ESPN

Buzzmaster

  (4:55 PM)

We'll be chatting during every one of the LCS games this MLB postseason. Thursday night, we'll be here for the entire Game 1 of the NLCS! Join Rob Neyer to chat starting around 8 p.m. ET!

JW(nh)

Bob-O - whats the deal with you a least 10 minutes late? Portland a wee bit rainey this afternoon? Or are enjoying some Fall League w/ the Klaw?

Rob Neyer

  (8:16 PM)

Ha! No, I'm just pacing myself. I'm going to be glued to my chair (and my TV) for three-plus hours, figure there's nothing I would talk about now that can't wait until the game starts. But we're getting close and I can tell you're impatient, so ... Let's go!

JR (Vegas)

Rob, how closely are you able to watch a game while you are chatting?

Rob Neyer

  (8:18 PM)

Perhaps not as closely as I'd like, but I've been doing this for a long time, so it's not hard to monitor the action via the sound. Only down-side is that I can't listen to ESPN Radio, because it's not synched with picture.

Travis (Graham, WA)

My friends don't believe me that batting order really doesn't matter.

Rob Neyer

  (8:18 PM)

Find a nice, concise study, and give it to them. If they refuse to acknowledge facts, give up and move on to something else.

Stephen (Los Angeles, CA)

Hey Rob. How would you rate the job that Blake DeWitt has done this year?

Rob Neyer

  (8:21 PM)

His OPS+ was 88. I would have figured 75 or 80. So he's definitely been better than I expected. In two or three years he'll be good enough for an everyday job somewhere.

Lee D, LA

With Loney's decreased production against lefties, would you have started Nomar (or even Kent) at first?

Rob Neyer

  (8:23 PM)

Loney's not *terrible* against lefties, but you're right; Torre has better options. I think managers don't like to shake things up in the first game, but I suspect Loney will sit against Hamels next time.

Joe, Manchester, CT

Rob,I am a Yankee fan who is rooting for the Dodgers and the dreaded Red Sox to meet in the WS. My rationale is strictly to see ManRam hit 4 bombs and .500 and become WS MVP against the Nation. Is this wrong?

Rob Neyer

  (8:24 PM)

Only in some counties. Otherwise, this is what being a sports fan is all about.

Sonny,LA(CA)

Any chance they'll pitch to Manny this series? Or does Loney and Kemp have to cash him in every time?

Rob Neyer

  (8:26 PM)

Hamels is good enough to pitch to anyone, but I suspect we'll see Moyer being very, very careful tomorrow afternoon.

Jason (Seattle)

2 Run Homer, here we come!

Rob Neyer

  (8:28 PM)

Almost. So much for Hamels handling Manny, huh? By the way, the Phillies almost have to win this game.

Pat (Boston, MA)

Do you agree with the decision of Wakefield over Byrd? With the way the Rays can run on Wakefield and how poorly he's done recently I was pretty shocked.

Rob Neyer

  (8:30 PM)

Must be nice to be the Red Sox, who can afford to pick up a guy like Byrd strictly as an insurance policy ... which they're apparently not going to need. As for Byrd vs. Wakefield, it's certainly questionable, but Byrd's ERA since joining the Sox is 4.78 and he hasn't pitched a good game in more than a month.

Jake (SF)

This game hinges on whether D.Lowe can keep the ball down, correct? Hamels looks like he can eat that lineup alive. His major issues will be Furcal and Manny. What else is new, right? Question though, with their lefty batters it looks like the Phillies are much better equipped than the Cubs were to slay the Dodger's three-headed, right-handed monster we call KuLoweLy (or Billoweda if you prefer). Would you agree?

Rob Neyer

  (8:32 PM)

Not necessarily. As I wrote in my blog today, the Phillies rely on home runs and the Dodgers, it turns out, don't give up many home runs; fewer home runs, in fact, than any other team in the majors.

Sean (Ireland)

These late nights are killing me! Do you think the Dodgers are the frontrunners to sign Manny this winter?

