Buzzmaster

  (11:39 AM)

Join our in-game chat today when we go through both Game 2 of the NLCS and Game 1 of the ALCS! ESPN.com Fantasy's Tristan H. Cockcroft will be by during the NLCS game and ESPN.com Insider Rob Neyer will be by during the late game! It all starts at 4:30 p.m. ET!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:29 PM)

Good afternoon everyone! What a day for baseball, and a doubleheader at that! The way playoff baseball should be played. Let's get our chat underway...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:30 PM)

Interesting note first: Greg Dobbs in the lineup for the Phils at third, something that was a tad rare this year ... he started there 42 times all year to Pedro Feliz's 106! I like it, though. Good against righties, over .300 average and .800 OPS.

al (DC)

and the opening comment is thrown out by?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:31 PM)

You, Al! Welcome to the chat...

Matt, Westlake Village, Ca

Dodgers r gonna win

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:32 PM)

We'll see, Matt. I honestly believe the flow of this game will be determined by how Brett Myers kicks things off. Of the games I've watched him pitch, I get the sense he feeds off the fans in big games like this. Interesting to see whether we get the Myers of the regular season's second half, or first (which was ugly).

victor monroe,la

who doyou think will win the world series this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:33 PM)

Experience is huge, Victor. I can't bet against the Red Sox. I'm feeling pretty good about these LCS, though. These guys belong here.

Mike (Boston)

Dodger fans ... good luck with Manny! Wait until he starts not running out ground balls!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:34 PM)

That's if he re-signs there, Mike, and I think how this postseason shakes out will determine the likelihood of that. Gut instinct, he's not staying in L.A.

FJ (NC)

If he doesn't re-sign with l.a., where does he go?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:36 PM)

I really could see the Mets making a play for him. Omar loves the guy, and you can't help but think he's regretting not having made the deal for him this season. The Mets have got to do something to shake things up.

Tuck (Philly)

How do you think Bretts going to do today?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:39 PM)

Well, he's looking good so far, and as I was browsing through the lineups in the pregame, I did happen to notice his ERA at home this year was just about three even. Does well against the Dodgers, too. I think we're looking at another pitchers' duel here.

Bob (Philly)

he will do well, hold his own, but our offence has to help him out

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:39 PM)

Without question, but Chad Billingsley is one tough cookie.

Ben (Buffalo)

Isn't Jeff Kent healthy enough to be in the lineup?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:40 PM)

I don't think so. If he was, he'd be in there against a guy like Cole Hamels. As a guy who has rostered Kent on tons of fantasy teams over the years, I follow him pretty closely, and all the reports I read had him being incapable of being an everyday player right now, with his health issues. He's on this roster because he's veteran experience and a great bat off the bench.

Brian (Philadelphia)

Do you think Myers will give Manny some chin music today?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:41 PM)

How about "back music"? Just did a few pitches ago...

Brett (Anaheim)

You never know what you will get with myers. He has great stuff but is inconsistent

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:42 PM)

All I can say is he just looked awfully darned good in that first inning. If that's the guy who takes the mound for, say, seven innings, the Phillies will be in great shape.

Tuck (Philly)

I predict a big first inning.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:42 PM)

Well, you're halfway wrong so far!

Mike (Baltimore)

What is everybodys prediction for this series?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:43 PM)

Good call, Mike, and I'll post a few of 'em up here if you send them. Mine? I said before the series Phillies in seven ... Jonathan Broxton blows the save in Game 7.

Mike (Delaware)

Phils in 6

Hagi (LA)

Dodgers in 6

nate (los angeles)

dodgers in 6

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:44 PM)

Shocking, considering your home towns!

g (cali)

dodgers in 7, will be in the all u can eat pavillion at dodger stadium for game 4

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:45 PM)

I'd really love to visit that pavilion, G. Great idea, considering the cost of stadium concessions these days...

scott (boston)

atleast everyone agrees with 6 haha

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:45 PM)

Not me!

Morris (Philly)

I predict a tough 7 games, Philly has to will all their home games to have a chance.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:46 PM)

That's kind of how I feel, Morris. If you haven't noticed, the home team has won every single one of these teams' meetings so far this year.

Tuck (Philly)

yummmm

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:46 PM)

Did you just visit Bull's BBQ, Tuck? Save some for me! Great food, that Luzinski makes.

