Buzzmaster

  (4:38 PM)

Page 2's Jonah Keri will be stopping by at 7:30 p.m. ET to chat during tonight's play-in game between the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins.

Jonah Keri

  (7:36 PM)

Welcome Chatters! Happy New Year to all, hopefully I'll be forgiven for working tonight. Though given how much fun this tiebreaker should be, we can barely call it work. Here's hoping this game is half as fun as last year's tiebreaker. Sure, Chatting for 5 hours caused some nasty carpal tunnel last year. But it was worth it to see that Rockies-Pads marathon. I'll be following the game beginning to end, but also happy to take your questions about playoff matchups, this year's awards, how your seasons went in fantasy, plus any cool new TV shows you're watching (I've got a bunch). Let's Chat!

Dan (Minneapolis)

Go TWINS! The Great North is behind you!

Jonah Keri

  (7:37 PM)

There's only one Great North. And we support hockey. This should be fun. Denard Span is leading off in a playoff tiebreaker. Denard Span!!! Who'd have thunk that a year ago.

Mike (Denver)

What channel is this game on?

Jonah Keri

  (7:37 PM)

TBS. It took me a minute to find it too.

Jonah Keri

  (7:38 PM)

Danks is working VERY quickly here. It'll be interesting to see fatigue factors in. He said today he can't remember the last time he threw on 3 days rest, at any level.

Jonah Keri

  (7:38 PM)

Got robbed on the 1-2 pitch, now 3-2.

Jonah Keri

  (7:38 PM)

And he walks him

Jake (Spokane)

Morneau needs to have a huge game, maybe he can get back in the picture for the MVP after a slow last week.

Jonah Keri

  (7:40 PM)

Interesting point which Keith Law brought up when he, Jerry Crasnick and I did the infamous quad box on ESPNews' The Hot List today: The Twins are pretty lousy hitters, overall, vs. lefties. Morneau, Mauer, Span, Kubel, lots of their best bats are lefties. Let's see if they buck their season trend tonight.

Jonah Keri

  (7:40 PM)

Hey, this Chat is the lead story on Page 1 I see. Does that mean that I have to stop cursing now? Nah.

Jonah Keri

  (7:41 PM)

Don't like Casilla bunting in the 1st inning. This isn't 1965.

Jonah Keri

  (7:41 PM)

Oof, and as I say that, unlucky lineout into a DP.

Devin (Stone Ridge, VA)

Jonah, Congratulations on finalizing your AL LABR win tonight. How much of a disadvantage (if any) do you think these extra dramatic games are to the team that has to face the Rays? Were the Rockies really a better team than the Phillies last year or just working on adrenalin?

Jonah Keri

  (7:44 PM)

Thanks Devin! Devin is referring to the League of Alternative Baseball Reality, one of the two biggest experts fantasy leagues around. I won this year, my second win in the past three years, with a close second-place finish in between. All of which means...exactly nothing. Fun, though. I think the extra games could be a concern for the White Sox, should they win tonight. Because of their lack of a legit 5th starter, they've been going 3 days rest past few days. Then they'd have to jump right into the Rays series. Twins rotation is younger, but also deeper. Might not hurt them as much. Basically I favor the White Sox to win tonight, but I give the Twins a better chance of beating the Rays than I would the White Sox.

Jim Thome (Chicago)

This is my night.

Jonah Keri

  (7:45 PM)

18 years and Jimmy has never won a World Series (and has only played in one). It's been 23 years for Jamie Moyer and he gets his shot with the Phils. Geoff Jenkins just made the playoffs for the first time in his career. These are the kinds of neat stories that come up this time of year.

Jonah Keri

  (7:45 PM)

The close-ups of people eating Applebee's is making me nauseous. And I don't even have HD...I feel terrible for those of you that just watched that on a giant screen.

Jeff (Rhinelander, WI)

Go Sox!!! The great Northwoods is behind you!

Jonah Keri

  (7:46 PM)

See that makes sense.

Jonah Keri

  (7:47 PM)

O-Cab with the base knock to lead off. Ah, those pesky ex-Expos. Have to enjoy them before they all go extinct.

carter (USA)

so what are the chances for cubs to win it all

Jonah Keri

  (7:48 PM)

They're my pick to win it all. Though I'd hasten to add that the best team often doesn't win (Cards 2006, Marlins 2003 etc.). Still, have to love Zambrano-Harden-Dempster-Lilly, with a strong back of the pen and balanced offense. Great job by Jim Hendry building that team.

Jonah Keri

  (7:49 PM)

Well-done rundown by the Twins.

Jonah Keri

  (7:50 PM)

Two weird double plays to start the game. Weird hearing Dick Stockton doing baseball. I have flashbacks to he and Tommy Heinsohn doing old Lakers-Celtics games on CBS in the 80s.

Chris (San Diego, CA)

Jonah, thanks for chatting during the game for us. Please try and help me make sense of this "coin flip" idea that Major League Baseball for the home team on these play-in games. Why should the team with a better record during the season not get the home game for this match-up? Is that good enough for the playoffs but not good enough for the play-in for the playoffs? Or is this just a scheduling thing to make travel reps lives a little easier?