Rob Neyer

  (8:33 PM)

I don't, if only because the Dodgers don't have a DH slot available. Can you imagine his "defense" when he's 40?

JeffG (Georgia)

Looks like Hamels a little tenative out there right now.

Rob Neyer

  (8:35 PM)

Certainly wasn't his best inning, but it could have been a lot worse.

Jake (Mass)

Rob, Where do you think the Red Sox would be now with Manny Ramirez?

Rob Neyer

  (8:35 PM)

I think they would be playing against the Rays in the ALCS.

JB (New York, New York)

How old is Hamels? Howd he do in the postseason last year?

Rob Neyer

  (8:37 PM)

He's now 25, and last year he pitched well -- despite some control problems -- in his one postseason start.

si (valley stream)

Rob, you picked Phillies to win. How many games?

Rob Neyer

  (8:41 PM)

Seven. But I had second thoughts today. All things considered (so far), I would switch my pick.

Stephen (East Greenbush, NY)

I just want to say that the idea of having the chat on the same screen as the gamecast is genius! Thanks for the chat!

Rob Neyer

  (8:41 PM)

You're welcome. I believe we started doing this a year ago. And I think it's great.

d0nkeyxpunch (Torrance)

Is it true Manny can still be eligible to get a ring if Boston win the World Series?

Rob Neyer

  (8:44 PM)

Well, who gets a ring is entirely up to the team's management, I believe. I don't know what the Red Sox would do in this case, but I suspect they would be magnanimous. On the other hand, the players determine postseason $$$ shares, and I would surprised if they gave Manny any money at all.

JR (Vegas)

Rob, what % of players do you think are indifferent towards whether or not they play in October and are just happy to collect their paycheck from year to year?

Rob Neyer

  (8:46 PM)

I don't know ... 2 percent, maybe? Less? Most players are ultra-competitive and want to be thought of, and think of themselves as, winners.

andrew (schertz, TX)

do we ever talk about the game here?

Rob Neyer

  (8:47 PM)

Sure, when something notable happens. But I'm not going to be providing play-by-play because most of you are following the game otherwise.

Dennis (Marks)

Do you follow soccer? If so which clubs do you support?

Rob Neyer

  (8:49 PM)

I'm a big supporter of the Gunners ... No, not really. I just said that because FEVER PITCH is one of my favorite books. I watch the football only during the big international tournaments.

Paddy (Australia)

Im only watching on gamecast.How close was Manny's double to being a homer?

Rob Neyer

  (8:50 PM)

Two or three feet, maybe? Plus it was off the top of the highest wall in the ballpark, to dead center. He may have hit it as far as you can hit one there and not touch 'em all.

joe (california)

rob you see 0% chance of dodgers signing manny??

Rob Neyer

  (8:52 PM)

Nah. Higher than that. If you make me guess, I'll say 7 percent. A lot depends on how well the Dodgers do this month, and a lot depends on if he's willing to sign for two or three years rather than four or five.

JR (Vegas)

Rob, which will be more entertaining, tonight's game, or tonight's new episode of THE OFFICE?

Rob Neyer

  (8:53 PM)

Aren't digital recorders great?

Timmy (NY)

Rob, who are the most apathetic fans in Baseball?

Rob Neyer

  (8:54 PM)

At this moment I have to think it's the Marlins' fans. Followed closely by the Nationals'.

Skylar (Virginia)

How sweet would a Red Sox/Dodgers world series be?

Rob Neyer

  (8:58 PM)

Hard to argue with the drama, though I suspect I'd get sick of the Manny vs. Boston stories after the first day or so.

jon (new york)

robby...best sinker in baseball?

Rob Neyer

  (8:58 PM)

Gotta be Brandon Webb, right? Derek Lowe's is pretty good. Fausto Carmona's in 2007 ...

JR (Boston)

best sinker in baseball? easy, the mets

Rob Neyer

  (8:59 PM)

[ba-da-bing!]

Sonny,LA(CA)

Wow, DeWitt keeps on making the defensive plays.

