup fixed everything
bubbles
Keys to the game. Don't walk guys with 2 outs
TKDC
The Dodgers are just absolutely mocking that conventional wisdom this series.
MattStats5
F*** the Dodgers! That is all.
Benny The Jet
Wow
bosoxforlife
What type of cookies? I am partial to rea Toll House.
Davy Andrews
They're very much cafeteria cookies. Usually chocolate chip (but those go fast) and oatmeal raisin.
TKDC
Pages should have ran through second there.
lzfreak
One of my favorite baseball-isms is guys throwing "the kitchen sink." I just love the idea of people who don't know the sport blinking at the idea of a "kitchen sink guy"
Antonio Bananas
Say what you want about Smoltz
Antonio Bananas
Why is Acuna batting 2nd?
TKDC
Where should he be hitting? He was fantastic in September. If we are moving guys down based on the postseason, are we moving Olson and Baldwin down, too?
Antonio Bananas
Has Acuna even hit a ball hard? Olson, Baldwin, and Albies have at least made hard contact
TKDCedited
Yes, he has hit a ball hard.
Edit: his hard hit rate coming into today in this series is 50%, tied for highest on the team.
wheelhouse
Fried’s hurt
lzfreak
Fried still out there. Any source on the injury?
MattStats5
Acuna a non-factor….tough to see.
MattStats5
What happened to Fried? Watching Braves game….
wheelhouse
Unclear but Cole just jogged out to the bullpen
MattStats5
As much as I hate the Yankees (I'm an Orioles fan), good to see Lombard post up since his call up.
wheelhouse
He’s been bad
ncphl
That changeup for strike three by Martinez was pretty
MattStats5
Fried back out for the third.
wheelhouse
Lombard making a mistake on the field again. That throw was both futile and wide and could’ve given deluca an extra base if garcia didn’t bail him out
jthornton
Are you guys watching Yankees exec Mike Pinsky on Survivor 51?
wheelhouse
No, I’m watching Dua Lipa in the second row
wheelhouse
Maybe Lombard is too
millvillemeltdown
"dula peep" "i can't [field a ground ball]"
MattStats5
Playoff baseball, and we have someone invading the chat who's watching Survivor….LMAO!
millvillemeltdown
could a player theoretically go on the injured list for insomnia
millvillemeltdown
the basis for this question is that i felt my game iq slide into the negatives as i attempted to play frisbee on 30 minutes of sleep last night
jthornton
for sure, right? I think I can recall some sleep apnea diagnoses helping players get right
wheelhouse
Rays win
Michael Baumann
What's happenin', hot stuff?
Michael Baumann
As much as I'm frustrated by not having a dining table at hand when I go to a baseball game, I find the Chop House slightly offensive. It feels antithetical to the communal peanuts-and-cracker jack mode of live baseball
millvillemeltdown
if you aint balancing an aggressively laden tupperware and thermos of scalding soup precariously on your lap you aint livin
millvillemeltdown
i think the only viable solution is a lecture hall style desk that folds out from in between, and is inevitably covered in gum et cetera
marqueefgrissom
atlanta would never have an offensive chop
marz
Diaz again. Do the Dodgers think he’s back?
jms4
rice is nice!
marz
Well damn, maybe he is.
danodea
He was pretty good to close out the season
Rich Hill's Fastball
Popping back in just to celebrate!
GoatBenRice
🙂
millvillemeltdown
alas, my "hometown" "team", the cobb county hatchets, have fallen
GoatBenRice
nice George
Rollie's Mustache
The funny thing about the Yankees is that they *can* play good defensively. Great even, at times. But they can also look like a DSL club some nights.
wheelhouse
That was some great defense right there
danodea
Congrats to Ryan Vilade, former Indianapolis Indian
lzfreak
Scorebug got fooled there
Phil
How do we feel (aesthetically) about the moment of ambiguity when it's not clear whether it's a home run or a robbery? Extra fun 'cause suspenseful, or annoyingly anticlimactic?
moomin
I'm a fan
lzfreak
It's super fun when they actually catch it and play it cool for a second or two
ncphl
I only like it when it's a catch
millvillemeltdown
i'm not a huge fan bc it feels like doing the pitcher dirty
millvillemeltdown
but im sure lots of pitchers are chiller than i imagine. i'm just socially anxious and a mess
millvillemeltdown
lombard feels like a bwj type situation to me. he might grow into ss really nicely
millvillemeltdown
at least that's my hope, bc i find defense aesthetically pleasing
Sean Dolinar
TBS messed up and put up a third out on that HR. Oops.
wheelhouse
Ben Rice deserves to be on a better team
millvillemeltdown
wheelhouse deserves to root for a better team
millvillemeltdown
ftr i think it's like a law of nature that wheelhouse must be a yanks fan. like fermions having half-integer spin. if you put another hat on their head they become a non-wheelhouse
lzfreak
The Yankees had the best run differential in the league this year by a lot. This isn't a bad team. I wish for the day when the Yankees have an actual bad team
wheelhouse
I didn’t say they were bad, I said Rice deserves better
millvillemeltdown
rice deserves a whole bibimbap of accompanying characters
millvillemeltdown
rice deserves to be the staple grain of entire continents and their diaspora
millvillemeltdown
i'm so hungry.
millvillemeltdown
the yankees are certainly a very frustrating team i will grant
Phil
Is this one of those injury replacements that really isn't 'cause they were going to take him out anyway? And does the reliever still get the extra warmup pitches in that situation?
millvillemeltdown
extra warm up pitches feels almost… counterproductive to me. if the guy's already warm, save his bullets, i guess? i don't know how arm health works, though
wheelhouse
Why would you be playing jones shallow
millvillemeltdown
i am sure aaron boone has seen 10^23 times more baseball played than i have, and has billions more neural connections related to it than i have, and knows subconsciously more than i will ever consciously know about the sport. but every so often he makes a decision that's a real head-scratcher, even to me
millvillemeltdown
did you know that neutrinos change flavors. i didn't even know neutrinos had flavors until today. what do you think they taste like
Rollie's Mustache
I heard it was considered as a secret ingredient on Iron Chef but producers worried that it would be the most disappointing and confusing reveal.
wheelhouse
Should Boone pull Fried for the sixth
Davy Andrews
Hey everybody, just filed my Dodgers-Braves gamer. What'd I miss in New York?
Phil
Rice is a good hitter. Kevin Cash has a quick hook.
jms4
ben rice is still the goat
millvillemeltdown
some yankees fans might hate the yankees more than i do
Matt Martell
Wasn't a quick hook. Martinez left after getting hit by the Volpe line drive
Matt Martell
He seemed to be on the ropes anyway, but I think that prompted it.
jms4
another hard hit lineout for trent grisham. i will not be looking at the average social media take on trent grisham
wheelhouse
Boone should pull Fried, right?
millvillemeltdown
i am trying to use the new flairs to create words instead of watching real baseball. the psychologists continue to insist that this constitutes normal behavior.
Matthew Spence
I love this for you
millvillemeltdown
"i'm creating value for society!" i scream, while they drag me back to the basement
wheelhouse
Fried’s back out there
millvillemeltdown
if you stitched fried and rodon together do you think they'd be injured more or less frequently
drplantwrench
not sure, but theyd make a great circus act
drplantwrench
BAAANG
Davy Andrews
Oh my goodness, the way Mesa watched that ball.
wheelhouse
Hey Boone should’ve pulled Fried
danodea
That was awesome
wheelhouse
God I hate being a better manager on my couch than that numbskull
Benny The Jet
Did something happen between Mesa and Wells bc that was aggressive
danodea
I thought he was looking at his bench
Rollie's Mustache
I uh don't think that's where Fried wanted that sweeper.
wheelhouse
I uh don’t think that the mound in the sixth inning in a win-or-go-home game is where I wanted Fried
millvillemeltdown
i remember him melting down in the atl/sdp wild card in… '24? i think it was yom kippur as well; idk if he's observing still
millvillemeltdown
my friend's cat bernie is not impressed.
Phil
Victor Mesa is a very fun Rays Magic story.
nicstone
I have rarely been so shocked by a HR. Might be the worst pitch I've ever seen Max Fried throw. I wonder if the Caminero hot shot back at him messed him up
wheelhouse
Good hitter third time through the order
nicstone
Not better than Aranda or Diaz. And not a better hitter than Fried is a pitcher. And Fried was cruising until the the liner at his face
wheelhouse
“He was cruising”? Are we in pre-SABR times?
nicstone
The first 2 batters of the inning were sat down easy. And the previous inning was 1-2-3 with two nasty strikeouts
drplantwrench
good guy fried wanted to make sure he could be home for his new kid
lzfreak
Is Fried really that bad of an option there? He's a top 10-15 starting pitcher in the game and he had the platoon advantage over Mesa. I love to rail on Boone as much as the next guy but this one wasn't an obviously bad call
millvillemeltdown
clearly, because he gave up a homer /s
Phil
I didn't think it was obvious, but I'm generally skeptical of the 3rd-time-through orthodoxy (and I wanted Gray to be left in, so it would be hypocritical to say Fried clearly shouldn't have been).
wheelhouse
It’s the third time through the order, against the top of the order, in a tied win-or-go-home game, with a fully rested bullpen. Inexcusable
wheelhouse
Oh, and Fried has been on the IL twice this season and hasn’t regularly gone deep into games
lzfreak
Wasn't Jax going to start tomorrow? If there's a game 4, who starts?
wheelhouse
I guess we’ll never know
millvillemeltdown
it aint over til, uh, what was it?
GoatBenRice
Mr. wheelhouse the odds of max fried giving up a left on left homer to victor mesa are like 0.1%. This series is just hell
Rollie's Mustache
Fist LvL home run Fried's given up this year I think.
GoatBenRice
Put the ball girl at third
GoatBenRice
actually kill me
NATS Fan
Go Rays! defeat the evil empire!
GoatBenRice
you're all invited to my funeral
lzfreak
Nice challenge by Hicks
GoatBenRice
evil empire you're stuck in the 90s brotha
GoatBenRice
AHHHHHHHH|
Michael Baumann
I love it when the ball girl makes a nice catch. It's one of my favorite bits of baseball mundanity
drplantwrench
wow
GoatBenRice
ANTNEE
danodea
oh my
Rollie's Mustache
Volpe, of course.
Michael Baumann
Where the heck did that ball go? Live, it didn't look like the fans got it either
Matthew Spence
Hit the roof
lzfreak
Mesa had an odd reaction there
lzfreak
If this gets overturned I'm excited to watch Boone get tossed
GoatBenRice
bout to def wasn't over
drplantwrench
i cant wait for it to get overturned plz
Jon Becker
I think that's a double
Jon Becker
If they can split the difference there
Jon Becker
Definitely not a homer
Benny The Jet
Jeffrey Maier is looking old
GoatBenRice
Yea no way where does Lombard go
Michael Baumann
It looked good head on but the guy in the jacket was clearly way over.
Sean Dolinaredited
I’d call him out.
GoatBenRice
if its a double Lombard definitely would have score no?
Sean Dolinar
I’d call him out.*
Rollie's Mustache
Over/under on items thrown on the field when this is overturned?
Rollie's Mustache
Two beverages, a container of popcorn and counting.
NATS Fan
they will always be the evil empire to me! Although now the dodgers also qualify.
Michael Baumann
Right call, imo
Sean Dolinaredited
Really just out of spite for the fan that reached into the field of play.
nicstone
Literally everything is going against us today. I hate this
Jon Becker
Boone asking for an explanation for a perfect call in which the run scored is interesting
wheelhouse
Eyewash
Benny The Jet
We might need a poll for that
Jon Becker
Maybe he wants Volpe on third?
Michael Baumann
Also, come on, we're at least another 75 years from the Yankees not being the Evil Empire
GoatBenRice
Being a yankee fan who wasn't alive for the dynasties is odd
Michael Baumann
I feel ya. It's got to be unsettling to be the Nebraska football of baseball
NATS Fan
Go Rays!!! Tampa needs some love!
GoatBenRice
holy changeup Jesus
Michael Baumann
They've been a normal big-market team for at least 15 or 20 years now but the metaphysical inertia they built up from 1920 to ~2009 is the size of a planet
lzfreak
For Twins fans it continued into 2010, 2017, 2019. I will never not despise the Yankees
nicstone
As someone born in 2000, I do remember 2009. But fans of other teams really underestimate the sense of how fans of my age feel just like any other team. We genuinely feel we have seen barely any success. Yes we appreciate being good every year. But a lot of other teams are good every year (or most, we are abnormally consisten). But at some point we want WS titles, and we just feel like we consistently fail in the playoffs. Because we don't remember the 90's. It not relevant
GoatBenRice
No we have it so much better than most. The bad thing about the past few years is how uniquely humiliating the losses have been.
lzfreak
Try living through one losing season then we'll talk
GoatBenRice
Exactly we got it good but the laugh factor of the recent losses sucks a lil
GoatBenRice
As I am also a fan of sports teams that miss the playoffs I can say id rather them miss the playoffs than lose to a huge rival because they make 5 errors in a game with the cy young winner on the mound
NATS Fan
You get to pitch Cy Young pitchers and see home run champions every year. Have the Yankees ever traded away at the deadline?
wheelhouse
They were very stupid not to in 2023
lzfreak
They got Gleyber Torres from the Cubs for Aroldis Chapman in 2016
NATS Fan
They did not know it was an option probably
Alan Sherman
hey you kids get off my lawn! /snark
Benny The Jet
The Yanks definitely aren't the same Evil Empire to the rest of the league anymore, but respectfully, a Pirates fan born in 2000 has seen 6 playoff games in their lifetime and they lost 4 of them… there's levels to it is what I'm saying
GoatBenRice
Thank you Michael I am stealing metaphysical inertia. this is why I subscribe to this service
Jon Becker
Manny Machado did WHAT
Eric Brooks
At minimum the consequence needs to be that they confiscate the ball, right?
Jon Becker
(he bunted for a hit)
NATS Fan
I know a few METS fan who still think the Yankees are evil. They will always be evil. Baseball is more fun when you hate or love the Yankees.
wheelhouse
Now imagine if that third run had been to take the lead, instead of not being enough to make up for Mesa’s HR
Phil
I take it personally that the Red Sox were denied an opportunity for another World Series because John McGraw refused to play them in 1904. A few mildly underachieving years for the Yankees are not going to change how I feel about them.
GoatBenRice
Okay Boston sports fan experiencing literally the most sports success ever of all time and still complaining
Phil
Not being a football fan changes things a bit, but point taken.
GoatBenRice
Fair fair
wheelhouse
The Red Sox have completely dominated the Yankees for most of my living memory
lzfreak
Didn't the Yankees just obliterate them last week in a playoff "series"
wheelhouse
That was AI
fincampbell05
Even as a Red Sox fan it kind of feels that way with what so often happens to the Yankees right after they beat the Red Sox soundly (in the regular season just as much as the playoffs, it feels like)
si.or.no
Can we get a flair for team entropy? I just want every series to go to the last game. Maximum baseball.
Sean Dolinar
What would it be? ΔS?
millvillemeltdown
Ω_max(Baseball)
millvillemeltdown
ΔS is really good i appreciate this (currently in thermodynamics)
Sean Dolinar
Yeah, I was wondering if you got your homework done when I wrote that.
Alan Sherman
Does Yankee Stadium even have parking lots?
millvillemeltdown
for once!
wheelhouse
That was a nice last Yankee AB for Jazz
lzfreak
Well we got to see Jazz Chisholm
GoatBenRice
He was in there to homer or walk and took a good aggressive homer swing just missed it
Matthew Spence
The Yankee fans seem nice.
wheelhouse
Would you be
Matthew Spence
TBF the Dodger fans would have left already to beat traffic
wheelhouse
Now a nice last Yankee AB for Grisham, and Bednar’s warming up for his last Yankee innings, right after Blackburn’s last Yankee inning+. Considerate of Boone to get everyone in the game so we can all say goodbye. Maybe he’s not so bad of a manager after all
misterjohnny
Yankees fans booing their own team is so Yankees fans
GoatBenRice
idiot fans
NATS Fan
I have always felt Jazz Chisholm was a great name.
GoatBenRice
its a one run game stop booing
Matthew Spence
So true
wheelhouse
Could’ve been a one run game the other way if Boone had pulled Fried when he should’ve
GoatBenRice
Brother if you want to play the odds game the odds of mesa hitting that homer are so slim. if Diaz or caminero hit it id get it but he mowed down Diaz and Aranda to start the inning
wheelhouse
At worst, it should’ve been batter-to-batter with a reliever ready as soon as one reached base.
GoatBenRice
If its batter to batter you're absolutely leaving him in against a lefty with a runner on first
GoatBenRice
damn Jax so nasty
nicstone
Jax is nasty. Can't be too upset at Grisham or Rice
GoatBenRice
Curveball averaged 86 w -16 tn
David P
I love that MLB doesn't stretch out the playoffs games ridiculously like the NBA does, but is it too much to ask to avoid overlapping games?
lzfreak
I love the overlapping games. Feels like March madness
Alan Sherman
I went to a night dodger game at the end of a spring break road trip and we were in the parking lot until midnight and then had to drive all night up I-5 to the Bay
Matthew Spence
It is honestly the worst postgame experience
GoatBenRice
public transit >>
Alan Shermanedited
In full agreement that public transit is the way to go to a ballgame
millvillemeltdown
there's this song called "LAX" by vulfpeck. the hook goes "i love my baby, she's the best / she picks me up at LAX". it sounds like a love song, and it is, but even more it's a condemnation of lax as a feat of extreme endurance
jcathtraverse
I haven't been to a Dodger game, but have spent enough time in LA to say I don't think you want to take public transportation there.
Antonio Bananas
Car dependency + NIMBYs = awful everything
NATS Fan
I believe Tampa Rays are the best run team in sports. Go Rays!
GoatBenRice
Them and MIL. Rays strategy of getting a bunch of scrappy guys and elite pitching seems to get them a legit run every 5 or so years. Can't ask for much more when you don't spend
Antonio Bananas
Only one 90 loss season since 2008. In the last 10 years they haven't had a 90 loss season or finished last. So they do this without long periods of high draft picks…in the AL East
wheelhouse
Victor Mesa Jr. had reverse splits this year btw, just fwiw. 146 wRC+ vs. LHP
GoatBenRice
Yeah but it's max fried who famously does not give up home runs. I get taking him out but its not like leaving him in is bringing in Nestor cortes to face Freddie freeman
wheelhouse
Bringing in Nestor there was more defensible than leaving Fried out there here
NATS Fan
Victor Victor Mesa Mesa
millvillemeltdown
victor "victor mesa" mesa
millvillemeltdown
vick table
NATS Fan
I'll bet the Marlins miss Mesa
GoatBenRice
Clean shaven gerrit Cole jumpscare
millvillemeltdown
i wish for a midwest funfest world series
Sean Dolinar
If that happens, we are going to have so many Midwest themed polls in here.
GoatBenRice
I hope its finally the brewers year
NATS Fan
I hope your right, but the dodgers exist!
wheelhouse
He wasn’t hit there
GoatBenRice
Weird one because it sounded like it did but didn't look like it
wheelhouse
That won’t be overturned and Boone should get himself tossed
Rollie's Mustache
Aranda's elbow guard didn't move and the spin of the ball didn't change. Don't like that call.
wheelhouse
If he doesn’t he’s quiet quitting
nicstone
That's terrible. Pretty clearly didn't touch him
GoatBenRice
Junior is so scary
Matthew Spence
Not a HBP
millvillemeltdown
i am somewhere within a day's round trip of the twin cities, so i went to kramarczuk last time i was down there. good soup. excellent soup.
comradeyurika
Looked like the ball changed direction slightly
wheelhouse
I wonder whether Bednar gets the QO. Velo was down from his peak all year
millvillemeltdown
between bednar and r. iglesias who do you figure is the better true talent closer
GoatBenRice
it'll be interesting to see. velo down but splitter took a huge step forward. doubt they give a reliever that money
NATS Fan
I'd guess Bednar
wheelhouse
Bednar but they’re both in the great, not elite tier
millvillemeltdown
i think they are very similar. one could even say close.
NATS Fan
can Adrian Morejon close as well as them?
wheelhouse
I think they either trade for a brand name who hasn’t hit FA and gotten paid yet (there was so much noise around Miller), or sign someone who’s gotten saves for someone to go into a competition with the likes of Headrick and Lagrange for the spot
millvillemeltdown
in my mind, based on exactly 0 data, morejon feels like a better closer candidate than either
wheelhouse
Morejon will also get paid as much or more than either
NATS Fan
My gut feels the same
wheelhouse
I believe that was Volpe’s first-ever putout at 3B in the majors
fincampbell05
Red Sox legend Cam Booser
GoatBenRice
That story on him on mlb.com was really cool
jms4
RARE RAYS DEFENSIVE MISCUE
millvillemeltdown
a win for team entropy
Michael Baumann
Not an awesome throw but Aranda's got to pick that. Caminero did a pirouette for God's sake
Matthew Spence
They called it an E5?
millvillemeltdown
everyone knows that the more you spin the more obligated the 1b is to pick it
Michael Baumann
I would not have, obviously
millvillemeltdown
i think TΔS works maybe? being part of the thermodynamic identity if you swap d for delta
wheelhouse
Lombard actually swinging at a first pitch fastball strike for once in his entire career. He missed it
GoatBenRice
Great time for an ad break
Matthew Spence
Hated it
ncphl
Makes me mad
GoatBenRice
you know I just really wish it was a gambling ad
NATS Fan
They are prediction markets
GoatBenRice
u right u right my bad
wheelhouse
Nice for Stanton to get one last AB as a Yankee.
GoatBenRice
lighten up, Francis
wheelhouse
I said it’s nice
wheelhouse
Hope he doesn’t strike out
Matthew Spence
Whelp
wheelhouse
It was still Nice
millvillemeltdown
0.7^3 is a shockingly small number, and i wish people who bet on parlays understood that better
Matthew Spence
What are we talking about here
millvillemeltdownedited
sorry i meant to reply to the thing about gambling ads. parlays preying on a "near miss" fallacy etc. the more legs to a parlay, no matter how good the chances of an individual leg hitting, the worse the chances get, invariably.
nicstoneedited
Stanton up. This is cinema. Does a HR here materially effect his HOF chances?
millvillemeltdown
giancarlo "notnats" stanton
GoatBenRice
legendary social media presence
millvillemeltdown
i was trying to show my friends photos of his batting stance and came across his nude photoshoot. that was an interesting day
GoatBenRice
Interesting…. but not bad
danodea
He should lay down a bunt
Matthew Spence
Hold on doing a parlay on that
danodea
Dang we both lost money
wheelhouse
Thanks for nothing G
millvillemeltdown
the cleveland series was legendary though. i wish he could have kept hitting nukes forever
millvillemeltdown
g. stanton > 0.5 bunts, g. stanton > 0.5 hrs, g. stanton > 3 Ks. surely that'll hit
nicstone
Ugh. A HR would have been so crazy. Wasted chance
GoatBenRice
kelly was a brutal matchup. no homer off those bowling balls
wheelhouse
7, 8, and 9 in the order up in the ninth against Baker
Russell
they yankees have them right where they want them
danodea
Rays would have been so flummoxed by the bunt attempt that they'd throw it away. Yes I am available to manage the Yankees, if only they'd ask
wheelhouse
Would you have pulled Fried prior to the sixth? If so you’re disqualified for knowing too much ball
danodea
I would not have cause I only learned about the reverse splits after the fact when the announcers mentioned it
Benny The Jet
Can I get a fact check on there having been no new options for motion sickness in the last 40 years
Matthew Spence
I mean, I know they had Dramamine in 1986 so….
millvillemeltdown
i wasn't aware i even had options! i've just been carrying my plastic-lined bag around in case…
Michael Baumann
Phoebe Bridgers is new as of the past 40 years
millvillemeltdown
tbf so am i
nicstone
Fried couldn't have done THAT??? 😔
GoatBenRice
muk frid
millvillemeltdown
mac feed
danodea
You're tellin me a Max fried this rice??
millvillemeltdown
srimp
danodea
Oh Tatis Tater to tie it up, nice
GoatBenRice
word?? I gotta turn that game on
NATS Fan
Are Singles Tater Tots?
millvillemeltdown
infield hit has to be, like, a single shred from hash brown
Schmegs
So Kelly finished the inning and can now be removed from the game. If he comes out next inning can he be removed after facing a second batter if he's previously finished an inning? Or does he then have to face a third hitter?
wheelhouse
Three batter minimum is only waived to start an inning
wheelhouse
I.e. the latter
wheelhouse
If that’s the last we see of Bednar I would like to congratulate him on having been A Good Yankee. Rare these days
wheelhouse
Not that rare. Hit-and-miss for big trade acquisitions maybe.