Greg (Eugene, OR)

LA in seven.

Jessie (Puerto Rico)

I say Phillies in 5

Ben (Buffalo)

Really, Broxton blowing game 7? He's had some consistent stuff...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:47 PM)

It's just a hunch, Ben, having some fun with it. He's not an experienced guy, just has that kind of feel to me. Tough environment this would be for a young reliever in Game 7.

CaptHowdy00 (AZ)

Hmmm how long from the time I type that it appears in the chat?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:48 PM)

Well, I do control the posts that get picked, and do understand, there are a ton of them. We can chat anything you like, but let's keep it fun. But please do understand, if I missed your post, it's nothing personal, we just have many, many people chatting this fine afternoon!

Travis (SoCal)

Saito will come in and deal

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:50 PM)

Pretty tough to do when you're not on the roster, Travis. That's why I'm thinking Broxton in Game 7, and melting down. Having Saito off the roster due to injuries does diminish the Dodgers' bullpen. Slightly, at least. It's still pretty good though.

SAMMY (LA)

IM HUNGRY

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:51 PM)

So am I, Sammy. Wish I were at Citizens Bank right now, considering how much good food they have!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:51 PM)

One inning through and both pitchers are dealing...

Steve (Boston)

am i the only one that is somewhat suprised by the balance in Howard's power numbers at home vs. on the road?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:53 PM)

I'm not. That guy could club the ball out of the Grand Canyon. A 500-foot homer power type is going to belt 'em out anywhere. Even Petco (where he does have three homers in 13 career games)!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:53 PM)

Anyone else looking forward to this "24" special? Just since it popped up...

Travis (Wisconsin)

Phillies in 4!!!

twizzle163 (LA)

What about Kuroda at home vs. the road?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:55 PM)

He won more often at home, but the peripherals weren't far off. A 3.68 ERA at home, 3.78 on the road, and 1.08 versus 1.34 in WHIP. There's a difference there, but it's not great.

Tom (Boston)

My condolences to Charlie Manuel and his family. This has to be tough for them right now, the joys of post season baseball and the realization that life is to short.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:56 PM)

Well put, Tom. Couldn't have said it better.

Chanelle (HB)

Kent is healthy enough, but diesn't have the spped at second he used to

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:57 PM)

I have to wonder why he didn't start at first base over James Loney, who has problems with lefties, in Game 1 then. I really think he's incapable of playing in the field right now. Which brings up an interesting point: Maybe he'd be the DH in the four games at AL parks if the Dodgers reach the World Series?

Paul (MN)

Can't watch during the season.. always wait for the DVD set to come out so I don't ahve to wait a week to see the next episode..

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (4:59 PM)

You know, Paul? I agree with that. I did that for the first two seasons and had more fun with it. Did the same with "Heroes" this past summer; I'll do that for Season 2 of the show too.

Joshua (LA)

IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE DODGERS CANT STOP HITTING THE FENCE!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:00 PM)

Ha! You're right, Joshua, and for those who don't have the game on TV, James Loney just put one off the top of the right-field wall. Just missed. But you know, Manny's drive to center, that has to be the longest hit I've ever seen at this ballpark that wasn't a home run.

Joe (La Porte IN)

Loney's shot looked like a home run. Where was the instant replay?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:01 PM)

Good point Joe, but I think they assume it's in play because they have those fences atop the outfield walls in Philly. So if it comes back in play, hard to make the case it was a homer. Just a guess, of course.

Travis (SoCal)

This is torture! Being stuck in the cubicle watching an animation of a flying pop fly wondering if its gone or pop out!! Horrible flashbacks of the regular Nintendo game "Baseball" rings reminders into my brain.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:03 PM)

I actually like the Gamecast animation, Travis, but I could imagine, wanting to watch live being preferred. Hilarious, though, you're right, it's like RBI Baseball all over again, or any of those old games.

Dan (Philly)

Yea man, I work at Staples. Im sitting here on a laptop watching the same thing! I wanna be home so bad watching it!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:03 PM)

Staples needs to get some TV sets. I'd probably visit more often for my office supplies than order them online!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:04 PM)

Wow, did Myers catch a break there. Can't take the pitcher for granted.

Wes (Philadelphia)

Give me back my Vet! Imagine 70,000 cheering the Phils on!!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:08 PM)

I don't know, do Phillies fans really prefer the Vet to Citizens Bank? Can't say I do. Though to be fair, I didn't think the Vet was an awful stadium. I've been to many worse.

