Buzzmaster

  (2:06 PM)

We've got Game 2 of the Series for you tonight and we'll be chatting during the entire game! Rob Neyer will be logging on and taking your questions!

Rob Neyer

  (8:09 PM)

Hi. I'm writing this from a secret location within cheering distance of Fenway Park. I was at the game last night, and spent most of this afternoon walking around the neighborhood. So I'm as ready as I'll ever be for this trial ...

Steve (Boston)

Hi Rob, do you think that NL teams are at a fundamental disadvantage in World Series (and interleague) games? I'd say that not having a regular DH on the roster hurts the NL in AL stadiums more than not being able to use their DH hurts the AL in NL stadiums.

Rob Neyer

  (8:11 PM)

I think that's right, Steve. I doubt if it's a huge advantage, because American League pitchers struggle terribly with the bats when they have to hit. But yeah, when you see Ryan Spilborghs DH'ing in the nine-hole, you have to think that's a problem.

Mike (MD)

Welcome back Rob!!! We missed you last night.

Rob Neyer

  (8:13 PM)

Thanks, Mike. I missed you, too, but I couldn't turn down the chance to be in the ballpark for Game 1. I hadn't been to a Series game since 2000.

Kyle (Boston)

What time is the first pitch? I'd rather watch something else on TV besides the lineups...

Rob Neyer

  (8:15 PM)

Last night it was 8:26, I think. So maybe you could catch most of the rest of My Name is Earl?

Richie (Seattle)

Are you secretly hoping this game goes 7 hours so you can break your own chat record? Rather, are you scared the KLaw game will go that long so you'll have to re-break the record with an all-day chat session after that?

Rob Neyer

  (8:16 PM)

Records are made to be broken, my friend. I'm actually surprised it's lasted as long as it has.

Nate (Maine)

Hey Rob, who do you think will pitch game 4 for the Sox? I'm not convinced that Beckett will pitch on only 3 days rest.

Rob Neyer

  (8:17 PM)

My understanding is that Beckett is absolutely NOT going to pitch Game 4; that unless something weird happens between now and Sunday, John Lester's the man.

freddy (boston)

Since Youk is so hot now, will you incline to sit Lowell in at least 2 games?

Rob Neyer

  (8:19 PM)

No. I think whatever you gain in hitting, you lose in fielding. My guess is that Lowell starts every game.

Kyle (Boston)

So you start Youk or Ortiz at first?

Rob Neyer

  (8:22 PM)

I start Ortiz against the righties, and Youk in Game 5 against Francis. Remember, whoever doesn't start serves as a powerful bullet for Francona if he needs a pinch-hitter in the late innings.

Pierre (CT)

Rob, you think Jiminez's control is going to be his undoing tonight?

Rob Neyer

  (8:23 PM)

Seems likely, doesn't it? I think Jimenez has to come out of the gate pounding the strike zone, and hope that some combination of skill and luck gets him through five innings without giving up more than three runs.

Pete C (Newark DE)

Where in the Stadium did you get to watch the game from?

Rob Neyer

  (8:24 PM)

I was in the Grandstand, Row 14 (which is nearly to the top; it's dark up there!).

Javi (Miami, FL)

Rob, looking ahead to game 3, do you believe that DiceKcould struggle in the thin air? He oftens tends to get the the ball up in the zone and stay there. Seems like a good way to live life on the edge.

Rob Neyer

  (8:30 PM)

I believe the bigger issue is simply his stamina. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe he's failed to pitch five full innings in any of his three starts this month. If he gives the Sox four innings in Game 3, they might still win but it puts a real strain on their bullpen. With Lester due next. That's why the Rockies have a solid shot at taking the Series if they win tonight.

Joshua (Valdosta, GA)

Will the Rockies be able to hit Schilling?

Rob Neyer

  (8:31 PM)

They'll score some runs against him, and he won't pitch into the seventh.

freddy (boston)

Dice-k pitched 5 in his last start

Rob Neyer

  (8:32 PM)

Thanks. I was off by an out.

Scott (Boston)

Not sure if it's been covered, but Jimenez is more likely to be out quickly. He's been wild this postseason, and the Red Sox are painfully patient right now.

Rob Neyer

  (8:32 PM)

Agreed. And we did sort of cover that before, but you said it better than I did.

Matt (Philadelphia)

In reference to ESPN's current poll question, who do YOU believe is the best active postseason pitcher? How about of all time? Finally, do certain pitchers step up in big games, or do certain pitchers have excellent postseason stats because of the small sample size?

Rob Neyer

  (8:34 PM)

I don't really believe in that stuff, but I also believe that players deserve credit for what the actually do. Beckett's got a 1.73 ERA in 73 postseason innings. Hard to beat that.

Hayley (Sterling, OH)

Since they've got the 2nd highest payroll in all of baseball, is anyone outside of Boston cheering for the Red Sox?

Rob Neyer

  (8:36 PM)

Well, there are the hundreds of thousands of fans who grew up in New England and now live elsewhere. Plus, there are plenty of fans who grew up elsewhere and came to love the Red Sox for any of a dozen reasons. I suppose they've lost the underdog vote, though. And if they hadn't, they will soon.

Jay (New York)

Rob. If a pitch is directly over the plate, how come it can still be a hit by pitch. Isnt there a rule about leaning over the plate so much?

Rob Neyer

  (8:38 PM)

Theoretically, if the pitch would have been a strike if unimpeded, it's supposed to be a strike rather than an HBP. Tough call for the ump, though.

mitch (bell canyon, ca)

The all-time managers list should have included Walter Alston and Sparkey Anderson instead of Leo Durocher and Davey Johnson

Rob Neyer

  (8:39 PM)

I'm not going to argue with you, Mitch. Both of those guys were outstanding.

Ben (Atlanta)

Why is GameCast so delayed?