Jonah Keri

  (7:54 PM)

This question has come up a lot (came up on the HostList today too). It definitely does have a lot to do with scheduling, since you run the risk of the season series going down to the wire, making the venue of a possible tiebreak a mystery 'til the last minute. As far as it being a good enough tiebreaker for the playoffs, you mean to say that if two teams in the same division tie, HTH determines the Wild Card vs. division winner. To which I would say that distinction is irrelevant...both teams are in, and Wild Card teams have won it all, just like division winners. I'd also note that HTH can be misleading, since teams change a lot from April to September. And at the end of the day, this isn't the NFL. In baseball, you have the luxury of being able to play a game on short notice. So why not settle it on the field? If Twins fans want to regreat anything, they can wonder why the team didn't close the deal vs. the lousy Royals this weekend. As is, this playoff is exciting for baseball. And the Twins are plenty capable of winning it, even on the road.

Matt (San Diego, CA)

unbelievable that this game isn't on ESPN

Jonah Keri

  (7:55 PM)

Don't knock the ratings juggernaut that is E60. Oops, being Tased here.

Steven (NJ)

Who do you think is the Nl Cy young? Santana, Lidge, C.C.,Webb,Lincecum

Jonah Keri

  (7:57 PM)

Lincecum by a hair over Santana....third place is well behind those two, take Lidge, Hamels or whoever you like there.

Kevin Lucas (Davenport, IA)

Is this game on any sports channel?

Jonah Keri

  (7:57 PM)

It's on TBS, Kevin.

Chris (D/FW)

Dude, but that show on the (non) controversy of the disabled "coach" being moved to an academic graduate assistant position, while touching, does not even come close to what amounts to a playoff baseball game. There, me saying that instead of you Jonah save you from certain paycheck docking?

Jonah Keri

  (7:58 PM)

I've already been docked for the gratuitous Expos reference too. Just wait 'til I start with the Simpsons refs, or my dissertation on why "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia" is now the best show on TV.

Jonah Keri

  (7:59 PM)

This game is flying along. Interesting to see Danks so efficient in the early going on short rest. Might be a case where he doesn't start to feel it until the middle innings.

Brad (St. Peter, MN)

Mauer has another batting title!!

Jonah Keri

  (8:00 PM)

I'd vote him 3rd for AL MVP, and 1st among position players. Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay would be 1-2.

Casey (Minneapolis)

Jonah, I disagree with your arguement that the twins have no need to argue about the location of the game and they should have been able to wrap it up against the Royals. The same could have been said about the Sox and the Indians. Regardless the Sox got dominated at the dome last week and that location is a huge advantage to the twins who have a 2 game advantage over the Sox. The game should be played in the team with the better record against their opponent or at least on a neutral field. Having it in Chicago is absurd and there is no favorable explaination for it.

Jonah Keri

  (8:01 PM)

Again, schedule considerations don't allow this. If head-to-head goes down to the wire, that messes everything up. A coin flip is random chance. It's as fair as it's going to get.

Chris (MN)

If the Twins can pull of this game and make the postseason do you give Morneau any consideration for MVP?

Jonah Keri

  (8:03 PM)

I'd vote Morneu about 20th for MVP. I have Mauer well ahead of him, let alone a bunch of other players. The focus on homers and RBI ignores numerous other numbers, the position Morneau plays, and the fact that my MVP pick has little to do with how good a player's teammates are. Check out the article I wrote about Albert Pujols last week for Page 2: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=keri/080923&sportCat=mlb

Jonah Keri

  (8:03 PM)

Nice to see Harold Reynolds back with a good gig.

John (Bayonne)

For Love of the Game is on. Ranks up there with one of my favorite basebal movies... THoughts?

Jonah Keri

  (8:04 PM)

Not a fan, too sappy. Prefer Bull Durham, Eight Men Out, bunch of others.

J FRANK (CHicago)

i am a die hard white sox fan, but i get a bad taste in my mouth every time i see paulie step up to the plate. Jonah what do you think of Paulie's future on the south side?

Jonah Keri

  (8:05 PM)

I don't have his contract details in front of me, but I know he's got some years and some serious dollars left. He's basically untradable unless the Sox eat some major cash. This dovetails nicely with Jonah's Immutable Law of Baseball: Never, ever, ever sign a free agent first baseman to a big, long-term contract. I look forward to some team vastly overpaying for Teixeira this off-season.

Aaron (Tampa)

who thinks the rays will go to the world series ?

Jonah Keri

  (8:06 PM)

I think they've got a great shot at it. Pitching and defense plays in the postseason, and they've got it. Just wish their closer situation was a little more secure.

Bucky (Minneapolis)

Jonah, We need some serious help on the left side of the infield. What are the chances O Cabrera or A Beltre get added in the offseason?

Jonah Keri

  (8:08 PM)

Cabrera's not much of a hitter at this stage, I wouldn't be pining for him. Beltre would be a great pickup, he's been an underrated contributor in Seattle. Don't know how likely either deal would be.

Jonah Keri

  (8:08 PM)

Alexei Ramirez walks. That's how you know a pitcher's wild. Pierzynski's got a shot at some rib-eyes here.

mike (philly)

thats why we love lidge here Jonah!

Jonah Keri

  (8:09 PM)

What a great story Lidge is. Phils bullpen as a whole has been huge.

Jonah Keri

  (8:09 PM)

Ah yes, AJ swings at the first pitch and grounds out weakly. Might be the only guy who makes Ramirez look patient.

Mary (North Hollywood, CA)

Do you think the Angels will sign Teixeira? I'm thinking they traded for him not planning to sign him long term. They've got Morales, and if they don't sign Teixeria, I think they get two compensatory draft picks. That sounds better than putting out a huge deal.