Michael Baumann
Love Bednar. Though going to commercial with him on the mound and coming back with Baker on the mound made me think the aspect ratio on my TV had gone off
wheelhouse
2
jms4
Baker does not look unbeatable tonight, which is a start
danodea
Throw strikes
wheelhouse
Can we get a Yankee GIDP to end it all
danodea
So close
wheelhouse
Jones should steal here
jms4
Babe Ruth 1926 World Series Game 7 caught stealing would ruin me rn
jms4
i concede
danodea
Future Pirate Jazz Chisholm Jr
wheelhouse
Ooooooh almost
wheelhouse
1
Michael Baumann
Another rotating Rays infielder, another botched pick by Aranda
lzfreak
Ah thought that was it
Sean Dolinar
Are all you Yankees fans gonna come back the rest of the playoffs after tonight?
wheelhouse
Which would you prefer
nicstone
Absolutely not
jms4
probably gonna have to use tomorrow to weep
Michael Baumann
Whoever said a spin should oblige the first baseman to catch better, I don't care if you were being sarcastic: It should
millvillemeltdown
more spins more better was my thesis. i am unprepared to defend it
wheelhouse
Oh, it’s over
Russell
WOOOOOO
wheelhouse
I’m less upset than I was after game 2 by far
Phil
Congratulations to the St. Petersburgians!
NATS Fan
Go Tampa!
Davy Andrews
I take it Junior Caminero doesn't use a broom very much in his day-to-day life.
danodea
Is that what he was doing?? I thought he was golfing for some reason
Davy Andrewsedited
Ninety-nine percent sure it was a sweep, but yeah, he shouldn't take up miming.
millvillemeltdown
the children yearn for the mimes
Matthew Spence
Is the roof the series MVP?
Davy Andrews
Maybe the turf?
wheelhouse
Boone “shaking up the lineup” meant that Grisham took that AB instead of, you know, Ben Rice btw
Russell
tactical genius Aaron Boone
danodea
Should have just slapped a fake mustache on Judge and sent him up. "Yea I uhhh had a growth spurt"
wheelhouse
People really think it’s yankee fan overreaction to say he’s terrible at the job. I don’t see one thing he’s good at
nicstone
What a terrible at bat from Grisham and Jazz after a game full of them. Mind boggling that Boone thought putting Trent first instead of Rice was a good idea. Imagine Rice taking that at bat instead…
millvillemeltdown
what happened to grish even
wheelhouse
Oh, this one’s easy: they bit hard on an outlier year and ignored concerning trends w.r.t. his defense and general athleticism, and then sunk-cost fallacy meant they kept playing him
Davy Andrews
There's a little more to this one. He looked great, then he strained a hammy and didn't hit as well afterward. And some of the advanced numbers say he just got unlucky even after the injury.
millvillemeltdown
i know last year was kind of an outlier but he just totally cratered
Phil
The Rays' radio guy is suddenly complaining that the Rays don't get enough love from the "national writers." Is that true? I thought everyone agreed that the Rays are the most efficient franchise in baseball?
JBigs
I would assume they're talking more about ESPN/FS1 types not Fangraphs.
LaBellaVita
I can't speak about the media. But I can say TBR didn't receive as much love from the bettors. Going into the season, even though the Rays had won more games than NYY and had home-field advantage, more money was put on NYY than on TBR.
wheelhouse
That’s because bettors bet for their team and there are more Yankees fans than Rays fans in the country. That’s all that is
LaBellaVita
And that is how smarter bettors make money.
wheelhouse
Sure, but dumb bettors are not a demographic whose respect I’d care about
Michael Baumann
I dislike the implication that I'm obligated to "love" anyone
Michael Baumann
It's why I don't have a dog
millvillemeltdown
they are a bit tricky to root for tbf. churn etc
NATS Fan
so Yankees fans hate dogs?
wheelhouse
How long do you have if you want to get to the bottom of what Yankees fans do and do not hate
millvillemeltdown
yanks HATE bark @ the park
misterjohnny
My son Is a rays fan. Keeps needing new jerseys bc all the players get traded
millvillemeltdown
hopefully caminero is around for a long time
NATS Fan
just get him a Wade Boggs devil Rays Jersey. He is in the hall of fame.
Rollie's Mustache
That's like buying a Pete Rose Expos jersey!
millvillemeltdown
zobrist? longoria?
misterjohnny
He’s off the payroll he buys his own jerseys now. But in 2020 we went to the WS together in TX and it was great. ( for me the Dodger fan)
NATS Fan
I know
tdmoc
Erasmo Ramírez
Matthew Spence
Will Boone be back?
millvillemeltdown
no comment on his game iq but i personally find him a bit unpleasant
wheelhouse
Yes
Davy Andrews
Chat, I have an important update from Matt Martell: The Yankees made zero errors and I, unfortunately, ate zero cookies.
wheelhouse
Boone made several errors on their behalf
millvillemeltdown
davy, i used to work at a place known for its purportedly unlimited cookies. i'll invite you someday somehow
Davy Andrews
There are few things I wouldn't do for cookies.
millvillemeltdown
funnily enough i am not a very good baker of cookies. i mostly made bread.
Davy Andrews
You still have my attention.
jcathtraverse
Obviously the Yankees have a ton of faith in Boone, and I would imagine this isn't quite what it takes to break it, but it does seem at some point you'd have to give another manager a shot to win a WS in the Judge era.
wheelhouseedited
Talking about winning a WS in the Judge era is approaching the same meaning as saying the Nationals won the WS in the Ryan Zimmerman era.
LaBellaVita
Is it Boone, who was, I read, credited with completely outmanaging Tracy in the previous series, or does it start with Cashman? Do the Rays outplay the Yankees because they have better players, or are the players better prepared?
jcathtraverse
Yeah, you're right it's more a general staleness. Not sure what the solution is or if it's enough of a problem to need a solution. But most teams do eventually make change even if just to make it.
Rollie's Mustache
Bradgley Rodriguez is an early contender for this year's postseason Louis Varland. Will he pitch in every single game? I'm leaning yes.
wheelhouse
This is the 4th time in 5 years that a rival team has celebrated eliminating the Yankees from the playoffs on the field at Yankee Stadium. The only respite was missing the playoffs entirely
wheelhouse
Like it’s getting boring
jcathtraverse
congrats on being bored of watching your team in the playoffs?
NATS Fan
So you would prefer to lose
wheelhouse
Would you have found that series enjoyable
wheelhouse
They just lost
jcathtraverse
Yeah, I just watched it, it wasn't a very good series. Not worse than watching your team suck all year.
NATS Fan
I'll feel sorry for you if you go through 7 consecutive 95 loss seasons and sell at all 7 deadlines.
Phil
Eh, it sucks to lose, regular season or playoffs. I get it.
NATS Fan
then you finally get a winning team and they sell at the deadline!
Davy Andrews
You guys, Junior Caminero just did the Vladdy "Theeeeee Yankees lose!" thing in the clubhouse.
Rollie's Mustache
Oh no. Cursed 2027 season incoming for Junior.
Phil
Sterling will live to be mocked, forever.
Ben Schneider
Checking in late night to celebrate the Yankees being swept away!
Ben Schneider
And to watch the best series
Benny The Jet
If Miller and Morejon are healthy and available, why are they not getting these next 12 outs?
Jos
asking miller to get 6 outs didnt go well last time, not sure stammen is going to try that again
Nate
Seems like the Padres using their high leverage arms in every game in this series is finally coming back to bite them
NATS Fan
Do not abuse Morejon! i want him to be a healthy National next season.
war2d2
Man, I’m sorry but Wainwright adds absolutely nothing to this broadcast. Pierzynski is annoying and has a terrible voice, but at least he sounds like he’s got more than two synapses to rub together. Continues to be the worst booth in this postseason.
NATS Fan
It's a shame. Nobody was better at following Molina's commands.
jcathtraverseedited
the FOX booths both suck despite basically fine play by play. would be happy to see Peacock expand it's playoff portfolio when the rights all get renegotiated.
CurrentlyAtABar
Best way to avoid an underwhelming booth? Watch the game from a bar loud enough to drown it out.
war2d2
The name checks out.
wheelhouse
Yankees lineup in 2027 is probably:
1. Rice DH
2. Judge RF
3. Garcia 1B
4. Bellinger LF
5. Lombard SS
6. Jones CF
7. Volpe 2B
8. Wells C
9. McMahon (lol maybe it’ll be Caballero) 3B
That sucks
lzfreak
Yeah woof. Probably only top 3 in runs scored. With a top tier pitching staff. Tough times
wheelhouse
5 down is terrible
NATS Fan
You mean like Yankees fans that complain about have two of the best power hitters in baseball leading off and batting second followed by a guy that will slug over 500 against rhp?
Rollie's Mustache
Whoa. Boo birds are out in San Diego. Who do they think they are, Yankee fans??
Ben Schneider
Yankees must upgrade at third, but there aren't many options out there
wheelhouse
They need two infielders
NATS Fan
I'm sure you could get my Nats to trade you YoYo Morales 1b/3b. We are planning on giving him hundreds of at bats next year.
millvillemeltdown
i know it's mo-re-hon but i keep reading it as "more jon"
CurrentlyAtABar
There are so many ways in which I cannot relate to professional athletes, but watching Mason Miller pitch here with a baby whose age can be measured in hours really makes the comparison stark.
NATS Fan
I took zero time off 22 years ago when my daughter was born. Not because I wanted too.
war2d2
If he’s anything like I was after my first kid was born he’s probably seeing three catcher’s mitts while he’s standing up there.
millvillemeltdown
my sincere condolences. parental leave should be a guaranteed right.
millvillemeltdown
i seen dansby swanson throw frisbees as part of his hitting coaching thing. i seen pitchers throw footballs, javelins, etc for their warmups. do you think pitchers should throw frisbees
Rollie's Mustache
Baseball has a lot of food-related slang – cookie, meatball, can of corn, cheese, cup of coffee, oppo taco, grand salami, ribeye… as someone who doesn't watch a lot of other sports, does this also exist in them? Or is it a baseball-only thing?
Ben Schneider
Uber Eats had that commercial last year with food terminology in football
jzmaxson27edited
Tom Brady just added meatball sub to the football lexicon this year. In hockey the puck can be referred to as a biscuit, flowing hair is lettuce, teeth are chiclets as in spittin' chiclets. I think humans are just pretty food focused.
millvillemeltdown
ben rice
Davy Andrews
Every time they cut to a closeup of Miller, I think, "Now there's an exhausted facial expression I definitely made in the first 24 hours of my daughter's life."
millvillemeltdown
i've been asked "baby now or baby never" more times than i can count of recent. i love kids but at this stage of my life i think i would actually perish if i had to take care of a small child in addition to full-time studenthood
Anonymous Member #46
a crash course in thermodynamics as your life melts down before your very eyes
CurrentlyAtABar
Just become the best reliever in MLB and apparently someone else will take care of them for you?
millvillemeltdown
unfortunately that someone else is almost always "wife" and she's almost always stretched way too thin
NATS Fan
Those wives are better paid than mine was
CurrentlyAtABar
True, I guess you need to hit FA first and get that guaranteed contract.
millvillemeltdown
similar to more-john, i always read it as brajlee and not brad-gley
NATS Fan
Well i do not think i can stay up late enough for the game to end. As long as the dodgers lose, I'm fine with whoever they play. Goodnight!
millvillemeltdown
i must take my leave as well. i have to be in class at 7:30 tomorrow (not thermo this time). goodnight all
Phil
Has there been any thought about a live score tracker on Fangraphs? Or do you have to pay MLB to license that?
Davy Andrews
This might be a question for earlier in the night tomorrow. I'm sure Sean will have an answer.
Ben Schneider
Back-to-back curveballs is super gutty
Davy Andrews
I loved it.
jzmaxson27
Moments like that I really miss Vin's "Like a house by the side of the road."
Davy Andrews
And with that, I've got to head to bed as well. Goodnight, all!
Anonymous Member #46
This game makes me wonder how Ashby didn't stick as a starter.
Jonathan Beilfuss
Sadly, my two favorite teams both lost today, the Braves and Not the Dodgers. Thank goodness for Not the Yankees!
Antonio Bananas
So everybody asleep? Is this when we get the good liquor out?
wheelhouse
We can talk about the 2027 yankees’ dearth of bullpen options
war2d2
Cubs are also in that bucket. I think Morejon is a free agent, and if so I think he’s going to get paiiiiid.
wheelhouse
The yankees don’t pay relievers anymore
Rollie's Mustache
AJ just said Chourio's "gonna be" a star. Who wants to tell him?
Ben Schneider
That's like all the years Smoltz called Kyle Tucker underrated
jzmaxson27
Stammen isn't thinking of bringing King back out for the 9th right?
lzfreak
I'm pretty sure most teams go into the offseason with an incomplete bullpen
jzmaxson27
Contreras so mad.
Rollie's Mustache
That might be the first mound visit I've seen by a catcher who wants to cool down himself instead of his pitcher.
JBigs
Contreras is mad he wasn't able to lose two more challenges
lzfreak
Machado thought it was gone
Rollie's Mustache
OHHHHH MY GOD
Ben Schneider
Missed it by that much
Anonymous Member #46
YOINK
CJ
I somehow didn't know there is a chat.. This series has been VERY enjoyable
Dan Szymborski
We only started doing this very recently! Outside of the normal game chats of course.
Dan Szymborski
Sean made this from scratch, unlike our Jotcast chats, so it should be more flexible and we can do more of these.
jzmaxson27
Morejon looks rough.
JBigs
Does he have the flu?
jzmaxson27
I feel like he looks like he does.
Rollie's Mustache
Just your run of the mill shoulder "stickiness". Evidently.
CJ
I'm glad I didn't know there is a chat before Yankees lost – I might have started ranting uncontrollably
jzmaxson27
You wouldn't have been alone.
lzfreak
There was plenty of that here. It was amusing
Anonymous Member #46
It briefly turned into group therapy in here, which was clashing with the early innings of the late game.
Benny The Jet
Man I don't want this series to end
CJ
One more game, please??
Ben Schneider
Get Buffalo Wild Wings to rig the game
jzmaxson27
Yeah, was just wishing this was a 7 game series.
lzfreak
I feel like managers get their aces throwing in situations like this just to troll us
Ben Schneider
The Miz coming in would become the most memorable moment of the postseason
JBigs
Just not sure why they would do that when Megill exists
CJ
Being lazy here – did anyone bring up the definition of insanity and Boone in a sentence?
lzfreak
Just you!
CJ
Thanks – As I said, I am glad I didn't know there is a chat until that abomination of a series is over
Rollie's Mustache
These two bullpens are nutty. Just a cornucopia of lab-grown mutants throwing 101 with breaking balls that make hitters regret their life choices.
Antonio Bananas
Sounds like a quote from Bull Durham
jzmaxson27
Megill always amazes me. How he can throw such darts while his delivery makes it look like he's falling backwards always messes with my brain.
Rollie's Mustache
And now it comes down to a less-than 100% Holy Sheets. The run may be over.
jzmaxson27
I feel like AJ is flirting dangerously with Joe Morgan logic right now
jcathtraverse
ARod logic even
CJ
NO
Benny The Jet
Brewers-Dodgers should be fun!
JBigs
MLB doing re-runs now?
CJedited
IMHO with that ball hitting the roof in game 1 and Machado's ball today, Padres can be excused for feeling like they were robbed. – good night everyone!
marz
I don’t watch the Brewers often, but my impression after watching this series is that there is a magical vortex that surrounds them that forces everyone to play “good fundamental baseball.” None of this walking and home run hitting. You might beat them at their game, but you are forced to play it.
marz
Crap, ARod agreeing with me on this point is not a good sign,
Rollie's Mustache
I wanted a Padres-Dodgers NLCS for the higher likelihood of tempers and shenanigans but the Brewers deserved it. Helluva team.
Welcome to our Open Game Thread for the NLDS Game 3. Chat with fellow readers as we watch the Dodgers at the Braves and the Brewers at the Padres. Only Members can participate, and unlike our usual game chats, your messages will be posted immediately.
Our Member community is made up of thousands of incredibly knowledgable baseball fans, and we think this is a great way to follow a game with like-minded baseball enthusiasts. We might even have some FanGraphs Staff drop in and join the fun. Please be courteous to your fellow Members, or you may find your chat privileges revoked.
We are going to open the chat up at 5:30 PM ET.
si.or.no
What's the difference between a chat and a game thread? Is a game thread a no-moderation-queue chat?
Sean Dolinar
Correct, this is just an open game thread. So more casual. People can interact with each other rather than having staff facilitate everything. Less friction.
Paul
The MVP Yeti arrived last week. Looks great! Thank you and keep up the good work!
Sean Dolinar
Welcome everyone!
Bacterun
Wishing all a happy "hope the dodgers lose" day!
lzfreak
This is such a juicy pitching matchup! Feels like a game 1
Sean Dolinar
I gotta get some polls up!
Rich Hill's Fastball
The pitching matchup is so good that this game will definitely end 11-6
lzfreak
Thoughts on Ohtani batting 5th?
TKDC
Yeah, is that a “he’s not himself” thing or a “he’s not a good matchup with Sale” thing?
Rich Hill's Fastballedited
All the Sale discourse has people underrating the heck outta Yamamoto today
Bacterun
I voted for him to get pulled early….but thats more a hope than thinking he's not amazing. As a Jays fan i know all to well how he can take over a game
Bacterun
Don't expect it to change to much, but maybe he'll benefit from seeing a few batters worth of pitches before he goes to bat
Phil
Before checking just now I had no idea when this game started, or when the next one did, and these two start times would not have been in my top ten guesses. Definitely not staying up for the late game.
lzfreak
MLB's reluctance to have multiple playoff games on at once is annoying
Sean Dolinar
I don't get why CLE game started at 5PM yesterday and today's is 6PM. Dodgers being a West Coast team vs midwest teams? 🤷♂️
lzfreak
I think both games being pacific time is the difference
Jon Becker
Hi everyone!
Sean Dolinar
I still haven't put the 👋 emoji in yet!
Rich Hill's Fastball
Hi Jon!
lzfreak
Oh wait this is in Atlanta lol
Matt Martell
If Sale were a wide receiver, he would've gotten his foot down on the bag for the first out
Matt Martell
Also, hi
Jon Becker
Hi Matt!
Jon Becker
Sean hasn't added the 👋 emoji yet
Sean Dolinar
Someone submitted 4 PRs today that I need to review.
lzfreak
Kim paying homage to the Yankees defense
hamandcheese
Sure would rather have Jorge Mateo…
rhyde1990
Lets say the Rays and Dodgers ended up meeting in a 2020 rematch. Could the Rays style of play (lots of contact, small ball, etc) end up being a bad matchup for the Dodgers pitching (swing and miss stuff), or more of a repeat of how last year's WS turned out?
Rich Hill's Fastball
A factor here is that the Dodgers' fielding is generally much better than, to pick a random team, the Yankees'.
rhyde1990
I thought the same thing since the Dodgers IF ranked well in OAA this year, but so did the Yankees and then last night happened 😂
Jon Becker
Ohtani is certainly capable of taking ugly swings but goodness that was especially ugly
Matt Martell
Yes, I think, especially if Ohtani is broken
Jonathan Smith
That Sale arm angle and slider movement will break a man
Rich Hill's Fastball
Camera angle won't do hitters any favors tonight
Jon Becker
Looks beautiful in Atlanta and it is in fact 25 degrees colder there than it was in LA for Game 1, so everything is weird about this series so far
bosoxforlife
This has to be the best matchup, pitcher wise, in any Game 3 ever played.
Phil
Good mailbag question. Could be investigated with career WAR or same-year WAR, maybe.
Jon Becker
It's been DAYS since Matt asked me to do a mailbag question, I may have to look into this for this week
Matt Martell
@ me next time
Matt Martell
If you submit this as a question to mailbag@fangraphs.com, we'll answer it this week!
Jon Becker
That is a very emotional challenge from Acuña
bosoxforlife
Has anybody ever seen a left-handed hitter who was a good matchup for Sale? 6'6" from deep down. I would pull a Kruk and just head back to the dugout.
Jon Becker
Eric Hosmer absolutely owned him somehow, .346/.370/.538
Rich Hill's Fastball
Because Hosmer didn't use "analytics," Jon!
Jon Becker
Just cannot burn that with nobody on and one out in the first
hamandcheese
Acuna is awful at challenging.
Jonathan Smith
Not a good challenge there
bosoxforlife
What a ridiculous challenge!
Matt Martell
Bad challenge
Rich Hill's Fastball
Do we think Smith's glove movement could've impacted Acuña challenging there?
bosoxforlife
I will attempt to put together a coherent question.
rhyde1990
Great pitching matchups that come to mind for me in the last 25 or so years- Clemens vs Schilling, Beckett vs Pettite was pretty tight in 03, Lee vs Sabathia in 2009, Lincecum vs Lee a couple games, Lester vs Wainwright had a good duel if I remember correctly
RonaldRaygun
Randy Johnson faced Greg Maddux in 2001
rhyde1990
oh thats right Ronald, forgot about that
bosoxforlife
Please identify that breaking pitch that Sale throws. It has been called a slider for years but doesn't look like any slider, short quick break, that I have ever seen.
Rich Hill's Fastball
I dunno what to call it besides "filthy" (okay, maybe a slurve)
bosoxforlife
That fastball under the hands to righties is pretty tough to hit as well.
Phil
Pedro-Roger in the 99 ALCS was a game 3, now that think of it
bosoxforlife
Great catch! That does beat this and by quite a bit.
bohs and os
Why just casually toss it over to first the second time given the rules?
Jon Becker
Sale has the Goods tonight
Jon Becker
These are the insights your Membership fees pay for, folks
Rich Hill's Fastballedited
Credit to the Dodgers for at least running up the pitch count
lzfreak
What makes this particular game 3 matchup crazier for me is that it's the first series for the Dodgers. They're set up and Yamamoto is still only their third most trusted guy. Their rotation is absurd!
Matt Martell
The greatest miracle in sports is whenever anybody gets a hit off Chris Sale
bosoxforlife
I am beginning to think that when Sale's arm is attached he could be similar to the God of Arms, Nolan Ryan. Sale might pitch into his 40's.
Phil
Just take away his bicycle.
Jonathan Smith
Pumping 99 at that arm angle at 37 is just incredible.
lzfreak
He did miss quite a bit of time in his 30s. But this Atlanta chapter has been impressive
lzfreak
Smoltz: "That was a true sacrifice"
Ben Clemens
That was a sweet play by Yamamoto there. I mean, totally unnecessary and no added value. But man, fun to watch
Ben Clemens
How can he even get close to first with that setup? impressive
Rich Hill's Fastball
Harris had that stolen standing up, wow
bosoxforlife
The chats haven't mentioned the explosion in offensive bunting. I am of the opinion that as pitching continues to get tougher to hit we are going to see more and more attempts, but hopefully not pure sacrifices with a man on 1st
Rich Hill's Fastball
Bunting for a hit has always been a relatively smart gamble if the pitching is good enough. Sacrifices…not so much, and I think these playoffs have generally demonstrated that teams agree
fincampbell05
I imagine the run expectancy proposition from straight up sacrificing (runner on first, none out -> runner on second, one out) would get even worse as pitchers get better, right
lzfreak
Nice play by Dubon
bosoxforlife
Dubon is my choice for the most underappreciated player in the game today.