Bob Jon (Santa barbara)

Burell was hot in the middle of summer but has cooled off a lot the past few months. I remember when he had he third most HRs in the Nl. Why hasn't he done well recently.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:08 PM)

Didn't he just hit two homers in the clincher of the Division Series, and another last night? What else does the man need to do?

chris (nj)

gonna miss the old yankee stadium...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:09 PM)

As am I Chris. I got in there for the final weekend, and plan to make a trip there over the weekend one last time. Going to be really strange not to have Yankee Stadium around after this year.

Mike (NYC)

HA, the Vet. I remember that place RUMBLING with cheers. As for prefer, I think it's just that between it and the soon to be demolished Spectrum, they're the last venues any Philly team has won in. Not neccecarily prefer the amenities of the Vet, just prefer the memories.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:10 PM)

That makes a lot of sense, Mike. And probably the reason Mets fans will miss Shea so much. The memories make the ballpark. No doubt.

Brando (Buffalo)

Technically...Yankee Stadium will be around after this year (keep in mind the new stadium is still going to be called Yankee stadium)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:11 PM)

Not the same, Brando. Just not. It'll be a beautiful ballpark, but it's not Yankee Stadium.

Joe (Miami)

As a Boston Fan, I'm gonna miss Yankee Stadium, I dont know why they would be tearing down MLB Histroy

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:12 PM)

It's all in the name of the almighty dollar ... i.e. luxury boxes. As a Yankee fan myself, I must say, I really hope your team never follows suit and tears down Fenway. That's a fantastic ballpark. I was blown away the first time I visited.

Mike (OH)

Boston fan in miami, can u say bandwagon? I can

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:13 PM)

People move, Mike. I know quite a few Red Sox fans who moved to Florida when I once lived there briefly. You don't have to live in the city your favorite team plays in, you know.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:13 PM)

Wow, Carlos Ruiz with a big clutch hit. Tough year for the guy, but coming up big!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:14 PM)

See, you just can't take the pitcher for granted! Myers RBI single, Phils take a 2-1 lead.

SFGiantsFanRob (CA)

The inside rumor in LA is that the Doyers went on a tear in the last series because Kent wasn't playing. I hear he's not a very popular guy in the clubhouse. any truth to that?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:15 PM)

I'm not in that clubhouse so I honestly do not know. The only thing I recall with Kent in the past was that little scuffle with Barry Bonds.

Shane (ohio)

People forget how dominate this Phillies lineup can be when everyone is healthy and hitting. They have firepower everywhere

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:16 PM)

Yes it can, Shane. Though it's a little bit lefty heavy. I'd imagine if the Phils advance to the Red Sox, they'd have some trouble with a Scott Kazmir or Jon Lester. Oh, heck, I'll say it, they'll have trouble with Lester. I still pick Red Sox in the AL.

Don (San Diego)

Do you think the networks would flip their lids if they saw a Phillies vs Rays world series?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:17 PM)

Yes. I'd like it as a baseball fan, because those are two worthy ballclubs, but I doubt it'd get much ratings outside of those cities.

Eric (Baltimore, MD)

Not to mention the Phillies are a good left handed matchup when compared to the Dodger pitching.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:17 PM)

Well put.

Mike (OH)

Doesn't matter....the winner of this series will eventually lose in the WS. AL domination!!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:18 PM)

Mike, I'd agree with you on this mostly because I think home-field advantage is huge. For instance, let's say the Rays somehow pull this one off. Well, Tampa was 57-24 at home in the regular season. That team is a terror in the dome.

John (Denver)

Philly is tearing up the Dodgers, make it 4-1

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:19 PM)

John with the update ... Phils are really getting to Billingsley.

Mike (NY)

Who do you have tonight Rays or Sox?and why

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:20 PM)

Tonight alone? Rays. Again, they dominate in the dome, especially James Shields -- who has startling home/road splits -- and I'm just not much of a Dice-K fan. I don't think he's as good as the numbers suggest.

