World Series Game 4 Live Blog
| 11:58 |
: Good luck getting to sleep after that one. Bye all.
|
| 11:58 |
: OK friends. Got to get my kids to bed, I’m out. See ya around the twitters.
|
| 11:57 |
: The funny thing is that I agree. With a slow lefty up and Koji on the hill, your best bet is to get the hitter
|
| 11:57 |
I like the part where McCarver said the Red Sox shouldn’t hold the runner. That was cool. |
| 11:56 |
: A risk anytime you bring in a reliever. Especially a sinkerballer, even a slight miss in location can lead to terrible results.
|
| 11:56 |
Watching the Gomes shot again, wow Maness just missed there. Should never be that far up with his stuff. |
| 11:55 |
: Ok, well it’s been fun everyone. Tune in next time for more poor fundamental baseball in October.
|
| 11:55 |
LOL. It was THIS play http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/poll-obstruction-or-smart-defense/ |
| 11:54 |
It’s hard to believe these are the 2 best teams in baseball. |
| 11:54 |
“them boys did give a tug” |
| 11:54 |
Tomorrow’s game ends with a walkoff balk |
| 11:54 |
: So I have to assume the rest of the series will be painfully anticlimatic
|
| 11:54 |
Defense and baserunning has been obscene this series |
| 11:54 |
WHAT IS WITH THE ENDINGS OF THESE GAMES! |
| 11:54 |
MORE INSANITY. YES. EXACTLY WHAT I WANTED. |
| 11:54 |
LOLOL |
| 11:53 |
wow |
| 11:53 |
AWESOME! |
| 11:53 |
That is so wrong Wong |
| 11:53 |
AHAHAHAHAHA |
| 11:53 |
Wow |
| 11:53 |
The odd thing? Why were they even holding him on with 2 out and a lefty pull hitter up? |
| 11:53 |
thanks for the real time shot of that fox |
| 11:52 |
are we going to have a normal game this series? |
| 11:52 |
: Oh wow. This series…
|
| 11:52 |
: WOW
|
| 11:51 |
Beltran postseason narrative activated. Go. |
| 11:50 |
: He doesn’t have a changeup. Just fastball, split, and a very rare curve
|
| 11:50 |
Middlebrooks is somehow going to screw this up for Boston |
| 11:50 |
The 1-0 pitch looked like a change up? |
| 11:50 |
Craig now is 4 for 4 as PH in the WS (11 and 13). |
| 11:49 |
: Craig pulling a Kirk Gibson in this series
|
| 11:48 |
: The problem is that it’s hard to distinguish between the two.
|
| 11:47 |
With Koji you have to go up there looking for 1 pitch, FB or split, he throws each about 50% of the time. If you go up looking for both, you can’t hit either |
| 11:47 |
I need to create a 200 page binder as to how much I can improve a company’s profit margins. “This guy is the Steve Jobs of the live blogging world…” |
| 11:46 |
: Scourge on America
|
| 11:46 |
: I think I’m hovering around 1.0 but I’m still a prospect and offer plenty of projection. For example, I still need to get software for GIF making.
|
| 11:46 |
didn’t even realize there was more than one Jeremy ad |
| 11:45 |
What’s your AAR (articles above replacement)? |
| 11:45 |
In the realm of professional athletics, 1B is as un-demanding as it gets. Just seems insane to me that there’s somehow an argument for a rule that allows us to keep players unable to meet its rather mild demands. |
| 11:44 |
: The key being that they don’t just walk away. Even in the closed system of baseball, some teams simply avoid Boras clients if at all possible.
|
| 11:44 |
Honestly, if you ever end up in a salary negotiation in life, pretend like your Boras. In my experience if you start from a position of ludicrous you can potentially get solidly overpaid |
| 11:43 |
: Koji time
|
| 11:43 |
: I’ve studied this issue bc of all the controversy in SF over Pablo Sandoval. 1B and DH are the only places those body types can last, and even 1B is tough
|
| 11:43 |
: I’ll hire him to negotiate my contract extension with Fangraphs.
|
| 11:42 |
Scott Boras got that guy a 200 million dollar contract. I want him to be my agent. |
| 11:41 |
: Would need to see more than 10 games of Ortiz in the field to answer that accurately. I’d call them similar.
|
| 11:41 |
: Prince Fielder is in a steady decline
|
| 11:41 |
Am I crazy to think Ortiz is a better defender than Fielder? |
| 11:40 |
: Definitely a higher risk for injury than the average bear, but Prince Fielder has held up well with a similar body type so it’s no guarantee.
|
| 11:39 |
Do we really think that if there were no DH a player like Ortiz would have been flat-out unable to maintain his career as a first baseman, i.e., would have been consistently injured or such a defensive liability? |
| 11:39 |
he was fixed when he put up a 109 wRC+ with above average defense as a shortstop. |
| 11:38 |
: Dave would have posted 5 articles in an hour. As it was, I had to change my article’s topic twice.
|
| 11:38 |
: Certainly in the series
|
| 11:38 |
Am I crazy, or is that Drew’s best at bat in a month? |
| 11:38 |
I don’t know. Everyone was complaining that an obstruction call was anticlimactic but I thought it was a great way to end a game. Heck, I wish Game 7 was decided by an obstruction call. Can you imagine all the wonderful Dave Cameron articles we would’ve gotten out of that? |
| 11:38 |
: we think it’s an important proxy for intangibles like teamwork
|
| 11:37 |
: Their new system HIGH5f/x which helps us quantify who is best at high fiving
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| 11:37 |
broken? when was he fixed? |
| 11:37 |
Why does Fox show so many high fives in super slow-mo? |
| 11:37 |
: Drew is broken right now, so no.