Sean Dolinar
I wish they wouldn't cut the ump cam in the middle of a pitch like that.
Ben Clemens
That was a super fun play by Dubon and I am really divided about how tough it was. Like, pretty tough! But surely not the best catch we've seen these playoffs. That low wall makes it hard for my brain. Because I'm like what a robbery
Ben Clemens
but actually the really hard part was getting there and absorbing the contact, not like he had to leap super high
lzfreak
This postseason has had more catcher's interference than expected
Jon Becker
Anyone else spot Baldy on Baldwin's chest protector? Not sure I'd love that nickname if I was him
TKDC
I think it’s a rule that every catcher’s nickname is just the first syllable of their first or last name plus a “y”
bosoxforlife
They must be taking lessons from Jacoby Ellsbury on how to induce catcher's interference.
Rich Hill's Fastball
If memory serves, Ohtani last reached on catcher's interference in game 5 of the '24 World Series
Antonio Bananas
How many pitches does Weiss give Sale? Lots of stress so far
Ben Clemens
I'm super interested in this!
Ben Clemens
I've had Sale on my mind a lot, what with writing about him and all. Feels like there are not a ton of moving parts to atlanta's strategy, but 'what do we do with Sale' is a massive and variable question
Rich Hill's Fastball
I feel like Weiss will push Sale a bit too far, whenever that is
trmackey
I feel like Sale will push himself further than Weiss will.
beanbong
Provided he doesnt start getting knocked around, I think you could see 110-115
beanbong
After the Freeman & Hernandez flyouts, kinda looks like they got the juiced ball in this one
lzfreak
That splitter is filthy
jzmaxson27
I feel like this is the sickest pitching matchup I have watched all year.
jzmaxson27
It's so rare that a highly billed on really lives up to the billing. But damn.
Antonio Bananas
These quick Yamamoto innings gotta be making Sale's stressful innings even worse right? No breaks
fincampbell05
Definitely but Sale is also a sicko
Antonio Bananas
He hasn't really been hit all that well which is encouraging. 3 infield hits
Antonio Bananas
Does Dubon make these plays at SS?
beanbong
I don't really understand what they're hoping to get out of Kim. What does he provide that someone like Jarvis doesn't other than standing in the right handed batters box
bosoxforlife
I have a very warm spot in my heart for Enrique Hernandez. His 2021 season with the Red Sox was something special and since I have no rooting interest I will enjoy his moment.
lzfreak
I guess we're doing October Enrique Hernandez again
Ben Clemens
Yamamoto is just DEALING. Was looking at Savant and this stat is kinda wild. He has 9 whiffs in 17 swings. Sale has 8 whiffs in 31 swings
Ben Clemens
And like, Sale looks sharp too!
Ben Clemens
worrisome stat for Sale, though: he's allowed 5 hard-hit balls so far, which is how many he allowed in his whole last start. Yamamoto has allowed zero, because jeez
Ben Clemens
er, six….
Rich Hill's Fastball
Can't rob that one!
Ben Clemens
I must not have been paying attention in previous Freeman visits to Atlanta but man, lot of booing!
Rich Hill's Fastball
Oh, this is new!
Ben Clemens
ah, well that explains it
TKDC
Did he say something? It’s weird. But at the same time this is the playoffs not the regular season.
Davy Andrewsedited
Hello, friends. How is playoff Erique possible? How is it possible?
lzfreak
I wonder if someone told him every day in the regular season that it's a playoff game if he'd be a Hall of Famer
Ben Clemens
like I guess I kind of remember it? But in my head it was kind of a mixed reaction, not this
lzfreak
Freeman was in quite a power outage before the playoffs. Seems to be back to normal now
Antonio Bananas
This feels insurmountable
trmackey
Well I think there's less curiosity on how deep Sale lasts now…
Phil
Davy, your article today has me looking to see if infielders are smelling the ball. I hope you're happy.
Davy Andrews
This makes me deeply happy. Honestly, that was some of the most fun writing I've done in a while and I stand by the idea one million percent.
Ben Clemens
Tough inning here for Sale, Weiss needs to start thinking about what to do. Last six hitters all put the ball in play:
103 mph grounder single xBA .380
94 mph liner out xBA .730
107 mph homer xBA .870
98 mph groundout xBA .230
103 mph homer xBA .580
108 mph lineout xBA .880
Davy Andrews
Ben, how are you doing?
Ben Clemens
I'm good. Getting all amped up for tonight's recap
Davy Andrews
You get amped? I get stressed.
Jon Becker
This has very quickly devolved from “alpha pitching duel” into “Sale is probably going to be out of the game after five innings trailing by multiple runs.” Gonna see a lot of The Raptor (Brent Suter) today, methinks
Davy Andrews
Hey Becker! I almost asked for your help coming up with puns for my article this morning. Did I blow it?
Jon Becker
I thought you did great 🙂
Davy Andrews
Oh, I just meant is that a particular skill of yours. Seems like it would be.
Sean Dolinar
We can wave now.
Matt Martell
Becker is FanGraphs' leading Pun-dit!
Matt Martell
Baumann doesn't count – there is no word to describe what he does
fincampbell05
I'm sure this is not a popular opinion, and I'm sure it's colored by anti-Dodgers sentiment, but I really don't like watching Yamamoto pitch. Something about these weak contact/BABIP merchant pitchers just grinds my gears. And his windup is weird too.
lzfreak
As a neutral fan I completely disagree
jzmaxson27
He says right before he blows a high 97 mph fastball by Albie's for his 7th K of the game.
bosoxforlife
I am the antithesis of you. I grew up watching Mel Parnell and Whitey Ford do exactly that and prefer that to today's TTO game.
fincampbell05
I mean yeah he's very good of course
Ben Clemens
Yeah I'm with you, @lzfreak. Yamamoto is one of my favorit pitchers to watch
Ben Clemens
In the same way that I love watching Soto hit
Ben Clemens
like probably my least favorite pitcher to watch, relative to skill, is Blake Snell
lzfreak
I used to be on the anti-Snell-watching train but last year's playoffs won me over. Felt like he was attacking the zone better and working quickly and effectively
MadMonk
as a Padres fan, the year he won the Cy Young with us, it was frustrating whenever he pitched, not enjoyable to watch.
Ben Clemens
and Yamamoto is kind of reverse Snell
Jon Becker
I still can’t really fathom how he can spin a curveball that beautiful from that arm slot
Antonio Bananas
With the infield hits, catchers interference, quick Yamamoto innings, all stressing Sale it's not a surprise he got hit hard.
Antonio Bananas
Was exhausting just watching those innings
Phillip Denny
how much longer does Kiké do this before we grudgingly admit that clutch *may* be a thing for *some* players?
Antonio Bananas
Or is he incredibly un-clutch the rest of the time?
Rich Hill's Fastball
fwiw, Kiké has discussed how his ADHD does negatively affect his focus during the regular season but helps him during the playoffs. Take that for what you will.
Phillip Denny
this may be a tomayto – tomahto situation tbh
lzfreak
I wonder if there's an inefficiency in sports psychology or something where a team could try to unlock value by getting guys to focus/perform at peak more often. Not sure what that looks like
Phil
I think it's well established that there is such a thing as clutch–it's just not predictive. Just because it's not predictive doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
fincampbell05
Yeah personally I really enjoy pitchers like Snell. Guys who look like they're launching grenades rather than pea-shooting, if that makes any sense. Just a random person-to-person thing I guess
Ben Clemens
100%. personal preference is why baseball is fun. if we all liked the same stuff, the sport would not grab me the same way
Phillip Denny
Man Shohei frequently gets spooked on the inside corner like that
Matt Martell
Hate to say it, but I agree with Smoltz there — bad challenge by Ohtani. Don't challenge in a 3-0 count with nobody on and your team up 3-0. Clearly an emotional challenge there
Antonio Bananas
I think he's pressing a bit because he's not hitting up to his standard. Same reason why Acuna challenged his IMO
TKDC
Ohtani and Acuna both made bad challenges on essentially the same pitch.
Phillip Denny
Shohei's plate knowledge up, down, and out are very good. Inside, it's very poor.
zapper
Best inning of the game for Sale. The Dodgers need to knock him out in the 6th and put that Braves' bullpen to work.
David
I will be curious to see the evolution of challenging pitches if it stays around for very long at all. The other night there was a pitch clock violation and, it happens so rarely now, I had nearly forgotten it was a thing.
zapper
Nice game by Dubon, stellar catch and now a leadoff single.
Rich Hill's Fastball
I haven't adjusted my emotional priors enough from 2021-2023. Austin Riley still terrifies me as an opponent.
Jon Becker
I really like Snitker using the Rowdy card here, Yamamoto has reverse splits but ultimately is great against everyone and Rowdy has a better chance of running into one
Jon Becker
Apologies to Walt Weiss, who is the actual manager of the Braves
Antonio Bananas
Rowdy Tellez looks like the bad guy Mets hitter from Rookie of the Year
Ben Clemens
Dubon for Nick Allen was a great trade for the Braves, huh? They basically won on both ends
Davy Andrews
Losing Nick Allen is never a good thing.
Ben Clemens
like, they got Allen's best year, then moved him at the high point
Anonymous Member #46
selling high =/= selling tall
cashgod27
If you're pinch-hitting HSK with a guy who has 11 PAs this year, why start him at all?
jzmaxson27
Man, really had that rowdy stinger locked and loaded.
Davy Andrewsedited
I love that Rowdy ended the year with a .506 xwOBA.
bosoxforlife
I missed the Braves moving Dom Smith for Rowdy Tellez.
Matt Martell
Of all people to walk
jonmberra
Surprised that wasn’t a double play.
zapper
So Yamamoto can speak more English now. The interpreter stayed in the dugout for that mound conference.
jonmberra
It would be funny if they weren’t talking and it was just stalling/rest move.
lzfreak
Maybe the pitching coach learned Japanese
zapper
Acuna left his playoff hits on the field for Venezuela during this year's Classic.
Jon Becker
A 3-1 perfectly placed splitter is just diabolical
Davy Andrews
Weird how diabolical is so much better a word than devilish.
Ben Clemens
One of my playoff resolutions was to be less annoyed by Smoltz. And for the most part, I think I've done it well. But I've been spiraling since he compared Ozzie Albies to Chipper Jones
Ben Clemens
Look, we know you don't know many players that aren't Braves. But can he be Terry Pendleton or something?
Anonymous Member #46
Mark Lemke with power
Ben Clemens
i mean, perfect
Ben Clemens
Chipper is 6'4"
lzfreak
One thing I haven't seen mentioned with all the Sale discourse: might he be in play for a potential game 5? It would be somewhat similar to the game 3 wildcard series move, but an inning or two from him in that scenario could be huge for the Braves
Rich Hill's Fastball
He'd definitely be available for this, yeah.
Antonio Bananas
I think the WC series is the plan moving forward. Start on 5 days rest and use his throwing day to put him in relief
Anonymous Member #46
I love how these chats feel like we're just running amok in the FanGraphs work Slack.
Sean Dolinar
Our Slack isn't typically this interesting.
Jon Becker
The most exciting our Slack gets is when Meg accidentally sends the main channel that she’s getting lunch and then she’ll get to Baumann’s piece, so we all get to ask what’s for lunch. Riveting stuff
Anonymous Member #46
Asking what's for lunch is a time-honored FanGraphs tradition.
bosoxforlife
I got the chicken and the veggies cut up for the between games stir fry and I will rejoin this very interesting chat.
ruddurball
I got my dan dan noodle prep done before first pitch. Hope your dinner is tasty!
Ben Clemens
dan dan noodle? tell me more
ruddurball
I use the recipe from kenji Lopez alt “the wok” but sub peanut butter for tahini becuase of a sesame allergy. Super fast and easy. They also suggest using capers instead of pickled mustard root and it works!
zapper
If the Dodger's have the lead in the 9th who will get the save opportunity, Diaz or "shaky lately" Tanner Scott?
jzmaxson27
Darkhorse option of Evan Phillips
Rich Hill's Fastball
This NLDS features two of the game's best organists.
Ben Clemens
I think I'd even be willing to say 'the game's best two organists'
lzfreak
Having been to all 30 parks, this was my take as well
bosoxforlife
I envy you. I have been to 67 ball parks with my passion for minor league ball.
Rich Hill's Fastball
Roberts is going to have some VERY interesting bullpen decisions coming up
lzfreak
Let Yamamoto go 9!
bosoxforlife
I upvote that!
zapper
Wow, no challenge.
Jeremy Fox
Is Matt Olson the highest-waisted player in baseball?
Anonymous Member #46
Sean Hjelle
Jeremy Fox
Sean Hjelle is long-limbed all the way round. Olson combines long legs with a (comparatively) short torso and short arms.
Ben Clemens
how about Carl Edwards Jr? or is his an optical illusion based on being so slender?
Jos
watching players do ABS calculus in real time is such a fun new aspect of baseball strategy
Antonio Bananas
How good are we at measuring the impact of challenges? Olson probably challenges that high strike and wins if Acuna hadn't wasted one
Neat
Very cool ump cam curveball
zapper
Do the umpires get told during the game about calls they missed that did not get challenged?
Jos
id imagine they get some kind of game report afterward breaking down all the calls rather than anything mid game
Davy Andrews
Yeah, postgame report. Also, you might recall that last year the league tightened up the buffer zone around the edge of the plate, which resulted in more strike calls.
beanbong
I’ve never seen a switch hitter change sides against the same pitcher in all my life.
Antonio Bananas
Freeman could have had 3 HRs this game as hard as he's hit them
Davy Andrews
I was just thinking of that line from Moneyball, when David Justice would come back to the dugout after hitting one as hard as he could and watching it die on the warning track: "That used to be gone."
Antonio Bananas
If you could add 20 minutes of that movie to cover Hudson/Zito/Mulder, who do you cast?
Davy Andrews
This is a Matt question if I've ever heard oe, so I'll just say Andy Serkis for all three.
Matt Martell
I like the idea of casting one person as all three, because they were so inconsequential to the season that they might as well all be the same person — in the eyes of the filmmakers anyway
Keaton Arneson
They also ignored Chavez and Tejada… So their 5 best players. And Lidle by WAR
Matt Martell
Back to FanGraphs Slack for a moment… Here's a real thing Baumann asked me two weeks ago: "Do you think you and I talk about Bulworth more than any two coworkers in the world, or do we just talk about Bulworth more than any two people in the BBWAA?"
Davy Andrews
I have never seen that movie, but in ninth grade, when the JV basketball team went to preseason camp, my friend Justin and I roomed together and he brought the soundtrack. He played Ghetto Superstar on repeat for the entire week.
Matt Martell
Great news, Davy – I just bought the DVD on eBay. Come over and watch it during the offseason
Davy Andrewsedited
Is it…good? Isn't there a part where Warren Beatty raps? Am I thinking of the right movie?
Sean Dolinar
Slightly late to this. We had Sale at 5.65 for innings pitch…so 5.2 IP in our written convent. And he pitched 5.0 IP.
Sean Dolinar
Median 6 IP. The 5.65 was the average.
Davy Andrews
Smart chat.
Matt Martell
You are thinking of the right movie. And it is good! It's absolutely bonkers, but good!
Jonathan Smith
I know they set this up for the CS but Yama as your number 3 is just downright disgusting. This guy is an ace of all aces.
jzmaxson27
I feel like there is a legitimate argument to be made that he is the most important player to them during this run of back to back titles and the attempt for the third.
lzfreak
Oh yeah they definitely don't win it without him last year
Jonathan Smith
And if I recall he struggled early on in his first year? What a massive payoff for him to be this strong.
Michael Baumann
Hi guys, heard you were talking about Bulworth
Davy Andrews
I just laughed so hard.
Matt Martell
If you command+F "Bulworth" in my Slack messages with Baumann, you get 14 hits
Michael Baumannedited
I'm shocked it's not five times as many
zapperedited
Yamamoto starts the 8th to deal with the nine hole pinch hitter and Vesia comes in for Baldwin.
Matt Martell
Guys… Bulworth features an original score by Ennio Morricone!!!
zapper
Guess not with all the hand slapping in the dugout.
Michael Baumann
Gotta run. I just took out a hit on myself so my daughter can collect on my life insurance policy.
jzmaxson27
I figured with your article titles you were already living a life unencumbered by focus groups and handlers. I'm excited to see where it all goes from here!
Matt Martell
Well done
Rich Hill's Fastballedited
Organist honoring Mii-guel Rojas 🙂
Matt Martell
^This is a Bulworth reference for those of you who haven't had the pleasure of seeing it yet
David
My (disingenuous) pet theory on Ohtani's poor second half is that he had a second kid in June and is just not sleeping well at all with the adjustment. Ask me how I know.
Davy Andrews
Has anybody on staff seen The Rock 150 times or so? Would be nice to have someone to talk to about that particular movie.
jzmaxson27
It is the best Bruckheimer movie. Honorable mention to Con Air of course.
Matt Martell
Put some respect on THIEF
Davy Andrews
Oh, I have been meaning to see that!
Matt Martell
I also own Thief! We can do a Bulworth/Thief double feature!
jzmaxson27
Guess I've got an addition to my watch list!
Davy Andrews
This sounds fun, but the whiskey taste test has to come first. Also, I have been informed by an interested party that it needs to be at your apartment.
Matt Martell
Whiskey taste test DURING the Thief/Bulworth double feature!
Davy Andrews
No way. The taste test is a serious work assignment.
Davy Andrews
Which we should probably get on the calendar, actually.
Matt Martell
Wow this has really turned into FG Slack
Phil
I just saw Longenhagen's piece about restricting outfield positioning in the AFL. Sounds very fishy to me (I don't mean Eric's reporting, I mean the idea reported on). Might not teams want outfielders to work on their defense, inckuding pre-pitch positioning, in Arizona?
Matt Martell
Teams might want to, but MLB views the AFL as a low stakes place to try stuff out. That is more important to the powers that be than whether minor league outfielders can correctly read a card telling them where to play.
Doug Gray
This is probably why they are only doing it in one stadium (this year). It's 14 games unless I counted wrong. The Salt River guys will get a little less "normal" outfield work, though.
Phil
Yeah. But then I also wonder whether that's enough games to see if it has an effect. But I guess it's nore of a heck, why not move than a carefully developed experiment.
Ben Clemens
Davy I make a decent number of The Rock references. But my wife has somehow not seen it even though we live in SF. It's a travesty
Davy Andrews
My wife fell asleep while watching it, and it hurt my soul.
Davy Andrews
She also fell asleep during Raiders of the Lost Ark, and I have an amazing cell phone video of her snoozing peacefully on the couch while John Williams' thrilling Indiana Jones score blares in the background.
Matt Martell
I know he has played in four MLB seasons, but I refuse to believe Brewer Hicklen is a real player
zapper
Don't let Hicklen on, 70 speed.
Ben Clemens
I mainly remember Hicklen because when we did the crowdsourced OOTP Brewers in 2020, I traded for everyone with Brewer in their name: Brewer Hicklen and Colten Brewer
Phil
I just realized Hicklen was in fact a Brewer. . . for 5 PAs in 2024.
Rich Hill's Fastballedited
Who faces the Olson-Albies-Harris corridor in the ninth? Ideally that'd be Scott so I'm surprised he's being deployed here. Edit: meant to submit this at the start of the inning.
lzfreak
We getting Diaz in the 9th?
Yer Main Guy
Why can't position players just stand where they wanna stand, Manfred?
Rich Hill's Fastball
For those unaware, Mason Miller was just placed on the paternity list
Rich Hill's Fastball
His Padres play an elimination game in half an hour
Keaton Arneson
I know why teams put in their best relievers when losing a close game, but at what point is letting a team see that reliever over and over in a series a hindrance?
Phil
There's a name for this but I can't remember what it is
Phil
Familiarity penalty, I guess. Discussed in an Effectively Wild episode, looks like (and which I vaguely remember).
Davy Andrews
Yeah, there have been some SABR Research Journal articles about it as well.
jzmaxson27
Should have challenged that one right?
Rich Hill's Fastball
Down 0-2 in the count, with one challenge left, you have to be DAMN sure you're right
bosoxforlife
But if the game went extra innings the Dodgers would get another challenge so he should have used it.
zapper
The Braves' pen owns the Dodgers.
Davy Andrews
Austin Wells would have stretched that into a triple.
Phil
Not dead yet.
Matt Martell
Maybe Ozzie Albies actually is Chipper Jones!
bosoxforlife
Diaz has been good (okay?) recently but I see this a risky move by Roberts.
lzfreak
How do the Dodgers always spend like 9 figures on the bullpen and come October nobody is trustworthy
Rich Hill's Fastball
I choose to watch (and love) the Moneyball movie as a piece of narrative art, not a documentary
bosoxforlife
I would trust Yamamoto in this spot.
lzfreak
Wonder if Kershaw is available for a token high leverage relief inning
Rich Hill's Fastball
Glasnow vs Mahle tomorrow!
bosoxforlife
The wok is hot and I will be back for the Brewers-Padres.
Ben Clemens
I ran off for a bit to set up for the next game. And to keep with my bit of criticizing the bad television personalities, did everyone else hear Derek Jeter bragging about how he 'told everyone about Yamamoto'? Oh, you mean the freaking world series MVP and one of the best pitchers in the world?
Ben Clemens
I like pizza. I don't go around yelling "I told you about pizza, don't act like I didn't" to people. Because, like, yeah.
Sean Dolinar
I have a friend who brags about their skill at finding pizza.
Ben Clemens
like, a specific pizza place? Because I think I'd accept 'i told you about yamamoto's ability to land a split for a strike' or something similar
Davy Andrews
Hey Jack!
Ben Clemens
or like, just their incredible food knowledge that pizza is good?
Ben Clemens
that said – hey, being compared to Derek Jeter isn't the worst thing in the world
Sean Dolinar
Not something specific. Though it tends to be Neapolitan/wood fire type pizza. Not like hole-in-the-wall finds.
Sean Dolinar
I had another friend that wanted to go to all the VPN-certified pizzerias she could find. One was near me. I went it and it was delightful.
Jack Dorfman
VPN-certified?
Jack Dorfman
Googled it, that seems like a good way to find new spots
Davy Andrews
Hey Jack! (This time in the right place.)
Jack Dorfman
Haha hey Davy!
bosoxforlife
Lunch tomorrow with my friend of 56 years will be at our favorite pizzaria. Great thin crust after a bowl of the best pasta fagioli I have found in my extensive travels.
Sean Dolinar
I should have added the pizza emoji too.
Davy Andrews
Everybody in this booth looks like their mom combed their hair for them on picture day.
MattStats5
Freddie Freeman just sealed his future as a studio analyst….helluva postgame interview.
Jack Dorfman
Excited for Playoff Piv feel like he'll come out chucking
lzfreak
So how should the Padres approach the lack of Miller here? Lean extra hard on Morejon and Rodriguez? Get weird with a starter in relief?
MattStats5
I get the paternity list thing, but now? Your team is facing elimination…tough decision, for sure.
Davy Andrews
Easy decision. Only decision.
lzfreak
Is anyone else bothered by how Amin pronounces "Contreras?" Sounds like he's saying "Contrerez"
Davy Andrews
Ok, yeah, I hear that.
bosoxforlife
Pivetta always frustrated me during his 5 years with the Red Sox. He always looked like he would do what he has shown with the Padres.
Davy Andrews
Yeah, how many Positional Power Rankings talked about his stuff versus his results?
lzfreak
Exciting Jackson play
Jack Dorfman
That did not feel like it was going to get caught wow
Sean Dolinar
I thought that was going to drop. He almost overran that too!
Davy Andrewsedited
Can't believe he held onto it given where it hit his glove.
bosoxforlife
Bauers isn't a contender for Comeback of the Year because he never was anything but he is a contender for biggest surprise of the year.
Jack Dorfman
Does Bryan Baker win AL Surprise of the Year?
bosoxforlife
He is on the ballot.