Damian (Santa Barbara)

What do you think are the chances of the Pirates haveing another winning season this century?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:21 PM)

"Winning"? Well, 82 wins is a winning season. But I assume you mean championship? A century is an awfully long time, Damian. Though I can say that the team needs a radical change in direction, and at least three years of overhauling the roster, before we can begin thinking about it happening.

ram (cal)

I think that the Phillies have an AL like lineup, enough to match up with Boston or Tampa Bay.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:23 PM)

A thought: Pat Burrell can DH in the Series, which would shore up the defense. Could shuffle in Geoff Jenkins and Greg Dobbs between left, right and DH as needed, with Jayson Werth shifting as needed too.

raysalltheway (KS)

Why dont you think the rays will make it they went from worst to first they have all the momentum

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:24 PM)

I don't think they CAN'T, I just think they won't, if only because experience is a very valuable thing to have and the Red Sox have tons. But I can say this: Getting home-field advantage was huge for the Rays. HUGE. Without it I don't think anyone would give them a prayer. I do, but because a winner must be declared, I say Red Sox.

Joe (LA)

playoff experience is overrated, don't use that default argument

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:25 PM)

Well, there's something to be said for momentum, too, which is how the Dodgers have rolled right up to this spot. But if we want to talk momentum, I can't hand that to the Rays. The Red Sox just ousted the AL's winningest team. Doesn't that count for something? Bottom line: It's going to be a hard-fought, intense series.

Brandon (Nashville, TN)

And Pedro Sorano strikes out to end the second.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:26 PM)

Cerrano, Brandon, have to correct you. Can't hit curveball. Humorous note of the day: Pedro Cerrano, once the final pick in a fantasy draft of mine. (I didn't pick him, but found it funny.)

john (chicago)

playoff experience is VERY OVERrated in baseball. white sox didnt have it and won it all-then the cards as well.as have the dbacks and marlins-the list is a long one of winners with no experience.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:29 PM)

I'd agree to a point there, John, but I think you're shortchanging the managers when you bring up the White Sox and Cardinals. Tony La Russa, inexperienced? And Ozzie Guillen, he was a coach for the 2003 Marlins. Those guys knew what a team needed to do to win in October. And I'm not saying experience is the be-all and end-all. It's a factor.

Drey (Phoenix, AZ)

When the Dodgers go to the WS against the Red Sox, is there going to be more boos or cheers at Fenway when Manny goes up to bat.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:30 PM)

Uh, boos. I'd be shocked if he's cheered in Fenway, considering the way he left.

CharliE05 (Nicaragua)

Is it true that Manny may end up with the Yanks next year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:32 PM)

As a Yankee fan I sincerely hope not. I can't say it's 100 percent unlikely but as someone who pays close attention to the team, I don't think Manny is at all in the Yanks' plans right now. They need pitching, and younger players.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:32 PM)

Well, one thing to Brett Myers' credit: He has had no problems with Manny Ramirez so far.

James (Philadelphia)

Do u think tht tha Phils have a legitamate shot against an AL team such as tha Rays or tha Sox?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:33 PM)

I would not be shocked by any of these four teams winning the World Series. I really would not. I'd say the Phillies' chances are better against a team like Tampa Bay, but at the very least I see three very good, hard-fought remaining series. Doubt there's a blowout in any, unlike recent past seasons.

Jamie (Jamestown, ND)

I think that the Phillies will win the WS. Who's your pick?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:35 PM)

Red Sox. I have the Phils in the Series though. Losing in six.

Matt (New York)

There's talk the Yanks might go after Peavy; who is willing to waive his trade clause, if they dont sign CC, is there anyway they could trade for Peavy without giving up Joba or Hughes?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:36 PM)

I can't see there being any way they get Jake Peavy without one of those two pitchers being involved. And I really think the Yanks will open their wallet for CC, so long as he's willing to come to New York. If not? Maybe A.J. Burnett, who I do think will opt out of his deal after the World Series.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:36 PM)

Big hit there for Loney, 4-2 Phils now.

Jimmy G (OC)

If the go down 0-2, do they any chance of winning the series?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:37 PM)

Who, the Dodgers? Absolutely. Remember what I said, home team has won all these teams' meetings this season. If that stays true, it's going seven.

LEO (AZ)

I believe that from Texas to the WestCoast there would probably be low ratings if no WestCoast are represented what do you think?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:38 PM)

I honestly don't know, Leo, mainly because I'm not a big follower of ratings. I'm a baseball fan, and want to see good baseball; don't really care what the ratings are or if baseball is happy with them. My feeling is good baseball is going to draw in fans. You might be right, but I haven't studied the past ratings data much to be able to judge that.