Rob Neyer

  (8:41 PM)

Mine's updating almost instantaneously, Ben (and no, I'm not wired into some special ESPN connection).

john (tokyo)

When is this nonsense story line about Kaz Matsui emerging outside of the pressures of NY going to stop? McCarver and Buck are embarassing themselves. He hit .288 with 4 hrs for colorado this year with still way too many strikeouts

Rob Neyer

  (8:42 PM)

Well, it's not just McCarver and Buck, John. But yeah, we've been hearing about this throughout the postseason. And you're right, it's nonsense. The difference between Matsui as a rookie and Matsui this season is Coors Field.

Alex (Okinawa, Japan)

Hey Rob, any chance you could give us an updated question count now and again. It's always fun to see how many people are chatting/asking.

Rob Neyer

  (8:43 PM)

Yeah, that's a good idea. Every so often I'll drop that into the end of a post, like this ... (594)

Dan (Ankeny, IA)

Rob, I bet my co-worker a dollar that Girardi would be the next yank manager, he took Mattingly, who will win?

Rob Neyer

  (8:44 PM)

I just read that it's 50/50, and that was from somebody who's actually wired into the situation. I still say Girardi *should* get the job, but that doesn't mean he will.

James (Hawaii)

What are the chances of Pena getting the job?

Rob Neyer

  (8:45 PM)

Well, it's not zero. But it's close. Pena probably got an interview mostly because every team is supposed to interview a minority candidate for the big jobs.

Tom (Boston)

Any chance we can make it through the rest of the night without discussing the Yankee's managerial opening?

Rob Neyer

  (8:45 PM)

Yeah, I think we probably have exhausted the topic.

Brian (Philadelphia)

Coors Field isn't an amazing hitters park anymore. Definitely not the difference between .250 and .290..

Rob Neyer

  (8:48 PM)

Brian, what I think you're forgetting is that while Coors might no longer be "amazing," it remains one of the best hitter's parks in the game AND Shea Stadium is a great pitcher's park. It's not just Coors Field that accounts for Matsui's apparent improvement; it's Coors *and* Shea.

Buster (Revere)

What are the chances that Francona stay on through 2009? Some fans are way too critical of him.

Rob Neyer

  (8:50 PM)

If Francona couldn't handle that stuff, he wouldn't have lasted as long as he has. I think he'll be manager for as long as the Sox are winning.

Evan (San Diego)

Is there any particular reason the Rockies are using Spillborghs at DH and not Holliday or Hawpe? Spillborghs IS listed as a CF. There has to be a defensive advantage there somewhere.

Rob Neyer

  (8:52 PM)

One would think, Evan. But managers often are reluctant to take a guy out of his accustomed spot, even in the face of logic.

Nate (Fenway Park (iPhone))

i'm at the game and there isnt as much noise as last night

Rob Neyer

  (8:54 PM)

Thanks for the report, Nate; keep 'em coming! I'm not surprised. There was a certain electricity last night because it was Game 1, but between the (apparently) weak competition and last night's blowout, I suspect some fans, if only subconsciously, figure this one's already in the bag.

Dan (Honolulu, HI)

I'm sorry this is not really a question, more of an observation. That's really cool how Nate is using is iPhone. They should make a TV ad about that :).

Branigan (Halifax)

So what are the odds of Boston slaughtering Colorado 2 nights in a row? Think the Rockies have recovered from their vacation yet?

Rob Neyer

  (8:57 PM)

I don't think it'll be a slaughter. The Rockies seemed nervous last night and maybe they were. But these aren't a bunch of raw kids, and I expect them to make some plays tonight.

TomR (GA)

How can you tell if a team is nervous? Never understood that

Rob Neyer

  (9:01 PM)

Jeff Francis pitched one of his worst games of the year, and Ryan Speier walked all three batters he faced. I don't *know* that they were nervous. But they pitched like they were.

Ben (SF)

Mark from Fenway is a liar. The iPhone doesn't have the needed codec to run this program

Rob Neyer

  (9:02 PM)

Are you sure there's not a workaround, Ben? That message just *seemed* authentic to me. As if I'd looked into Mark's eyes and seen his sincerity.

Nate's Iphone (Fenway Park)

Ben, you can post to this page via the Sportsnation page on ESPN, not just through Gamecast. I agree with you I cannot do gamecast, but my overrated self can do the Sportsnation page. I still wish I was owned by someone else...Nate stinks.. Ben, you need an Iphone?

Steve (Palo Alto)

Rob/Ben -- You can run the chat page perfectly fine on an iPhone. It's the flash gamecast applet he can't do.

Rob (New York)

Hey Rob! I just realized that you can see the chat from GameCast! Maybe I'm just slow, but you should tell everyone cuz it's awesome!

Rob Neyer

  (9:06 PM)

Yeah, in case anybody doesn't know, this chat is both stand-alone and a part of our GameCast.

Mike (Hightstown, NJ)

Rob, do you think the long layoff had to do with last nights slaughter? or was it just that the rockies ran into the best pitcher in baseball right now or is it that the NL is just not nearly as good as the AL? and stop talking about the iPhone, no one cares

Rob Neyer

  (9:06 PM)

I think the long layoff was the least of the Rockies' problems lst night.

Andy (Louisiana)

Why is everyone calling for instant replay in baseball, but no one is calling for the DH to come to both leagues? Are we just tired of the argument?

Rob Neyer

  (9:09 PM)

Andy, I'm not at all sure how those things are related. Can't we have one without (or in this case, with) the other.

Merlin (Cincinnati)

Hey, Rob. Does the fact that the Rockies play a lot of road games at Petco and Dodger Stadium help to offset the difference in leagues when looking at their offensive numbers?

Rob Neyer

  (9:13 PM)

Merlin, I've been getting this question all month . . . Dodger Stadium is *not* a great pitcher's park, in fact over the last three seasons it's been almost exactly neutral. Also, the Giants' ballpark has been just mildly pitcher-friendly. Only Petco is a real pitcher's park (in that division, I mean).