|
| 11:36 |
Salty’s series has been awful. |
| 11:36 |
Is Drew Due? Stay Tuned… |
| 11:36 |
: Agree. Salty should have held that ball for SO MANY reasons,
|
| 11:35 |
: That was an awesome play by Pedroia. I wish the play had worked out so we could focus on that.
|
| 11:35 |
I don’t know Brian, Jay came up HUGE with that totally planned groundout to Pedroia which led to The Call. |
| 11:34 |
: The Cardinals have been using magic beans all season long. The bottom of their order is so overexposed right now.
|
| 11:34 |
freese and jay have been terrible in big spots all series |
| 11:32 |
: Last call on the final result poll
|
| 11:32 |
: Drew with a touch pass to first.
|
| 11:32 |
: I couldn’t tell you Wendy, it’s mindnumbing how sloppy this series has been
|
| 11:31 |
: What is it about the 8th and 9th innings that the Sox just lose all sense of the fundamentals?
|
| 11:30 |
Honestly, Napoli probably could have come off the bag to catch the throw, then gotten back in time to get the out. |
| 11:29 |
: Xander rushed the throw for no reason
|
| 11:29 |
: Seems I’m on a video delay now, I knew about the error before he swung
|
| 11:28 |
Why are we penalizing Farrell for being creative for once. I’d rather have a starter throwing his best stuff in a high-levarage situation, and keep my pen fresh. Its not like he’ll miss a start because he pitched the eighth. |
| 11:28 |
If by “the face” you mean scary, probably-homicidal, Dr. Cox from Scrubs then, yes, he has “the face”. |
| 11:27 |
: And Ortiz and Craig
|
| 11:27 |
Molina and Adams only guys who are out on that ball |
| 11:27 |
: theoretically this is his between start pen work.
|
| 11:26 |
Does this screw up Lackey starting game 6? |
| 11:26 |
: Do you mean that he has “the face?”
|
| 11:26 |
Well at least Lackey looks good |
| 11:25 |
: And I speak from first hand experience.
|
| 11:25 |
: Aggression is much easier to learn than patience.
|
| 11:24 |
I’d rather a young player be excessively patient than excessively aggressive. |
| 11:24 |
: This does appear to be a weakness of his – I did an analysis piece on him for THT recently and wondered the same thing.
|
| 11:23 |
Boegarts might be too patient though hoping borderline pitches get called his way. |
| 11:23 |
: He needs to be rested for the long season ahead of him.
|
| 11:23 |
Wait why can’t Tazawa just get the 8th? He threw like 2 pitches in the 7th |
| 11:22 |
: It’s true. No wonder scouts love him. And here comes Lackey
|
| 11:22 |
: Tough called 3rd strike
|
| 11:22 |
Xander looks good at the plate. Even when he makes an out, he looks really good in there. |
| 11:21 |
: I was waiting on someone to do the leg work for me on that one. Thank you minions.
|
| 11:20 |
nava’s a good fielder? -28 career Def, -18.4 this year? |
| 11:19 |
Nava is a very good fielder |
| 11:19 |
: I haven’t gotten many looks at Berry, but he’s fast at least.
|
| 11:19 |
is berry a good fielder? i guess it doesn’t take much to be better than nava or gomes… |
| 11:18 |
: Not nuts, pretty standard usage of defensive replacements
|
| 11:18 |
Berry to OF for Gomes after this? Or is that nuts? |
| 11:17 |
: I forgot about PR Berry as a SB option earlier today.
|
| 11:17 |
First SB for Boston. |
| 11:16 |
: lackey isn’t*
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| 11:16 |
: Just seems risky to use a start in this situation. And a non-elite starter at that. Lackey is vintage Pedro.
|
| 11:16 |
What would be so bad about John Lackey starting the 8th? |
| 11:15 |
: Uehara did fail to close the door yesterday…
|
| 11:15 |
John Lackey for new Red Sox closer! |
| 11:15 |
: Practice of law has changed substantially. Only top law grad get substantive jobs out of school in big cities. 2008 recession changed the economics of the profession.
|
| 11:15 |
: We will learn soon.
|
| 11:15 |
Why is Lackey still throwing? That had better be sidework, and nothing more. |
| 11:14 |
: I hear playing baseball is lucrative.
|
| 11:14 |
So what field would you advise people to go into? |
| 11:13 |
‘go into blogging’ |
| 11:11 |
: They’ve been strongly advised against pursuing that career.
|
| 11:11 |
Wendy, would you advise your kids to go to law school? |
| 11:11 |
: Blind squirrels and nuts, you know?
|
| 11:10 |
: No
|
| 11:10 |
Was that actually a sound point by McCarver? I’m shocked. |
| 11:10 |
Wendy, as a lawyer, can you submit a plea of guilty against your client’s will like Kinnear did? |
| 11:09 |
: I love how announcers make a huge deal about any sort of cross-sport relationship.
|
| 11:08 |
: Greg Kinnear has a new show? how dreadful
|
| 11:07 |
: It’s a bit top heavy. Once you get past Uehara and Tazawa it’s a bit unreliable.
|
| 11:07 |
is boston’s bullpen this bad? |
| 11:05 |
: I’ve noticed that too, I’ll take a look after the game.
|
| 11:05 |
it sure seems like a ton of pitches down the middle of the plate today |
| 11:04 |
: I assume Lackey’s just getting his work in. I hope anyway.
|
| 11:04 |
: Strike one was the pitch to hit. WOW
|
| 11:03 |
: We’ve belabored this point all postseason, clearly isn’t going to happen.
|
| 11:02 |
Uehara should have been up and ready to face the middle of the lineup! |
| 11:02 |
: I would, but I’m not a major league manager
|
| 11:01 |
: ah right, that’s incredibly hard to test well, but I have to imagine that there is SOME effect. I don’t know if it would be large though.