Mike (Lexington, KY)

well we know the Phillies are done scoring...they do all their scoring in one inning

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:39 PM)

Interesting point, Mike, and not wholly untrue.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:39 PM)

OK, and there's the drawback to having Greg Dobbs in your lineup...

Joel (San Pedro)

Any good baseball fan should against a domed world series!!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:40 PM)

Joel, 1991 World Series, 'nuff said. That was a GREAT Fall Classic. Especially Game 7, even if it was in the dome. Of course, having been to Tampa's dome, even I admit I wouldn't be captivated by a World Series there. That's an awful place to take in a baseball game.

Chris (MN)

why would you be against a domed series when you could play into november?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:42 PM)

I'd watch baseball 365 days a year if it was offered, so November baseball doesn't bother me. Maybe we could get a new "Mr. November" then!

Josh (VT)

With those catwalks its an awful place to play a game.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:43 PM)

That's one of my points, Josh. I want to bring up the first-ever replay, with A-Rod hitting a drive down the left-field line, over the pole. How silly is this: There's a yellow stripe on the catwalk up there, right in line with the foul pole from home plate. But as anyone knows, a ball can curve around a foul pole, go the 10 feet or whatever behind it, and hit the catwalk to the left of the stripe. How much sense does that make?

Brad (Georgia)

Outdoor Sport Anyway

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:45 PM)

Exactly. Though I admit that some cities need weatherproof stadiums because of the elements. Like Miami, Seattle and Minneapolis, for instance. Which is why I find it so curious that the Twins are building an open-air stadium. I can't help but think they're going to have some weather problems -- especially temperature-related.

J.D. (MO)

I have a theory why the wild card has historically done so well. Division races are sometimes decided by default, when another team goes cold. Wild card races often involve more teams from other divisions, so the hottest team earns the playoff spot. In the playoffs, it all about whose the hottest team.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:46 PM)

I think there's some merit to that theory, J.D. Again, draws back to my comment earlier about momentum. So many wild-card teams fight and claw just to make it into October.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:47 PM)

The Phillies are in pretty decent position right now. Billingsley sure hasn't looked quite right these past two innings.

Garry: Philly Pa

phils and Dodgers best postseason Rivalry.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:49 PM)

Fast fact: Each of the past three times these two teams faced off in the NLCS, the winner wound up losing the World Series.

Bdub (Utah)

who out of the four remaining teams has the best bullpen?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:50 PM)

I think the Rays probably have the best mix of the four remaining teams.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:51 PM)

Incredible ... Brett Myers with ANOTHER big hit. It's 6-2 Phillies.

Mike (NY)

What was the last EPIC post season series for you? mine : 2003 yanks vs sox

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:52 PM)

Hate to say it Mike, because it was hard to swallow, but the 2004 ALCS stands out as one more recent than that. Tons of storylines.

Joshua Bass (LA)

What is the percentage of teams that are down 0-2 in CS that make it to the WS?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:54 PM)

I believe that, among seven-game LCS, it's 15 of 18 teams that won the first two games have advanced to the World Series.

John (NH)

Who do you think will win game 4 of the ALCS?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:58 PM)

Wow are you looking ahead, John. But I do believe Andy Sonnanstine is the Rays' starter in that one, and for the record, and he had a 0.00 ERA and 0.69 WHIP in two starts against the Red Sox this season. One was at Fenway, too, so it's not really skewed because of the park.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:59 PM)

Flyin' Hawaiian lives up to his name, with a triple to take the Phils to 8-2!

Kyle12 (Georgia)

I think that the Red Sox-Rays series is going to be extremely exciting! You will see many tempers flare, many ejections. It will come down to that final game 7, which could possibly end in extras.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (5:59 PM)

Wouldn't shock me in the least. As I noted earlier, hard-fought, intense series. Might be like the year where Pedro tossed Don Zimmer to the ground, in terms of level of intensity.

Coty (OR)

Hey! You back off Don Zimmer!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:00 PM)

I was a Zimm fan, Coty, so don't you worry.