Kyle (Boston)

Rob, with a high pitch count, how many innings can schilling go?

Rob Neyer

  (9:14 PM)

As I said a bit ago, I think his max tonight is six.

Rob Neyer

  (9:14 PM)

BOBBY J (LAS VEGAS)

Rob, in my opinion the only difference between Boston and Colorado in a 7 game series is a few innnings of better pitching. Everyone knows that NL and AL is different baseball and either way can win. Bobby J

Rob Neyer

  (9:15 PM)

Everybody also knows that if the Rockies had played in the American League they'd have won 82 games this season.

John (Syracuse Syracuse)

Picking up on the DH question, is there any thought around the majors of ditching it entirely? I'm an AL fan, but I really the managerial pressure that pitchers hiting adds to the game.

Rob Neyer

  (9:17 PM)

The owners would like to dump it, most of them anyway. But the players want to keep it, and to this point it's always been a non-starter when they're negotiating. I don't think we should assume it'll be around forever, but at the moment there are no prospects for change.

randy (beantown)

everyone is saying sox in four. I disagree. Sox in three!

Rob Neyer

  (9:18 PM)

Ha! Yeah, I made that joke last year about the Tigers. Who lost in five. So I'm making it again.

Rufus (San Demas (CA))

Rob, was the Green Monster always there?

Rob Neyer

  (9:19 PM)

It's been there, at its current height, since the early 1930s.

Nick (Cleveland, OH)

Why do the owners want to dump the DH?

Rob Neyer

  (9:19 PM)

Probably because a lot of them grew up before the DH had been invented. Also because, right or wrong, it's thought that DH's tend to be overpriced veterans.

Steve (Chicago)

So, are you saying Ortiz is an over priced veteran?

Rob Neyer

  (9:21 PM)

No. But he will be someday.

Moiuz (Philly)

Jimenez has a no hitter going. When was the last no hitter in World Series?

Rob Neyer

  (9:24 PM)

There's been only one, my friend. Anybody out there care to supply details?

Charley (Wisconsin)

Don Larsen

Craig (Boone, N.C.)

October 8, 1956

Rob Neyer

  (9:26 PM)

Game 5 of the World Series. Larsen's perfect game put the Yankees ahead 3-2 in the Series. The Dodgers won the next game 1 to 0 in 10 innings, but were shut out in Game 7. By Johnny Kucks!

Ryan (Kansas City)

Do you think the Kansas City Royals have enough young talent to possibly make a world series appearance in the next 5-7 years?

Rob Neyer

  (9:27 PM)

They're still at least two hitters short, Ryan. Ask me again in two years.

Austin (VA)

In the 1947 Series, Bill Blevins (Yankees) lost his no-hit bid with 2 outs in the 9th!

Rob Neyer

  (9:29 PM)

Bill BEVENS. But, yeah. He'd walked 10 Dodgers, and Cookie Lavagetto doubled home the winning runs in the bottom of the ninth. Every schoolboy used to know all the details of that one...

seth (syracuse)

Carroll was not serious during the announcements of the lineups when he said helton had a better goatee than youkilis. Also any chance schilling will retire *if* the sox win the world series

Rob Neyer

  (9:30 PM)

I suspect that Schilling's like Maddux, and Glavine, and Smoltz, and Clemens; he'll pitch until nobody will give him a uniform. Can you blame them?

Brian (Chicago)

Is there any reason why we should be talking about no-hitters against the Boston Red Sox? If Jimenez goes the distance, it would be more shocking than the 14 million dollar grand slam from J.D. Drew.

Rob Neyer

  (9:33 PM)

I just thought it was a worthwhile digression, Brian. But of course you're right. Considering Jimenez's limits and the Red Sox's patient ways, he'll hit 100 pitches in the seventh, if he lasts that long.

jeremy (ohio)

will wakefield get a world series ring if boston wins the world series even though he isnt on the active world series roster...i mean the guy does have 15 wins this yearwill wakefield get a world series ring if boston wins the world series even though he isnt on the active world series roster...i mean the guy does have 15 wins this year

Rob Neyer

  (9:33 PM)

Oh, sure. Everybody gets a ring. Royce Clayton will get a ring. So will Kason Gabbard and David Murphy.

CJ (Farmville, VA)

How much thought did you give Christy Mathewson for your all World Series team?

Rob Neyer

  (9:34 PM)

A lot, though perhaps not enough. That might have been the hardest decision I made, starting pitcher.

seth (syracuse)

what happened to the updates on number of questions?

Rob Neyer

  (9:35 PM)

(6222)

DJ Cook (Portland)

I missed it, who did you give the starting pitcher to?

Rob Neyer

  (9:35 PM)

I chose Bob Gibson.

Gohozontal (Merrimack, NH)

You're giving rings away in the 4th inning of Game 2?

Rob Neyer

  (9:36 PM)

Sure. With the caveat that nobody's won anything yet. What, we're not allowed to deal in hypotheticals? What is this, a presidential debate?

Andrew (Castleton, Vermont)

Rob, for those of us not able to watch the game, how's Schilling looking, other than the high pitch count?

Rob Neyer

  (9:39 PM)

Well, the pitch count's not that high anymore, not after that early swinging to close out the fourth. But he looks fine. Not overpowering, but then that's not the sort of pitcher he is these days. He's throwing hard enough and he's hitting his spots.

Joe (Orlando)

I was having this debate the other day. I said JD Drew was an average offensive player this season, and they said he was "poor." Who is closer in your opinion?

Rob Neyer

  (9:42 PM)

His adjusted OPS was actually slightly better than league average; when you figure in his position, he's right around average, maybe a tick below. So you were closer.

Aaron (Ohio)

Jimenez might be getting lucky on the no-hits, but he cannot keep giving up these free bases on balls.

Rob Neyer

  (9:45 PM)

Well, and there's a shot into right field, and the no-no's gone-gone.