|
| 11:01 |
Uehara? Season on the line? |
| 11:00 |
: I have to recover Robo’s question – it didn’t show up in my chat log and I forget the details already
|
| 10:59 |
: Excitement!
|
| 10:59 |
And it was magical |
| 10:58 |
: “those two hooked up last night”
|
| 10:58 |
: Good hitting. He was jammed
|
| 10:58 |
Can reliever effectiveness decrease over the span of a 7 game series like this if they keep facing the same people? |
| 10:55 |
: This is a very good point, I scout players for fantasy purposes all the time.
|
| 10:55 |
MLB.tv is great for fantasy baseball fans. I’ll watch brewers marlins any day if one of my starters is going. |
| 10:54 |
: I imagine it has something to do witth veteraniness and guts
|
| 10:54 |
: Shane Robinson must have the highest WPA/body weight of anyone in the postseason in the last 25 yrs.
|
| 10:54 |
Why is Napoli not in for Ortiz right now |
| 10:54 |
I love how McCarver talks about playing baseball like it’s not a series of processes and decision-making that occur in like…fractions of seconds. As if he expects Descalso to be the model of plate discipline. I can’t wait to not hear him speak anymore |
| 10:53 |
| 10:53 |
Why is Ortiz in there? |
| 10:52 |
: Gomes with the hockey save
|
| 10:51 |
papi being papi |
| 10:51 |
MLB Advanced media is central revenue. |
| 10:51 |
: MLB.tv is a product of MLB Advanced Media. The 30 teams own MLBAM equally. All revenue goes into the central fund and distributed equally to all 30 teams. Just like national TV contracts
|
| 10:51 |
: What is Ortiz doing there?
|
| 10:50 |
Shouldn’t MLB.tv funding just be provided through revenue sharing? |
| 10:49 |
: Just a terrible swing by Freese there
|
| 10:49 |
It’s all about money. Big TV contracts will keep the current system in place for a while. |
| 10:49 |
That’s the thing about mlb.tv, it’s such a good product but mostly appeals to the die hards that are happy to watch non-local teams |
| 10:48 |
But seriously, someone remind Robo that the NSA has access to Fangraphs live blogs. |
| 10:48 |
: Yea I forget that not everybody is like me – I just watch whatever 4-6 games look most interesting at a given time.
|
| 10:47 |
@Brad- but not your local team. Born & raised & still living in SF, being able to watch a Brewers/Marlins game doesn’t do me much good. |
| 10:46 |
Robo hates America! GET HIM! |
| 10:46 |
When Toronto hosts a World Series game, what will they sing? The Hockey Night in Canada Theme? |
| 10:46 |
: As bad as they are, at least you can watch most games online. Football doesn’t have that.
|
| 10:46 |
I think if they’d get rid of the ludicrous mlb.tv blackouts it would go a long way towards helping encourage a younger audience |
| 10:45 |
: Perhaps, but why should someone concern themselves with being a “good american” if it means listening to songs during sporting events.
|
| 10:45 |
does the fact that I hate the new “tradition” of singing god bless America during the 7th inning stretch of nationally televised games make me a bad American? |
| 10:44 |
: I’m a big Kapler fan. He needs more seasoning on the TV side, but he’ll get there.
|
| 10:43 |
Gabe Kapler would be nice. |
| 10:43 |
: my internet also took an intermission there.
|
| 10:42 |
Other: Patton Oswalt |
| 10:42 |
Yeah, MLB needs quality analysts, like Michael Irvin |
| 10:42 |
I actually think Dirk Hayhurst would be a not-bad replacement for McCarver. Maybe |
| 10:41 |
: One of many reasons, yes
|
| 10:41 |
I wonder if Matheny’s slow hook is related to the fact that he seems scared to use about 1/2 of his bullpen right now. |
| 10:41 |
All of these terrible announcers are part of the reason that a younger generation prefers NBA or NFL. |
| 10:40 |
: Tim reminds himself of this every night before going to bed: it could be worse.
|
| 10:40 |
Other: Fran Drescher |
| 10:39 |
: Fangraphs needs him writing 35 articles a day…
|
| 10:39 |
: I think it’s wide open at the moment
|
| 10:39 |
Other: Jeff Sullivan |
| 10:38 |
Is David Cone an option? |
| 10:38 |
My brain froze trying to answer that poll. |
| 10:37 |
: With a 3 run lead, it’s only slightly questionable. I would turn to the pen now personally.
|
| 10:36 |
Would it be dumb to let Doubront hit in this situation? |
| 10:36 |
If LaRussa was managing, there would be no Wacha or CMart or Rosenthal getting innings. |
| 10:36 |
: I seem to have lost my audio. I’m not sure if I’m going to bother trying to fix it.
|
| 10:35 |
: I imagine he’ll be given some tutorials over the offseason.
|
| 10:35 |
The Cardinals are one of the most intelligent teams in baseball. They are run beautifully. How can they stick with a manager who is as inept at in-game management? |
| 10:35 |
W, all I care about are Ws |
| 10:35 |
RBI /ill show myself out |
| 10:35 |
Jay refused to be walked for a third time because he has a sense of right and wrong |
| 10:34 |
TWTW |
| 10:34 |
: That’s my favorite as well.
|
| 10:34 |
TISNSTAAPP |
| 10:33 |
TOOTBLAN |
| 10:33 |
: OBPSI –of course!
|
| 10:33 |
: What’s the over/under on this game ending before midnight?
|
| 10:33 |
Favorite baseball related acronym? |
| 10:33 |
: For the commenters writing about the winter meetings – yes actual things do happen. It’s just a bit overblown with modern technology allowing GM’s to text each other at 2AM.