Michael (Portland)

Do you think Moyer will come through in L.A.?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:03 PM)

Well, Michael, I'm a Jamie Moyer fan, I admit. Of any of the Phils, that's the guy I root behind, a lot of history with him on my fantasy teams, and I admire how long he has made this work at his age. He was 10-3 with a 2.92 ERA on the road this year, so obviously, good call there by the Phils. Problem is, the Dodgers do hit lefties better than righties. I actually have a feeling he will not, but I think he'll be OK at least. Something like six innings, maybe four runs. I could see that.

Mike (LA)

Do you think that the best team in the NL or AL should play the team with the worst record, not neccisarily the wild card?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:04 PM)

If it were my call the top team would always play the bottom team regardless of division, and I'd make all of the postseason series seven games. Just seems to make a lot more sense.

Kayvan (San Diego)

Well so much for the Phils being a one-inning scoring wonder. Only question now is will they get to double digits!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:04 PM)

I'd say there is a very good chance of it, considering the depth of the lineup, the ballpark and how much Joe Torre is going to have to dig into this bullpen.

Kathy (Atlanta, GA)

I totally think Moyer will come through. He's got experience and his lives on the west coast. I'm a huge Phils fan, so I'm just praying they get on this hot streak and keep it going

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:06 PM)

Well, to be fair, he did have that impressive outing the final weekend of last season when the Phillies so desperately needed him to step up. No one gives Jamie Moyer due credit. Even I might not be with that projection, but it's still pretty generous for a guy on the road against a team that handles lefties. He'll fight, for sure.

chrisp (vernon)

Is charlie manuel on the bench for the phils today? Prayers go out for his family

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:06 PM)

Yes, I've seen him already.

kevin (tallahassee)

i'm a phillies fan but i deffinetly dont want the phillies to sweep, what do u think? i think they need atleast a 5 maybe 6 game series in order to keep from going cold

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:09 PM)

I don't think we're going to see a sweep. The Dodgers should be in a lot better shape back home, and remember, Joe Torre has managed an awful lot of teams from down in a series and seemingly out of it back to win. The 1996 World Series comes to mind. They'll be in a hole, but I can't see this series not coming back to Philly.

Mike (Las Vegas)

I've watched Jamie Moyer for years now, and the fact that we're still having a conversation about him in the 2008 NLCS is just simply amazing. Glad to see he's still contributing for a title-contending team.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:10 PM)

Funny how the first image that comes to mind whenever I think about how long Jamie Moyer has done this is his 1987 Topps baseball card. That card is more than 20 years old! And he looks no older today than he did back then. He's timeless.

Fred (Delaware)

Having watched Moyer throughout the year as as Phillie fan he is pretty predictable. I bet he gives up 3 runs, goes 6 innings and that's the norm. It's a quality start. If the Phillies score much, he's a winner. But he keeps them in the game when he pitches.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:11 PM)

And there you go, just my point. It's what he does.

Eric (Washington, DC)

How long do you think he can keep pitching for?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:13 PM)

Eight years ago anyone would have told you one or two more years, and we can keep saying "one or two more years" every winter until it gets old. I have a feeling 2009 might not even be it for him. At this point why NOT try to pitch until 50? I bet he can get closer than you think.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:13 PM)

Big out right there for the kid. So it's 8-2 through three, but Joe Torre had to use four different pitchers to get through that inning. He's going to be in trouble with this staff if he's not careful the rest of the way.

Cruz (its hot in LA, CA)

What percentage chance do you give LA of pulling out a win today?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:16 PM)

Less than 10.

SPEEDY (LOS ANGELES)

WOW. DODGERS NEED TO RELAX AND SCORE SOME RUNS. ITS NOT GOOD. WHOS GOING TO PITCH AFTER BEIMEL??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:18 PM)

I think we're going to see Clayton Kershaw in this game today. I can't see who else eats up innings otherwise.

doug (philadelphia)

did you expect the phillies to take the first two games of the series because they were at home given the regular season sweeps at home for both teams?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:19 PM)

I honestly couldn't have expected this outcome. I was thinking more like a split here, two for the Dodgers in L.A. and then the Phillies win the final two.

Joshua (PHILLY)

how many k's does myers have so far?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:19 PM)

Four.

joe (baghdad baghdad)

as a die hard phillies fan, im so loving this, i go on leave in 2 weeks and i got tickets for game 4 hopefully its in philly

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:20 PM)

Game 4 of the NLCS? Sorry to say it's in L.A. I think the teams offer tickets that number the games one through four, so if you have one numbered "No. 4" by the Phillies, might mean you have Game 7 tickets. Game 4 of the World Series would be in Philly if they make it!