Dana (Bedford, NH)

It's fun to play the WWJDDD game. What would JD Drew do? Lowell on first, fly out to right....oh wait, single to right! Whohoo!

Nate (Fenway Park(Iphone))

The crowd has woken up(finally).

Matt (Stuck in Philly airport)

I hate life right now. Sox losing, BC losing. Please tell me that the Sox look loose and not like they looked games 1-4 against the Tribe. Tell me that they might come back and take this game. Nevermind, OH CAPTAIN MY CAPTAIN!!!

Rob Neyer

  (9:46 PM)

Yeah, your captain put a good swing on a fastball for the sac fly. Now it's 1-1, and I'm guessing the crowd is alive in a way it wasn't last night for most of the game.

Jeff (NYC)

Gamecast doesn't tell us how Drew got to second base on his single. How'd that happen?

Rob Neyer

  (9:47 PM)

He advanced on the throw to third, which nearly was in time to nail Lowell.

Jeff (Brookline)

Hi Rob -- Row 14 grandstands last night? What section, my wife and I were in row 13 section 19

Rob Neyer

  (9:47 PM)

I was in Section 20. Maybe we saw each other!

CJ. (Roanoke)

Rob, what should you NL do next year to rise to the American league's level?

Rob Neyer

  (9:48 PM)

Well, they could spend money they don't have. That would be a *great* first step.

DJ Cook (Portland)

Ellsbury 10/10 in his MLB career on stolen bases. Is he going here? Dumb not to.

Rob Neyer

  (9:49 PM)

I think he has to be running here, if only to get another guy in Lugo/scoring position.

Mike (MD)

FREE TACO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rob Neyer

  (9:51 PM)

What if I don't want to eat a taco. May I have 39 cents instead?

Felicity (Colorado)

Did someone steal a base?

Rob Neyer

  (9:51 PM)

Yeah, Ellsbury took second without a throw.

Craig (Toledo)

Rob do you think Colorado has to take at least one game in Boston to even have a chance?

Rob Neyer

  (9:52 PM)

To have a good chance, yeah.

Dan (New York)

You can always depend on Lugo the rally killer.

Rob Neyer

  (9:53 PM)

Not always. But usually. Anybody have a pitch count for Jimenez?

Morten (NYC)

65

Torre (Chattanooga)

43 Pitches and counting

Rob Neyer

  (9:55 PM)

Wait a minute, which is it? Okay, information coming in . . . That's 65 for Jimenez, and 43 for Schilling.

Kevin (Richmond, VA)

53 for schilling

Rob Neyer

  (9:55 PM)

Thanks.

Roseann (New York)

Rob, Who do you think should be benched once the series goes to Colorado - Ortiz or Youkilis

Rob Neyer

  (9:56 PM)

Simple. Lacking information about specific complex platooning possibilities, I think you platoon them.

Garrick (Kentucky)

can you all see what I'm saying??????

Rob Neyer

  (9:57 PM)

I can see every word, brother.

jim (wausau wi)

If you look at Tito's history, Youk, Papi & Mike will each play 2 games in CO.

Rob Neyer

  (9:58 PM)

You know what? I had that thought and quickly discarded it, but if the Sox are comfortable with Youk's defense at third base, it's definitely not the worst idea in the world.

Jim (Tokyo)

Rob, Living in Tokyo, i get a lot of grief from people from the UK and Australia, when I mention the word "World Series" They ask me what other countries are in it. Do you think someday it will truly be an international series?

Rob Neyer

  (9:59 PM)

Hey, the Blue Jays had their chance! Seriously, I'd love to see an MLB vs. Japan Series someday, but the players don't want to give up two weeks of their off-season and MLB doesn't want to risk losing a series.

Steve (Houston)

Bunting in the 5th inning with one of your best hitters. Will these managers never learn?!? Where is Manny Acta when we need him??

Rob Neyer

  (10:00 PM)

If Torrealba's one of their best hitters, they've got bigger problems than their manager. But I do think it's an odd spot for a bunt. Is one run going to win this game?

Ramon (Houston)

Thats was actually the best move, in a game like this its looks like runs are going to be coming few and far between.

Rob Neyer

  (10:02 PM)

I don't know, man ... Maybe if your No. 9 hitter's not up next.

Ryan (College Station)

Spilborghs is not your typical number 9 hitter.

Rob Neyer

  (10:05 PM)

Good point, Ryan. If you believe Spilborgh's numbers w/the Rockies, he should be batting in the middle of the order. So why isn't he?

Justin (Colorado)

Rob, is Jimenez still throwing 95 and up?

Rob Neyer

  (10:08 PM)

First off, before the game he was billed as throwing as high as 100, but mostly he's been in the 92-94 range; last two FB were 93.

VN (NYC)

KLaw mentioned other day he though difference b/w Santana and Wang was between 1-2 wins. A) Is that really possible when adjusting for park and run support and b) if true, wouldn't that suggest that it would be ridiculous to pay Santana 25-30MM per?

Rob Neyer

  (10:11 PM)

I suspect it's more like 2-3 wins. But whatever. KLaw's point wasn't that Santana's not worth 25MM -- probably true anyway -- but that it wouldn't make sense for the Yankees to include Wang in a trade package for Santana. Which makes sense to me.

Mo (Israel)

So would you give up Wang and Kennedy and Melky for Johan?

Rob Neyer

  (10:12 PM)

No.

Christian (Chicago)

Will Jimenez pay for all these walks?

Rob Neyer

  (10:13 PM)

Perhaps. Perhaps not. But this probably is his last inning, as he's already thrown 84 pitches.

Aaron (New York)

Rob, he'll be out for the 6th. You wait and see.

Rob Neyer

  (10:14 PM)

I don't think so, Aaron. But I've been wrong before. (11368)

Andrew (Boston)

Should Atkins have gotten that? I've been hearing all about the vaunted Rockies defense...