Rob Neyer

  (9:01 PM)

Well, yeah. But I have friends who could have turned that double play.

jones (nevada nevada)

how do you think the Athletics will do next year if they make some big trades over the offseason

Rob Neyer

  (9:01 PM)

They're not going to make any big trades. Or at least not the sort you're thinking of. They're targeting 2010 (and beyond) for winning 90 games.

A Wilson (Maryland)

Why are you having second thoughts about the Phils winning this series in 7?

Rob Neyer

  (9:06 PM)

Because -- as I mentioned earlier -- the Phillies rely on homers and the Dodgers don't give them up. And also because the Dodgers are good against left-handed pitching.

Bernardo (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Do you think baseball suffered by not having any new york team in this postseason? how so?

Rob Neyer

  (9:06 PM)

Suffered? Well, the TV ratings in the Tri-State Area won't be as good as otherwise. But who cares?

Chris (St. Paul)

Are Howard's struggles defensively over or understated?

Rob Neyer

  (9:07 PM)

He's just flat-out a lousy fielder. Really no way to sugurcoat it.

john (portland)

Do you think the Yankees made a poor choice in how they treated Joe Torre at the end of last season?

Rob Neyer

  (9:08 PM)

I think it was a tough situation all around, and eventually all will be forgiven.

cmeier_3 (Wichita, KS)

Do you think the Royals have the right pieces in place to make a run like TB has done this year?

Rob Neyer

  (9:10 PM)

No. The Royals don't have as many young players as the Rays, and the ones they have aren't as good. The Royals are at least two seasons away from winning 85 games.

Alan (Los Angeles)

Do you agree with the All-Star format where the winner gets home field advantage?

Rob Neyer

  (9:11 PM)

Yes, I am. You have to determine who gets the home field somehow. And this way is better than looking at the calendar.

Peter Griffin (Rhode Island)

Haven't you heard? ...the bird is the word.

Rob Neyer

  (9:12 PM)

I have heard. But then, I really do love repetition.

Harrison (Pensacola, Fl)

Do the Rays really have an edge over the BoSox, considering the lack of experience?

Rob Neyer

  (9:12 PM)

If the Rays have an edge, it's because they're healthier than the BoSox at the moment.

Nate (Pennsylvania)

why arent any of my questions showing up on the screen?

Rob Neyer

  (9:14 PM)

Because I'm not posting them (well, until now). This is what we call a moderated chat, which means your question is posted only if someone -- in this case, me -- posts it. I'm going to receive many thousands of questions during the game, so (necessarily) only a small percentage will show up on your screen.

Jeff (USA!)

Hey rob so are you saying that it will be LA in 7?

Rob Neyer

  (9:16 PM)

For the record? I'm sticking with the Phillies. Off the record, though? Completely off the record? Dodgers in 6.

VIctorino (Happyville)

Hi, Very much enjoy these chats, and do find the procedural questions boring, so I'll keep this short. Could you post some more "colour commentary" on the game for those of us who are allegedly prepping our class in Political Thought tomorrow?

Rob Neyer

  (9:17 PM)

I'll do a little more of that as the game winds down, if it's close. But most of you really don't want to read that stuff. And I exist merely to serve.

AL (Twyckenham)

Torre is gonna do it again

Rob Neyer

  (9:19 PM)

Do what again? Lose another postseason series because he doesn't know how to run a bullpen in October?

Chad (Iraq)

so who are you rob meyer, and what makes you so special to screen everyone's questions. Im a soldier in Iraq, and I wanted to know how the dodgers scored in the first. We don't have the amenities here that you have in the states. Why didnt you post my question?

Rob Neyer

  (9:21 PM)

Chad, Manny Ramirez drove in Andre Ethier with a double (and near-homer) off the top of the fence in center field. As for amenities, if you're looking at this I'm almost sure you can also look at ESPN.com's GameCast, here: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/gamecast?gameId=281009122

Jim (Boston)

Does the Geico caveman have a legitimate legal beef with Geico's ad campaign?