Brendan Smith
William Contreras being 28 and in the league for 7 seasons is shocking. Equally shocking is his 18.1 career bWAR. Quietly a top 5 catcher in the league consistently
bosoxforlife
He was #1 on the MLB position rankings at least once. I know I would like him to join his brother on the Red Sox.
war2d2
On the “bad broadcasters” topic: this booth. Pierzynski and Wainwright make me wish I wasn’t a baseball fan. Absolute tire fire.
lzfreak
Oh wow the Padres are batting an actual good major league hitter second in their lineup!
lzfreak
Is it just me or does Dustin May look leaner than the last time I saw him?
bosoxforlife
Who is surprised that the Brewers chose May over Harrison?
Jon Becker
Hopping back in quickly to say that’s the worst challenge of the year I think
Jon Becker
Now back to my snack of saltines, which are genuinely good even when not sick. No further questions
Davy Andrews
I finished the Saltines last night.
Davy Andrews
Though I was slathering them in sweetened hazelnut butter.
David
This is definitely the correct take
war2d2
The Nabisco mini-saltines are wonderful. Like un-cheesed Cheez-its.
war2d2
“I’m here to chew bubblegum and make terrible ABS challenges, and I’m fresh out of bubblegum.” — William Contreras
Brendan Smith
Dustin May 100!!!!
Davy Andrews
Must have killed Contreras not to challenge that one.
war2d2
Someone reminded him that the dugout is full of bubblegum. Literally littered with it.
bosoxforlife
It has been discussed so many times but what are these players thinking with these meaningless challenges. Are the coaches to blame?
Davy Andrews
I suspect there's a real concern about getting them too in their heads here. You want them to be aggressive, and you don't want them thinking about challenges when they're supposed to be hitting or catching. It's important, but not as important as driving the baseball or calling a good game!
Brendan Smith
Does Ty France Comeback Player of the Year count if he was coming back from mid?
Phil
The definition of a comeback should be the new controversy to replace the definition of a breakout. How good do you once have to have been to have a comeback?
war2d2
Man, Pivetta’s throwing some real wiffleball curves.
Jacob Richey
Brewers doing a great job working the count. Bauers and Turang both struck out but on 9+ pitches each. What’s Pivetta’s expected pitch count? can’t imagine it’s high given coming back from injury.
Davy Andrews
He hit 87 in the start before last, so it might be fairly high if he's dealing.
bosoxforlife
Another challenge in a low leverage situation. ????? What is going on with these guys?
Davy Andrews
What a bummer that pitching coach Chris Hook never gets to be the one to take out the pitcher.
lzfreak
My favorite was when Craig Counsell was the Brewers manager. You'd have Hook out to give council then Counsell would come with the hook.
war2d2
God willing he’ll aspire to managing, and then score one for nominative determinism
bosoxforlife
Which contract is a worse albatross, Bogaerts or Riley?
jzmaxson27
Depends on which owner is more spending averse.
Jacob Richey
ZIPS 3 yr projections still like Riley… or at least don’t factor in this year. Think Bogaerts contract is worse. More money, more years remaining, bogaerts is older, and decline to sub 2 WAR projected pretty quickly.
lzfreak
Murphy with the hilarious sound bite there
jzmaxson27
🤣🤣🤣
Jon Becker
Just have Murphy call the game
Davy Andrews
This is why he's manager of the year every year.
lzfreak
Is he gonna win it a third straight year? I'm not sure who else you'd give it to
jzmaxson27
Every now and then we get rewarded for having the sound on.
Jon Becker
Nothing against this booth, which I like, I just think they'd rather he call the game too
Jack Dorfman
Playoff game in Petco going on my bucket list
Jack Dorfman
atmosphere is so consistently fantastic
jzmaxson27
I guess the bunt paid off? I still don't like it.
bosoxforlife
It isn't luck that the Brewers and Guardians exceed their projections every year and often by a large amount. Vogt and Murphy haven't missed the playoffs yet. Why these teams mystify all the projection systems is impossible to quantify and it has to come down to something these managers understand that only a few have ever figured out.
This is historically where May starts tilting. But he seems like he has kept his cool a little better this year than years past
Jon Becker
May just jumped about eight feet in the air
jzmaxson27
He for sure thought it was gone off the bat.
Jack Dorfman
was going to say may must have a 50 inch vertical haha
bosoxforlife
Already down to 37 here in central CT. Time to bid adieu to my tomatoes. I will NOT waste my hard earned money on those red baseballs sold in a store.
Jack Dorfman
Looked like Salas tried to fake him out inside, set up away, then the pitch hung inside
jzmaxson27
Can only throw 92 down the pipe so many times Pivetta.
war2d2
This is dumb, right? I can’t be the only one who thinks this is dumb.
bosoxforlife
Davy, I dumped Prospectus when I found Fangraphs so the article is hidden to me. The system must be more important than the people or the Mets wouldn't be the laughingstocks they were this year with David Stearns, who got all the credit, at the helm. I strongly believe there are managers who instinctively know when and where to put the players in the best spots to maximize their production much more efficiently than computers. The Red Sox players, in their postmortem, appeared to almost have a mutiny over what they saw as the excessive use of computers in decision making.
lzfreak
Whoa that was ballsy
jzmaxson27
Exciting stuff!
Benny The Jet
Wow
bosoxforlife
Sending the runner on such a short fly ball is just what I was saying and is part of the reason the Brewers win. I don't think many 3rd base coaches would have sent Pratt. As a group 3rd base coaches are afraid of being seen as the man who sent the runner if he was thrown out
Antonio Bananas
Is PetCo the best of the corporate-named ballparks?
Antonio Bananas
By name I mean
Philedited
The problem with "best" is that there's a certain pleasure to be taken in the confusion of a bad one. In this regard the newly renamed Fifth Third Field (edit: it's actually Fifth Third Park) in Detroit should be a lot of fun, since it does not remotely sound like a meaningful three-word sequence.
Jack Dorfman
Used to love Safeco and Miller, Petco up there with Busch and Citizen's bank maybe?
Benny The Jet
Coors is good, plus the corporations who happened to be named pleasant sounding ballpark names like American Family Field and Great American Ballpark
asf123
Wrigley 😜
Phil
I was disappointed to realize that Great American is insurance. For some reason I was absolutely sure it was a hot dog brand, which would be much better and funnier.
Jack Dorfman
OFs playing deep stealing doubles
Jack Dorfman
Reminds me of Ben's barrels article from the summer, wonder if that's even more true in the yoffs
Ben Schneider
Joining now, what I've seen of the last couple innings has been a fun, tense game
Phil
This whole series has been like that.
Benny The Jet
We need 5 games of this series
antihustle
Absolutely
Ben Schneider
No one likes a parade of pitching changes, but they're more tolerable when both teams have a lot of electric guys coming in
Alan Sherman
reading the chat well behind, but I think the best corporate ballpark name was the original Arizona one. I think it was Bank One Ballpark and we got to just call it "the Bob"
David
Yeah, the local nicknames are where it's at. I thought "The Juice Box" was great in Houston.
Alan Sherman
Not just a local nickname, I called it the Bob as a Bay Area Giants fan
Alan Sherman
Also jokingly called the Coliseum "the Virus" in the years that McAfee had the naming rights
Phil
I spend a lot of time in Chicago for work–no one I know there bothers to learn the ever-changing name of the ballpark on the South Side. "Sox Park" is common (which also reflects the CTA's abbreviation for maps and schedules, which is just "Sox"), as is, naturally, "Comiskey."
Ben Schneider
I just read Eric's new article and now I'm thinking how that batted ball would be a boring routine out
Pedantic A-hole
Do you think that Cooper Pratt paid to have someone do that to his hair?
Antonio Bananas
Does PetCo have a local nickname?
Alan Sherman
I lived in San Diego for 8 years in college and after and I never heard one from other residents or at a couple of games a season
Alan Sherman
the radio announcer would often say "from the gaslamp quarter" but that's the neighborhood not the ballpark and obviously he's required to use the corporate name
Ben Schneider
Chisholm should learn from Turang there
Alan Sherman
If we could all learn second base defense from Turang, the world would be a better place
Jack Dorfman
Michael king in the game to close it down is fun
antihustle
Why is King so likeable
Ben Schneider
That looked like a swing to me
Antonio Bananas
We know Miller not being available hurts the Padres chance of winning. We know he did a thing about 9 months ago. Knowing those 2 things, what's the negative WPA of that thing he did 9 months ago?
Anonymous Member #46
Would be hilarious for the Padres to lose because of their closer's daddy issue.
Sean Dolinar
I like how wild these chats get after midnight.
showbusiness77
Yankees fan sad career of King traded for one year of Soto. Although if we would've won the dance, would've felt a BIT differently. Hindsight
showbusiness77
Why King used though? no tomorrow. Maybe treating it like a bullpen session. Would still be available for game X?
jms4
my king, Mike King
Ben Schneider
I think King will pitch in Game 5 on short rest if they get that far
Pedantic A-hole
Is Lara running?
Ben Schneider
Yes
fishnchips
Wowowowow
antihustle
So that's what defense should be like
Jack Dorfman
A great series
Jack Dorfman
ray and musgrove piggybacking tomorrow?
Pedantic A-hole
What a great ballgame! And series. Hope we get a game 5
Biscuit
What was the velocity on that last hit from Yelich?
Welcome to our Open Game Thread for the ALDS Game 2. Chat with fellow readers as we watch the White Sox at Guardians and Yankees at Rays. Only Members can participate, and unlike our usual game chats, your messages will be posted immediately.
Our Member community is made up of thousands of incredibly knowledgable baseball fans, and we think this is a great way to follow a game with like-minded baseball enthusiasts. We might even have some FanGraphs Staff drop in and join the fun. Please be courteous to your fellow Members, or you may find your chat privileges revoked.
We are going to have Members Only Game Threads for the rest of the postseason. The next one will be tomorrow, October 6 at 6:00PM.
Sean Dolinar
Hi all!
Keaton Arneson
Hi Sean
Sean Dolinar
Everyone should respond to our polls. Including you, Keaton!
Sean Dolinar
Guardians are at 0% so I know you haven't voted yet.
Keaton Arneson
I didn't see the poll. Maybe we need a cool sound alert for it.
Yer Main Guy
Hi Sean and Keaton
Sean Dolinar
If you weren't in one of our Game Threads last week, all of you drive the chat. We do have writers that will drop in. Here are a few feature highlights:
– you can view the chat as a thread or chronologically.
– in the top right corner, the gear allows you to delay the messages coming in if your streaming service has a lot of latency
– we have polls that we will cycle through during the games.
– you can reply to messages or react with some emojis (this is new from last time)
Chad Young
I am going to try to hang out here, but I am not sure my nerves can take chatting while watching this.
Sean Dolinar
Which team are you nervous for?
Chad Young
I am a Guardians fan, but to add to my anxiety, I lived in Chicago for over a decade and so I have probably seen more Guardians-Sox games in my life than any other pair of teams.
Chad Young
Gavin needs to find that inside corner to lefties. Got a break on the 0-1 to Teel but can't count on that
Chad Young
Pretty solid inning for Williams. Not sure what happened there with Vargas, but good recovery. Suspect he was a little amped up and it impacted his control.
Chad Young
An underrated storyline in this one is the importance for the Guardians to jump out to a big early lead. It's not important for them, but I have to leave to pick up my daughter in a little over an hour and I would like to feel a little calmer when that happens.
Sean Dolinar
Low leverage while you run errands? Then they can make it close once you get back!
lzfreak
I wonder what kind of odds you could've gotten two years ago that the White Sox would be in a division series in 2026
Chad Young
You could have gotten crazy odds on that in March. Probably still in May to be honest.
Jason B
Maybe the Rockies and Angels are taking copious notes. "Try sucking waaaay less…hmmmm…."
Chad Young
Kay has stymied the Guards but that has less to do with him, specifically and more to do with the hand he uses. Guards had a 91 wRC+ vs. LHP this year, good for 25th in MLB. Cleveland's offense really improved late in the year, but lefties are an issue.
Chad Young
FWIW, the Sox are 5th in MLB in wRC+ vs. LHP (111), which may have been a factor in G1. Against RHP they are 17th with a 102
Keaton Arneson
I think Cleveland lead the AL in runs/game since the trade deadline or at least very close to it.
Chad Young
7th in MLB in runs scored, 6th in wRC+ since Aug 4
Chad Young
One huge difference between G1 and G2 already, Cleveland is making Kay work. Smith and Taylor in particular just cruised without having to throw many pitches.
I don't know who let me out to talk about baseball.
Sean Dolinar
(And the White Sox)
Keaton Arneson
They were third in AL in total runs, but played fewer games than CHI and TB
Chad Young
Going straight to another lefty here to face Adell feels like an odd choice, but I guess Newcomb was next up
Davy Andrews
(And Chad.)
Chad Young
Hi Davy!
Anonymous Member #46
Whoever drew this ALDS manager review just got a whole lot of fodder …
soddingjunkmail
Did they not have a righty up in the pen or something?
Chad Young
There's a smoke detector beeping in my house and that pitching change wasn't long enough to find it The search will continue after the inning, I guess
Davy Andrews
Just to be clear, you're ignoring a super loud smoke detector right now?
lzfreak
It does feel like we've gotten an inordinate number of lefties replacing lefties this postseason
Benny The Jet
These chats are awesome, thanks to everyone that put them together!
Davy Andrews
One that could be informing you of, say, a fire?
drplantwrench
angels legend sean newcomb vs angels legend jo adell
Benny The Jet
Is it safe to assume Grant Taylor is unavailable today?
soddingjunkmail
Feels like Venable is getting too cute here
Hazmat Corntail
Disaster 1st inning for ChiSox
Anonymous Member #46
Chad and Will Venable both, Davy.
Chad Young
The only fire in my house in the Guardians offense
Davy Andrews
Ok, but like, I'd still make sure of that were I you.
Davy Andrews
Though I suppose it depends on how much you like your house.
Chad Young
It's definitely just the "low battery" beep, but I appreciate the concern. I love watching my Guardians but not enough to let me house burn down with me in it, I promise!
Benny The Jet
Why does it feel like half the runs I've seen Cleveland score in my lifetime have been on infield hits
Davy Andrews
I don't know how long you've been alive, but since 2015 they actually rank right in the middle of the pack in infield hits.
Keaton Arneson
That's because half our lifetime is Willie Mays Hayes and Jake Taylor bunting.
Hazmat Corntail
This is probably the only place where I can say that I somehow remember Corbin Brenden being a .270 hitter as well
Chad Young
I am not 100% sure how to measure this, but it feels like you are right, Benny
Chad Young
IF hits, errors, bases loaded walks…they find ways to get runs without actually hitting the ball well
Benny The Jet
*The "This is fine" meme, but instead of coffee it's a playoff baseball game*
when are we going to be able to upload images to the chat
Davy Andrews
I assume this depends on how much Sean and Keaton trust you.
drplantwrench
so a rational person would say never
Sean Dolinar
Yeah, I want to, at least for the staff. I still have to talk to Meg and David about the moderation/trust.
lzfreak
It'll be interesting to see how Stephen Vogt finds his way into having Austin Hedges batting in a high leverage middle inning situation today
bosoxforlife
This understand this isn't a traditional chat but can I ask why all of a sudden closers are turning into Goose Gossage and Rollie Fingers again?
Chad Young
I think in the postseason, teams have two sudden shifts in their thinking about pitcher usage: 1) every single out is crucial and if you can get it with your best arms, you do. 2) being well rested for the future isn't important any more, so if you have to burn your best arm to get the win, you do.
maximus74
because 1/2 the teams in the playoffs don't have more than 2 functional SP
Davy Andrews
Wait, this question wasn't about mustaches?
bosoxforlife
I seem to recall another athlete from Wilmington, NC
Chad Young
Little update: smoke detector was found, batteries were replaced, smoke detector was replaced, and zero pitches were missed. I am better in the clutch than any Cleveland hitter.
Davy Andrews
Next time try it while covered in midges.
Chad Young
You know, I was at the midges/Joba Chamberlain game! With Ottoneu creator Niv Shah!
Davy Andrews
That's amazing. Were the midges all over the stands too?
Chad Young
It really wasn't bad in the stands. They're attracted to the lights, I guess, so with the field all lit up, they all want to be down there.
lzfreak
Has anyone ever studied the "pitcher isn't effective after a long inning in the dugout" thing? It comes up all the time but doesn't seem to make much sense
Davy Andrews
Somebody must have. It seems like it'd be easy enough to do using retrosheet data. But I personally haven't seen it.
Chad Young
I haven't either. I get the logic – you get into a groove/routine, then you sit so long that you lose that rhythm. Plus, your arm gets cold and needs to loosen/warm up again. But…I can create a logical explanation for a LOT of things that don't really happen.
Davy Andrews
I like how everybody who strikes out in this game really hurries out of the batter's box.
Matt Martell
Hi everyone!
Davy Andrews
Matt!
Jon Becker
Hi Matt! And everyone else! ✌️⚾️✌️
Davy Andrews
Becker!
Matt Martell
My favorite fact about Gavin Williams is that he went to Cape Fear High School
Chad Young
Matt! Jon! It's a party!
war2d2
woooo ain’t no party like a Watching-Baseball-When-I’m-Supposed-To-Be-Working party woooo
drplantwrench
Jo Adell went to Seven Samurai High School
Chad Young
All of my fantasy teams are named after HS sports teams and I might have to add those two to the list for future teams.
Phillip
Curious to get y'all's thoughts on the super quick leash on Kay from CWS and how you think it'll impact them for the rest of the series. I get you want your starter to go longer, and leash is short in the post season. Think Kay throws again tomorrow or something if they're super tight on pen innings?
Chad Young
No clue what their plans are, but with an off-day tomorrow and after G4, he should be available for G3 and G5, for sure. Or G4 and G5. Whatever they want to do.
Matt Martell
I went to the Guardians' spring training game, played against the Diamondbacks at Chase Field, in 2025. Gavin Williams started it and struck out approximately 57 batters in three innings. Looked like the nastiest pitcher I'd ever seen. Don't know what to make of that, but felt it was worth sharing
bosoxforlife
Venable was playing games.
Matt Martell
I have no idea, re: Anthony Kay. He didn't look sharp, but it was such a quick hook that it had to have been planned.
lzfreak
Boy Kwan looked safe there in real time
Davy Andrews
I sort of thought it looked like he gave it 98% and 100% would've done it.
Benny The Jet
Have modern coaching staffs potentially at least partially moved off of platoon based match ups to something based on pitch shapes and swing paths, or something of that nature? Feels like it might help explain at least some of the bullpen choices this postseason
Davy Andrews
That's definitely a consideration, but lefty-righty is still going to be a bigger factor most of the time.
Chad Young
I also think in this case, he just didn't want to let Kay let this get away early. The IBB to Adell tells you it wasn't about the matchup.
Davy Andrews
Does Chase Meidroth have a bit of a George Lucas look?
Davy Andrews
I think it's the beard.
war2d2
I think it’s the lack of any visible chin.
Davy Andrews
And the intentional use of the beard to make it look like there is.
war2d2
Kwan always looks vaguely sad/concerned. Every time I see him I think of the “hitman monkey finds no joy in his job” meme.
Chad Young
So those manager interviews are usually such a waste, but Venable saying the plan was for Kay and Newcomb to get through 12 hitters combined and acknowledging that the Kay hook wasn't really planned is interesting.
drplantwrench
bad challenge?
Chad Young
There should be a margin at which the challenge isn't lost. you don't get the call changed but you don't lose the challenge either.
Davy Andrews
No. No no no no.
Chad Young
so…you don't like that idea, I take it? lol
Davy Andrews
The call stands is a scourge.
Chad Young
That's fair, and I generally agree, but "this was actually too close for the computer to know if it was a ball or strike" feels like a harsh moment to take away a challenge.
Davy Andrews
That is a very good point. But I think either you trust the computer or you don't, you know?
drplantwrench
even worse challenge
drplantwrench
maybe there should be a margin at which a challenge is so bad you lose both challenges
Davy Andrews
Now THIS I can get behind.
Chad Young
Yeah, I am aligned. Sorry, Sam, that ball was entirely within the zone.
lzfreak
How many pitches will they let Williams go today, assuming he's on?
Chad Young
all of them
Jonathan Smithedited
Challenging in the playoffs has been fascinating to watch. Lots of questionable challenges here. If it's me, I'm waiting for leverage spots, no matter the time of game. 1 on 1 out in the 3rd inning? Not high enough. Maybe in the regular season? I feel like my approach would change drastically in the playoffs.
Davy Andrews
I don't know. The two games I wrote up this weekend featured tons of successful challenges. I tend to think teams are too cautious with them.
Chad Young
At this point, I doubt he goes more than 6, but he'll get up over 100 if needed
Davy Andrews
He reached 100 eight times, season high is 113. I think the answer is "a lot."
Chad Young
The only thing that might keep him from going up over 100 is that the bullpen is fully rested and has an off-day tomorrow.
Davy Andrews
Question for the group: Do you have a go-to baseball-watching snack?
Hazmat Corntail
I tend to go for things with a minimum of mess, so pretzels, maybe popcorn.
Jonathan Smith
I freakin love some popcorn
Chad Young
Chips and salsa. but I can't eat during a Cleveland post-season game.
war2d2
Can’t right now because it’s still only 3pm in CA, but I’m the stereotypical baseball-and-a-beer dad. Other than that I’m generally a tortilla chips guy, if I have them available.
Chad Young
The thing I think is underrated about early challenges is that they can snowball. Turning a PA in your favor now could mean forcing the SP to face another hitter or two. Even if that doesn't turn into runs now, maybe it creates an out or two later that need to be handled but a lesser reliever.
bosoxforlife
I am munching on chips with con queso cheese dip with an adult beverage.
drplantwrench
i think white sox win the series, but sean newcomb vs gavin williams really highlights some key difference
Phil
I used to eat popcorn. Then I had an incident with a crown, of the dental, not kingly variety. Now I eat nothing.
Davy Andrews
That sounds not fun. Sorry, Phil.
Chad Young
I quite literally have a crown in a plastic bag in my pocked because it came off yesterday and I have to go to the dentist and get it repaired. Not fun. I too would stop eating foods that made this happen.
Chad Young
So per the Venable interview, Newcomb got them back on track with their pitching plan. We'll see what happens from here, but Kay+Newcomb with the RHP getting Adell his second time seems to have been their plan, and here we are.
jcathtraverse
don't you still lose your challenge if the call stands? a margin of error is inherent to abs, so retaining the challenge if the pitch falls within it would actually be the best way to make it LESS like call stands.
Matt Martell
In the playoffs, when scoring first is crucial and you never know how many baserunners you're going to get on, I think teams should be more aggressive early than they are, especially if there's a man on base. Any moment could prove to be decisive. Don't wait until later when they might not matter later
Davy Andrews
The announcers are not aware that Nathaniel Lowe does not like to be called Nate.
Davy Andrews
Ok, Ronny knows.
Chad Young
It's sorta the same argument for using your best relievers when you need them instead of waiting for a save – if you know the challenge/reliever has value now, there is no reason to save it for later, when it might not be needed at all.
bosoxforlife
ABS fascinates me. I know I want more early challenges and fear they will disappear with the way teams are restricting players. Do you people think an early challenge in a high leverage situation is a good decision?
Davy Andrews
I do.
Jonathan Smith
I thought what Chad added above was well said. I am personally all for challenging on the leverage of the moment than the timing.
bosoxforlife
I am in agreement with you. There have been a lot of really bizarre challenges this year where players used, and wasted, challenges at meaningless points in the game.
Davy Andrews
Ok, I have to go pour some milk in a baby. I will see if I can check back in on the chat later. Good to talk to you all!
Sean Dolinar
I really goofed by not adding 🍼 into the emoji reacts.
drplantwrench
i want the LFG baseball as an emoji too
war2d2
I’m not a huge Darling fan, but in comparison to the other booths working this round of playoffs this one is a breath of fresh air. Really missing Benetti.