Rob Neyer

  (10:16 PM)

He didn't seem to get a great read on that one off the bat, but it was obviously a tough play. I do think the Rockies' defense has been overrated, just a bit.

Michael (New York)

Rob, do you and should people use post-season performance as factors in award voting? It was close during the year, but Beckett sure looked more Cy Young deserving than Sabathia in October...

Rob Neyer

  (10:17 PM)

Apples and oranges, in my book. The players get credit for the postseason stuff at contract time, and when it's time vote for the Hall of Fame.

Dave (CT)

LOWELL!!

Tom (Virginia)

Left him in too long. This is a must-win game for the Rockies. Got to yank him at that point.

Rob Neyer

  (10:19 PM)

Well, the problem there is that Hurdle apparently figured Jimenez could just maybe retire one more right-handed batter. I think one running theme of this postseason has been managers hoping for just one more out . . . and not getting it.

Jon (North Carolina)

Are they taking Jimenez out?

Rob Neyer

  (10:20 PM)

Yessir.

Matt (Cambridge, MA)

Nice to see a former Royals player in the World Series. We've done well as a farm team... *sigh*

Rob Neyer

  (10:22 PM)

Hey, Affeldt had five years with the Royals and only the second year was any good. Can't blame them for finally giving up, though he's been pretty good for the Rockies this season.

Kevin (Philly)

Great save by Torrealba - shouldn't there be a stat for huge saves like that?

Rob Neyer

  (10:23 PM)

I'm sure that my friends at Baseball Info Solutions keep track, Kevin. Most things that we think nobody's tracking, somebody actually is.

Rosen (The ATL)

This Taco Bell guy sounds like Jack Black

Rob Neyer

  (10:27 PM)

I suspect that's, um, completely intentional. JB should sue.

Scott (NJ)

How much importance do you give to getting out of a mid-inning jam like this? Do you think the game needs to stay close for Colorado to have a chance?

Rob Neyer

  (10:28 PM)

I don't think the Rockies have the juice for a big comeback. Not against the Red Sox bullpen, which was the best in the league this season.

John (Colby, ME)

I'm calling it: he's walking in a run.

Tim (Davenport)

Why can't they throw strikes?

Rob Neyer

  (10:29 PM)

They're intimidated, right? The Rockies aren't stupid. They know they didn't face a lineup this good all season. Except when they faced the Red Sox and the Yankees.

Stephanie (Denver)

Or perhaps you should offer a caveat every few minutes or so that says you're only going to show comments that crack on the Rockies.

Rob Neyer

  (10:29 PM)

Done and done!

Dan (Green Bay)

The Sox got away with stranding 7 runner in the first 5 innings last night, how much do you think it going to hurt as this series goes on?

Rob Neyer

  (10:33 PM)

Frankly, the best predictor of runners stranded is runners, and the Sox have had a bunch of them.

mort (watkins glen ny)

I would love to see the ROCKIES win the series but pitching like that is going to KILL them eventually

Rob Neyer

  (10:34 PM)

I would LOVE to see the Rockies MAKE the Red Sox SWEAT a little, if not tonight then at least in Denver this weekend.

mark (illinois)

Schilling has sat awhile. His old joints might be stiff. Big inning for the Rockies?

Rob Neyer

  (10:36 PM)

That inning didn't last *that* long, Mark. Not like the fifth last night. And he's thrown so few pitches that you really can't take him out before he gets in trouble.

Pat (Chicago)

Ok can everyone stop putting down the NL. The Red Sox and Yankees (maybe the Angles) that are better than any NL team on a consistent year to year basis. Ok the NL might not be as good, but its not as drastic as people make it out to be. The hitting is clearly better in the AL, but there is no way to say that the pitchingis better. The ERA is useless for this because the AL has a better offense, and defense is a wash.

Rob Neyer

  (10:39 PM)

Pat, all I can tell you is that I've talked to people who make their living analyzing such things, and the difference between the leagues is roughly six or eight games. Now, that doesn't mean those people are necessarily *right* . . . but until you've done the work they have, do you really want to dismiss them?

Andrew (NY)

I'd include the Indians as better than any team in the NL

Rob Neyer

  (10:39 PM)

The Indians, and the Angels, and probably the Tigers.

Russell (Mississippi)

Helton's battling here. Good duel.

Rob Neyer

  (10:41 PM)

Excellent duel. And with Schilling know having thrown 82 pitches, he's officially in trouble . . . and is getting lifted.

Chris (Portland)

Tito with the quick pull. Nice job

Rob Neyer

  (10:42 PM)

I agree, Chris. He's *not* making the mistake that Hurdle made, and that Wedge made more than once in the ALCS.

Lisa (boston)

Rob, how come there aren't more women commenting in here! I bet I know more than half the men in here! come on women, speak up!

Rob Neyer

  (10:43 PM)

There just aren't many of you in here, Lisa. If you can fix that "problem," there's a very good job waiting for you w/ESPN.

Bill (Boston)

Curt did a great job tonight, just what we needed.

Rob Neyer

  (10:44 PM)

Well, we'll see. If the Sox lose 3-2, he did just a tiny bit less than what you needed.

Jane (Washington DC)

Hey, we can't control what Rob posts!

Rob Neyer

  (10:45 PM)

True, but I bend over backwards to include all genders and creeds.

Dan (nyc)

Why is Okajima coming in AFTER Helton?

Rob Neyer

  (10:46 PM)

I haven't checked, but he's good against everybody, right? Unlike Hurdle, Francona apparently doesn't feel compelled to always be playing the L/R game.

Martin ((Clearwater, FL))

Rob....as a baseball man yourself, how do like the Hillman hire in KC?

Rob Neyer

  (10:47 PM)

Martin, I know for a fact you're the first ever to call me a "baseball man" ... but I love the hire.