Rob Neyer

  (9:22 PM)

Not sure what you mean, Jim. The Geico Caveman -- a classmate of mine in high school, by the way -- is doing quite well for himself, I would imagine.

Jake (Wilmington, NC)

Which team that didn't make the post-season this year do you think has the best chance of making it next year?

Rob Neyer

  (9:23 PM)

Cleveland, New York, Arizona, and New York (in roughly that order).

Mary (Los Angeles)

Which team that made the post season this year is most likely to miss it next year?

Rob Neyer

  (9:27 PM)

White Sox, Rays, Dodgers, Phillies (in that order).

brian (CT)

hey rob which team has a better pen in the nlcs

Rob Neyer

  (9:29 PM)

Both are outstanding, but I'll give slight edge to Dodgers because of their control.

Steve (Seattle)

Ha... guess I have to keep asking this question until the time is right. Your thoughts Rob on Kim Ng interviewing for a GM job right now? Yes or No... and what kind of GM do you think she would be? Or just answer would she be a good fit for Seattle? I'll talk your answers off the air.

Rob Neyer

  (9:31 PM)

I don't have any idea, Steve. I did meet Ng many years ago, but I haven't talked to her since then, and I haven't read or heard much (if anything) about her duties with the Yankees or the Dodgers. Does she keep up with sabermetrics? Is she a skilled negotiator? I just don't know. But if I were running the M's I'd sure find out.

Ned (Alaska)

Do you see the Rays meeting the challenge yet again? Everybody's written them off so many times this year.

Rob Neyer

  (9:35 PM)

I'll be shocked if they fold, particularly if they don't have to face a healthy Josh Beckett.

Ryan (Cincinnati)

Rob, what do you think the chances of the Reds landing Pat Burrell are? They have gone on record saying they are targeting a right handed power bat to play a corner outfield spot and he is a perfect fit..

Rob Neyer

  (9:37 PM)

Considering that they never really liked Adam Dunn and Burrell's basically Dunn without the walks, I sort of doubt if that's a good fit.

brian (brookings, sd)

rob, mccain or obama?

Rob Neyer

  (9:39 PM)

I'll never tell, Brian. At least not in this space. I do have a great appreciation for words well spoken, for intellectual curiosity, and for objective analysis.

Steve (Seattle)

Haha... then Fey or Palin?

Rob Neyer

  (9:40 PM)

I have a big crush on one of them.

Ben (Philadelphia)

Burrell almost led the league in walks. Learn your stats before you spew nonsense.

Rob Neyer

  (9:42 PM)

I deserved that, Ben. I was thinking of the pre-2005 Burrell. But now he's good for 100+ walks per season, not many fewer than Dunn. So they're even more alike than I thought.

Ryan (Cincinnati)

I see your point about Burrell being just like Dunn, but who else can the Reds get? The FA Market is weak this year.

Rob Neyer

  (9:46 PM)

I don't think the Reds will spend the money on Burrell. You're right about the market being thin, but that's only going to drive his price up.

Rick (San Jose, CA)

Will Andruw Jones start for the Dodgers next year?

Rob Neyer

  (9:48 PM)

Yeah, I think he will. I think the Dodgers won't bring Manny back, and a healthier Jones will compete for -- and win -- a job in spring training. I mean, they still owe the cat $15 million next year.

Jimmy (New Bedford, MA)

Does Boston make a move and sign a big name free agent? If so who?

Rob Neyer

  (9:51 PM)

I think they'll make a play for Sabathia, especially if Beckett's got a real problem. But otherwise I suspect they'll mostly stand pat, as they're well-set everywhere else. Well, except at catcher. But I think they'll make a trade to address that one.

damon (wilmington,DE)

2out bottom of the 5th down 2 do you pinch hit here

Rob Neyer

  (9:52 PM)

They didn't, and a good thing too, as Hamels singled. HUGE spot for Jimmy Rollins, coming off a disappointing season ...