Matt Martell
Derek Junior needs milk!
mmaude
What’s the best window for the white sox to put up 3 runs in this game? Seems to be a very small gap between third time through order from Williams and the pen getting to shut down mode especially in a big game for Cleveland
Yer Main Guy
Right now, I guess
Chad Young
Williams can be homer-prone – just gotta take your chances when you get them because there won't be many.
Chad Young
Vargas has seen 9 pitches and swung at none
Chad Young
and yeah, this is the moment.
drplantwrench
score aside, really feels like white sox have had more momentum throughout the game
war2d2
Not just the game, but in general. Right now the Sox, Rays, Brewers, and Braves all feel like they’re rolling.
Chad Young
Cleveland got two runs, but still doesn't have an RBI hit this series, so they can't really afford to let this lead slip away
Phil
Mune!
Chad Young
I don't know about "throughout the game" – they looked utterly lost against Williams until this inning – but it does feel like this is a HUGE moment
Chad Young
Even that one run really changes the look of this game
bosoxforlife
Murakami amazes me. This old man finds it hard to believe a player can hit .202 and be of such value.
Chad Young
Williams has really lost the thread here and Beni bailed him out
bosoxforlife
Getting back to ABS, What is the consensus here on the number of challenges? I know I would like a couple more or perhaps a couple of one use ones for early innings only.
Matt Martell
Two – this is the right amount.
Anonymous Member #46
MiLB originally started with three on the challenge days. Two is plenty.
Chad Young
that K could be a turning point in the series, but it is definitely a turning point in my day – I need to hop out of here and go be a parent. Go Guards!
Dan Szymborski
No pop on toast references yet?
mmaude
And Peters first pitch swinging
Matt Martell
That cut to Rob Manfred standing alone is among the funniest things I've seen all year
Phil
As a neutral fan, I like the current frequency of challenges, particularly since it feel unusual when an ump is getting a lot of successful ones as in yesterday's MIL-SDP. I wouldn't mind if my own (now eliminated, red-stockinged) team had an extra, since they are often overly reluctant.
bosoxforlife
Manfred looked forlorn, to put it mildly.
Phillip Denny
I know the CHW rotation was below average this year, but if you assume at least one of Taylor/Schultz/Sandlin has starter potential, you can squint your eyes and see an exciting rotation in 2027 and beyond.
drplantwrench
i desperately want my angels to sign skubal, but man if the white sox sign him instead…..
Matt Martell
You stan Kroenke?
Yer Main Guy
So does every team employ some number of guys in a room just watching for what should be reviewed?
Matt Martell
Yes
Phil
This is often public info, e.g., Mike Brenly does it for the Red Sox.
Yer Main Guy
Maybe MLB umpires could just review stuff in this manner and save everyone time and money
Phil
I have always wanted that, like in college football. And for fair/foul it could just be automatic, like tennis.
Phillip Denny
Wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't just "guys in a room watching video" but "guys in a room tinkering with AI agent trained on video in real time"
Phillip Denny
What's actually weird about Gavin Williams is he has better run value on his sweeper v L than v R, and a better run value on his curveball v R than v L. Both the opposite of what you'd expect.
Yer Main Guy
You say this and then he immediately Ks two lefties on curves
Matt Martell
I have no idea how anyone hits Williams' curveball
Sean Dolinar
I feel like we don't see that 12-6 curve like we used to. I miss it.
Yeah Sean, you need to check out this Clemens guy. Good writer.
McPontiff
True, there's not many guys in the league that can drop those these days. Baz on a good day
rfilla
If you're watching the game at a bar or restaurant and the lights AREN'T flickering, take a minute to be grateful. Kinda like when your nose isn't stuffed. Don't take it for granted!
Sean Dolinar
Are the TVs flickering off too?
rfillaedited
It depends how pedantic we are tonight. Technically? Yes. But not as bad as the lights
Phillip Denny
top 3 in the league of curveballs with >38 inches of drop and <6 inches glove, side movement: Baz (600), Freeland (481), Gore (480).
Phil
White Sox radio guys were saying that Ramirez is effective batting second, despite being clearly off and evidently playing hurt, because of "his presence alone." Ignoring whether this is analytically confirmable, is it even definable? What is "presence"? Is the idea that it makes you burn your leverage guys, or throw more pitches by nibbling, even if he strikes out?
lzfreak
My interpretation would be that it's a good idea to bat him second because he's literally Jose Ramirez. A known excellent hitter and future Hall of Famer
Phillip Denny
I think this ties into the larger question of "is lineup protection a thing?" and the answer to that in a universal DH environment is "mostly, no." There was iirc some demonstrable effect of 8 hole batters in the NL pre-2022.
Matt Martell
Yes, and also Ramírez was hurt for most of this season but looked to be coming out of it over the final two weeks. I think that matters, too
Phil
Yes, that I agree with–he looks OK. Just wondering if it's true there's extra vakue to being great even if you don't hit.
millvillemeltdown
i hope all pitchers see hosey step up to the plate and go "eek" a little bit
millvillemeltdown
i mean. as a general rule of thumb i am in favor of more silly noises made. if they put a whistle in the ball that made it scream as it flies. i'd be a fan
Sean Dolinar
Listening to the doppler effect with that ball would be sick.
millvillemeltdown
i spent the better part of one recent afternoon with a shotgun and a deadcat recording the baseball team. would have been more fun if the ball went pweeeeeee
millvillemeltdown
wow sabrowski wanted *zero* to do with grichuk
Phillip Denny
Tommy Pham enters the game and immediately runners advance? Now that's what I call Phamgraphs.
millvillemeltdown
that should go in his stats. he put the fear of pham in the pitcher, causing the wild pitch
Benny The Jet
That's twice in this game an outfielder ran almost to the infield dirt to make a catch
Benny The Jet
Wow
Matt Martell
That was a really nice play by Martinez
Jon Becker
The Pope must’ve just turned the game on
Phillip Denny
So uhhhh when do we declare the White Sox winners of the Crochet trade?
Phil
Oy.
Benny The Jet
Sox might have the juice
Matt Martell
Resurfacing this mailbag question:
Is God fixing the tournament in favor of the White Sox? — Kevin
Phillip Denny
I don't recall the catholic church ever officially blessing a baseball team before. So imo we can't rule it out.
millvillemeltdown
pope leo owes the city of cleveland an apology!!!
Phil
It's 1:10 AM in Rome. You can go to bed now, Leo, the Sox have this.
millvillemeltdown
honestly i liked cleveland alright when i visited, so i'm biased. but like. it'd be so funny if the sox won off the back of the power of the Lord Almighty and a hurt dude bopping his friends on the head with a small stick
millvillemeltdown
i know sss caveats, but i enjoyed watching kwan become a "playoff demon" and getting on base at ridiculous rates in past postseasons. i love a pesky at-bat more than i should…
bosoxforlife
Montgomery shakes his head after swinging at two in the dirt then taking one right in the zone.
millvillemeltdown
me too, buddy… me too…
McPontiff
Burke showing off a pretty tidy hook himself!
millvillemeltdown
chicago and their mirps, man. they converting all their starters to mirps. they converting their position players to mirps. they converting their fo staff to mirps. soon we will all be mirps.
millvillemeltdown
the entropic decay of the "guy who throws ball"
millvillemeltdown
can you tell that i'm procrastinating on thermodynamics homework by watching mlbgameday
Sean Dolinar
I'm glad I don't have to do that anymore.
Jon Becker
Haha yeah same I was totally smart enough for thermodynamics haha anyway how about Hunter Gaddis’ beard?
Sean Dolinar
It's almost as good as Brian Wilson's circa 2010.
bosoxforlife
The last homework I did was 63 years ago.
Sean Dolinar
Everyone just uses AI for their homework these days; it's a problem.
bosoxforlife
There might be a new comment if something actually was happening
Sean Dolinar
I'm prepping polls for the Yankees game. 🤷♂️
Yer Main Guy
Oh is there another game on after this?
Sean Dolinar
I know we had that long extra innings game in CLE a few years back. And they went to the ALCS a few years ago, but I don't remember CLE games being super interesting. They also get stuck with early games.
Anonymous Member #46
From the radio broadcast:
Anonymous Member #46
The White Sox threw 21 bullpen innings when they won in 2005. They have thrown 24 already this year.
NYYfaninLAAland
Can we somehow take bulk starters out of the relief stat set. They have Sean Burke setting “relief” volume records in this game? C’mon, adjust to today’s game realities
Sean Dolinar
This has been a frustration of mine since openers were first being used.
Sean Dolinar
Baseball famously loves to change. I don't think we've ever been able to determine a better way to classify pitcher appearances. Since a start and relief appearances are objectively defined. We are looking at ways to adapt our probables grid.
Sean Dolinar
Can't see that being overturned.
Anonymous Member #46
Sean, with the pitcher IP question, can we get 1/3 innings as an option in the future?
Sean Dolinar
It's possible. Maybe I'll just how outs!
lzfreak
Thought that one was going out
bosoxforlife
I wasn't allowed to say "neither" when asked who I was rooting for.
NYYfaninLAAland
So sad for you
Sean Dolinar
I'll add that if it's NYY-LAD in the WS.
bosoxforlife
I love to watch baseball but there is no way that I can root for either the Rays or that other team.
Matt Martell
Man, that's great for Jo Adell
Sean Dolinar
Who said this game was boring?
sb4321
random question for FanGraphs admins, do the WAR calculations include first base receiving defense and double play defense runs?
I notice it on the leaderboards but can't find any announcements on this
Sean Dolinar
Lemme confirm.
sb4321
Thank you so much for finding out, this is a niche thing I've been wondering for a while.
sb4321
d
drplantwrench
dang i was showering my kid and missed the jo triple ugh
lzfreak
This is a lot of Grant Taylor
MattStats5
Grant Taylor, incredible post season so far. That is all.
McPontiff
I'd say ALL (much maligned) hurlers in Black. Will Venable has really earned my respect this postseason. (with those pinch hit righties vs Sabrowski too).
McPontiff
Thinking about it, he's been managing back-against-the-wall "playoff" style for about 3 weeks straight! Cobbling together 9 innings with the most IP by RPs all year
drplantwrench
WHITE SOX WIN
SadaharuWhoa
White Sox win exactly on time to switch to another game. Quite considerate!
Sean Dolinar
This is one thing I like about streaming vs linear.
bosoxforlife
I am loving me some Taylor doing things that are not supposed to happen in this age of computer driven decision making.
McPontiff
Thanks to "feel" managers like Venable and Weiss!
McPontiff
Too much over-managing in the playoffs
Sean Dolinar
We were 50/50 split on the CHW/CLE game on who would win! Right now we are ~60/40 on the Yankees/Rays on who will win.
And we only have two Yankees fans in the chat.
Sean Dolinar
Re: WAR and 1B Rec question. We haven't incorporated that or the Inf DP this season, because we added those stats in the middle of the season.
sb4321
Alright, good to know. Thank you so much!
I'm assuming that's probably going to be an offseason project?
Sean Dolinar
Yep! Less of a project, more of in-season consistency.
bosoxforlife
I cannot believe Chisholm attempted that throw??????
Matt Martell
The sad thing is, I can
lzfreak
Catchers interference!
bosoxforlife
McMahon's play was about as easy a play as a 3rd baseman could have. To state the obvious, the Yankee defense is pathetic.
Philedited
You knew there had to be a replay challenge for catcher's interference in this series.
Matt Martell
A good ole 3-error inning by the Yankees
bosoxforlife
3 errors in the 1st. Unbelievable!
Jack Martin
Yankees in post-season form
lzfreak
Man this defense is something
Matt Martell
It would be so funny if Simpson went yard here
bosoxforlife
Who is going to want Chisholm in their lineup next year after this performance?
danodea
I would love Jazz on the Pirates. We'll never win anything so we might as well have fun guys
lzfreak
Yeah Chisholm's issues seem like a great coach could help with. And every team thinks its coaches are the best
Nate
Yankees really not beating the allegations here
Matt Martell
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Sean Dolinar
If they get out of this with only 1 run…😑
lzfreak
Feels like a missed opportunity there for Tampa Bay
David
I wonder if the Yankees could recruit the Archbishop of Canterbury as a fan or something…
McPontiff
After what's happening in LA and Cleveland, the Yanks are nervy as hell
Phil
Definitely needed a catwalk ball.
Anon21
Domes suck! Stop playing in domes!
Sean Dolinar
I've always glossed over the ground rules until a few days ago.
sb4321
The Yankees defense which had 8 FRV in the regular season (12th) now has three errors in one inning
Philedited
I do hope the Rays' new stadium has something weird.
SadaharuWhoa
It will be in Florida, so it will have a roof. Just gotta hope it's a funky roof
MattStats5
Schlittler sh*tting the bed a bit. As an Orioles fan, not upset at all.
bosoxforlife
Wells wanted to challenge.
bosoxforlife
Does anyone think Chisholm returns to the Yankees next year?
Phil
He's a better fit for a looser team.
SadaharuWhoa
Like the Marlins
Sean Dolinar
I'd be interested to see our FA crowdsource numbers for him. That 31 HR season is intriguing.
bosoxforlife
I was thinking more on the lines of the Yokohama Bay Stars.
lzfreak
It feels like Schlittler should be at like 50 pitches by now
Matt Martell
Schlittler doesn't have his putaway stuff today.
Matt Martell
I know the Rays are hard to strike out, but they're spoiling his fastballs
bosoxforlife
Sean: how come when I try to reply it says I am replying to myself?
Sean Dolinar
We force only one-level deep threads. Which messages are you replying to? Or trying to reply to?
bosoxforlife
Just a few in general. Recently to Sadaharu Whoa.
Sean Dolinar
Oh the chronological view…your message is the parent for that thread, so that's why. I might rethink how we display that.
Phil
This guy looks more like Peralta of Wisconsin than Peralta of Queens.
bosoxforlife
Should I type first then go to the recipient?
Sean Dolinar
No, just something I have to clean up.
bosoxforlife
Peralta joins Tatis and Kwan as players who had awful first halves and excellent second halves.
bosoxforlife
Thanks.
antihustle
Remember when Tommy Tight Pants threw a billion changeups in a row
Benny The Jet
Man the Yankees line up isn't necessarily bad without Judge, but it sure is less imposing
Sean Dolinar
Our mean for Peralta IP was 4.84.
Sean Dolinar
So maybe we need that fraction of an inning, so someone can be correct.
lzfreak
Sounds like we basically nailed it
Sean Dolinaredited
The Yankees errors poll is quite something. Median 5 errors, but the mean is 25.67, so we need them to step up some.
bosoxforlife
This move by Cash is eerily similar to Game 6 of the 2020 WS when he pulled Snell after he had just given up his first hit. This time it is clear he didn't want Peralta facing Rice. Can't argue with this move.
lzfreak
Baseball games sure can change fast
Matt Martell
Jones should've kept going. Probably could've caught that
drplantwrench
BANG
lzfreak
Simpson is such a Rays guy to have up here
drplantwrench
BANG x2
Sean Dolinar
They aren't gonna call that an error are they?
bosoxforlife
Nothing like two squibbers to get the runs home.
lzfreak
Gotta feel for Schlittler. Not his best, but he pitched better than his line is gonna say
Sean Dolinar
Schlittler goes 4.1 IP; we had 6.27 IP mean and 6 IP median.
bosoxforlife
It is an error. He had a play at 1st if he took it.
Sean Dolinar
It looks like they scored it a single. I don't disagree that it should be an error. I've just seen that play called a hit so often now.
Sean Dolinar
Broadcast is saying they haven't heard a scoring decision. Gameday has a single, but they can always change that.
Phil
Not sure what to root for on that, having voted for 5 errors. I need them to get two more, but if they pick one up now they might overshoot.
lzfreak
I don't think you can assume the play at home and that did look like where he was going
Sean Dolinar
I can't see that being overturned.
Sean Dolinar
He looks convincingly safe.
lzfreak
This Yankees infield is really having a night
Phil
Official scorer ruling pending again. . .
Sean Dolinar
Will they charge an error for that? We need to hit our prediction!
Rollie's Mustache
"The Yankees are absolutely tragic defensively in Game 2" is a great line by Brian Anderson.
Sean Dolinar
Error!
lzfreak
This one has to be an error
bosoxforlife
No doubt about that error.
Benny The Jet
This is getting to meltdown territory
Philedited
They're going to blow past our prediction. Can I revote?
Sean Dolinar
😂 I'll work on that feature next.
lzfreak
It's crazy we're not far removed from Bellinger being like 5 feet away from this being 5-1
SadaharuWhoa
Now it is!
Sean Dolinar
The mound is even against the Yankees.
bosoxforlife
That is a great AB against a tough lefty.
Phil
I know baseball is random, a single game is the smallest of small sample size, etc. etc. But there's no way to watch this game (or listen while looking at Gameday in my case) and not feel like the Rays are a significantly better team.
antihustle
1000%
bosoxforlife
Phil, the answer is really not if the Rays are significantly better but just how much the Yankees are significantly worse.
Jack Dorfman
Fun game so far!
wenz
Did it hit the mound or the cutoff man's leg?
ncphl
Looks like the mound to me
bosoxforlife
I do enjoy watching a soft tosser carve up a linep.
millvillemeltdown
i return from thermo. 55 burgers 55 fries 55 yankee errors
Rollie's Mustache
Google tells me the record for most errors in a single postseason game by one team is 5. So history is within reach tonight.
Phil
I am so rooting for this.
Dan Szymborski
I'm kinda amused that in the ALDS so far, it's almost if the Yankees said "you know all the stuff about our team that people think isn't good because they're angry about analytics? Let's do those things."
millvillemeltdown
i can't believe ANALYTICS turned all our players into potatoes in the field
Patrick Burke
I'm so biased (Yankee fan) but still feel OK even if they lose here. Next two games throwing two lefties, plus no more Trop. Probably lose game five though.
Benny The Jet
We hit 5 errors!
Benny The Jet
Did the official scorer see a chance to get into the history books and reverse course?
Dan Szymborski
On the bright side, they've tripled their hit count from Game 1!
Dan Szymborski
Getting five errors in a game *is* a pretty impressive feat, since game scorers today don't like giving errors unless they look like complex vaudeville sketches.
Michael
As a Yanks fan…I mean every year. This happens every year. I tend to be a realist and not overreact to the calls for Boone/Cashman's heads after every season, but at some point we have to consider this right?
Michaeledited
There's some mindset thing that just isn't there. Impossible to quantify vibes but the Yanks just have had negative vibes in the playoffs for years sans a few moments in '24, various Giancarlo postseason at bats and Schlitter vs. Red Sox starts.
Sean Dolinar
We are going to underestimate the errors! I put that poll up as a joke.
Rollie's Mustache
Back to "only" 4 errors according to mlb dot com. That's no fun.
Phil
Looking forward to the Manager Report Score for Boone, regarding bullpen usage in this game. . . and wondering if he's going to use Bednar down four. . .
McPontiff
yes. yes he is. (might be a decent call though tbh)
Antonio Bananas
With the Rays over performing this season based on a lot of statistics, do we think they figured something out that we dont know how to quantify yet? Or just random?
Michael
Will Boone PH for McMuffin here? If not, the Manager Report should grade him harshly!
Kleanerman
As a Rays fan I'm riding the high and assuming they are omniscient
David
As a White Sox fan, I'm cheering for the Yankees because at this point it seems the much easier path to the WS, and honestly just typing that is a reminder of how insane this season has been.
Rollie's Mustache
Ben Rice. My goodness.
lzfreak
Ben Rice is doing his best
Kleanerman
Maybe I've been corrupted by Colin Poche, but the high-strikeout, low-velo fastball guys like Ian Seymour really do something for me
Phil
We're running out of time for more errors. Ideally we need two on the next play.
McPontiff
Girardi on last year's Baker trade "Orioles shoulda hung up!"
Sean Dolinar
Alright! Let's do this again tomorrow!
McPontiff
I wasn't really heartbroken at the time (as a homer), because he used have his meltdown moments (long balls typically). But I KNEW they would fix him; the stuff was always awesome
Welcome to our Open Game Thread for the Phillies-Braves Wild Card Game 3. Chat with fellow readers as we watch to see who will advance to take on the Dodgers in the NLDS! Only Members can participate, and unlike our usual game chats, your messages will be posted immediately.
Our Member community is made up of thousands of incredibly knowledgable baseball fans, and we think this is a great way to follow a game with like-minded baseball enthusiasts. We might even have some FanGraphs Staff drop in and join the fun. Please be courteous to your fellow Members, or you may find your chat privileges revoked.
Sean Dolinar
Hello Everyone!
Seuss2004
Hi!
sadhulk
Which of these teams has a better shot against the Dodgers?
lzfreak
I'll say the Braves because I think they were just better this year. The Phillies do have the "built better for the playoffs" thing since they're so top heavy. I think the Dodgers would be heavily favored either way of course.
Honkus Wagner
JT Realmuto implies the existence of a TJ Fakemuto
Matt Martell
I appreciate this even if no one else does
JU Jazz Hands
This gambit is pop on toast
Sean Dolinar
I've got Steelers on the TV and baseball on laptop. So much PA.
Dan Szymborski
Aaron Nola feels like a bad idea, but sometimes bad ideas work out hilariously well in the playoffs.
lzfreak
Short leash presumably
Rich Hill's Fastball
How many outs do we think Nola and Holmes get combined? 15?
Jack Dorfman
Hard to see both of them pitching that well for me
Sean Dolinar
I can make that poll. At least an O/U poll. Set at 15?
JU Jazz Hands
14.5
Dan Szymborski
As I said in chat, I'm interested in seeing if they try to keep Kerr in there through second time Harper/Schwarber instead of start burning Dylans
Dan Szymborski
They give him quite a few three inning stints
Jon Becker
I thought this bar didn’t have the game on and now it’s on and now I’m here everyone!
Rich Hill's Fastball
If Kerr allows Schwarber or Harper to get on, that'd be pop on toast
Antonio Bananas
Guessing he'll walk at least one of them
Dan Szymborski
I'm going to continue to use pop on toast from chat
Jack Dorfman
Oppo schwaboo makes me feel like it'll be a big night for him
Matt Martell
Good piece of hitting ™ by Schwarber
JU Jazz Hands
Oof
Antonio Bananas
How much does the 1pm start times theyve had negate the home field advantage? Smaller and quieter crowds
Dan Szymborski
I've never actually looked at day vs. night home field
Dan Szymborski
Or attendance based.
Jack Dorfman
Certainly a different atmosphere
Jack Dorfman
that's an interesting question
Dan Szymborski
Maybe I'll add to that the to do list for Things to Write About in a Very Long Offseason
Antonio Bananas
Can this be a mailbag submission?
Dan Szymborski
If you were a doordasher and saw a note that said "Only buy the Chessmen cookies if they have the chess shapes, I don't want to eat the limited edition shapes like those stupid gardening theme they had in the spring" would you swipe by, assuming I'm a psychopath?
Doug Gray
We don't need to assume, Dan.
marz
I don’t really have anything to add right now, but hey, members only!
Rich Hill's Fastball
Not a gambling gal myself, but I would be interested in a "more liberty biberty ads than hits" line
Matt Martell
Take the over, only because we're watching Aaron Nola vs. Ray Kerr
Dan Szymborski
Oh, hey Doug! You already knew I was a psychopath because of the Boyardee note.
Doug Gray
We still love ya buddy!
Matt Martell
I think they would write your name in on election day
Davy Andrews
Hey everybody! I'm working on my Yanks-Rays preview right now, but I'll try to keep an eye on the chat as well.
Davy Andrews
Hello again, Jack.
Matt Martell
And I'm here until Davy finishes his Yanks-Rays preview — then I'll have to edit it
Phil
Dan, is this the first time you've participated in two chats in the same day? It's kind like pitching in both games of a double-header.
Dan Szymborski
One thing fun about these chats is that sometimes Sean updates the software in real time
JU Jazz Hands
I'm in Zanzibar
Jack Dorfman
Howdy Davy
Dan Szymborski
I once did eight hours of a chat in one day for one of these playoff megachats. And that was when ESPN was paying me!