Jonah Keri

  (8:13 PM)

I agree Mary. I'd let Tex walk.

Bill (Chicago, IL)

I called the slam last night when Ramirez hit it and now i'm gonna call a shut-out from John Danks. He is such a good talent and i can see why Kenny traded McCarthy for him. How is McCarthy doing any how?

Jonah Keri

  (8:13 PM)

Well a complete-game shutout is out of the question on short rest. But 6 shutout innings could be feasible. Of course Blackburn is faring well here in the early going too.

Tim (Pennsylvania)

Jonah, any reason for phils fans to be worried about Burrell leaving BP today with back pain?

Jonah Keri

  (8:14 PM)

Haven't heard much more than you as of yet, Tim. If I do, I'll let you know. Offensive depth isn't a problem for the Phils, at least. I like them to win that series over Milwaukee.

Dave (Connecticut)

So you giving Alexi Ramirez his due? He has to be your ROY in the AL.

Jonah Keri

  (8:15 PM)

Longoria's my AOL ROY. I don't have Ramirez in my top 3 (prefer Joba, Galarraga, Aviles). Ramirez makes way, way too many outs, power doesn't make up for that.

bob (normal, il)

Who do you like for ROY in the NL?

Jonah Keri

  (8:16 PM)

Geovanny Soto, by a wide margin. He's a beast.

RodeoVann (illinois)

danks pitch count is already at 43...not good

Jonah Keri

  (8:16 PM)

That's a reasonable pace in the 3rd inning, 1 out, 3-2 count. Like I said, 6 innings of effective ball would be a good outcome for the Twins. He can't keep walking people, though.

Russ (FL)

Jonah, who has the best 3 man rotation heading into the playoffs? and best rested rotation?

Jonah Keri

  (8:17 PM)

Cubs and Angels both have excellent, and well-rested rotations.

Dave (Connecticut)

JOBA??? Come on the guy can't figure out if he is a starter or a closer? Longoria I'll give you but really you want to give your vote to a guy that can't stay healthy?

Jonah Keri

  (8:18 PM)

His ~100 IP were more valuable than what any other rookie delivered, other than Longoria and maybe Galarraga/Aviles.

JD (Portland)

Jonah who do you think has the best bullpen going into the playoffs?

Jonah Keri

  (8:19 PM)

I like the depth of Philly's pen. Cubs solid. The emergence of Arredondo has been big for the Angels (and is yet another reason why they should let K-Rod walk). Rays actually have two lights-out relievers who aren't the closer and aren't well known in Howell and Balfour. Both have been great.

kim jong eel (dallas wis.)

who do u see as being a surprise team in this years plaoffs jonah?

Jonah Keri

  (8:20 PM)

I could see the Rays winning the AL pennant.

Abrar Azamuddin (Chicago)

Should the Cubs be concerned that Zambrano, their stud pitcher, is their #3 pitcher in the playofffs?

Jonah Keri

  (8:21 PM)

Um, no. They should be thrilled. Dempster's worthy of top 10 Cy Young votes, and Harden is ace-level when healthy. Most teams would kill for that depth.

Jonah Keri

  (8:21 PM)

Nice job by Danks working around that walk.

Jonah Keri

  (8:21 PM)

Ernie + Chuck + Kenny > > > Ernie + Cal + Eck

Adam (Ithica)

Jonah, you think Milwaukee is going no where with Sheets' health questionable?

Jonah Keri

  (8:22 PM)

I do have major concerns about their starting pitcing, yes. Gallardo has exactly one start (4 IP) since coming off the DL. Bush worries me. They have a tough task ahead of them against a good Philly team.

Brendon , Crooks,SD

Hey Jonah if twins get in can they be a sleeper??? can they beat the Rays

Jonah Keri

  (8:23 PM)

Yes, they can. Good starting pitching is a great equalizer and they have it, even if their guys after Liriano are relative no-names.

Shane (MPLS)

What do you think of the Twins moving Mauer up to the 2 spot in the order and having Cuddy split them as they did in 2006?

Jonah Keri

  (8:23 PM)

The more at-bats Mauer can get, the better. He's a superduperstar.

Jazza (New Zealand)

Lidge showed his true colors in the ASG, just watch for the playoff choke jobs.

Jonah Keri

  (8:24 PM)

I guess he was just psyching us all out by going 41 for 41 in save opps this year.

Kevin (Fargo)

What do you think Gary Sheffield's future holds and what will be his legacy?

Jonah Keri

  (8:24 PM)

He's near the end. Legacy: He deserves Hall of Fame consideration.

Henry (chicago)

Who would win in a fight, Big Z, or Ozzy?

Jonah Keri

  (8:25 PM)

Z would be disqualified for eating Ozzie. As an appetizer.

Bribs (Buffalo)

Any chance of Bonds playing next year? -

Jonah Keri

  (8:26 PM)

I don't see it. I thought some team would eventually give in and bring him back to help the lineup. But after a year out of the game, it gets that much tougher...plus the longer he waits the less likely it is that Bonds hits like BONDS.

Jonah Keri

  (8:28 PM)

"Viagra can help you enjoy a more fulfilling sexual experience!" I like that they follow that commercial with an ad for Gillette shampoo featuring 20-year-old male models. Who's covering the demos here?

John (NH)

Can the Red Sox sweep the Halos, Jonah???