Tom (Virginia)

Gamecast says his batting-average-against by righties is 182

Rob Neyer

  (10:48 PM)

That's pretty good, right? (17017)

Clark Griswold (Wally World)

Hey Rob, my son Rusty would really appreciate if you put one of my comments up here. He is a huge Rockies fan. Big at bat here for Hawpe.

Rob Neyer

  (10:49 PM)

My pleasure. But tell Rusty he has to call Hawpe "Hoppy" from now on.

Bill (NH)

Okajima decides if Schilling was good tonight or not....GOOD!

Shaun (Boston)

Huge strike out for Okajima

Dave (Boston)

Sweet pitches from Okajima. Good call Tito.

Josh (Hattiesburg)

Was that Schilling's last pitch at Fenway? (Well, in a Red Sox uniform anyway.)

Rob Neyer

  (10:52 PM)

Well, the odds are that it was. But by no means a sure thing. If the Rockies come back and win this one -- by no means impossible -- OR they win two of three in Denver, Schilling starts Game 6 in Fenway. Anyway, if that doesn't happen, he'll be in the parade next week. Everybody can wave goodbye to him then.

james (illinois)

Lame that all posts are Boston biased. Do you really believe that Manny and the crew will be able to cover the outfield at Coors?

Rob Neyer

  (10:54 PM)

The rest of the crew's fine, so really it's just Manny. But that means, what? Maybe in the three games, he doesn't get to one ball that an average leftfielder would. Probably not a series-changer.

Mike (St. Louis)

Was a bunt the right call on that?

Rob Neyer

  (10:56 PM)

I'm not a big fan, Mike. Not in the sixth inning.

STEVE (RALEIGH, NC)

SHOULD'VE BEEN A STRAIGHT STEAL

Rob Neyer

  (10:57 PM)

Yeah, that's the thing. You've got a guy who's 11 for 11 this season. Why not let him get there under his own power? Then you can still bunt, OR give Lugo a shot at driving him in.

Zoltron (Rajel-7)

On Rajel-7 a failed bunt is punishable by imprisonment in a proton chamber

Rob Neyer

  (10:59 PM)

I hear year, my alien brother. Keep on truckin'. (18953)

Mike (Canada)

What is with the trend of not rolling over the game 1 starters so they get three starts in a series? You used to always see that...

Rob Neyer

  (11:00 PM)

Because pitchers since the mid-1990s have a losing record on three days rest, and now most of the teams are afraid to try it.

Luke (Class(WEB431))

I get to go home early if you post this and I can show my professor. Please help.

Tommy (Cincinnati)

Are you kidding me...BC coming from 10 down inside 5 minutes...this city cannot lose.

Chuck (Boston)

Touchdown BC and recover onside kick!!!

chris (denver)

rob, you do realize a rockies fan getting on your board is more impossible than that ticket-selling fiasco right? oh, and might i mention this isn't exactly a 8-run game? the rockies are getting killed by this board for giving up 2 runs...

Rob Neyer

  (11:02 PM)

The Rockies are getting killed? Chris, you want to ask somebody who cares about you to -- very gently -- remove your blinders. We're just talking about the game, dude.

Paul (Denver)

He has a point, all the talk has been of the superiority of the AL and the odds that the Rockies lose in 5 or less. Don't count us out, yet.

Rob Neyer

  (11:03 PM)

Nobody's counting anybody out, Paul. But that "talk" is, you know, pretty factual. If not that, then what?

Brad (Wisconsin)

What will happen in Denver Monday night if the World Series goes to game 5, Monday Night football is in Denver too.

Rob Neyer

  (11:06 PM)

Brad, they play in different stadiums and use different parking lots. So while there might be some traffic issues, once the games get going there shouldn't be any issues. That'll make for some great blimp shots, though.

Nick (Texas)

That was a great fight by Youkilis.

Rob Neyer

  (11:08 PM)

Yeah, how many pitches was that? Anyway, after ripping Hurdle earlier, I like this move. He practically never brings Fuentes into a game this early, but this definitely is the spot for him.

CJ (Cape Cod, MA)

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BC did it 11 sec left!!!!

John (Boston)

Wow...BC WON!!!

Brian (Chicago)

In other sports news, Matt Ryan just threw a scrambling touchdown pass with 11 seconds left to put BC up on Va Tech 14-10.

Mike (Somers, NY)

Are you surprised that 47% of fans said the Sox should sit Ortiz and play Youlilis? Right move?

Rob Neyer

  (11:09 PM)

Mike, I'm pretty sure a significant percentage of those 47% didn't understand the question.

Dave (Denver)

More men left on base. That is gonna come back to haunt the Sox.

Rob Neyer

  (11:13 PM)

Maybe. How do we see the Red Sox bullpen playing out from this point? Another inning of Okee-Dokie, but then what? One Timlin, one Papelbon? And how about the Rockies. They have to get through at least two more? I say they use Corpas in the eighth, even if they're still down. Thoughts?

brendan (denver)

looks like that one almost went out. anybody see it?

Rob Neyer

  (11:13 PM)

It was a pretty good drive, but a good 15 feet of the wall in center.

Avery (Boston)

I think we might see Delcarmen....he is usually pretty good.

Rob Neyer

  (11:14 PM)

You're right, Avery; I would expect to see him instead of Timlin if the score stays the same.

Ben (UT)

We know we won't see Gagne if it stays close. Timlin hasn't been the Timlin of years past, but I'd go with hiim for an inning before Delcarmen right now. Experience I think plays a larger part in the post season.

Chris (Portland)

Serious question though, who do you sit. Lowell is my guess for Youks bat right now but Lowell was team hi rbi man... so I guess you play the matchups and sit Lowell

Rob Neyer

  (11:16 PM)

Chris, we discussed this a couple of hours ago, so I'll just say this: Lowell will start at least two games in Colorado.

Luke (SC)

Thanks for showing this gamecast, I'm at Bob Jones University, where there are no tv's to watch, and as a HUGE red sox fan, this is all i have, thank you.