|
| 10:33 |
Gomes with bases empty, career: .204/.317/.377 Gomes with men on, career: .293/.373/.480 |
| 10:32 |
: Farrell said pre game that LAckey would be available to throw an inning if needed
|
| 10:32 |
It’s his throw day. |
| 10:31 |
WHY IS JOHN LACKEY GETTING LOOSE IN THE PEN |
| 10:31 |
: Not anymore…
|
| 10:30 |
Does anything ever get done at the winter meetings? |
| 10:29 |
i dont think the players have a clue about where the strike zone is |
| 10:29 |
Personally I like the Winter Meetings the best, mostly because its in the middle of nothing baseball-wise. |
| 10:29 |
Trade deadline used to be the best before almost every team was still legitimately in the playoff race come July 31st |
| 10:29 |
: Craig Breslow has a beautiful beard
|
| 10:29 |
Ortiz seems to be the only player who grooms his facial hair on Sox. |
| 10:28 |
: We can make this a poll, but I’m particularly interested in roster construction. I also like when I can watch 4 games simultaneously.
|
| 10:28 |
: I like watching games. So even though I write about the business side, the winter is just a slow death march
|
| 10:27 |
Most interesting time of the year : Playoffs,Trade Deadline, or Winter Meetings? |
| 10:27 |
: I’m filing a complaint with the FCC over the close ups of the beard tugs.
|
| 10:26 |
The best part is that when Matheny makes a move it blows up in his face thus reinforcing his slow hook |
| 10:25 |
: We have a winner, the operative word was “better”
|
| 10:25 |
Matheny’s slow hook is horrendous. Anyone else would quit f-ing throwing it. |
| 10:25 |
Ask people around baseball and they’ll tell you, you want to score runs. |
| 10:24 |
That’s why unintentional intentional walks are dumb. |
| 10:24 |
Jonny Gomes is never ever coming out of the lineup ever again. |
| 10:24 |
why is gomes getting all fastballs tonight…he is awful against breaking pitches |
| 10:24 |
to think… the inning could’ve ended with an Ortiz groundout off of Choate |
| 10:23 |
: And there you go. Gomes was DUE
|
| 10:23 |
HAHAHA HE WAS DUE! |
| 10:23 |
: So, due?
|
| 10:22 |
Well, Gomes does look a little thick around the middle. Maybe he is due. |
| 10:22 |
: Don’t worry, I was getting to that!
|
| 10:22 |
stole my quote without citing me! |
| 10:22 |
: yes
|
| 10:22 |
: That question comes from commenter Gump
|
| 10:22 |
Will Napoli PH tonight? |
| 10:21 |
I was so hoping that Matheny would bring in Choate to face Gomes to see how this chat would have exploded. |
| 10:21 |
: They looked like close balls on the broadcast, but I agree that it wasn’t purely intentional
|
| 10:20 |
: If you’re a FG reader and are citing “he’s due” you must be a fan of one of the two teams playing, and there for not thinking rationally
|
| 10:20 |
According to game day those first two ortiz pitches were strikes, so not sure completely unintentional intentional bb |
| 10:19 |
: I believe they’re left out of BB% and included in FIP. But that’s worth double checking.
|
| 10:19 |
About time, hopefully not too late. Gomes is overdue and I semll a 3 run HR |
| 10:19 |
do IBB factor into BB%, FIP etc? |
| 10:19 |
They just put the go-ahead run in scoring position rather than bringing in a lefty. Amazing! |
| 10:19 |
What is Mike Matheny doing |
| 10:18 |
: About time.
|
| 10:18 |
well if he not pitching to ellsbury, nava or ortiz why is choate even up!!!! |
| 10:18 |
Unintentional intentional walk. Say it Tim. SAY IT!!! |
| 10:18 |
: Ryan Madson’s been trying to come back for a couple seasons now. It’s better than shoulder surgery but carries risk.
|
| 10:17 |
: Oh, perhaps he’s not actually pitching Just an unintentional IBB
|
| 10:17 |
Brandon Beachy, Daniel Hudson, and Cory Leubke all had significant setbacks from TJ this year. It seems to work out well for most, but it’s not a guarantee |
| 10:16 |
Matheny went outside for a smoke break. |
| 10:16 |
: yea this is mindblowing.
|
| 10:16 |
: Hard to imagine Lynn pitching to Ortiz here but here we are
|
| 10:16 |
: (briefly) You’re looking at two effects. The rehab process gets some players in better shape then they were originally. More importantly, many pitchers have a damaged UCL for awhile before getting surgery.
|
| 10:15 |
Choate here? |
| 10:15 |
: That’s a misconception.
|
| 10:15 |
Tommy John surgery seems to be the one surgical procedure that can result in a net improvement. Or maybe that’s just my impression. |
| 10:13 |
: Imagine if the Sox just got out of a bases loaded, no out jam?
|
| 10:13 |
: Be interesting to see if Brian Wilson regains top closer form
|
| 10:13 |
: Absolutely not. Players consistently complain about all the postseason nonsense the networks make them do.
|
| 10:13 |
Am I a jerk for asking if these constant breaks could impact a game? |
| 10:12 |
Lynn out for the 6th inning and Dave Cameron is quietly weeping in his drink |
| 10:12 |
: Craig Kimbrel, Aroldis Chapman, and Kenley Jansen say hi
|
| 10:12 |
Trevor Rosenthal has top-1 potential? |
| 10:12 |
: There’s always room to complain.
|
| 10:11 |
Last night’s strike zone seemed brutal. But it seemed brutal for both teams, so there was no room to complain |
| 10:11 |
: Potential? I guess. He’s a very good reliever, but the top 10 may be a stretch.
|
| 10:10 |
Does Tazawa long term have top-10 reliever potential? |
| 10:10 |
: Without actually testing, I’m willing to bet that there’s no significant difference.