Jonah Keri

  (8:29 PM)

I doubt it. Beckett's injury should worry you, my NH neighbor. I had the Sox winning the series before the Beckett news. Now I'm saying Angels in 5.

Matt (CHarlottesville)

Hey Jonah, just tuning in - how has the location/velocity been for both starting pitchers?

Jonah Keri

  (8:30 PM)

Danks has walked a couple but worked out of trouble. He's working quickly and inducing outs on contact. Blackburn never had much velocity to begin with, but he's also inducing relatively quiet outs (Konerko deep fly being an exception). Pitcher's duel so far, no question.

Tim (Williamstown Mass)

Who is the Nl Mvp, I say Pujols, all the Espn guys say Howard, I disagree his obp and k rate is ridiculous.

Jonah Keri

  (8:31 PM)

Pujols deserves it, though I don't know if he'll get it. Here's that article in case you missed it: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=keri/080923&sportCat=mlb

Jonah Keri

  (8:32 PM)

Harold Reynolds nailed it about Danks challenging hitters (Mauer and Morneau in succession just now) on high fastballs. Allows him to go back to low stuff later. Looks like he came into this game with a plan, and he's executing it.

Juilan (MN)

Do you think that the Twins are better off in the long run after trading Hunter and Johan to a allow guys like Span, Gomez and our young pitchers to develop?

Jonah Keri

  (8:33 PM)

They didn't trade Hunter, they let him walk. And yes, I would not have kept hunter at $18M per. I didn't like the Johan trade, though more because I didn't like who they got in return that Johan's loss per se (Twins SP has been great this year, Livan ridiculousness aside).

Ryan (Minneapolis)

Odds that ESPN picks the Twins to finish last in the AL Central again next year? It's a sure thing isn't it. I would put money on it.

Jonah Keri

  (8:34 PM)

I'm pretty sure that didn't happen this year, Ryan. Royals were the pick by most, IIRC. Twins have been a great surprise this season. A tribue to their scouting and player development staffs in bringing along guys like Slowey, Blackburn, Baker et al. Just a shame they didn't address the bullpen, which is weak without my man Neshek.

Jonah Keri

  (8:35 PM)

Leadoff single for Dye. This could be the inning where the Sox break through.

Jonah Keri

  (8:36 PM)

I am Ji... Jim Thome.

Mr. OK Jazz, Tokyo, Japan

Yakult Swallows now 16 games back.. Is Bobby Jenks up there with Papelbon and Nathan as a closer? Havn't seen much of him this year..

Jonah Keri

  (8:38 PM)

Oh no! Too bad re Yakult. I'm loving my fully self-aware home Aoki jersey with "Swallows" on the front. Can't wait to write that article on Japanese baseball this off-season. Jenks is sold, but not Paps-Nathan level. Those two, Soria and Mo were the league's elite this season. Ooo! Really close call on Thome checkswing. That's a potential gamechanger...if there were 2 on with none out that'd be huge. Now you have a prime double play candidate up in Konerko with 1 on, 1 out.

Phil, Boston, MA

Granderson went to second base last night on Defensive Indifference, yet MLB is showing this as a SB. This has changed the winner in 2 Leagues I am in and I am sure countless other ESPN Leagues around the world. Is there anything that can be done by fans to have MLB make the correct call on this play? As an ESPN Contributor, I would expect you to be interested in the correct scoring as well. Thank you very much.

Jonah Keri

  (8:39 PM)

I asked Devin Clancy of USA Today about this. He said: " I think the corrections that are honest mistakes of transcription filter out from Elias over a couple of days. We used to get them all the time when we printed box scores. but I do know the MLB.com guys go over their boxscores with the official scorer after every game, so this may have been a scoring change made later that no one wrote about."

Jonah Keri

  (8:40 PM)

Ooh, just missed a double play by Konerko on the high throw. Too bad, I might've looked prescient for a change.

Thom (Seattle)

With Griffey up, it's a good time to ask you: what are the odds of seeing him in familiar Mariners threads next season?

Jonah Keri

  (8:40 PM)

Slim and none if the Mariners want to have an honest rebuilding effort. Considering they still have the same dunderheaded owners, though, possible.

Jonah Keri

  (8:42 PM)

Blackburn works out of trouble again. This seems like a good time to mention that Blackburn and Danks were two of the unheralded stars of my LABR-AL championship team. Cliff Lee, Justin Duchscherer...it was a cavalcade of guys no one wanted who went nuts on the league. I'm staying away from ladders and black cats just in case. Comeuppance is coming.

DJ (MN)

I would have liked Kubel over Cuddyer in tonights game, any thoughts?

Jonah Keri

  (8:42 PM)

Lefty starter was probably the impetus for Cuddyer here.

Cody (Albertville, MN)

I imagine you get bombarded with questions during this. How are you deciding which ones to answer?

Jonah Keri

  (8:43 PM)

Whichever ones show up at the time right after I submit my last answer. It's basically random chance. 4500 questions so far in 73 minutes of chatting. Insane. Keep em coming, and thanks for joining us!

rob (st.paul)

for sure kubel is a clutch hitter. Plus cuddy hasbeen on the dl and hasn't eve had a chance to get into a flow

Jonah Keri

  (8:44 PM)

I waited until Cuddyer smoked that ball down the line to answer the 812 people who dissed him in the past 2 minutes. Well played, people.

Max (Lawrence)

Aviles for ROY?