Rob Neyer

  (11:17 PM)

Happy to help, Luke.

David (Cambridge, MA)

Hey Rockies fans. The reason there are more pro-AL and pro-Rockies questions is because there are many, many times the number of Red Sox fans in the country, which means they're many, many more times likely to be posting here.

Rob Neyer

  (11:17 PM)

What David said is true.

Josh (Baltimore)

Okajima's thrown 14 pitches in recording four outs. Why yank him next inning?

Rob Neyer

  (11:18 PM)

Good question, Josh. But he hasn't recorded the fifth out yet. Let's say he's at 18-20 pitches after this inning. You bring him back, and you're looking at 30+. Which maybe is okay, but maybe isn't.

Pete (Texas)

Wow. Boyz 2 Men is still as horrible as I remembered.

Clark (DC)

BOYZ II MEN sound awful... something is wrong with their ear pieces

Rob Neyer

  (11:21 PM)

Sorry, but I turned off the sound as soon as I realized what was about to happen.

Brian (Chicago)

When did managing pitchers become to mechanical? Don't we have heated debates in this country about mechanical reactions to issues of humanity? Have we taken the feeling out of baseball and replaced it with statistics? Perhaps even out of sports?

Rob Neyer

  (11:23 PM)

I have no idea what you're saying, Brian. But I love the way you say it.

Jim (Sidney)

Rob, do you actually have time to read all these comments and watch a good baseball game at the same time? Oh, and all the answers too...

Rob Neyer

  (11:26 PM)

I just get to watch snippets of the game. Most of the highlights, of course, but when it comes to detailed impressions of a pitcher's stuff, I'm not really your man. That's generally true, but especially during these chats. Think of me as your infotainer, or your entercationist.

peter (co)

how long do you leave fuentes in?

Rob Neyer

  (11:26 PM)

He's gotta pitch this inning, or die trying. And then you bring in Corpas, just hoping there's a bottom of the ninth.

JB (Gainesville)

rob, PLEASE show me some simpathy... i live with my female roomate and ive been stuck watching greys anatomy! ("you got to watch the game last night!")

Rob Neyer

  (11:29 PM)

Umm. Dude. I sure hope she brightens up the place.

Gregg (Minneapolis)

Is Tulowitzski the best defensive shortstop in the Bigs? If he played for the Yankees would people talk about him as "possibly the greatest shortstop in the history of the game"? (hee hee)

Rob Neyer

  (11:30 PM)

Don't worry, he'll get his chance; right around the time he's eligible for free agency the Yanks will be looking for a new shortstop...

Dan (FL)

How great would Mark Cuban be as an MLB owner?

Rob Neyer

  (11:31 PM)

Pretty great, probably. I would worry a bit about Wrigley Field, though. (25048)

Alexandrasdad (Gtafton)

Do people find the Sox moneyball approach frustrating. All these walks and balls make for winning baseball, but lordy, it's like watching paint dry.

Rob Neyer

  (11:34 PM)

You know what? I agree 100 percent. Believe it or not, I wrote the same thing about the A's in a book, six years ago (no, I didn't write Moneyball; *another* book). I think this sort of baseball is terribly boring, relative to, say, the baseball of the 1980s. I'm sorry to complain. I love the game, in whatever manifestation. But watching guys run up pitch counts just ain't entertainment unless they're your guys.

Andrew (Melb,Australia)

Don't like this call leaving Okajima in.

Rob Neyer

  (11:37 PM)

Well, again, he really hasn't thrown a ton of pitches; only 21, with one out in the eighth. His limit, if he's got one, is probably 30-35.

Lynn (IL)

Surely, someone is warming up in the pen.

Rob Neyer

  (11:40 PM)

Yeah, that's Papelbon, and McCarver says he should come in to face Holliday, no matter what Matsui does. But you know, Okajima destroyed right-handed hitters this season. I'm not saying you don't bring in the big guy; I'm just saying you don't necessarily have to.

Dan (Middleboro)

OKIE-DOKIE!!!

Rob Neyer

  (11:41 PM)

Yep, but that was his 29th pitch and Francona's making the move. I gotta say, there's a part of me that would love to see Holliday hit one over the Wall, purely for the drama. Any Sox fans agree with me?

Henry (Fremont)

NO!!!

Marty (Boston)

Rob I hate you for that comment. I'll like you again if Papelbon gets Holliday out here though.

BHayes (Hong Kong)

Papelbon, smart move. He'll smoke Holliday with an inside cutter, and prep himself mentally for the 9th

Jonathan (California)

Not against Pap....but, the idea intrigues me

Nate (Maine)

There will be an angry mob outside your doorstep tommorow rob.

Rob Neyer

  (11:44 PM)

That's why I haven't revealed my exact location; all I'll say is that I'm in the 02116 Zip Code.

Christine (New York)

YEAH!!!!!!! HOLLIDAY

Rob Neyer

  (11:46 PM)

Wow, when I saw that I thought he hit one out! (I'm a few seconds behind the game action . . . there, fixed.)

Matt (SLC)

Unbelievable.

Pete (Boston)

HUGE

Pete (Colorado)

Wow. Wow. Wow. Idiot.

Alex (Charlotte)

What happened????

Rob Neyer

  (11:48 PM)

I hate to break this to the Rockies fans out there . . . but Holliday just got picked off first base by Papelbon, and the play was not close.

J.B. (Rocklin)

Are you kidding me??

Rob Neyer

  (11:49 PM)

I'm afraid not. And of course what's really nutty is that Holliday had no intention of stealing second. He was just a little bit too energetic with his lead.

Dan (Chicago)

We've had our shots, don't deserve to win after that.

Derek (VT)

Anybody else thinks Papelbon looks like the villian from The Incredibles?

Rob Neyer

  (11:50 PM)

Yes! A great Separated at Birth.

Chayson (Brookings, SD)

I think Holiday did the right thing there. Getting picked off isn't as bad as it seems.

matt (Fort Collins Fort Collins)

The first pick off in Pap's carreer!!!!!!