|
| 10:09 |
Is the accuracy of called strikes and balls in the postseason worse than the regular season? I think it just feels that way because of using the strike zone graphics |
| 10:09 |
: Not many players come from Europe. Yet. But this is a good point.
|
| 10:09 |
If they are from europe, they will have had at least 5 year of english in most countries. In Germany every pupil hast to learn at least one other language beginning in 5th grade (a lot learn two languages over 8 years) |
| 10:08 |
: Japanese players are a bit of an exception.
|
| 10:08 |
Koji required an interpreter during the Pennant ceremony. |
| 10:07 |
: By the time they reach the majors, yes. But not always before that. Depends on a number of factors.
|
| 10:06 |
Random question you guys might have an answer for: Do most foreign-born players speak at least some English? I can understand why they might not want to interview in English, but a good portion have to have some basic language skills, right? |
| 10:06 |
Cards approach at the plate has been just awful tonight. |
| 10:06 |
: I do think that is part of it
|
| 10:06 |
: They also require more team coordination in general.
|
| 10:06 |
Maybe its because the NFL and NBA rely more on verbal play calling, during, umm, play, and the crowds in the NFL and NBA have the opportunity to interfere with that. |
| 10:05 |
: Hilarious
|
| 10:05 |
: I almost mentioned that, but how many games does that factor into?
|
| 10:05 |
Cody Ross is RTing everyone who thinks he’s playing right now https://twitter.com/IamCodyRoss |
| 10:05 |
What about the hill in center field…which i think is the Astros stadium |
| 10:04 |
“Catch it before it hits the ground.” Thanks, Tim. |
| 10:04 |
: If you like Edgar Allen Poe
|
| 10:04 |
: Aside from the Green Monster, most parks don’t have any difficult features.
|
| 10:04 |
Johnny Gomes is poetry in motion. |
| 10:03 |
Which is weird, considering how different the parks can be. |
| 10:02 |
: If you look over many years, baseball has the smallest home field advantage vs, NFL. NBA
|
| 10:02 |
: Second Wendy’s request. Can’t manage the chat, watch the game, and use twitter on the same 15in screen.
|
| 10:02 |
why does playing at home seem like a much bigger deal during the postseason, beyond just the added gravity of the game? |
| 10:01 |
: My rooting interest is for good, clean baseball
|
| 10:01 |
: What’s happening on Twitter? What are the memes so far?
|
| 10:01 |
Unfortunately? 🙂 |
| 10:00 |
: This seems unfortunately likely.
|
| 10:00 |
Lynn will start the 6th. Matheny doesn’t take him out at 79 pitches. |
| 10:00 |
: The singular/plural problem is true for every team, really. Joe Smith players for the Giants. Joe Smith is a Giant. The latter just sounds weird
|
| 9:59 |
: Yea it’s a huge perk to being overseas. The only add I’ve seen all series is for 5 hour energy. And that was just once.
|
| 9:58 |
You are watching mlb.tv, bRad? You can’ |
| 9:58 |
If it’s spelled “Sox,” spelling the singular correctly seems wrong. I always say “Sok.” |
| 9:58 |
: Would think so
|
| 9:58 |
this it is for bucholtz right? he said this start was all he had left in him? |
| 9:57 |
: This entire series has been about bad process. If everyone uses a bad process, someone will get a good result.
|
| 9:57 |
: Bad process, good result for Matheny there. I do wonder how tired the pen is. Threw alot of pitches last night
|
| 9:57 |
: Thank god we have a hunger games trailer…
|
| 9:56 |
: Good question, depending on who you ask, it’s Sox or Sock. The general consensus is Sox but they can be used interchangeably.
|
| 9:55 |
What is the singular for Sox? |
| 9:55 |
: I’m just naive…
|
| 9:55 |
Matheny will probably give him a chance for a win if he gets this out |
| 9:55 |
: I always stumble on that.. Seems weird to say that Clay Bucholtz is a Red Sock
|
| 9:54 |
Brad, you don’t know Matheny. |
| 9:54 |
“Ever since he became a Boston Red Sox” The whole Red Sox? |
| 9:54 |
: I’m surprised that Lynn got to throw to Ross…
|
| 9:53 |
Think they let Lynn pitch to Carp? Guy’s thrown plenty of pitches this inning |
| 9:53 |
: Yes, or put another way, the Sox not being held back by Ortiz’s lack of speed.
|
| 9:53 |
storyline of the game is definitely Ortiz’s speed |
| 9:53 |
: hi there.
|
| 9:52 |
hey guys 🙂 |
| 9:52 |
: Sox fans have to be very pleased to survive that outing.
|
| 9:52 |
4 decent innings by Buchholz. I am very happy. |
| 9:51 |
: We also have two good bullpens that are going to be taking over shortly
|
| 9:51 |
We have 2 struggling pitchers. There is going to be a big inning |
| 9:50 |
: No. Bunts are a scourge on America
|
| 9:50 |
: do you love that bunt attempt Wendy?
|
| 9:50 |
: I would have preferred rabid buffalo
|
| 9:50 |
David Ortiz runs like a deranged buffalo. |
| 9:49 |
: I love that send.
|
| 9:49 |
: Another tied ballgame
|
| 9:48 |
: More or less, but somehow worse.
|
| 9:48 |
your HS coach was dusty baker? |
| 9:48 |
The Cards are about to pay for not getting more off Buchholz. |
| 9:47 |
: That reminds me of all the shit my HS coach would give me for walking. I hit something like .250/.600/.400 but all he could focus on was the .250.