Nick (Anaheim, CA)

Where do you see Francisco Rodriguez ending up next season?

Rob Neyer

  (9:53 PM)

w/Mets

castloo (montana)

With the Rangers' AA and AAA both winning their respected playoffs this year, do you see a forseeable winning, possibly playoff making Rangers team? or will they continue to ignore pitching woes for offensive theats?

Rob Neyer

  (9:54 PM)

It's still every early in 2009, but I think the Rangers will make a good trade this winter and enter next season as one of the more attractive dark horses.

Calvin (Portland, OR)

How well do you see Jon Lester doing for the rest of the postseason?

Rob Neyer

  (9:56 PM)

I see absolutely no reason to think he won't continue to pitch well. His ERA since April is 2.95, and that doesn't even include his 14 scoreless innings against the Angels last week.

Jon (Omaha)

Rob i really wanna know your thoughts will CC stay a Brewer

Rob Neyer

  (9:57 PM)

No; a thousand times no.

Benjamin: Lawrence, KS

Do you see Moore misspending more money on the free agenet market again? If so, who do you think he overpays for? I say play the season with Aviles at SS, Callaspo at 2b, and Shealy at 1b. Please, save our money Mr. Moore!!!!

Rob Neyer

  (10:02 PM)

Well, he overspent after 2006 and he overspent after 2007. So a patter does seem to be developing. Plus, everybody on TV is saying the Royals are the next Rays. Moore -- and more importantly, his masters -- might actually believe it.

Nate (Shanghai)

Is Masterson this good or would making him the centerpiece of a deal for one of the Ranger catchers be a good way of maximizing his value for the Red Sox?

Rob Neyer

  (10:02 PM)

He's this good, which doesn't mean he's not tradeable.

Ben (Greensboro, NC)

Can Felix Hernandez be a reliable starter or is he the next Daniel Cabrera?

Rob Neyer

  (10:06 PM)

They're not remotely comparable. King Felix did walk 80 hitters this year, but his career ERA+ is 113, pretty impressive for a guy who doesn't turn *23* until next spring. Cabrera's ERA+ is 89 and he's five years older.

Jim (RI)

WOW. UTLEY is amazing

Rob Neyer

  (10:08 PM)

That's true. (For those of you not following along, Utley just hit a two-run homer to tie the game.)

Collin, CT

Will people (i.e. baseball writers) ever appreciate Chase Utley? I mean, they're so eager to pat Ryan Howard on the back, it's almost like they miss the fact of how good he is.

Rob Neyer

  (10:09 PM)

That's also true. Last year it was Jimmy Rollins. This year it's Ryan Howard. But Chase Utley is the best player on the team, and I don't think it's even close.

Steve (Utah)

Utley is the best second baseman the league has seen in a long time

Rob Neyer

  (10:12 PM)

Is Utley the best second baseman since Joe Morgan? Or maybe Ryne Sandberg? I think he might be.

mike (long island)

Shouldnt Torre have yanked Lowe after the game was tied?

Rob Neyer

  (10:13 PM)

No, I don't think so. How could he have known that Lowe would give up two homers in one inning? He gave up only 14 all season! (Read that again, so it sinks in.)

dave (mass)

What about Pedroia? He's a Gold Glove 2b with a great stick who's produced consistently since he entered the league.

Rob Neyer

  (10:14 PM)

I love the guy, but he's not even in the conversation yet.

Chris (NY)

The Phillies should try winning with homers outside of CBP.

Rob Neyer

  (10:16 PM)

Actually, they led the NL this season in road home runs. By a lot.

Christian (Cary)

Do you know why Manny had his number changed to number 99?

Rob Neyer

  (10:16 PM)

Because he thinks he's three times better than Eddie Murray.

Brian (LA)

I'm calling a Lidge blown save. Who's with me?

Rob Neyer

  (10:17 PM)

Not me. I've been pulling for Lidge ever since the Pujols homer.

harry (illinois)

Lidge will not blow a save. He's too good.