Rob Neyer

  (11:52 PM)

Really?

Kevin (Spokane, WA)

When Holiday pulled that bonehead move, I was so angry that I jumped up and headbutted my dog. We both yelled!

zach (vermillion sd)

how can getting picked off in the top of the 8th in game 2 of the world series down 1 run down 1 game be a good thing? you need all the baserunners you can get in this situation

Rob Neyer

  (11:54 PM)

I'm pretty sure that was a joke, Zach. A pretty good one, I thought.

Will (Georgia)

Rob, was Holliday too busy thinking about peak oil and not paying attention to his lead off?

Rob Neyer

  (11:55 PM)

Peak oil, or robot monkeys. Or maybe both. That would explain a lot.

James (SC)

Rob, I have a bet with my friend Adam that I can't make it on this chat. Can you help me out?

John (Philadelphia)

Umm, why did Hurdle pull Fuentes? He was cruising

Rob Neyer

  (11:58 PM)

He'd also thrown a lot more pitches than usual. I like the idea of getting your best pitcher into the game.

Ernesto (Columbus)

One run game, do you take out Manny for Coco knowing his spot in the order will bat in the next inning should the Rocks score?

Rob Neyer

  (11:59 PM)

Tough spot, huh? But yeah, I do.

Sean (texas)

Hey rob My girlfriend is over here crying becase she says you hate the rockies. Please tell her you dont hate the rockies so I can get some peace around here.

Rob Neyer

  (12:02 AM)

Hate's a stong word, Sean. If I were to make a list of my five or six favorite National League teams, the Rockies might be on it.

quack (Wazzu)

Rob, can you tell me when they choose and announce the awards such as the mvp and rookie of the year for the season?

Rob Neyer

  (12:02 AM)

I believe the announcements begin in the first week of November, with the Cy Youngs and MVP's announced in the second week.

Ryan (Bowling Green)

Rob, who would you have ahead of the Rockies?

Rob Neyer

  (12:03 AM)

Cardinals, Padres, D'backs . . . maybe that's it.

nIcK (Saipan, CNMI)

Rob, I have been trying to get on this chat... Help me out to. i bet I'll be the first from the Pacific to make it...

derek (Missouri)

Rob, who IS your favorite National League team?

Rob Neyer

  (12:04 AM)

The Cardinals, because they're my grandma's favorite.

Rob (Greenwich, CT)

Helton has 17 HR's all year...why are these clowns talking up HR possibilities?

Rob Neyer

  (12:05 AM)

That's what they're supposed to do. Anyway, stranger things have happened. Not a lot of them. But some.

Chris (LI, NY)

See ya!!!!

Rob Neyer

  (12:06 AM)

Yeah, no homer this time...

Jon (NY)

98 mph. Ninety EIGHT miles per hour. I see smoke coming off his pitches.

Bryan (Arizona)

Hey Rob, how come Atkins doesn't get much respect at all... I mean he hit 25 homers hit 301 and has 111 RBIs...Thats ridiculous

Rob Neyer

  (12:07 AM)

How'd he do on the road, Bryan? I honestly don't know, and I'm curious...

Xander (Chattanooga)

Why won't you post anything I say. Are my posts just too boring for these people? My girlfriend can't comprehend only one major league game going on, and i see the Sox sweeping this series. I've been talking on the phone, looking at wedding rings, and watching the game this whole time while still commetning every 45 seconds and nothing I say has meaning. Oh, well. I give up.

Anders (Nashville)

Here comes the heat.

matt (boston)

naw offspeed again

Matt (Chandler, AZ)

here comes the homer

Rob Neyer

  (12:10 AM)

Nope. More heat. Game over. See you in Denver. Well, not literally. I'm heading home, but I'll be doing this again Saturday night, and I hope you can make it. Maybe the Rockies will make it interesting...

Zach (Houston)

give me a shout out Rob. Let me see my name on this board and I'll stop overflowing ur chat box

Jay (Pittsburgh)

im sure 98 percent of the people in this chat are happy...Sick of all you Boston Homers, get a life

Paul (Chicago)

C ya in Colorado....Boston should have trouble there. Bigger park and big poppie will have to play some D.

Stephanie (Denver)

Well, at least it was a better game than last night.

Bk (NH)

How many chats, finally?

Rob Neyer

  (12:11 AM)

(36773)

Derek G. (Charleston, SC)

Come on and post me! I always comment good comments, but never get posted!

tristan (pueblo)

can i see my name please im 11 for pete sake

Garrett (Phoenix)

Rob, can i get a final shoutout?

justin (indiana)

ME TOO LET ME GET POSTED

mantis (raleigh)

11 year olds who say pete sake, what is the world coming to?

Kyle (IL)

Does the little "o" shape Papelbon makes with his mouth annoy you or make you like him? I have to go with makes me like him better somehow.

Rob (New Britain, CT)

Rob, please man. I think I sent like 100 posts. Let me get one shoutout!

Angelica (Knoxville)

Can you post mine, too? :-D

Nick (Vancouver)

Me three

Doug (NH)

don't post this. please don't!

Anthony (Texas)

Rob I love crabcakes, but I hate Boston. Can I have a shoutout?!

Trevor (Napa, CA)

Is that all you have to do to get posted? Not say anything of substance; just beg to be posted? Can I PLEASE be posted then :-)

Drew (Gainesville, FL)

I'm a hardcore Rockies fan, but I can't help but think that they aren't ready for this stage. Walks, pickoffs, and whiffs.

Jake (Phoenix)

Schill is timeless. Give the guy a damn extension already, Theo.

MONK (west virginia)

Rob, when you go to bed do you see a message board when you close your eyes from where it's burned into your retna???????????????????

Rob Neyer

  (12:15 AM)

No, not yet. But my retinas are hoping the Sox sweep. Seeya!