|
| 9:47 |
: Now things get interesting
|
| 9:46 |
Hey Brad, you like when a guy works a tough walk and everyone in the dugout goes “GOOD AB” when of course it’s only a PA. |
| 9:46 |
: Bogaerts has been GB heavy since getting the call to the majors.
|
| 9:45 |
Compared to Jonny ‘Devon White’ Gomes. |
| 9:45 |
Compared to Jonny ‘Devon White’ Gomes. |
| 9:45 |
: Well, all that hacking led somewhere,.
|
| 9:45 |
: Farrell vindicated! Good result trumps bad process…
|
| 9:45 |
: Gomes looks like he’s just hacking.
|
| 9:43 |
Compared to Jonny ‘Devon White’ Gomes. |
| 9:43 |
Carp plays the outfield like an actual carp |
| 9:43 |
: it’s a good point and the OF in STL isn’t small.
|
| 9:43 |
Carp plays the outfield like a dead guy |
| 9:42 |
Carp is in the Shelby Zone. |
| 9:42 |
: Why Gomes over Nava the prior games? Farrell has stuck with him too long
|
| 9:42 |
victorino is out with a bad back so they have to play both gomes and nava, would be my guess |
| 9:42 |
Because #gut |
| 9:42 |
: I think we’ve given up trying to figure this one out.
|
| 9:42 |
Why Gomes over Carp vs. a righty? |
| 9:42 |
Twist: he’ll send Workman in as a pinch hitter. |
| 9:41 |
: Yea when Farrell accidentally forgets to send up a pinch hitter.
|
| 9:41 |
: We shouldn’t. But who knows.
|
| 9:41 |
Do we see another pitcher hit this game? |
| 9:40 |
: Yes, Ortiz was all over Lynn that at bat.
|
| 9:40 |
Ortiz had some good swings there |
| 9:39 |
: Yeah, should’ve had popcorn in the snack poll.
|
| 9:39 |
top scoring regular season team’s only hit off Lynn is an infield single from David Ortiz. Baseball! |
| 9:39 |
ortiz was locked in during the LCS where he hit 150? |
| 9:39 |
: Is that a HR around the Pesky pole at Fenway?
|
| 9:38 |
: Yea that was dumb 🙂
|
| 9:37 |
“Ells”? |
| 9:37 |
: Chocolate happens to be what’s in the fridge so it gets my vote.
|
| 9:36 |
: No it’s not, just seems less than ideal to let them leadoff with Ells next inning.
|
| 9:35 |
with two outs it’s not a bad call. |
| 9:35 |
: You mean nice positioning 🙂
|
| 9:35 |
Nice play by Nava. |
| 9:35 |
But Descalso hit .338 w/RISP during the regular season. Farrell’s just playing the percentages |
| 9:34 |
: Yea not a big fan of walking a guy who hits like a pitcher just because he isn’t a pitcher.
|
| 9:34 |
This is crazy! He intentionally walked one of their weakest hitters! |
| 9:33 |
: Just another reason for robot umpires – perfect reflexes.
|
| 9:33 |
: That’s what my eyes focused on. What the hell was the ump doing there?
|
| 9:33 |
Did anyone else notice that Jim Joyce just interfered in that play? |
| 9:32 |
: Not THAT long ago.
|
| 9:31 |
Remember when Freese was actually pretty good? Was a long time ago. |
| 9:31 |
: Buchholz beat Ross on the stick side for the first goal of Game 4
|
| 9:30 |
: Pedroia looks like he JUST got his foot back down
|
| 9:29 |
: And Rangers fans weep
|
| 9:29 |
The Cardinals 3B/SS combo has to be one of the worst in WS history. |
| 9:29 |
: Shall we do a poll on favorite WS game snacks?
|
| 9:28 |
: And then Jon Jay walks on 4 pitches.
|
| 9:28 |
: and my mlb.tv feed died, lovely.
|
| 9:28 |
Cardinals approach at the plate is simply awful. Buchholz is pitching with half an arm |
| 9:27 |
: My kingdom for an end to in-game interviews.
|
| 9:26 |
Although Buchholz doesn’t have his velocity. He does seem to be more-or-less commanding all of his pitches and he is getting good movement and hitting the corners. That combined with the Cardinals unfamiliarity with him probably explains why they aren’t teeing off on what looks like soft stuff…the stuff hasn’t been straight, and speed/location have been changing. |
| 9:25 |
Colonel Mustard in the locker room with a well placed fastball |
| 9:25 |
: Consistently good pitching, young flamethrowers one after the other out of the pen. Oh, and SSS
|
| 9:25 |
: I know that it’s not ideal from a winning perspective, but I just love managers like Valentine and Guillen in the game because they’re great entertainment fodder
|
| 9:24 |
Who killed the Red Sox offense? |
| 9:23 |
Valentine was a deranged idiot. |
| 9:23 |
: haha, if Wendy leaves I’m going to change the subject to fiction novels.
|
| 9:22 |
: If you all keep pressing for Bobby Valentine, I’m outta here.
|
| 9:22 |
: No. That seems like a panic (non) move.
|
| 9:21 |
Some of them yes Brad, but the Workman hitting- No. There is nothing approaching a credible defense of that. |
| 9:21 |
: I purchased a universal translator at great personal expense.
|
| 9:21 |
You can understand what Manuel is saying?! |
| 9:20 |
: I’m surprised that this happens in the majors, but it’s he’s hardly the first manager to admit to it. Charlie Manuel comes to mind.
|
| 9:20 |
Farrell admitted openly that he booted the double switch last night. |
| 9:19 |
: We do have to recognize that there’s probably inside information that’s informing Farrell’s odd decisions.
|
| 9:18 |
: Sox need to make a move now. Chances of getting to the Cards pen two games in a row seem low.