Rob Neyer

  (10:19 PM)

He's real good, but even the best of them blow one eventually. Prediction: IF the Phillies are in the World Series, Lidge will blow a save at some point this month.

Will (Philadelphia)

Yea, cause it's always smart to bet against historical perfection. Lidge will make you sweat it out as a fan give up a hit and a walk but they never cross plate.

Rob Neyer

  (10:22 PM)

Sure, but I'm sure you could find five or six games this season when an inch here or there and Lidge does blow it. For a closer, perfection really is blowing "only" three or four in a season.

Patsy (Ft. Myers)

Do you think that Manny has the Hall of Fame in his future?

Rob Neyer

  (10:23 PM)

Sure. That's already a done deal, barring some evidence of PED.

Homer (Saginaw)

Hamels is really hitting his stride.

Rob Neyer

  (10:25 PM)

Yeah. And he's thrown only 104 pitches with two outs in the seventh. McCarver says he's done after this inning but I'm not so sure.

Derek (NE)

Rob, in your opinion, is Hamels the best starting pitcher remaining in the playoffs?

Rob Neyer

  (10:26 PM)

Yes. Competition: Billingsley and Lester.

Wil (Philadelphia)

God Bless America, but can't we get a better singer?

Rob Neyer

  (10:27 PM)

How about a better song?

Ben (Phila)

Should I study for my big test tonight or keep watching the phillies?

Rob Neyer

  (10:27 PM)

Trust me, there will be plenty of tests. But only one Game 1.

Ryan (Scranton)

How bout Coming to America. I'm with Simmons on this. It'd be way more fun. And its about time it took its place among patriotic songs.

Rob Neyer

  (10:28 PM)

I'm a Woody Guthrie fan, myself.

David (Philadelphia)

You heard it from Rob Neyer kids: drop out of school and watch sports all the time.

Rob Neyer

  (10:29 PM)

Hey, it worked for me.

Dan (St Louis)

Rob, love your books. Coming out with another anytime soon?

Rob Neyer

  (10:31 PM)

Thanks, Dan. But nothing on the docket for 2009, as blogging takes up most of my sitting-on-my-rear time. Maybe a Bigger Book of Baseball Lineups in 2010, if you demand it.

Jude (Scranton)

What is the reasoning for Maddux to be used in middle relief? He's not expected to make a start?

Rob Neyer

  (10:32 PM)

Apparently not. Torre has said he's more comfortable with Maddux than Kershaw in middle relief. What I don't get: Why not use your *best* relievers in this situation? See, this is what I was talking about (two hours ago). Torre doesn't use the right guys.

Thom (Atlantic City)

Rob, since Maddux is in for relief, it's now between Lowe and Kershaw in Game 4, who do you think would be the better option?

Rob Neyer

  (10:33 PM)

I don't know Lowe's body well enough to answer that question with any sort of skill. (BTW, nice DP by BD.)

Bill (Ventura, CA)

Rob, if Ethier gets to first do you walk Manny?

Rob Neyer

  (10:36 PM)

No, no, no; a million times no. You can't put the tying run on second base, intentionally. I don't care if God is batting.

Mike Ching (Bessemer, AL)

Hey Rob, do you mute your TV set, or do you just allow McCarver to make your ears bleed?

Rob Neyer

  (10:37 PM)

Honestly, for the most part I'm just hearing the rise and fall of the voices, because I can't really do this and process spoken words at once.

Bullis (Jersey)

You agree with taking out Hamels?

Rob Neyer

  (10:38 PM)

I suspect Manuel knows his pitcher better than I do. That's his job, anyway.

Chris (Philadelphia)

Hey Rob, why is everyone saying the rest of the Phillies rotation is weak? I don't know if everyone watched the same season I did but wasn't Myers on fire for most of the second half this year? And didn't he go a solid 7 innings in game two? Nevermind that Blanton has pitched well since coming to Philly and Moyer is 16-7 this season.

Rob Neyer

  (10:40 PM)

I think you're right IF you can reasonably explain the difference between the stinky first-half Myers and the fine second-half Myers.