Jonah Keri

  (8:45 PM)

He's up there, but Longoria has to be the pick. If he stayed healthy all year he'd be a decent MVP pick.

Jonah Keri

  (8:45 PM)

DON'T BUNT HERE TWINS!

Butters (Chicago)

This is off subject, but what do you predict will happen in the Cubs/Dodgers series?

Jonah Keri

  (8:46 PM)

Cubs in 3, the only sweep I predicted in the 1st round. I love Derek Lowe this year and think he's an underrated ace. But Cubs just have too much, I think.

jesse (phoenix)

Bunting is what the Twins do best!

Jonah Keri

  (8:48 PM)

That is really not a good thing.

Jonah Keri

  (8:48 PM)

Booo! That pitch was only 13 inches outside! Booooo!!!!

Jonah Keri

  (8:49 PM)

Wow, what a play! Not a great throw by Griffey, but good enough against a slow Cuddyer. This is some fun baseball.

Jonah Keri

  (8:49 PM)

For those suffering from ED, I recommend this Life Water commercial over the Viagra commercial.

Jonah Keri

  (8:50 PM)

This Axe one too.

tyler (st. cloud)

Hey Jonah, is there a site I can go to listen or watch the game without having to pay money?

Jonah Keri

  (8:50 PM)

It's on TBS, Tyler.

Mary (North Hollywood, CA)

I love one game playoffs. Were you disappointed that the Met and Brewers didn't have to face off?

Jonah Keri

  (8:51 PM)

That would've been sweet. As I noted earlier, I was lucky enough to do the game Chat during last year's Padres-Rockies one-game playoff. It was epic.

Jason (Chicago)

if you could pick one player in a bar fight to be on your side who would it be.. I take Zambrano remember the D=lee fake punch hide run at Chris young. Zambrana had his belt out and in hand ready to swing it before he got out of the dugout and he was the 2nd one on the field

Jonah Keri

  (8:52 PM)

Kevin Gross. (look him up)

Kurt (Chicago)

Sox break through this inning - AJ and Alexi are currently their two hottest hitters

Jonah Keri

  (8:52 PM)

And the two most likely to swing at a pitch 8 feet over their head. They're WILD CARDS!!!

Bobby (st paul)

what are the twins gonna do next yr with a healthy cuddyer? trade him? is 3rd base an option for him?

Jonah Keri

  (8:53 PM)

Another tough contract to trade. They'll probably keep him and see what happens. His D is pretty subpar at 3B, though.

Bubby (San Jose)

Will Alvarez be permanently influenced by the contract dispute in terms of how Pittsburgh fans view him?

Jonah Keri

  (8:53 PM)

He'll be disliked right until the moment that he starts crushing NL pitching.

Will (fort myers, fl)

Joey Votto For NL ROY?

Jonah Keri

  (8:53 PM)

Votto 2nd. Soto 1st.

Johnny (St Pete)

How big is it that the Rays are getting Carl Crawford back for the ALDS?

Jonah Keri

  (8:54 PM)

Crawford has been really subpar this season. If that's the Crawford they're getting in the playoffs, not much to celebrate about. I will say that I got to see Crawford work out Tuesday when I was visiting the TB clubhouse. The guy's itching to return to the everyday lineup.

Jonah Keri

  (8:55 PM)

Wow, another superfast inning. My 6-inning prediction may have been modest, in both cases.

john (ohio)

so what do you think of al davis firing lane kiffin today?

Jonah Keri

  (8:56 PM)

Davis needs to fire himself as GM before his team will go anywhere. Also, buy low on Michael Bush if you can.

Jonah Keri

  (8:57 PM)

I love social networking. Just got added by someone I haven't spoken to since college. What started as a way to interview younger ballplayers who hit up Facebook a lot (David Price, notably) has turned into a parade of random friendings and disturbing pictures. What a world we live in.

Scott (Weston)

Jonah, Did you tickets for the AC/DC tour coming in November?

Jonah Keri

  (8:58 PM)

That might've interested me back in the day. Now I'd be more inclined to catch the Beck/Spoon/MGMT tour.

Bobby (st paul)

who is worse for a team? al davis as an owner or matt millen as a gm?

Jonah Keri

  (8:58 PM)

Yes.

Jonah Keri

  (8:59 PM)

Amazing, two more outs. These guys all really want to get on a plane. Someone forgot to tell them that someone needs to score first.

Bob (Chicago)

Hey Jonah, you keep ragging on A.J. for being impatient at the plate. He doesn't walk a ton, but he only struck out 70 times this season. He's a great contact hitter, that's why the White Sox had him hitting 2nd the majority of the season.

Jonah Keri

  (8:59 PM)

Strikeouts don't matter for hitters--outs are outs. No walks is a real problem--low OBP in the #2 spot is devastatingly stupid.

Brad (LaCrosse, WI)

What's your opinion on Carlos Gomez? What is his upside? The kid is hitting over 300 with RISP and is as fast as anyone in the game. Long range can he become a similar player to Beltran or Soriano?

Jonah Keri

  (9:01 PM)

Hitting with RISP isn't predictive/doesn't carry over year to year/long-term. Gomez is fast, young, cheap and plays good defense. That's the good news. Bad news is no plate discipline, little power.

Mickey (Boulder, CO)

COME ON CASILLA! if he can get on base Mauer is driving in 2!