Dan Szymborski
JU, the country or the club in New Jersey?
marz
Actually, I do have something. What’s it going to take to get an Atlanta fans to stop doing performative caricatures of indigenous human beings? It’s the 21st century and people shouldn’t suck this much.
Russelledited
hell freezing over. they have stuff at their park about how "it's actually totally fine and indigenous people actually like it"
Antonio Bananas
At what point does it just become a "sports" thing? Chiefs, Florida State, and Im guessing other college schools do it too. I wish it wasnt a thing, but intent has to be factored right?
Dammit. I'm in Zanzibar. It's 3:30 AM I'm supposed to go away (to another part of the island) for the weekend with someone I met here tomorrow. If I don't go to sleep soon I'm going to be very tired tomorrow. Should I go to bed or watch baseball?
Rich Hill's Fastball
Might be the wrong crowd to pose the question too, JU!
Tyler Madsen
As a Cubs fan, I guess I root for the Phillies solely for Schwarber.
My lost son, how we miss you so.
war2d2
Our collective Large Adult Son.
Russell
aaron nola in a playoff game is a wild time
JU Jazz Hands
Or the right one
beanbong
If Nola walks Harris, they should probably pull him
Ben Clemens
wait until you hear what happened
Russell
looks like they keep him in
beanbong
Mattingly should let him die out there. none of that whimpy reliever BS
Zach Wheeler seems like he might've been a better choice to start the game
Russell
hell, i'd take zack on two hours of rest
Ben Clemens
huge shout out to the announcers for just shutting up and letting the crowd go nuts
Dan Szymborski
Aaron Nola's pitching like someone who knows he's like 30 minutes away from having diarrhea and he needs to get out of the game quickly
lzfreak
I don't think 3 will be enough tonight. But it's a good start
jjryan6
Grant Holmes will give up some, but how many?
Jack Dorfman
Nola' s pitching like he accidentally ate some pop on toast
jdbolick
That pitch was two inches below the zone. That's a gutsy swing after two straight walks.
mockcarr
Wasn’t even a strike
Meg Rowley
If the Phils lose, can Kruk just rove and be in a DS booth?
Dan Szymborski
They showed Dubon making a face like I do when I hear about free tacos
mockcarr
Nola may already have tickets to NOLA
beanbong
that pitch was absolutely tipped
Matt Martell
Hi Meg!
Russell
These chats are absolutely fantastic y'all, a tremendous perk to being a member!
Meg Rowley
Hi Matt!
Davy Andrews
Hello, Meg!
Dan Szymborski
It's funny how this seems to be the most FG writer-dense chat, more than the ones actually designed to be
Meg Rowley
Hi Davy!
Rich Hill's Fastball
As a Dodgers fan (yeah, yeah) I'm just rooting for this to stay close so the winner exhausts their pen.
Meg Rowley
I figured I'd pop in and say hi since I wasn't able to yesterday.
cashgod27edited
What do you even do here if you're Mattingly? Too early to put in Wheeler, you can't keep Nola in, non-Duran pen stinks.
mockcarr
Chopped meat vs tomahawk chop. No easy answer..,
Doug Gray
Philly has some GREAT pizza. Easy choice.
mockcarr
I prefer the Phillies’ pretzel game
Anonymous Member #46
Anyone else get a little bit sad watching end-stage Aaron Nola?
onewil
Yes. He’s done well with what he has and sometimes it’s still enough. Not today tho…
Davy Andrews
No, 46, I find the inevitable decay that awaits us all quite enjoyable.
Rich Hill's Fastball
Feature idea @Sean, reaction flags! Such as an "!!" for Anonymous' message
Sean Dolinar
Definitely a good idea.
Davy Andrews
I love that Harris is just on the iPad watching himself rock that pitch again.
Ben Clemens
Davy, I saw an interview with Roger Federer where they asked if he watched film of his matches. He said 'Yes I do, but to be honest, it's mainly for my own enjoyment.' Really stuck with me
lzfreak
Justin Morneau on Twins broadcasts often talks about how before a game/AB he'd watch video of himself hitting homeruns to identify what he was doing mechanically well. Apparently teammates made fun of him for it a lot.
JU Jazz Hands
Yeah. They should change the [Enter] as submit function.
Sean Dolinar
We can possibly change that, but Enter to submit and shift + enter for a new line is somewhat standard. Maybe we can make that an option.
JU Jazz Hands
Are people on mobile devices really using shift+enter?
How many people are on mobile vs computer?
onewil
This is such an odd series. Neither team feels “good” in the old playoff sense.
And then I remember that’s what wildcards are!
Russell
I really don't get how the braves won 94 games
Antonio Bananas
My brother is in his lucky chair with his lucky hat ans 2 backup hats. So if the Braves lose, it's his fault.
Dan Szymborski
I'm so happy that there's not a Line of Fire commercial every single break
Rich Hill's Fastball
"I'm a little teapot, short and stout" for Stott is great
Jack Dorfman
If there's such thing as a wipeout cutter this might be it
shh31
Is there hope still that Kruk says "slutter"?
Russell
what do y'all think: is nola coming back out for round two?
Rich Hill's Fastball
No one was even warming in the first, so yes
mockcarr
I was gonna say it chews scenery
bosoxforlife
Surprised to see Sosa. He looked like he came up lame in Game 1
Antonio Bananas
Do they make Liberty Biberty pinatas?
Meg Rowley
WHY DOES IT HAVE TEETH
Davy Andrews
Meg, your comment says it's awaiting review, and I wonder who gets to review it.
Sean Dolinar
I do.
Meg Rowley
It didn't like that I was yelling
Meg Rowley
but also, why does it have teeth!?
Dan Szymborski
TESTING THE YELLING
Rich Hill's Fastball
I appreciate MH2 just admitting "I was trying to homer there" haha
Meg Rowley
It doesn't have a digestive system, does it? Why does it need to chew?
Rich Hill's Fastball
It eats up airtime, Meg!
Biscuit
It’s giving Sonic The Hedgehog teeth
Jack Dorfman
thankfully I don't think most mascots have teeth right?
Anonymous Member #46
which would be most horrifying with teeth
Russell
i mean, it has to be the phanatic, right?
Anonymous Member #46
eww yep
Davy Andrews
Hi Sean!
Jack Dorfman
Gritty and the Phanatic don't
Jonathan Smith
How do we think Votto has been in this “on the field” role?
Davy Andrews
I've been digging it.
Jack Dorfman
Yeah I've liked Votto
Davy Andrews
Does your comment have to await review if you talk about BUTTS? (Just checking.)
Jon Becker
Extremely uncertain as to why Mattingly has a low leverage lefty up if not for Smith, this is perplexing
Rich Hill's Fastball
Mattingly making perplexing pitching decisions? More at 11.
beanbong
5/6 balls in play off of Nola have been hard hit
Davy Andrews
Hi, Jon!
Davy Andrews
I'm going to say hi to everyone.
lzfreak
Once the Phillies season is over, remember they have the incredibly awkward dynamic of Don Mattingly's son deciding if his dad should keep his job
Biscuit
Did Ryan Dempster pioneer the glove shake mid windup?
Matt Martell
Meg saw the commercial and wondered why the mascot had teeth. I saw it and started wondering how Liberty got from a commercial of a struggling actor flubbing his lines and saying "Liberty Biberty" to now having a Biberty mascot.
marzadmin edited
They too seem to be doing a weird version of throwing **** at the wall. They’ve got that whole other set of ads with the cheesy 80s cop and the emu. Is this maybe just the game in advertising these days? They’re trying to find something that’ll go viral and they got some focus group data that a mascot from Critters 2: The Main Course tested well.
mockcarr
Don Smith looks a lot sadder than he actually is
Jonathan Smith
Man, what a weird season for Nola..
Jon Becker
Liberty Biberty? Jason Benetti’s interviewee?
mockcarr
Well, I guess Dom doesn’t exist as a name and I’ve spent no time in New Jersey
Biscuit
The phanatic but with the mouth of a sea lamprey
Anonymous Member #46
I am never recovering from this visual
Matt Martell
I'm fascinated by the decision to start Nola
Matt Martell
If Wheeler is available tonight, why didn't the Phillies just start him?
Russell
well why would you not want 1.2 high-quality innings from prime aaron nola?
Benny The Jet
It just kinda felt like this was the inevitable conclusion to starting Nola- trailing by multiple runs before your best pitchers even get a chance to throw, and still having to go to the pen early
mockcarr
Great, now there’s ANOTHER word in that stupid Liberty song…
Matt Martell
They had to have known Nola wouldn't last line. Baffling
Jon Becker
Mattingly’s reasoning was that they think Wheeler profiles better out of the bullpen, which may well be true, but it’s gonna matter a helluva lot less down three than tied
Rich Hill's Fastball
Was there a case to start someone like Bowlan? Feels like a much likelier clean 6 outs.
Benny The Jet
If I'm Philly, I want Wheeler and Duran getting the maximum # of outs possible, then praying that your line up gives you enough that you feel comfortable piecing together the end of the game
Matt Martell
Yes, Wheeler profiles better as a reliever than Nola, but he also profiles as a better starter
wiguy94
Do you think the Phillies considered Mayza opening for Nola? Feel like it would have made plenty of sense with the top of the Braves order being quite LHH heavy.
Dan Szymborski
Yeah, my feeling was that if they were only going to use Wheeling for an inning or two, it makes sense to strategize where you deploy him. If you're willing to use him for four innings, I think you just start him
lzfreak
Why not start Duran, have him go 2, then Wheeler?
Rich Hill's Fastball
Heck, why not start 2008 Joe Blanton?
Doug Gray
Do….. do you have a time machine and you aren't sharing it with the rest of us?
Rich Hill's Fastball
I used it to introduce Liberty Biberty into this timeline
Doug Gray
Oh no
Meg Rowley
Has Bowlan pitched at all this series?
wiguy94
No but he warmed up multiple times in game 1
Antonio Bananas
There should be a limit on political TV ads. Like only within 4 weeks of an election. Or none
Meg Rowley
We started getting them in AZ in July lol.
Russelledited
Isn't bowlan out with a groin injury?
edit: i am wrong
Jon Becker
I gotta say, the incessant promoting makes me want to watch The Traitors even less than I did, which was zero
Hazmat Corntail
My only guess is that they thought Nola’s been good enough of late that they could get at least once through the order with him.
Dan Szymborski
Well that was fun
Benny The Jet
I can't believe I am saying this, but I miss the days of Big Bang Theory promos
Antonio Bananas
Phillies IF doesnt make that play.
Jonathan Smith
Was just thinking this. That was an incredible play.
Antonio Bananas
I dont remember which jabroni wrote the series preview for this, but they didnt mention defense at all. Its been a story all series though.
Jon Becker
Check this pun out: Dubie Thursday
mockcarr
The brothers would be proud
Rich Hill's Fastball
Mauricio Dubon is fantastic
mr. burrito
As a Dodgers fanatic, I'm thrilled with the Harris homer. Respectfully, of course.
Rich Hill's Fastball
Interesting. I'm a Dodgers fan and I'd much rather face Philly!
mr. burrito
Yeah, I'm probably misremembering the season. The Braves probably smoked us. But I'm thinking that, after Sale, the Braves starters aren't particularly scary…
Jon Becker
Sean, we need to get upvotes in here so my humor can be feted
Sean Dolinar
I'm leaning toward emoji reacts or something. So you can get 😂 instead.
mockcarr
Maybe this is Ray Kerr’s moment before he goes back to groundskeeping
bosoxforlife
Please don't tell me that just anybody can play 1st. Olsen is as valuable a defender as there is on the team.
lzfreak
Do we know if first base defense ages well? I love the idea of Matt Olson being an elite defender into his 40s
Jack Dorfman
Looked like Ray Kerr said he wants to keep going as he walked into the dugout, love that
Davy Andrews
Goldy's defense is still good.
Benny The Jet
Does Kerr get Schwarber and Harper in the 4th now?
Rich Hill's Fastball
He's got to
bosoxforlife
Ray Kerr goes 5 and gets the win.
Dan Szymborski
The warning that it's from the *commissioner* of baseball really makes me want to broadcast the transmission without expressed written consent
mockcarr
That guy just implies EVERYTHING
JU Jazz Hands
THIS Dodger fan thinks the Phillies are a slightly bigger risk than Atlanta. Because pitching
Dan Szymborski
I love how TV show commercials tend to discourage me from watching the advertised TV show
Dan Szymborski
I remember when Arrested Development debut way back. The commercials for it were *awful* and made it seem like a schlocky sitcom.
Dan Szymborski
I didn't watch it until several episodes in and only then by accident
Antonio Bananas
Braves defense makes that play.
lzfreak
Oh hey another defensive play not made by Philadelphia
Davy Andrews
In his defense, they hit the ball RIGHT at him. Must be scary.
Dan Szymborski
It's been awhile since Mattingly has managed; I hope he's not saving Wheeler so he can be fresh for Game 4…
Jay Jaffe
Hey hey, party people!
bosoxforlife
Turner is turning into Story, heaven forbid.
Rich Hill's Fastball
Hi Jay!
Dan Szymborski
yo jay
Davy Andrews
Hi, Jay!
mr. burrito
So, if Mattingly Jr. has to whack Mattingly Sr., does that f-up Thanksgiving?
lzfreak
Oh Jay is here! I was just about to ask the chat if we think Acuna is on a Hall of Fame trajectory? Feels like it could go either way at this point, and health could be the most important factor
bosoxforlife
Dubon gets my vote for most underrated player. He is just so valuable.
Jonathan Smith
Did the Phillies need Nola at all tonight? Not completely tracking their bullpen usage minus Painter and Duran
jonmberra
Zack Wheeler's gray beard makes me feel very old.
Jay Jaffe
These two pitching staffs feel so thin I could read a newspaper through them
Jack Dorfman
What an image
Matt Martell
Haven't we as a society progressed beyond the need to make a Scrooge movie starring Johnny Depp in 2026?
Davy Andrews
Haven't we progressed past the need for Johnny Depp at all?
Jay Jaffe
Acuña got a great start to a HOF trajectory but he's totaled 5.0 bWAR since his MVP season — that's 3 years worth. He's still got a decent shot if he can get back on track but his bat has rarely been special lately, his defense has deteriorated, and he can't stay on the field.
Benny The Jet
I'm sorry but the rationale being that "Wheeler is a better relief option than Nola" is still so confounding to me!
"Why are you eating garbage?"
"Because I thought food would be a better dessert than garbage."
jonmberra
I think the problem is they didn't really have any good options if Wheeler can't throw 5 innings.
lzfreak
I'll be honest I had never heard of Ray Kerr before today. And I follow baseball very closely. Could probably name 500-600 current major league players. But not him
JU Jazz Hands
Samsies
Jay Jaffe
I had barely heard of Kerr either.
Jay Jaffe
One thing about covering Yankees-Red Sox WCS with those 8 pm games is that you really don't get to watch much of any of the other series, particularly not with sound because you're just catching glimpses of it during stray moments.
Davy Andrews
If there's one player you could read a newspaper through, it's Kerr.
Jay Jaffe
he's a Giacometti sculptue on the mound
Jack Dorfman
Ray Kerr may just be Cristopher Sanchez
Rich Hill's Fastball
Halloween isn't for 30 days, Jack!
Jack Dorfman
Haha good point
bosoxforlife
As an expert at the obvious. I don't think Weiss expected to get 3 1/3 from Kerr.
shh31
Do we think the booth makes a Kenny Powers reference?
Hazmat Corntail
The only good progressive commercial these days is the one where she warns college kids about how they’ll have to decide what to have every night for dinner for the rest of their lives
lzfreak
Fun play there by Holmes
Jon Becker
That play was sick
Jay Jaffe
Grant Holmes arriving late because he spent a million dollars on two chicks at the same time.
Jack Dorfman
that fan new exactly how to make an out call
lzfreak
Does that go down as 1-1-1-1-3?
Rich Hill's Fastball
We need that laugh react
Davy Andrews
I was waiting for Holmes to throw up his hands because the ball got lost inside his hair.
ncphl
Bohm being slow has helped the Braves twice tonight
Matt Martell
I need to assign Baumann a mailbag question about a hypothetical rule for when a ball gets lost in a player's hair
mockcarr
His hair looks like it’s attached to his hat
Matt Martell
So someone step up and submit one!
bosoxforlife
My brother's late wife's sister is a hairdresser in Conway, SC. I wonder if she did Holmes hair when he was in high school?
jonmberra
I know that game was much closer but this feels like 2011 all over again for the Phillies. I hope it goes differently
lzfreak
How are we still talking about "rest vs rust" on these broadcasts? Like why would you want to have to play an entire extra series where you can lose?
beanbong
the discourse about whether it's good to play in a wildcard series is infuriatingly stupid
Jay Jaffe
<broad gesture at everything>
Davy Andrews
Hear, hear. But just to be clear, I'm not deleting that paragraph from my Rays-Yanks preview.
lzfreak
Both those teams will be pretty rested
mockcarr
This isn’t the Wheeler I remember from Taxi
beanbong
if you win, is the momentum worth not being able to rest your pitchers? Maybe, probably not, but you can also lose
Jay Jaffe
welp
Antonio Bananas
Joey "The Braves aren't going to score any more runs" Votto
Rich Hill's Fastball
Uh oh
lzfreak
This might not be an electric finish
Meg Rowley
I think if Ozzie Albies is hitting dongs against you in 2026, might not be your series…
Phil
Listening to the Atlanta radio broadcast. They are a bit worked up. "Ascend into the heavens. . ."
Doug Gray
This one feels like it's over
Jack Dorfman
is this what a window slamming shut sounds like?
Davy Andrews
Surely you know what that sounds like.
Jack Dorfman
I'm usually fairly gentle with my windows
Anonymous Member #46
he's more of a Dorfman than a window guy
beanbong
Votto really should give up on doing Romo predictions during the broadcast
Jay Jaffe
Ozzie Albies may be only four feet tall but he can hit the ball a long way once in awhile.
Doug Gray
He hit that 104.75 Albies (if he were actually four feet tall)
onewil
Ouch…
Rich Hill's Fastball
Nice swing from Ounce-Pound
Rich Hill's Fastball
OZ LB, for those raising their eyebrows
Antonio Bananas
Harris catches that
Jay Jaffe
I'll not have you impugn the Phillies defense!
<checks notes>
Ok, I'll allow it.
Antonio Bananas
Im going to harp on it until Dan apologizes for not covering defense at all in the series preview
Jack Dorfman
Umpire cam on these homers during WC has been great
Hazmat Corntail
Now I miss How Many Altuves
Davy Andrews
I've always wondered what will happen to Albies' fish if he ever gets traded.
Rich Hill's Fastball
Isn't he finally a free agent in a month?
beanbong
their own wing in the Georgia Aquarium
whatmonster
Braves have a 7m option for next year
beanbong
option's cheap, they'll pick it up
Dan Szymborski
A dedicated moving truck with full garbage cans full of water?
danodea
Just read the Ray Kerr wiki page and wow what a story he's got
Meg Rowley
It's really amazing – night of that dude's life.
beanbong
there's already a paragraph for this start, those editors are on the ball
Phil
I googled "aquarium movers." Apparently there's a company called Tank Me Later LLC. Of course.
Jack Dorfman
Do they list the Rockies as a part owner?
Rich Hill's Fastball
I wonder what positions his fish would play on the diamond? Potential mailbag or offseason EW question
Meg Rowley
Oooooo, other than them being labeled as vaguely "exotic," do we know what sort of fish?
Can I repeal my opinion that I want the Braves to play the Dogs? Forgot about the tomahawk chop crap.
Meg Rowley
The lack of frizz on Grant Holmes' curls is so impressive to me.
mr. burrito
I Holmes related to Weird Al?
Jonathan Vander Lugt
Anyone else watching the CBS reality lineup on a different screen?
Meg Rowley
Have Thursday Night Football on the small TV, and boy is it a throwback bad Thursday game…
Jonathan Vander Lugt
I forgot there’s football too! We’re TV rich tonight it seems
Dan Szymborski
I was just thinking of Weird Al too
danodea
That Realmuto contract is lookin pretty bad
Benny The Jet
Man the bottom of this Phillies line up is brutal
bosoxforlife
That might have been the Phillies last gasp.
Rich Hill's Fastball
Before they enter Ozzie's fish tank?
Meg Rowley
Alright, time for dinner. Back later!
Phil
It's going to take a lot of Schwarber and Harper solo home runs to pull this one out. A third hitter would be helpful
Dan Szymborski
I don't mind the Traitors commercials as much as the Line of Fire commercials since you don't hear the same song over and over again
bosoxforlife
With Ohtani leaving stage left, a case could be made for Harris to be second to PCA in the MVP voting.
Jay Jaffe
Elly De La Cruz was 2 wins better and went 30-30, he's a much more plausible runner-up to PCA than Harris
Anonymous Member #46
Grant Holmes looks so much like Rod Beck from the back, and that makes me nostalgic.
Rich Hill's Fastball
Where do you think Miz finishes in MVP voting?
lzfreak
I'd put him behind Turang but I'm biased against pitchers for mvp in most circumstances
bosoxforlife
I forgot the Reds were still in the league.
Doug Gray
Some days I wish they weren't. But then I remember that I have bills to pay.
Rich Hill's Fastball
There's the Kenny Powers!
ncphledited
The O/U is final, at 12 combined outs from Holmes and Nola
Sean Dolinar
This was closer than I thought. 68.18% of those who responded to the poll were right!
Seuss2004
This game is really the Phils philsing as hard as they can phils.
Jack Dorfman
Anticlimactic double
Jonathan Vander Lugt
I feel like Schwarber had a shot at home if he’s really booking it? Idk feel like they need the run there
Benny The Jet
Feels like you need these 2 here to have a chance
lzfreak
Not a ton of urgency from Schwarber on the bases
Anon21
Dylan Dodd to face those two looking like a missed opportunity
Doug Gray
Kyle Schwarber was running the bases there like I was running after knee surgery.
whatmonster
Does anyone else think the sound mixing is off? Seems like the stadium noise and organ are so loud you can’t hear the commentary
Jonathan Vander Lugt
Bohm rolling over one to kill the rally feels apropos
bosoxforlife
I certainly expected to see Dodd.
Jack Dorfman
Haven't heard from Juicy Drop Pop in a while
bosoxforlife
I hope the screen unfreezes before the game starts again.
cyanocitta
I realize that the sequencing is unlikely to be in alignment, but if we're moving on to a Braves-Dodgers NLDS, who would you rather have as a SP: Sale or Yamamoto? I would say the latter, but it could be a generally fun series for fans who enjoy ace-watching.
beanbong
Sale's got the better numbers since Yamamoto came over, but the 2 CGs in the playoffs last year were crazy. I'm biased but give me Sale and the Ks
cyanocitta
To me, Sale has raw dominance (better in topline stats this season) and Yamamoto has consistency (most QS in MLB). I like Yamamoto, because he gives you the best distributed probability of a G1 W. I can understand the other viewpoint, though
Rich Hill's Fastball
Not to beat a dead horse but…how do you not start Wheeler?!
danodea
When you have the opportunity to start a guy with one of the highest HR/9 in the league in a win or go home game, you simply have to take it
cyanocitta
Mattingly implied that he favored Nola's rest over Wheeler's potential output. I understand that rationale, but you would think that they could have skipped a rest day or two in the past month to ensure that the timing was aligned
danodea
They had him lined up to start game 1, but then they had to run him out in game 162 cause they failed to lock a playoff spot before that. Oops!
danodea
The rest thing is crazy to me though. Did he not watch Yamamoto in the World Series last year?? This is the playoffs, dawg, there is no tomorrow. Leave it all out there.
cyanocitta
Exactly, Dan! Give him a 70- or 80-pitch limit and the start
Benny The Jet
I'd argue neither will even be the best pitcher in the series
lzfreak
Ray Kerr >>
Rich Hill's Fastball
Justin Wrobleski!
cyanocitta
Mr. Regression to the FIP
bosoxforlife
Wheeler throwing 70 pitches , at least, makes the Phillies decision to start Nola very suspect.
ncphl
Ray Kerr's name is wasted on a pitcher
Antonio Bananas
When I was a kid I didnt think Kruk was an actual major leaguer. I thought he was an actor like the mean guy in Rookie of the Year. Still not sure
Philedited
The Wheeler situation shows what a huge disadvantage it is to be in a race that comes down to the last day.