|
| 9:17 |
I don’t understand why all these Sox fans want to get rid of Farrell after he just took them on a dreamy comeback season. |
| 9:17 |
: Happens alot. Mistakes get made. Winning team capitalizes.
|
| 9:17 |
and an evenly misplayed series, you could say. |
| 9:16 |
: Yea that sounds like American politics…
|
| 9:16 |
: This has been a very evenly played series from my perspective. Which I enjoy.
|
| 9:16 |
This series seems to be more about the losing team losing games rather than the winning team winning games, if that makes sense |
| 9:16 |
: Actually meant to pub Brian’s comment so I’ll comment on that
|
| 9:15 |
even with the strange ways they won 2 and 3 they’ve outplayed the sox |
| 9:15 |
the sawx need a more experienced hand at the wheel… what’s that Stengel fella doin… bring him outta retirement |
| 9:14 |
: That’s been a theme throughout. Cards benefitted from very poor decision making by players in Games 2 and 3
|
| 9:14 |
: Yes it does. I’ve seen a lot of games lost because an offense fails to capitalize on a struggling pitcher.
|
| 9:13 |
Feels like the Cards should be up by more than 1. |
| 9:13 |
Buchholz at 48 pitches. Lynn at 34. |
| 9:13 |
: That’s what I’ve been thinking.
|
| 9:12 |
: If you suggest that again, I will have you banned from FG.
|
| 9:12 |
I also doubt Dempster is much of an upgrade over Buchholz . |
| 9:12 |
: Good point on the injuries, but he made some inscrutable moves in the ALCS too (Nava/Gomes nonsense in particular).
|
| 9:12 |
Bring back Bobby Valentine! |
| 9:11 |
: Farrell was excellent in ALDS and ALCS. Out managed Leyland big time. His moves here are odd, but there is likely injury stuff we don’t know.
|
| 9:11 |
: I don’t know for certain. he managed the roster fine in the reg season, but doesn’t seem to have a knack for postseason management.
|
| 9:10 |
Is Farrell really as incompetent as he’s seemed this series? |
| 9:10 |
: Beltran is a boss. Love watching that guy play
|
| 9:10 |
: The man is ridiculously good at this.
|
| 9:09 |
Beltran! RBI hit! |
| 9:09 |
: So, how about that not-pinch-hitter last inning?
|
| 9:09 |
: That’s just awful OF defense., So unusual for Ellsbury
|
| 9:08 |
Good god, the defense in this series has been so bad. |
| 9:08 |
: We can hold a live chat on my (lack of) college performance after the playoffs.
|
| 9:07 |
: Lance Lynn won the first poll. 65% said he’ll throw most innings. Seems right, so far.
|
| 9:07 |
: He did seem to be fading down the stretch, But I don’t know why he’s rostered,
|
| 9:06 |
I brought up the Miller thing to a Cards fan friend. Didn’t even bat an eye, said he sucked at the end of the year. Hope that isn’t the Cards thought process |
| 9:06 |
: fwiw, my best season was my junior year which isn’t listed on that card.
|
| 9:04 |
: I sure was 🙂
|
| 9:04 |
http://athletics.macalester.edu/roster.aspx?path=&rp_id=333 yeah you were below replacement level |
| 9:04 |
: Look at that, McCarver said something preposterous. Generally pitchers who bat from the opposite side did so in the college/HS.
|
| 9:03 |
: Million dollar question
|
| 9:03 |
McCarver suggesting that pitchers are “discouraged” from hitting opposite handed is absurd to me, considering by age 18-21 when these guys are drafted, they all know which hand they hit with, even if they are pitcher-only. |
| 9:03 |
Has Shleby Miller been ‘shut down’? He’s on the roster but he may as well be like Strasburg last year. |
| 9:03 |
: Macalester, which is a tiny, academic focused d-3 school.
|
| 9:02 |
where did you play college? |
| 9:01 |
: Buchholz, which is not to downplay the risk with Lynn. Though his location seems to be improving at least. he threw some cookies early on.
|
| 9:01 |
: Lynn looks much better than I expected. Commanding pitches and fooling good hitters
|
| 9:01 |
higher risk 2nd time through lineup, Lynn or Buchholz? |
| 9:01 |
: I’m a bit stunned that Farrell isn’t thanking his gods that they’ve survived 2 innings of Buchholz and moving on.
|
| 9:00 |
Dave suggested pinch hitting with Carp here. Got to think it’s their best option, actually. |
| 8:59 |
: There’s semi-pro and “semi-pro.” My version had the quotation marks.
|
| 8:59 |
Game 4 of the 2013 World Series hasn’t provided much fodder for conversation thus far. |
| 8:59 |
Semi-pro DURING college? Isn’t that against some sort of NCAA rule? |
| 8:59 |
: I’ll allow it. Shall we talk about Buchholz more?
|
| 8:58 |
: Yes
|
| 8:58 |
Is this World Series Game 4 Live Blog going to have any discussion about World Series game 4? |
| 8:58 |
: I said 20-somethings. I’m 26 and I definitely remember it. Many of my friends stopped watching baseball until our local team finally got good in 2007.
|
| 8:57 |
as a 20 year old, I vividly remember the days of the strike. My one-year old self was aggressively turned off by the sport. I wrote daily of my disgust, my anger flawlessly articulated in my Barney journal. |
| 8:56 |
: I played through college and some semi-pro during college. I had the same experience.
|
| 8:56 |
I play in a good league in Australia (not exactly the bigs) but with guys who absolutely love baseball. Some just blindly accept things that are taught by previous generations and are largely wrong. And these are people obsessed with the game. |
| 8:55 |
: I think you’d be surprised Wendy. Our generation was young when the strike occurred. Lost a lot of would-be fans who are still coming back.