Jonah Keri

  (9:02 PM)

Ahead in the count. Big spot for Danks here, he doesn't want Mauer with 2 on, 2 out.

joe (new york)

Really, I'm pretty sure players are dubbed RBI machines for a reason jonah

Jonah Keri

  (9:03 PM)

Yes. It's because they get placed in the middle of the lineup.

Brandon MN

When do you expect the first Pitching Change

Jonah Keri

  (9:03 PM)

Danks won't last much longer. If he puts Casilla on though, they leave him in to face the LH anyway.

Trevor (mn)

where are you from jonah

Jonah Keri

  (9:04 PM)

Montreal, originally. Went back over the weekend, great time as always. I always laugh when readers accuse me of bias. Only team I ever supported is defunct.

Jonah Keri

  (9:05 PM)

Great change-up by Danks! That was a beaut, real tight spin, great location.

Jonah Keri

  (9:05 PM)

And then as soon as I mention Facebook, I get 3 requests. I can't win.

Brian (Boston)

Hi Jonah, do you think the Red Sox ruined a good, potentially great young pitcher in Clay Buchholz? Whats the likeliness he turns this thing around?

Jonah Keri

  (9:06 PM)

Way too early to write him off. It's just that most good, young pitchers don't become stars right away. I like his prospects, long-term.

Kris (California)

Who do you think has a better piching staff, Angels or Red Sox?

Jonah Keri

  (9:06 PM)

Angels, esp with Beckett at less than 100%.

Justin (OHIO)

Why is this game being played. When teams have identical records, don't they take the winner of the season series?

Jonah Keri

  (9:07 PM)

You're thinking of football, Justin.

Dylan (MN)

i DONT HAVE TBS

Jonah Keri

  (9:07 PM)

Get thee to a sports bar, pronto!

Jonah Keri

  (9:08 PM)

10 more Facebook requests...OK now I'm amused.

Laura (New York, NY)

Oh man, I really wish I could be watching this game! Working during important games sucks.

Jonah Keri

  (9:08 PM)

I hear ya, Laura. My suggestion is to make it your job to watch games. It's wicked fun.

JR (Vegas)

Jonah, I know players get paid extra for postseason games, but since this isn't considered a "postseason" game, do they still get extra $$$$?

Jonah Keri

  (9:09 PM)

Hmmm...good question, JR. As far as I know, they do not.

Jonah Keri

  (9:10 PM)

Two outs already. VERY surprised Blackburn has been this good. Started the season great, but struggled mightily last 6-7 weeks of the season. Really impressed. 2 walks, 2 hits, 0 runs says Stockton.

Jonah Keri

  (9:11 PM)

21 requests so far. Maybe I should rant that no one ever sends me checks for $40.

Adam (Mn)

What is blackburns pitch count at?

Jonah Keri

  (9:11 PM)

Don't have box score in front of me, but I believe it's low. My guess is 73 or so.

Jonah Keri

  (9:12 PM)

Fukudome saying "It's more than chemistry, it's telepathy" = jawesome.

Jonah Keri

  (9:13 PM)

Mauer bunts for a hit! Interesting, almost worked. I'd have liked to have seen him work the count and try to get Danks out of there, personally.

G Money (Hawaii)

Mr. Keri, is this a make or break inning for the Twinkies with the M & M Bros up and maybe not again this game?

Jonah Keri

  (9:14 PM)

Considering 1 run might win this, I don't think so. Antone can a random solo shot...Harris, Young, whoever.

Ashley (L.A.)

Jonah, Is Joe Maurer better than Russell Martin?

Jonah Keri

  (9:14 PM)

Yes he is.

Jonah Keri

  (9:15 PM)

6-pitch inning. It's a clinic in great batting eyes!

crispy (ottawa)

Russell Martin , Shout out to Chelsea Quebec , woot woot !!!

Jonah Keri

  (9:15 PM)

Bien sur. I should've said Martin, keeping with my Quebecois roots.

Erik (Indianapolis)

2011... The Year of the Cincinnatti Reds... at least that's what Satan told me after I sold him my soul...

Jonah Keri

  (9:16 PM)

Seems to me you'd want quicker payout if you're selling your soul.

Jonah Keri

  (9:16 PM)

Yet another commercial that beats Viagra in the ED sweepstakes. Oh, it's Friday Night Lights. OK, that makes sense.

Dusty (Minnesota)

Where are you watching the game from Jonah?

Jonah Keri

  (9:17 PM)

My couch, in the lovely woods of New Hampshire.

Tony (Illinois)

Maybe Satan's having liquidity problems like everyone else...

Jonah Keri

  (9:18 PM)

My dirty little secret is that I split my writing time between sports, and the stock market for Investor's Business Daily (for real). Between the markets melting down and the playoffs, it's constant excitement these days.

michael (Minneapolis)

What's the deal with Morneau? He's been slumping for a while now.

Jonah Keri

  (9:18 PM)

Danks is making everyone look like they're in a slump.

Jonah Keri

  (9:18 PM)

Oof, fat pitch by Blackburn, Thome missed it.

Ethan (Los Angeles)

Are Mauer/Morneau the best back-to-back hitters in baseball?

Jonah Keri

  (9:19 PM)

Manny-Ethier?

Jonah Keri

  (9:19 PM)

Thome goes yard. Nice job by the Thome boosters from earlier in the thread. Gotta love Ji...Jim Thome. 18 years he's been waiting.

Bert (Kansas City)

is that the final score???