Jay Jaffe
that's part of the penalty of getting in via the Wild Card. You may not be able to set up your pitching and you have almost no margin for error.
Phil
I just realized you can edit your typos now! Don't think Sean is here but someone please praise him for that.
Sean Dolinar
Oh I'm here! I'm just working on mobile app integration. And making sure everything else is working.
Anonymous Member #46
Why would you throw Chris Sale in a four-run game here?!
Antonio Bananas
If Schwarber/Harper come up this inning, it'd be huge. But next inning? I dont know why. Maybe just 15 pitches?
bosoxforlife
I just knew Sale would play a role.
Rich Hill's Fastball
Sean did an incredible job with this
whatmonster
Sale is throwing up 4 runs with 8 outs to get…?
bosoxforlife
This is such an added bonus. I can't thank everyone involved enough.
Dan Szymborski
I dunno how you would justify Sale unless the game was closer maybe even then.
Rich Hill's Fastball
Dodger fan here: thank you, Mr. Weiss, for foolishly warming Sale!
cyanocitta
You have to play the long game if you're the Braves. Assume that you don't need Sale today, and keep him ready for the Dodgers. Long way to go, esp on the NL side
Dan Szymborski
Right now, you'd just burn him to be a mopup. I don't like the idea. It's too cute
lzfreak
Are they Alcantara-ing Sale?
bosoxforlife
Except that it is not his throw day.
Jack Dorfman
Gotta have other arms they trust besides Sale
cyanocitta
Is there a remote chance that Sale in the bullpen is a decoy? Has he done his throwing session yet today?
whatmonster
I certainly hope this is just weird 3D chess and not a real plan
Antonio Bananas
If Weiss sees ShwArper as such a threat, just pitch Iglesias?
lzfreak
I feel like the Braves could really use Strider and Schwellenbach
bosoxforlife
Ya' think.
beanbong
even if they don't want Lee, which is probably wise, you've got Suter and Dodd who haven't thrown this series. If 2 reach, you go to Iggy
Jonathan Vander Lugt
Great play by Bowlan there
beanbong
really important to scratch a couple across here with the top of the lineup agaisnt Bowlan, if only to keep Sale in the pen
Anonymous Member #46
Ask and you shall receive.
beanbong
hit it in the pen too so you could see Dodd warming. what a guy
whatmonster
Sit down, Sale
Benny The Jet
That'll do it
Seuss2004
The guy who kept giving up hrs so frequently that he was effectively shelved, gave up a hr. I, for one, am shocked.
Seuss2004
But seriously, why not Duran and McFarlane? There is nothing to lose.
cyanocitta
It's an interesting question
Jack Dorfman
Dubon tried something there
Benny The Jet
I don't see how Mattingly can survive this game
lzfreak
Mattingly manager or Mattingly general manager?
Anonymous Member #46
Do you prefer "Gone-y Baseball" or "Done-y Baseball"?
Matt Martell
I can't wait for the Phillies to come back here and have the Dubón kicked ball be the turning point
Jack Dorfman
that'd be fantastic
lzfreak
Not great by Acuna there
McColin
Does the wind swirl extra in RF there?
Rich Hill's Fastball
Does Harris catch that? /s
bosoxforlife
In his hip pocket.
Antonio Bananas
Yes
lzfreak
Sale up again
whatmonster
Is this really necessary
Antonio Bananas
Wtf why
Dan Szymborski
Needlessly cute
lzfreak
This is a bit ridiculous
Matt Martell
this makes no sense
Benny The Jet
Why
Rich Hill's Fastball
No way
whatmonster
There is nobody else who can get 4 outs before giving up 4 runs???
bosoxforlife
Memories of 2018.
danodea
Here he comes! For some reason!!
McColin
I’d think they want him for Saturday more than now
lzfreak
I do love watching Sale pitch but come on
Matt Martell
Up four with two out, nobody on in the eighth inning — why?
Phil
One of many problems with this is the 3-batter minimum. If Sale doesn't get him he could throw many more pitches than is probably planned.
Anonymous Member #46
so dumb
Seuss2004
Dodgers day thankx.
whatmonster
I guess the idea is this just pushes his start from game 2 to game 3 of the DS? But, maybe even game 4?
Antonio Bananas
Does this do anything at all to the psyche of the other bullpen arms?
Jon Becker
Bringing Sale in here is cool as hell and also wildly unnecessary
Phil
Did he just insist, Scherzer-style? And no one can say no?
whatmonster
haha might be that actually
Jay Jaffe
Sale? Wow that's a choice
Jon Becker
I would think it’s for the one out/three hitters but what if that takes 20 pitches? I would’ve just left Dodd in for Harper and gone to Raisel after
whatmonster
Well, he looks sharp at least
beanbong
maybe he's just in to face Harper? Would make more sense, he just has to get him out
Matt Martell
That's poor by Harper
danodea
Not great, Bryce
bosoxforlife
If Harper was awake Sale would have had to throw more pitches.
Jon Becker
All right Chris great work, your day should be done now
Seuss2004
Now I'M the one saying, "BOOOO-urns"
Matt Martell
Just watched Spencer Jones reach off Crochet that way last night. I'm sure Harper not running will go over well in Philly
danodea
He didn't even run hard when he did get goin lol
Rich Hill's Fastball
The pitching decisions this game have been baffling
Seuss2004
I mean if this were the Nationals, Phillies would have like a 60% win probability down 4 with 3 outs to go.
Antonio Bananas
Does Weiss know that if Sale starts game 2 of the LDS then he can also start game 5?
Solitaire
Can someone explain to me Brandon Marsh's hair? Does he fill it with some kind of slime before each game? I have long hair, my head sweats plenty when I exercise, my hair has never looked like his
Does he do this when it's cold out too? Sounds miserable in a cold weather October game
Solitaire
Well, I guess I'm pleased it's just dumb not gross
Anon21
I don’t love using Sale for the 9th, if that’s the plan. When you ask guys to do stuff they don’t normally do, it’s always a risk. But Iglesias for a third day in a row is also risky.
lzfreak
If Sale somehow blows this there will be a narrative
Antonio Bananas
Even if he doesnt, if he cant pitch until game 3 thats a story. If he gets hit hard in game 2 thats a story.
bosoxforlife
Grady Little would get off the hook.
Antonio Bananas
Just dumb
Benny The Jet
The managerial decision making in this series has been… interesting. You can't say that often anymore with the homogenized modern strategy.
Rich Hill's Fastball
Don Mattingly brings the juice!
bosoxforlife
Sale was throwing a sweeper before anyone knew what a sweeper was.
Dan Szymborski
And that is that
Jack Dorfman
Sale didn't need many pitches
Dan Szymborski
cyall for the next ones
danodea
Can't believe we gotta wait til Saturday for more baseball
Phil
Thanks for doing this, guys.
Rich Hill's Fastball
Been a pleasure, everyone
Jack Dorfman
excited for the DS!
Jack Dorfman
Great to watch with y'all
Davy Andrews
See you everybody!
Sean Dolinar
We know you have many choices when you watch baseball; we are glad you chose to spend it with us!
Welcome to our first Members Open Game Thread. Only Members can participate, and unlike our usual game chats, your messages will be posted immediately.
Our Member community is made up of thousands of incredibly knowledgable baseball fans, and we think this could be a great way to follow a game with like-minded baseball enthusiasts. We might even have some FanGraphs Staff drop in and join the fun. Please be courteous to your fellow Members, or you may find your chat privileges revoked. This is a bit of an experiment, so we’ll see how it goes and potentially make adjustments or even add features as needed. And we certainly welcome your feedback!
Sadsoxadmin edited
Who the **** thought it was a good idea to give Cam Schlittler a breaking ball
reasonablysober
Go Cubs, Phillies, Astros, and Red Sox.
PC1970
Members Only thread..much better than a Members Only jacket.
David Appelman
A FanGraphs Members Only Jacket prototype does exists….
Seuss2004
What a time to be alive
Sean Dolinar
Hey all! Like we said, we're trying something new. We'll have staff pop in and out today. But you get to drive the conversation today.
Doug Lampert
I'm at work with this on my second screen, so I'll need a play by play if I'm going to follow the games.
Seuss2004
Since June 14th (19 starts!) Sanchez has an ERA over 4 and a higher FIP than Tyler Mahle. I have concerns.
Daniel –
trust the xfip brother
drplantwrench
not sure if its smart to give me the ability to post immediately…
Sean Dolinar
there's some trepidation here, too.
Doug Lampert
I find the delay on normal threads annoying. Giving members a revokable right to instant post would be a nice perk.
Jon Becker
You should be able to click the settings gear in the top right and adjust your delay
Don Glickstein
Great interview today in the Seattle Times with John Stanton, the Mariners' chairman, about why he's keeping DiPoto and why the M's refuse to sign aging stars.
war2d2
All right! No safety net! Who’s gonna be the first to end their career with a screenshot
wenz
Baseball is awesome, but I have to admit that I'm having a tough time choosing between following this game and taking a post-lunch nap
Jonathan Vander Lugt
I'm in the same boat after just getting back from hot pot with my day job colleagues
Doug Lampert
Roster Resources has Roman Anthony projected to play for the Red Sox today, anyone know what the problem was yesterday?
wenz
Hand soreness
Jon Beckeredited
We don't make individual edits to lineup projections on the Scores page, we just use the Go-To Starting Lineup that shows on the RosterResource page. So as long as Anthony's on the roster he'll show as projected to play, but we have no idea on his availability today.
Sean Dolinar
A few features to note:
– you can delay the incoming messages up to 3 minutes to using the gear in the top right corner.
– you can reply to a message by hovering over it and clicking in the top right corner.
Amos
Is there any way to “pop out” the chat as its own window/tab? On my phone, the extra real estate (and not accidentally scrolling the browser instead of the chat) would be really nice.
drplantwrench
very cool work, sean!
Sean Dolinar
Infield in already!
Sonny L
Look at Philly playing small ball
lzfreak
What's the deal with flipping Bohm and Stott last minute?
Seuss2004
And no TOOTBLANS through 3 batters, astounding
Jon Becker
Wasn't really last minute, got announced about an hour ago
Jon Becker
Stott-Bohm was initially a clerical error
drplantwrench
phillies dinking singles around, like we all expected
Sonny L
There ya go Suess
Doug Lampert
I didn't see the play, but does being thrown out at home on a ball in play really count as a TOOTBLAM? I admit it wasn't a force.
Sonny Ledited
Ehhh, without a wide angle to see if Harper broke too early thinking it was through hard to call it a bad read. There was going to be an out somewhere on that play.
Seuss2004
Ah well nm
lzfreak
Kinda feels like the Phillies need more than 1 here
drplantwrench
suddenly braves have momentum again
Ben Clemens
I thought it was pretty weird to see the Braves with the infield in in the first. I guess they're very open to the possibility of a low scoring game
lzfreak
I've always been curious on the effectiveness of playing the infield in, in general. Is this the kind of thing we have data on in a way to analyze?
alexp
I feel like Weiss was quick to pull the infield in all season
Ben Clemens
I was thinking about this last half inning. I think the existing data could probably be manipulated to at least come up with SOMETHING. We don't have perfect infield positioning data, but we do have distance from home plate, so there's enough to do some approximating. Offseason project?
Don’t think I’ve ever seen a batter with a knee guard like Acuna is wearing.
SPArn
Is Marsh a non tender candidate? Considering they just paid Bohm 10.2 in his final year, probably not, but that 2nd half wRC+ says 31!
Jon Becker
I would be very surprised if he was NTed
SPArn
(If anyone is lurking both here and in the Rates and Barrels discord, I'm sorry you're seeing me posit this twice)
Sean Dolinar
I appreciate that you are here.
Jim Parks
Bad baserunning by Acuna there.
SPArn
@Ben Clemens any publicity is good publicity for UVA re: Bennett Sousa? He's spoiling all of Ernie Clement and Josh Sborz's postseason goodwill!
Ben Clemens
we'll take it
Sonny L
Didn’t Marsh hurt his hand or wrist around midseason? Might be the reason for that severe a drop
Benny The Jet
With the state of the Phillies bullpen, feels like every 15+ pitch inning by Sanchez is a win for the Braves
lzfreak
Acuna is hyped
Seuss2004edited
Lefties with a .391 OPS on the season vs Sanchez. Which is really, really bad, but as Olson just demonstrated, not .000
maximus74
is this what happens with no moderation? everyone too afraid to talk, or is my chat broken?
Doug Lampert
I think there just aren't many people on. I keep seeing the same names.
Seuss2004
I mean i'm over here trying to do my job, we can't all be content creators
tjcook87
Same, and…I just don't have anything to say. Silence better than noise.
antihustle
I'm one of those people who types out half a comment before deleting it and staying silent. Is that a millennial thing?
brewersbibliophile
Millennial here, I do that quite often
snapper
I find it really annoying that the playoff graphics online and on TV show players stats from the current series, rather than their regular season stats.
Sean Dolinar
Fear. Everything is working. And only one person got put into auto moderation because of a swear word.
lzfreak
How available do we think Duran is? Lotta pitches yesterday but you'd think he could go an inning today or tomorrow. But since you need to win both, if you can only throw him one more time in the series, why not wait until tomorrow when he's better rested?
Hazmat Corntail
It’s gotta be all hands on deck so at least a couple of batters, I’d think.
Rich Hill's Fastball
Sean, thanks for the incredibly fast turnaround on that chat delay feature I asked about yesterday! Helped me avoid spoilers given my cable package
Sean Dolinar
No problem! It wasn't too hard, because all we had to do was add X many seconds and filter base on that just in your client. No reason to wait to implement.
wenz
Is this the most boring series judged solely by uniforms? Red and blue vs. red and blue
TKDC
Acuña did not have only four stolen bases this year, no matter how many times they repeat that.
lzfreak
Yeah this has really been throwing me off. Do they not have fact checkers?
Sonny L
Philly needs to win because I’m not ready to lose Kruk this year. Man is delightful in the booth
Benny The Jet
Beating a dead horse a bit, but Votto is just really good at this- especially at pushing back on some of the other announcers
Moate
Some people are charming in ways you just can’t teach, and dude has it.
tdmoc
so far this series feels like it's wasted on the WC round
jaysohm
we should just be happy that not all baseball is a blowout
Rich Hill's Fastball
Sox-Yanks too. That shouldve been a 1-game or a CS.
jromero
despite limiting damage how concerning is Sanchez's pitch count?
Alex Remington
Not extremely, I'd think? All he needs is a 10-pitch inning and he's right back on track to go his usual 6-7.
Klubot3000
Sean, the nested replies are so good visually! Kudos!
Sean Dolinar
🙏
Alex Remington
My concern with Mahle is, really, does he have the weapons to get through the lineup more than twice? His splitter's been working quite well but the rest of his stuff just doesn't feel playoff elite.
Jon Becker
Getting through the lineup exactly twice is more than enough for all but a handful of starters in these playoffs, IMO
Klubot3000
His 4S and FC are both pretty decent
tdmoc
yeah, relievers casting from HP in the playoffs is the standard at this point
TKDC
I’d let him pitch to exactly one hitter a third time.
Alex Remington
I'm sorry can you please translate "casting from HP"? I feel I'm losing nerd cred by even asking
tdmoc
casting from hit points – I just mean they don't need much more from Mahle because bullpens get pushed to the brink as a matter of course in the playoffs
maximus74
for anyone that was here yesterday around this time, how do the numbers compare to the non-Members only chat?
Sonny L
Until they start spitting on the split let him keep going. Problem is if it’s a close game you might find out too late they’re not chasing it again.
Klubot3000
Think there were about double for much of yesterday's game? Maybe a bit more at peak
Jimmy
I finally have my seat at the cool kids table here that is definitely not just a bunch of nerds
Doug Lampert
You just keep thinking that.
beanbong
Mahle's probably only going to see Turner three times, Lee/Dodd likely come in to face Schwarber/Harper/Bohm/Stott
Alex Remington
Leaning on Lee is going to take a pretty big leap of faith. He was absolutely torched in the second half and the Braves barely pitched him in September. Maybe they're confident he's cleaned up his pitch-tipping, but he gave up runs in two of the four appearances he made over the last two weeks of the season.
Klubot3000
Did they come out and say it was pitch tipping? He really was incredible to start the year and the late slide was concerning
The peripherals weren't nearly as bad as the ERA. You've gotta trust Lee, he's the best lefty in the pen
Klubot3000
Thanks. Lee didn't get many whiffs yesterday, but nice to see the velo up at least
Alex Remington
Atlanta's great hope for this whole series is to get into the pen as early as possible. But Sanchez is getting stronger as he goes.
beanbong
Really baffling to me that they keep putting Kim in the lineup. It's hard to imagine more of an automatic out on any team that made the playoffs
Fun-Hating Dork
The Phillies are right there and have Marchan and Stubbs on their roster.
whatmonster
Is it just me, or are more players wearing the 90s-style skinny pants? Look how tight Acuna’s pants are around the calves. Looks great.
Seuss2004
Phils radio crew is just despondent over the walk
lzfreak
He's not the guy you want to walk
Doug Lampertedited
He's been hitting like a pitcher this year, except I'm pretty sure back when the braves had Madox/Glavin/et al, their pitchers were better than that.
Edited to add: And after walking Kim he strikes out Acuna. Baseball.
beanbong
Max Fried was a much better hitter than 2026 Kim
lzfreak
I wonder if the bye team (in this case the Dodgers) get together to watch these wildcard series. Or if they're just taking a few days off to rest
Rich Hill's Fastball
Several players have mentioned the team has watch parties set up.
Smiling Politely
If I'm Shohei Ohtani, I'm inviting everyone over to my 2800 sq ft hot tub to watch the game on my 2km long tv
TKDC
I’m guessing they give Rushing the wrong address.
antihustle
Hoping to hear Matty V say "Oh and he botches it!" at least once this postseason
Bacterunedited
Okay, just finished enough work that I can turn the game on and coast for the rest of the day, what did i miss!
antihustle
The first inning definitely had me thinking things could get out of hand, but the pitchers have locked in!
Bacterun
Millennial here, I to do that
antihustle
I don't know how it is for everyone else, but it's almost like I got all the social part of social media out of my system with Myspace/early FB and now it's a mix of not being able to quite articulate the thought I'm having, fearing negative comments, worrying it isn't going to meaningfully add to the conversation. My urge to even delete this comment is high, but I'm going to resist!
Bacterunedited
Ya exactly, I got rid of most of the social media stuff years ago (use bluesky for science since im a microbiologist and its good for that) and just struggle with the idea that anyone gives a schlitt about random things i have to say (or most of the time not say lol)
antihustle
I totally get what you mean. Awesome that you're a microbiologist btw
drewcorb
I really like Bluesky for following researchers and science news too. plus pretty much all my preferred baseball writers are there too
antihustle
Love a ground ball pitcher
drplantwrench
looks like playing IF in in the 1st inning has been a smart idea so far
Joe Savarese
Can the White Sox actually make the World Series??
maximus74
with 1.5 usable SP, that would be reminiscent of the 2006 Cardinals
Joe Savarese
Since my Tigers let me down ..
Ben
I would much rather be able to watch the playoff games with the MLB.tv subscription that I pay for every year…but the fact that the little field view on Gameday shows the little box position players doing grounders and throws to first while the pitcher is tossing warmup pitches is kind of delightful.
Joe Savarese
Is that Maddux out there today–lol
jaysohm
Votto is so good at this. Avoiding nonsense and providing actual analysis of Schwarber mid-at bat
lzfreak
I love Votto completely ignoring the dumb question
antihustle
Dealing!
Rich Hill's Fastball
Harper just has one of those swings, man
Klubot3000
Gosh that sequence was good from Mahle
riibett
Whats the deal with that philly fan's costume? Is that supposed to be the Phanatic? Is this a Philly-Florida Gators Crossover?
hb31
Mahle carving up the Phillies, as expected
beanbong
3.32 FIP since the trade and 1 ER over 13 innings in his last two starts against Philly. Braves have made adjustments to his mix that have yielded results
lzfreak
So do you bring Mahle back for the 6th facing the middle of the order a third time? Or say that 5 innings is a job well done and turn it over to the relievers?
antihustle
I struggle with that, any time a SP is looking good I want them to come back out
Klubot3000
Definitely let him start the next inning
lzfreak
He's looked good but guys are good until they aren't sometimes
riibett
Think philly's offense has been so anemic you can push him a bit with a short leash
Klubot3000
Philly 28th in baseball v. RHP this year
antihustle
Backstreet Boys on the organ, love it!
Klubot3000
Braves' organist is very fun!
antihustle
What a fun job that would be!
Rich Hill's Fastball
Organist a fan of the Backstreet Boys?
lzfreak
A Braves Dodgers series would be pretty epic for organs
Rich Hill's Fastball
Dieter Ruehle (Dodgers and LA Kings organist) is one of the best, yes!
antihustleedited
I will never not be upset when there is an in-game picture-in-picture ad
Fun-Hating Dork
Any in-game alteration of the video — including showing stupid mid-game interviews — is terrible.
riibett
mattingly's got the look of a man that's about to let sanchez throw 800 pitches today
Seuss2004
[Hooded Kermit meme] do it.
antihustle
pleeeeeease
jonmberra
Mattingly is at least partially responsible for playoff Kershaw.
antihustle
Agreed!
lzfreak
Kruk is having a hilarious and great series
drplantwrench
and theres the play that will haunt the phillies
drplantwrench
sike just kidding hehe
lzfreak
What an awkward play
jonmberra
The Phillies defense is frustating.
antihustle
Pitcher deflection messing up a play is always so frustrating, you can't blame them for reacting on instincts
Seuss2004
This is peak Phillies baseball
antihustle
Woooooooow
jonmberra
Maybe I spoke too soon on the Phils defense
Seuss2004
Crowd got silent REAL FAST.
lzfreak
Another win for infield in
Benny The Jet
Wow
lzfreak
Or at least a little in
Fun-Hating Dork
The ever famous 3-2-3 double play!
beanbong
At some point you would've thought someone would tell Michael Harris he can take a pitch
lmb2020
Just how they drew it up
whatmonster
Sanchez must feel like an impossible matchup if you’re Harris.
Klubot3000
Harris is pretty good v lefties tbh
whatmonster
I was about to ask if we’re talking about the same Harris but I looked up his splits again – increased his OPS vs lefties by 150 pts this year. So not as bad as he used to be.
whatmonster
Mahle back out for the 7th, surprising.
Seuss2004
Just like I always say, Phillies are all about defense.
Klubot3000
I think these are his last 3 hitters
riibett
yeah if it gets to schwarber a lefty is definitely coming in
Sonny L
First 2 splits to JT were nkt well located
jonmberra
I know Mahle was way better with the Braves but I was not expecting a playoff start this good.
whatmonster
Man 7IP 1ER from Mahle is better than anyone even dreamed of in this game
Ben Clemens
I feel like if I were Votto I'd only be saved from tearing my hair out watching this game by the lack of hair
lzfreak
Man, Mahle facing 28 batters and giving up only 1 run is an enormous win for the Braves
Ben Clemens
Like, Mahle has one move. And he's already showed them that move TWICE in September.
Klubot3000
55 splitters! Massive
Ben Clemens
And they keep being like 'wait what, a splitter? what is this?'
lmb2020
It's one thing when it is a reliever spamming one pitch (idk why but Tommy Kahnle's changeup is what I think about for this archetype) but I feel like you aren't fully prepared if you let a starter throw that pitch mix
Ben Clemens
(I'm recapping this game, this is going to be a focus of my writeup)
Klubot3000
Way more than he's ever thrown before
Klubot3000
So even if you're 'ready' for it, going that far above his previous high is ballsy
whatmonster
If it ain’t broke don’t fix it mentality
Sonny L
The ump view on the splits made it look really difficult to pick up that spin in daylight.