Michael (Philadelphia, Pa)

McCarver: "Madson has the best change up on the staff." Madson has a good change, but did he not just see Hamels and his other-worldly change.

Rob Neyer

  (10:41 PM)

That is a strange comment, considering that Hamels supposedly has the best change-up this side of Johan Santana. Then again, Madson's change-up looked real good just then!

Brett (New York)

Who is your selection to win the World Series?

Rob Neyer

  (10:42 PM)

I believe I have the Rays beating the Phillies, officially.

Pete (NYC)

Game over.

Rob Neyer

  (10:44 PM)

Not quite, but you have to like Lidge's chances, considering Madson got through the meat of the order. Any bats on the bench for the Dodgers? Left-handed bats, I mean?

Tim (Texas)

Name me one position the Rays are better than the Sox in? I'll give you bullben, but that's it!!

Rob Neyer

  (10:45 PM)

Well, definitely first base or third base, depending on where Youkilis is playing. Center field, arguably. And behind the plate. So that's three. Plus, quite possibly, No. 3 starter. Is that enough, you think?

Tim (Cincinnati)

Is Victorino the greatest Hawaiian baseball player ever?

Rob Neyer

  (10:46 PM)

For the moment, I'm sticking with Sid Fernandez.

Nate (St. Louis)

It's pretty amazing how Lidge has bounced back from the horrid season he had with the Houston a year ago.

Rob Neyer

  (10:48 PM)

Right. Except he wasn't horrid last year. Struck out 88 in 67 innings.

Patsy (Ft. Myers)

I don't see what you mean about Youkilis. He has grown so much as a player over the years. I personally think he is good no matter where he plays and is a huge asset to the Sox.

Rob Neyer

  (10:49 PM)

Umm, right. That was my point. Where he does NOT play, the Rays will have the edge.

Jamie (North Dakota)

Lidge time! What do you think Rob, a save for Lidge? Or will it be a dramatic walk off play? Your choice.

Rob Neyer

  (10:51 PM)

No blown save tonight, my friends. I'll even predict a quick 1-2-3.

Alfred (Brooklyn)

Pierre is on the bench for the Dodgers. Lefty hitter...

Rob Neyer

  (10:52 PM)

Oh, right. I take back my prediction. Pierre hits game-winning homer!

Todd (Arlington, VA)

Ref: Aloha state - Don't forget about Charlie Hough too!

Rob Neyer

  (10:54 PM)

Sorry, forgot about Hough (actually, I never knew about Hough). He wins, easily. Meanwhile, in this little baseball game we're watching ...

cj (woodbridge,va)

casey blake baby game tying homer!

Rob Neyer

  (10:55 PM)

It could happen. Tough for a righty against Lidge, with that slider ... Unless of course he hangs one. But he hasn't hung many in 2008.

joel (alexandria, va)

victorino-best nickname of anyone from hawaii

Rob Neyer

  (10:56 PM)

Flyin' Hawaiian ... That's a good one. Anyone remember the Throwin' Samoan?

Ryan (Cincinnati)

I called it before the inning started. Blake DeWitt will tie it up right here...I can feel it...Mark it Down!

Rob Neyer

  (10:57 PM)

Well, that'd be something. I'm holding my breath until this plate appearance is over ....

chad (LA)

don't pass out

Rob Neyer

  (10:59 PM)

Thanks to that last pitch, and Ruiz's throw to first, I didn't. So Game 1 goes to the Phillies. As I mentioned early on, this was as close to a must-win Game 1 as you're going to see. The Phillies probably lose tomorrow, but still have a phighting chance when they head west.

James (Philly)

Good call, Rob-- 1-2-3 (I'll let you go on the flip-flop). Thanks for chatting tonight.

Rob Neyer

  (11:01 PM)

Thank you, James. And I'm definitely back on the Phillies' bandwagon now. Thanks to everyone else, too, and I'll be back tomorrow night for Game 1 of the other series. -rob