Jonah Keri

  (9:21 PM)

Something tells me it won't be.

Alex (Wichita, KS)

You saying 'wicked' earlier was awesome. I can totally tell you're from NH.

Jonah Keri

  (9:22 PM)

I don't actually say that when I talk. Although I do prefer NH accents/language usage over Boston. Subtle differences.

Jonah Keri

  (9:22 PM)

My cat started freaking out at the exact same time that Konerko hit a weak four-hopper to second. She hates that contract they gave Paulie too.

nick (cincinnati)

so do you think the yanks are gonna make any big moves in fa

Jonah Keri

  (9:23 PM)

I'd guess they'll make a run at Sabathia and Tex, others too. I expect at least one of the big FAs to sign with them.

Jonah Keri

  (9:23 PM)

Deep double for Griffey. Time for a pitching change.

jordan (missouri)

do you see the cardinals making any moves toward a big name free agen pitcher?

Jonah Keri

  (9:25 PM)

They just gave Lohse a big contract. I think with Carp expected to be OK by Opening Day they may refrain from another big deal for a SP. My cat apparently gets excited about intentional walks too.

Dave (Minneapolis)

sabathia is building a house in the OC he's from the Bay, do you see the Giants pairing him with Lincecum

Jonah Keri

  (9:25 PM)

If they do, I look forward to them signing the 7 more hitters it would take to contend.

MIKE (WI)

how do you see Yovani Gallardo pitching tommorrow?

Jonah Keri

  (9:26 PM)

I worry, in that park, against that lineup, with so few reps since coming back.

Shane (Vegas)

Yoy dont honestly think the Yanks get Tex from Angels??

Jonah Keri

  (9:27 PM)

There's a concept called the Winner's Curse. Basically the idea is that the high bidder by default is the one that overpaid. I wouldn't be pining for Texieira if I'm an Angels fan. He'll cost too much to make sense.

bob (kentucky)

will boston choose ss lowrie or lugo to start next season?

Jonah Keri

  (9:28 PM)

Lowrie

Jonah Keri

  (9:29 PM)

Double play here?

Jonah Keri

  (9:30 PM)

Nope, just a weak groundout.

Nathan (Indiana)

Johan, do you think that the MLB should change the rule to when there is a tie in the division that the winner of the head to head series should make the playoffs, like football?? or at least automatcally get to play the tiebraker game at home??

Jonah Keri

  (9:30 PM)

No, I don't.

Will (fort myers, fl)

What do you think about the reds next year

Jonah Keri

  (9:31 PM)

They should be interesting. Bruce, Votto, Cueto, Volquez...lots of good, young talent.

Caleb (Minneapolis)

Considering Clevelands record in the second half this year, do you think they regret giving up Sabathia?

Jonah Keri

  (9:31 PM)

Wait 'til Matt Laporta starts hitting 30-35 homers a year, for $400K a year to start.

Jonah Keri

  (9:32 PM)

Nice running catch by Young. Danks coming out for the 8th might be pushing it...I could see the Twins mounting a rally.

Jack (Chi)

Who would pitch game 5 for the Cubs? Zambrano or Dempster?

Jonah Keri

  (9:32 PM)

There won't be a Game 5.

Seth (Boston)

Jonah, Why was a coin flip used to decide home field in this game? Why not base it on their head-to-head record? I suspect that most Twins fans would have liked this game in the Met, where the ChiSox went 1-8 this year...

Jonah Keri

  (9:34 PM)

Are we really going to dwell on this and argue that Thome hitting the ball 80 miles would've been a warning track out in Minnesota? I discussed this earlier in the Chat...scheduling reasons and other meant coin flip made most sense. It's not like the Sox had an unfair advantage. Coinflip is 50-50.

Nathan (Chicago)

With all this talk about C.C. pitching on three days rest, would there be a chance of him injuring himself in the series against philly?

Jonah Keri

  (9:35 PM)

Short rest might not manifest itself in an injury necessarily. Could be ineffectiveness. CC looked rough in last yr's playoffs after heavy usage, don't forget. Gardenhire, the batting coach and every Twins hitter should be fired for swining at the first pitch every time. I disagree with Reynolds' assessement of this. Work a walk. Or at least try.

Jim (Boise)

What type of bat could the Giants get for Matt Cain?

Jonah Keri

  (9:36 PM)

A very good one.

corey (illinois state)

If the Cubs and the Sox make it to the world series it will be the greatest and the worst week in Chicago history.

Jonah Keri

  (9:36 PM)

And then Chicago boy Obama wins the election a week later.

Jonah Keri

  (9:37 PM)

Hey, what a surprise, hitter works the count, waits for a pitch to hit, and singles to left. Gee, maybe that would've been a good idea 4 innings ago.

Jonah Keri

  (9:39 PM)

I love Reynolds saying they should swing at first pitch, then backtracking and saying maybe taking was the right idea.

Looker (New York)

Jonah -- are you watching the Twins/Sox game -- Live?

Jonah Keri

  (9:40 PM)

Yes. This is pretty challenging. Double play! Wow, Danks has been stellar. Keith Law saying the Twins lefty bats will struggle vs Danks was spot on. Then again, Keith was #1 on whereIstand.com's list of baseball writers in predicting playoff teams this year. The man knows his stuff.

Jonah Keri

  (9:41 PM)

Facebook stopped at 45. I'm pretty sure I don't know 45 people, total.