Sean Dolinar
🎶Take me out to the ballgame
Take me out to the crowd
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks
I don't care if I never get back🎶
David Appelman
Can we get some sort of animation and midi music?
lzfreak
Is it too late for the Phillies to sign Votto to take an ab? He's probably the guy in the building most capable of taking those splitters
Ben Clemens
Votto said he was getting Braves playoff nervousness from his 2020 trip there, so maybe he's too out of the game to do it. BUt otherwise, yeah, their lefties were not really up to the task today.
Seuss2004
"They didn't need the Pope, they had Cam Schlittler"
Seuss2004
God bless you Franzke
lzfreak
How can Sanchez be the "pitcher of record" in a tie game?
beanbong
Listening to the radio call and not being able to see the actual pitch makes these ABS reviews much more dramatic
Klubot3000
I really wish they'd take away the K zone
Ben Clemens
yes please!
jonmberra
Is this game gonna be the end of the Phillies window?
Seuss2004
I think the starting pitching is too good for that, the floor is fairly high. But the position player age and cost is concerning for sure
drplantwrench
please break it open now braves
riibett
Great day from murphy, walk, double, 3 (I think?) abs overturns
snapper
How do you let Kim bat here? Have they no bench?
Anon21
Mattingly has no good options here, but this is a highly risky decision, assuming the intent is to leave him in to face Acuña for a fourth time.
lzfreak
Oh man bad decision there
Benny The Jet
oh noooooooooo
drplantwrench
now THIS is the play that will haunt the phillies
riibett
crazy going to second there
Anon21
The throw wasn't horrendous, but you can't go to second there unless you're *sure* you'll get him!
ncphl
Once that ball is past you, it makes no sense to go to second
antihustle
I find watching baseball so much more enjoyable when there is no k zone overlay
Anon21
Killer non-challenge on the 0-1
snapper
If they just take the out at 1st, things are looking much better here.
Turduckenfrank
if they take the out at 1st, do they just walk acuna, and they're in the same spot anyway?
snapper
You can't walk him there, IMO
snapper
Even if they get 1, you're still in the game. Have to prevent a big inning.
antihustle
Is Country Roads the Dolly Parton of songs?
antihustle
Nooooooooo waaaaaaay
whatmonster
No, that’s the one that will haunt them
Sonny L
Oooooooof
antihustle
That's a clown play
drplantwrench
now THIS is the play that will haunt the phillies
Benny The Jet
oh noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
spnchiang
holy bad defense
lzfreak
Harper about to be a meme
Klubot3000
LOL
Turduckenfrank
unbelievable
Klubot3000
LOVE THAT PHILLIES DEEEEEEEEE
Ben Clemens
Bryce Harper with those deck-of-cards hops
Ben Clemens
That was not great
lzfreak
Maybe they shouldn't have moved him to the outfield in the middle of the season
Benny The Jet
Arraez isn't even on the roster, what is he doing out there
Benny The Jet
I feel like I just watched a car crash
antihustle
slo mo
Sonny L
Check in on the Phillies fans in your life
drplantwrench
should baldwin be that pumped up for an error
Sonny L
Yes
Barves Gotta Barve
Potential series winning run scoring? Yes?
drplantwrench
(im being facetious if thats not clear)
whatmonster
(Handshake meme) Acuna – Harper – misplays in RG that allow a run
Seuss2004
I hate how few things are recorded as errors these days
whatmonster
That wasn’t an error???
drplantwrench
it was an error whether it was recorded or not
antihustle
That should have been the "Oh and he botches it!" call
twelvejones
Cannot think of a worse way for the Phillies to potentially lose an elimination game
McColin
I mean, last year Kerkering, but yeah
Sean Dolinar
When I played RF in rec league softball a few years back, that's pretty much how I played fly balls.
antihustle
I played kickball a few times a couple years ago and I could not believe how hard of a time I had tracking those fly balls!
Sean Dolinar
One time, with the sun in my eyes, I somehow got under a fliner, scared me a little when the ball landed in my glove.
lzfreak
Is there wind?
jonmberra
It is insane to leave Sanchez in here
whatmonster
Sanchez at 115 pitches
jromero
i expected the Phillies defense to be bad but this plus the wrist hit yesterday seem more like pure flukes or nerves then bad baseball
antihustle
hooooooo weeeeeee
lzfreak
Do the Braves go Suarez/Iglesias from here then?
beanbong
Probably Fuentes next unless they want Lee for the lefty/lefty
Antonio Bananas
Ive said this in every thread ever since defense wasnt mentioned at all in the preview article, but PHI's poor defense is a story. A better CF than Hill catches Ozzie's triple, a better IF gets Harris, and most RF catch that go-ahead flyball.
Turduckenfrank
not to mention bohm's play on the bunt
antihustle
I'm sorry, how was that ruled a hit?
Anon21
So silly. You can't even give the usual excuse that he never touched it.
antihustle
That was my thought!
Turduckenfrank
A batted ball with an xBA of .08 that hit the fielder's glove on the fly when they had ample time to catch is like the textbook definition of an OF error, but I guess I'm not an official scorekeeper
Sonny L
Nelson Cruz flashbacks on that one. Sorry Bryce (and Rangers fans)
TKDC
As a Braves fan, I lack the imagination to conceive of a more enjoyable way to take a lead in a crucial game.
riibett
seconded
Anon21
Let's not jinx it, lest Philly find a way to have an equal and opposite heartbreaking lead change
beanbong
21.7% change in WPA after the Harper drop, really hate to see it happen to such an intelligent guy
TKDC
My bad. 😞
maximus74
can't watch at work, but saw the replay of that flyball….big OOF
Anon21
Schwarber bunt?? Nah, he's just goofin'
campam9
On the one hand, this series has been far too weird that I expected game 2 would continue as it was. On the other hand, there's still 2 innings left for another twist to happen.
Antonio Bananas
Guessing a solo shot here and then Iglesias causes drama in the 9th
Seuss2004
Lotto numbers plz.
lzfreak
Are you from the future
Antonio Bananas
Im from the land of "watching the Braves all season"
Turduckenfrank
did the writers leak the script to you
Jacquehammer Jones
a prophet
antihustle
I mean you can do that too
Antonio Bananas
Knew it
drplantwrench
schwarber shouldve bunted
Hazmat Corntail
I think I just heard that ball ounce off the front of my place here in Philly
cashgod27
I think Dylan Lee would've rather made a different pitch
TKDC
Ok, I’m done here
whatmonster
Well this is less fun
Hazmat Corntail
Oops the drama came an inning early haha
spnchiang
wowwwwww
jonmberra
Philly needed their dudes to be dudes and they delivered.
drplantwrench
HAHAHHAHA
tjcook87
lmaoooo
jzmaxson27
Well that was fun!
lmb2020
Ah well. We'll call that a wash
Anon21
dear god
cashgod27
I was literally thinking "The Phillies have six outs to save their legacy" and they didn't even need one!
Russell
i just opened the broadcast and thought it was just really behind lol
Turduckenfrank
harper is too relieved to even celebrate
ruddurball
Is he tipping again? They’re unloading
Alex Remington
I hate being Cassandra on this, but I typed this an hour and a half ago: "Leaning on Lee is going to take a pretty big leap of faith. He was absolutely torched in the second half and the Braves barely pitched him in September. Maybe they're confident he's cleaned up his pitch-tipping, but he gave up runs in two of the four appearances he made over the last two weeks of the season."
antihustle
I do remember this comment, props to you
Sonny L
Baseball rules
Russell
are they booing stott, or the braves?
Seuss2004
They're saying Boo-urns
cashgod27
I think they're saying Boo-raves!
Russell
surely it's that
Seuss2004
I think I just heard Smelly Cat on the organ
antihustle
Justice for Sanchez
Benny The Jet
May all of us be blessed with the same opportunities for redemption that baseball inherently provides
eandy
Preach
eandy
Sanchez doesnt deserve justice. Poor performance even though Harper hurt him
Eshan Mehere
dylan lee didn’t give up a homer to a LHH all season lol
antihustle
Love baseball for these kinds of things
Eshan Mehere
Everything goes out the window in october. It’s awesome
Seuss2004
BuT it's NoT oCtObEr
eandy
So technically it's still in the window then
antihustle
I want to see some reactions from Philly of the defensive miscues followed by the homers
Sonny L
Philly fans in the group chat probably pulled a muscle 180’ing so hard on Bryce Harper
antihustle
Painter, what a great last name for a pitcher
Seuss2004
Mattingly giving Painter the ball in relief is giving Chevy Chase in Caddyshack: "Don't worry about this one. If you miss it, we lose."
Jos
surely painter isnt the best option for the phillies here?
Seuss2004
He *is* the best option. And don't call me Shirley.
Jos
lol
it worked!
lzfreak
Painter trying a little too hard to paint here
Antonio Bananas
Do we have any analytics on how much afternoon shadows actually impact the game?
Eshan Mehere
is there a reason painter is in this game
Hazmat Corntail
The Phils pen is a travesty of a mess
antihustle
Beautiful
whatmonster
Harris has been rough this series
beanbong
bad game today for 3-3 yesterday.
lzfreak
Good mound visit
jzmaxson27
Props to the kid.
carter
I’m also shocked by painter here. I mean it worked but seems like a weird ass time to bring him in.
lzfreak
I hope we get some good extra inning games this postseason. Such a treat to not have the nonsense ghost runner ruining it this time of year.
tjcook87
I walked away at the mound visit to check on laundry. I came back and there were 3 outs. For the sake of Philly, I should just…leave work, i guess.
TKDC
Hey TJ, your boss just texted me and said you need to stay late.
Benny The Jet
Torn between wanting extra innings, and wanting the Phillies to score to ensure another game of this tomorrow
Russell
screw it, extra innings *and* the phillies win
Benny The Jet
Works for me!
Seuss2004
Ugh, feel bad for Sosa
antihustle
Ok, while I AM generally anti-hustle, if you're going to hustle and get hurt, that is probably the time to do it
Nathaniel
username checks out
antihustle
Sucks to sacrifice yourself physically only to have the pinch runner get out at 2nd right after
Russell
Not to sound insensitive, but what's the point of checking on him on the field when you know he's coming out either way?
Russell
i'd think you would just bring him into the dugout
antihustle
Fair question
lzfreak
Now that time going to second was smart
antihustle
Yeah, you expect the fielders to have a good sense of when to do it
TKDC
Bohm should have changed course when he had to awkwardly field it. It really was more inexcusable than Harper’s play, which was just a classic misplay.
Benny The Jet
Wonder if Bohm being relatively new to 1B was a factor here- at least anecdotally it seems like 3B moving to 1B are sometimes overly aggressive at first
Hazmat Corntail
Bohm’s played an entire season’s worth of 1B in MLB, he’s just not that good a fielder in general
Russelledited
so what exactly was the point of the bunt? are they more concerned about p(scoring at least one run) vs run expectancy?
carter
Steal a base instead guys, blah
JU Jazz Hands
RE Russel: yes. It's a tie game in the ninth. One run is kinda important
Russelledited
based on data I could find, it increases the probability of at least one run by 1.3%. That seems bad, given the drop in expected runs
edit: other data says 1% drop
jzmaxson27
You're in too deep, pull up!
carter
Teams always get too conservative in the playoffs but even if only 1sb etc etc who cares. Rp very rarely hold guys on well. Hill can run, why attempt to move him over. Better imo running and Crawford likely puts the ball in play. Blah
TKDCedited
Nevermind!
Matthew Spence
Womp womp
eandy
I love your imagination
Antonio Bananas
Yaz*
whatmonster
coward Walt to take the bat out of HSK hands
whatmonster
*Ronnie?
Matthew Spence
We can edit??
viceroy
bring back the hit and run!
appstore
I really want old-school extra innings! Glad its gone in the regular season, but love it now.
antihustle
lol easy there
TKDC
Chip Carey vibes
Matthew Spence
Phillies in extra innings on the road what could go wrong
lzfreak
This has been a fun game
Benny The Jet
Is Jonathon Bowlan alive?
Hazmat Corntail
Hasn’t pitched in two weeks because of a groin thing
Benny The Jet
Gotcha, thanks!
Russell
this announcer has no clue what a home run looks like
antihustle
I kind of wish that kind of fake out call would be in MLB The Show, that'd be funny
Turduckenfrank
he's only been announcing baseball for 30+ years, gotta give him some slack
Russell
so true, my bad
Antonio Bananas
Vasgersian got my hopes up
lzfreak
There seems to be no correlation today on his enthusiasm level for the call and how likely the batted ball is to be a homer
Anon21
Well at least we'll have real extra innings baseball…
jzmaxson27
Ooof, that was your pitch Schwarb.
Benny The Jet
Every other major change they've made to baseball in my lifetime I have felt somewhere between positively to relatively ambivalently about, but, man, I miss old school extra innings
eandy
I like the Manfred man for regular season because it adds more excitement and keeps the games going fast. Like I have work the next day, I cant be up till midnight watching a 13 inning game. The playoffs already have a ton of excitement and it's worth the time
antihustle
Vasgersian was born Vasgerdsian and later it was changed. Fascinating!
jonmberraedited
The Phillies still can't hit a splitter
antihustle
Woooooooooow
Benny The Jet
Hard not to feel like this is Philly's best shot, with the top of the line up due up and a thin bullpen to lean on…
Hazmat Corntail
Hahahahaha
Seuss2004
AAHAHAHHAHHAHHA
lzfreak
That ball had way more carry than I realized
cashgod27
One of the most out-of-nowhere homers I can remember. How the heck did that happen?
Seuss2004
Did they not just say he hadn't given up a HR to a righty all year
Turduckenfrank
absolutely did not look like a homer off the bat
Russell
perennial mvp candidate alec bohm
antihustle
It was the thermals
Benny The Jet
Postseason baseball is the best
Benny The Jet
Why did Matty V sound more excited on the Albies flyout
antihustle
Guess he didn't want to make the same mistake twice
Russelledited
whoops, wrong thing to reply to
jzmaxson27
Is Duran hurt?
lzfreak
Don't think so but he pitched a lot yesterday and will likely need to pitch tomorrow
Hazmat Corntail
My guess is they think Painter is settling in and would rather have him keep going as long as he can.
Hazmat Corntail
De la Cruz has been a quiet find for the Phils this year. Him and Hill have made Dombrowski look smart
antihustle
Any reason to take out Iglesias after only 9 pitches?
Russell
not a must win game for them, maybe?
ruddurball
Trea turner has crushed him.
Alex Remington
Apparently because Turner has killed him, in a small sample.
Hazmat Corntail
Yeah I believe they said he’s 5/11 with 3 HR against him
antihustle
Or is that just a hindsight 20/20 thing
cashgod27
I just checked Statcast Search – that's the fastest pitch a righty has ever hit for an oppo homer in that zone of the plate. Absolutely unreal swing.
antihustle
Wild
jonmberra
Come on Painter, I want more of this drama.
Russell
andrew "3.63 BotERA" painter has got this
jonmberra
I realized this didn't necessarily imply he has to get the outs.
antihustle
I like being in a live game chat without a ton of people, there's time to respond to people and actually read all the comments
lzfreak
Yeah this has been fantastic, more chat type stuff Fangraphs team!
Russell
yes! would love more of these
Russell
that auto insurance ad was horrific omg
antihustle
I have my mute button on the ready for ads
antihustle
How would you want to see Olson pitched to? Pitch around and accept a walk?
lzfreak
I feel like walking the tying run to first is to be avoided
JU Jazz Hands
No. Go get him. Don't give a free base
Sonny L
Don’t not walk the lead off hitter
antihustle
Crazy!
tdmoc
holy smokes
antihustle
Painted it!
lzfreak
Painter painting
Turduckenfrank
insane call by the ump
Benny The Jet
Meanwhile Yordan in LF started off with a misplayed ball on the first hitter
jonmberra
Playoff challenge system is so dramatic. I adore it. Please no full ABS.
antihustle
But please remove the strike zone overlay!
Russell
I absolutely adore the challenge system and have 0 interest in full ABS
jonmberra
Agreed
Benny The Jet
White Sox up 1-0 on Hunter Brown two batters in
Russell
i mean, they've got the pope, astros have no shot
antihustle
Yes please
viceroy
This has to be below replacement level managing. Leaving Duran in so long to give up the homer after bouncing ball 4 yesterday. And now leaving a rookie starter in for 3 inning save.
If Mattingly trusted Painter here, why not yesterday?
Hazmat Corntail
I go back to what I said before, I think that they feel that he’s getting into his regular game flow and is settled in.
viceroy
I stand by this. It worked today, but Mattingly needs to figure out his bullpen pecking order ASAP. Not having a real answer to lefties is going to bite them eventually
antihustle
I think umps should be encouraged to chirp back when the calls stand
Nathaniel
is yellow an unofficial 4th color for atlanta?
Benny The Jet
What is Bowlan doing on the roster if you can't trust him here?
Sonny L
This is the Andrew Painter I pictured based on scouting reports
antihustle
Who gives a better series against the Dodgers?
Russell
i'd think the braves given 2021
jzmaxson27
Not that it's the be all end all, but Dodgers went 4-2 versus the Phils and 1-5 versus the Braves this year.
antihustle
Drama
Sonny L
The ominous Michael Harris soft single….
Benny The Jet
Astros put Yordan in LF to get Nick Allen in the infield at 3B, now Yordan has misplayed a ball and Allen has made an error in the 1st inning
antihustle
Only time I want to hear turn down for what is watching Valerie and Ricky on SYTYCD
antihustle
A comment for no one but that's ok
antihustle
Love the catcher/pitcher combo challenge
Matthew Spence
What a performance by Painter
Hazmat Corntail
LMaO
JU Jazz Hands
A few middle middle pitches by Painter that haven't been blasted
Turduckenfrank
the first-pitch middle-middle changeup to baldwin should've been destroyed
antihustle
Imagine if they had used up their challenges!
Antonio Bananas
How anti climatic
Russell
omg what an ending
lzfreak
Yeah I don't find that to be great theater tbh
Russell
i think it would get a home crowd pretty hyped, but the braves fans aren't exactly enthused
Hazmat Corntail
Phillies just became a trivia question answer.
tjcook87
3-0 Sox, still top of the first, #wildthrowoffense
eandy
ABS is sick
Jacquehammer Jones
starting Nick Allen (not at shortstop) in an elimination game is certainly a choice
Benny The Jet
What a close, tense game, hope we get more of those- now to check in on HOU-CWS…
Russell
i'm impressed that hunter brown has done this with only 21 pitches
Russell
incredibly efficient pitches/run
cashgod27
I feel embarrassed for picking the Astros to win this series. They've been outclassed in every which way by a team that's truly just happy to be here. I can hardly blame Jim Crane for blowing everything up after this.
Fun-Hating Dork
I refuse to believe the Astros are eliminated until the game is completely over. They're like Jason or Freddy.
tdmoc
yeah the prognosis is pretty bad, but I've seen many teams piss away a four-run lead with the whole game ahead
lzfreak
Do we know the possible start times for Braves Phillies game 3 tomorrow? Presumably if some of these other series end today they'll move it later in the day, but are there specific conditions for a time change?
Fun-Hating Dork
MLB put up the whole list of combinations on one of the articles about where to watch the game.
lzfreak
Ah found it. Not the way I'd do it that's for sure
ncphl
Just switched to the Astros game. Why are Hunter Brown's pants so dirty?
drplantwrench
back from an hour long meeting sure hope i didnt miss any insane endings to the phillies game and terrible starts to the next game!
tdmoc
I'm seeing double! four Montgomeries
jzmaxson27
I am having a hard time getting over the notion that the White Sox legitimately may play in the ALCS. Absolutely crazy.
Russell
socktober
Jorge Fabregas
33 pitches
drplantwrench
in retrospect, braves could be out of the playoffs if not for unlikely hero austin riley. wild to think about
Spoon Uptown
Big HRs from Austin Riley, and Alec Bohm, two players their fanbases have made into pariahs. Now we need Volpe to HR
Seuss2004
Elite take.
Jorge Fabregas
Brown is down
JU Jazz Hands
Where is Brown? There is Brown. Mr. Brown is out of town.
jzmaxson27
He just wanted to see him face the full 9, for funsies.
Russell
it's okay, at least the astros have an elite bullpen
cashgod27
So the Astros need 25 outs from their bullpen that stunk it up yesterday and they need to outscore the White Sox by 4 runs across those 25 outs, assuming they get out of this jam. How hard can it be?
tjcook87
Tell 'em, Wash.
Nathaniel
Yikes, Roman Anthony is out for the rest of this series and likely the ALDS (in the vanishingly small likelihood the Sox go that far) with a recurrance of his mysterious hand injury…
cashgod27
By rule he can't play in the ALDS since he's been removed from the roster
Jorge Fabregas
Is it a mystery? He was out with a hand injury before and it's some kind of flare-up, right?
Nathaniel
Well, it was a wrist injury, and then it was a tendon injury in his ring finger, and now it's a strain of "several muscles" according to Tracy, and no one seems to know how to fix it
L. Ron Hoyabembe
It was a partial tear of the tendon that connects the ring finger to the wrist
Fun-Hating Dork
At this rate, he might not have a right hand by Christmas.
drplantwrench
final score of this game will be 36 – 22
Russell
I forgot that the white sox still have to pitch in this game
tdmoc
Cue: "did Burke get cold on the bench?????"
antihustle
Will Yordan get his Harper moment to redeem his blunder
Jorge Fabregas
Burke often has lower velo early in the game.
antihustle
Just realized no strike zone overlay on the broadcast!! So nice
Sean Dolinar
They must have read this chat thread.
antihustle
I heard "hit the dirt" and was soooo confused
Spoon Uptown
Paredes is used to hitting beams and catwalks in his home ballpark
Fun-Hating Dork
Gameday had a weird fit. It put up "in play, out(s)" then blinked a few times and changed it to a foul ball.
cashgod27
Anthony officially off the Red Sox roster, Curtis Mead (!) is in. Anthony will be ineligible for the ALDS should the Red Sox advance
Jorge Fabregas
Mead redemption would be fun.
Sonny L
Both Mead and Sanchez showing out today would be fun
Seuss2004
36 minute first-inning. Looking forward to the Yankee-Red Sox game starting in the bottom of the 5th.
JU Jazz Hands
At least Blubaugh didn't have to wait around to never get into this game
JU Jazz Hands
This was not a good joke. And I'm not sure how to pronounce his name
Spoon Uptown
In my head it's pronounced Blu and then the sound Orson Welles makes in that champagne commercial, not sure if I can post a Youtube link here
Jorge Fabregas
Blubaugh way better today so far. Pitched 96 innings in relief, horrible September, bad yesterday, and I assumed he was toast until next year.
antihustle
Everyone throws so hard nowadays. Who are some of the best pitchers in 2026 that don't throw hard at all
Seuss2004
Ranger Suarez
drplantwrench
brent suter
Spoon Uptown
Tyler Rogers, Alex Vesia, Logan Henderson to name a few
Seuss2004
Is Blubaugh the first pitcher ever to appear in the first inning of consecutive playoff games?
norcalblue
Weiss went “all in” in today and Phillies look to be in an excellent position to close it out tomorrow. Mattingly has an ace for tomorrow and his best pen arm rested. Weiss has neither.
drplantwrench
only 48 more runs until my prediction was right
Fun-Hating Dork
Nick Allen clearly understood the assignment and…popped out immediately.
Sean Dolinar
Hey all, I think we are going shut down this game thread for the day. I think a lot of people left work or are eating dinner now. This worked out pretty well, and we are going to try more things like these in the future.
Seuss2004
Will there be something for the night games?
Sean Dolinar
Not for today. We usually peak around 4PM ET then it's downhill after that. But hopefully, for other days.