|
| 8:55 |
: I’m getting a snack. Back in a few
|
| 8:54 |
A lot where I grew up in Texas, where football is king. |
| 8:54 |
: I live in Atlanta so I got to talk with a lot of people about Chris Johnson and Ramiro Pena. The narrative was basically – they have done well but there are underlying indicators that make it seem unlikely that they will keep it up. That’s usually accepted.
|
| 8:53 |
: Definitely. But how many 20 year olds in America don’t know the basics about the game?
|
| 8:53 |
: Wendy, you have the advantage of a blank slate. 20-somethings with preconceived biases are harder to teach.
|
| 8:52 |
: I have 2 kids, now 9 and 12. So I know how to work with someone who starts with zero knowledge of baseball and grow their knowledge and appreciation,
|
| 8:52 |
: I present myself as a sort of baseball scientist and then talk in VERY general terms.
|
| 8:51 |
: Sambf, I think it’s more akin to a start-up. The investor absolutely will know you inside and out before investing.
|
| 8:51 |
Speaking of understanding the game…how do you guys go about discussing the game with those who don’t have any understanding outside of what they may have seen/what they’ve been told growing up (aka basic, sometimes misinformed information)? It’s hard to not come off a bit snobby sometimes. |
| 8:50 |
: Yes.
|
| 8:50 |
Re: Personal agreement with agent, should I have to be friends with Larry Paige to buy google stocks? |
| 8:50 |
Some fans also feel a too-powerful ability to influence the game. |
| 8:50 |
: Yea this is looking bad so far. With his velo down so far, they need to bring out plan B.
|
| 8:49 |
The Workman thing last night was bad, but that was just the difference between a single 1 out at bat with the bases empty of Napoli and Workman. Is this Buchholz thing the biggest instance of managerial neglect you’ve seen? I mean, it is obvious to literally everyone watching the game that buchholz has nothing, but Farrel isn’t going to pull him until a few runs have scored. |
| 8:48 |
: Yea that’s one of those idiosyncrasies that just doesn’t make a lick of sense. Perhaps they hope to psych out the pitcher?
|
| 8:47 |
: (1) They are bored and (2) they don’t understand the game
|
| 8:47 |
: And I would say that a bond-style asset makes more sense.
|
| 8:47 |
: I like the concept for amateurs but I feel like it’s something that should be directly between a player and investor, with perhaps the agent playing middle man.
|
| 8:47 |
Why do fans always boo at opposing pitchers checking runners? Seems to be a pretty normal, strategic part of the game to me. But perhaps we’re of a more rational camp here. |
| 8:46 |
: Yeah, that was the Felix Salmon post I linked to. There’s something creepy about it for me for athletes that have already turn pro. I like the idea of pooling $ and investing in a young athlete’s future.
|
| 8:46 |
: I would assume that Farrell doesn’t want to wear out his relievers by doing the bullpen trot early and often.
|
| 8:45 |
Why is no one up in the Boston bullpen? |
| 8:45 |
: Rueters had an interesting discussion point…how do you feel about rich white folks owning shares in black football players?
|
| 8:44 |
: I have an irrational dislike of Yadi. I appreciate his skills but as a Giants fan, he just really bugs me.
|
| 8:43 |
: Thanks. I think it’s troubling to have strangers own a significant % of an athlete’s lifetime earnings.
|
| 8:43 |
: Well targeting a post-breakout player like Arian Foster seems bizarre to me. Especially with the attrition seen by running backs.
|
| 8:42 |
I really enjoyed the Fantex article Wendy. Do you think this is a good idea with a flawed execution, and will we see other similar ideas in the future? |
| 8:41 |
Worst Attendance(2013)/Metro(2010): Angels (16.9%), Yankees (14.2%), and Mets (9.3%)…not really a meaningful measure |
| 8:41 |
: Ha, my earlier analogy failed. Of course Milwaukee is the Green Bay of baseball. #Cheese
|
| 8:41 |
: Toy Story, original and 3
|
| 8:41 |
Wendy, favorite Pixar flick? |
| 8:41 |
Nadal is at the plate, since apparently topspin is important for ground balls up the middle. |
| 8:41 |
: There you go. I always forget how incredibly small Milwaukee is.
|
| 8:40 |
Best Attendance(2013)/Metro(2010): Milwaukee (124.9%), Cincinnati (116.6%), and St. Louis (116.5%) |
| 8:40 |
: I think so
|
| 8:40 |
: ok, so far we have the start of a pitching duel between two pitchers who do not appears to be very sharp tonight.
|
| 8:40 |
“David Ortiz looked like he was running in a cranberry bog” – best simile ever? |
| 8:39 |
: Where’s Rafi Nadal today?
|
| 8:39 |
: Not to mention his “hop”
|
| 8:38 |
Some of Pedroia’s grit is rubbing off on Ortiz |
| 8:38 |
: A wonderful chilldren’s book. The movies have nothing to do with the story in the book, other than the title.
|
| 8:38 |
Pretty upset with Wendy’s harsh opinion of the children’s classic ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2’. Has she changed her mind in retrospect? |
| 8:37 |
: Yea that was fun to watch.
|
| 8:37 |
: Oh my goodness. David Ortiz looked like he was running in a cranberry bog
|
| 8:36 |
: I haven’t listened to either radio broadcast enough to remember them.
|
| 8:36 |
: I live Dave O’Brien in the Sox booth. He does ESPN TV work during the season,
|
| 8:35 |
Which is the better radio broadcast to listen, Boston or St Louis? |
| 8:35 |
: Yea, that’s the early story. I agree that he doesn’t look like he’ll last long.
|
Wendy writes about sports and the business of sports. She's been published most recently by Vice Sports, Deadspin and NewYorker.com. You can find her work at wendythurm.pressfolios.com and follow her on Twitter @hangingsliders.
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