Jonah Keri

  (9:41 PM)

Ed Norton! Colin Farrell! in...the movie with too many dumb accents!

Dave (Iowa)

Ozzie looks like a genius for letting Danks pitch the 8th. Now he can go straight to the closer.

Jonah Keri

  (9:42 PM)

And Danks looks like a stud for making Ozzie look good. Just incredibly impressive on 3 days rest.

DJ (MN)

Are the Twins done?

Jonah Keri

  (9:43 PM)

Unless my TiVo just developed a mind of its own and also tapped into ESPN's chat system, no the Twins are not done. One inning to go, top of the order up.

Jonah Keri

  (9:43 PM)

Nick Punto is the worst hitter in the known universe, especially against lefties. Pretty amazing that the Twins had no one better off the bench in that spot.

mike (philly)

Lidge won the nl comeback player of the year, Jonah can a player win more than one award?

Jonah Keri

  (9:44 PM)

Sure. Willie Hernandez Cy Young and MVP in 84, etc. Lidge could be a decent pick for #3 in Cy Young.

Mjk (MI)

These teams have no shot at the World Series anyway.

Jonah Keri

  (9:44 PM)

Right. Just like the 83-win Cardinals had no shot two years ago.

Robert (MN)

I would have started Kubel over Punto even at shortstop.

Jonah Keri

  (9:45 PM)

Me too.

Dusty (Minnesota)

Is this twins outfield the best in baseball? With their extremely good speed and arm strength? They certainly MUST have the edge in future years.

Jonah Keri

  (9:45 PM)

Defensively they're up there. Offensively they're horrible.

Jim (Dallas)

At least you guys have teams to root for that are anywhere close to the playoffs.

Jonah Keri

  (9:46 PM)

Yup. My team is deceased.

Bill (Ohio)

What are either of these teams chances against the Rays? Not very good in my opinion.

Jonah Keri

  (9:47 PM)

I'd like the Twins' chances a little better. If there's one thing the playoffs have taught us, though, it's that anyone can beat anyone in a short series. The best team often doesn't win.

jason (tokyo)

the twins were doing great earlier in the season when harris was at ss and buscher at 3b. gardenhire loves punto...maybe to the peril of the team

Jonah Keri

  (9:48 PM)

Gardy tried to play righties, ignoring that Punto is horrible, esp vs. LH. I'd have started Buscher anyway.

Depen (Portland, OR)

Hey is Portland getting a baseball team soon?

Jonah Keri

  (9:48 PM)

Nope.

Jonah Keri

  (9:48 PM)

Why do I have a feeling Thome hits a long one here too?

Matt (Columbus)

Do you think the Braves go after a couple pitchers in the off season? Injuries are killing the aging staff. They could use a bat or 2 as well.

Jonah Keri

  (9:49 PM)

They might one more year to consolidate their young talent (I'd like tos ee Lillibridge make a push, Brandon Jones too, Heyward move through the system). Two years from now could be the better window.

Tiny (VA)

how'd they score the first run??

Jonah Keri

  (9:50 PM)

Thome homer

crispy (ottawa)

Jonah ......... should the Jays perhaps look to trade Roy Halladay next trade deadline if they arent in the AL east playoff picture ? They could get a real nice package of players from a desperate team trying to make it in ? what do you think ?

Jonah Keri

  (9:51 PM)

Sure, I'd look into that deal. IF they can get full value, that is.

Jonah Keri

  (9:51 PM)

Good move bringing in Nathan, no point in saving him. Mr. Jenks now waddling to the mound.

Jonah Keri

  (9:53 PM)

OK that was the funniest commercial ever. In what alternate universe is Rajon Rondo hitting contested 27-footers?

Jeff (Brownton, MN)

% chances gomez trys to bunt here?

Jonah Keri

  (9:53 PM)

409%

Doug (vegas)

WHY WONT YOU POST ANYTHING I SAY!

Jonah Keri

  (9:53 PM)

Better?

Jonah Keri

  (9:54 PM)

I like Kubel hititng for Gomez. Gardy trying to make up for previous lousy moves.

Lauren (Minnesota)

i have never been posted

Jonah Keri

  (9:54 PM)

Boom goes the dynamite.

Jonah Keri

  (9:55 PM)

Kubel was right on that 0-2 pitch. Interesting.

Jonah Keri

  (9:55 PM)

Serious velocity for Jenks.

Jonah Keri

  (9:56 PM)

Dick Stockton is already thanking the Technical Producer! He must know something we don't.

Jonah Keri

  (9:56 PM)

Great atmosphere at the Cell. One out away. Blazingly fast game.

Jamie (Philadelphia)

Is Jim Thome a Hall of Famer? He has had very consistent numbers through out his career. If he retired nect year, will he be in Cooperstown?

Jonah Keri

  (9:57 PM)

He should be, easy.

Jonah Keri

  (9:57 PM)

What a catch by Anderson! Some game. Congrats to the Chicago White Sox, 2008 AL Central champs. Congrats also to the Minnesota Twins for a terrific, unlikely run.

Jonah Keri

  (9:58 PM)

First time in 102 years both Chicago teams in the playoffs. Amazing.

Jonah Keri

  (10:00 PM)

17,100 questions and counting. Sorry to the thousands of questions I couldn't get to. Please feel free to email me at jonahkeri@gmail.com. Happy to answer your queries. Enjoy the playoffs, and see you all again soon!