Joshua Bass (LA)

What percentage do you give the Dodgers winning the CS right now as we Speak?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:21 PM)

At this exact moment? I'd say about 40 percent.

sam (iraq)

hey Joe who are you with? I'm with 1AD up north

dc (Claremont)

Joe, game 4 means game 7 of the NLCS. I think you better hope the Phills have already knocked the Dodgers out by then.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:22 PM)

I wouldn't be worried if they haven't.

Ryan (Anchorage)

Do you walk Manny here with two out and two men on?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:22 PM)

Not a chance! No way you give a chance for a grand slam to bring it to 8-6.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:23 PM)

Oh my. Manny is being Manny. Three-run homer to bring it to 8-5!

T. J. Brumfield (Omaha)

That is why you walk Manny in that situation. You were worried about some possibility of 8-6, when Manny easily made it 8-5.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:26 PM)

Maybe so. But hey, wasn't it James Loney hitting behind him going for a grand salami in Chicago? Or a couple bats behind in the lineup? This isn't ALL a Manny team.

Steve (LA)

What is your favorite baseball game snack?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:27 PM)

Depends on my mood, depends what's on hand, depends on if you mean at the ballpark or home. Like the song says, peanuts, that's a big one for me. I almost routinely go for some of that Graham Slam ice cream if I'm in Philly, because I can't get it where I live (too far from the city). Wings can work, that's a pretty handy snack. And now I'm making myself hungry.

Joe (Colorado)

Hot dog with mustand and ketchup

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:28 PM)

I just can't do the mustard/ketchup mix, but then I'm not a mustard fan, I admit. Sausage and peppers, I'd prefer that too.

CHRIS (LA)

Do you think Manny is overrated?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:29 PM)

Hard to call a guy overrated when he bats close to .400 in the two months he comes to his new team, practically single-handedly putting that team into the playoffs.

Chris (Philly)

The Schmitter at the park mmmmm

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:30 PM)

I've actually never had it, though part of that is the times I've tried, the line wasn't worth missing that much of the game.

The Toddfather (Coors Field, CO)

I thought you said it wasn't just a Manny team?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:32 PM)

Good catch, and fair point. Not meant to be an inconsistency, but you have to admit this was a vastly different team when Manny arrived than the one that took the field before it. No one else on the team is close to Manny's equal. That's why it'd have been close as to whether the Dodgers would be here. But there's still a lot of good talent here. Deserves respect.

Sebastian (LA)

OH and who is this McDonald guy? is he a middle relieve specialist just added to the roster?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:33 PM)

He's actually supposed to be a pretty decent prospect. Caught Joe Torre's eye in his late-season, brief stint.

Jamie (ND)

Brett Myers is batting better than he's pitching.

dean (chicago)

hasnt b. meyers only had one RBI all season? and batting under .100?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:35 PM)

Yes, one RBI all year, and batted .069. Also has batted .047 from 2006-08.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:35 PM)

Which, by the way, makes it pretty amazing that he's 3-for-3 in this game.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:36 PM)

For the record, Brett Myers had four hits the entire regular season ... and now he has four in the postseason.

Ed (Chicago)

I know this has nothing to do with the playoffs, but where do you think CC will land next season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:38 PM)

I think if CC Sabathia has any interest in playing in New York, the Yankees are going to take a "blank-check" approach to signing him. I'd be shocked if they didn't throw oodles of dollars at him, making it all a decision whether he has the desire to go there.

ted(md)

has a pitcher ever gone 3 for 3 in the playoffs

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:40 PM)

Dontrelle Willis went 3-for-3 in Game 4 of the Division Series in 2003. Looks like six pitchers all-time have done it, only two of them since World War II.

Tracey (L.A.)

How many zeros are there is "oodles"?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:41 PM)

Ha! Well put. Johan Santana got that six-year, $137.5 million deal, so I could see CC going in the $140s for the same length.

Joel (San Pedro)

Orel Hershiser in the second game of the 1988 World Series!!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:42 PM)

That was the other one that has happened since WWII.

Jon (SD)

CC's weight and conditioning compared to Johan's is scary at that price tag

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:43 PM)

That's the thing that troubles me too, Jon, though I do think CC won't have any issue necessarily for, say, two more years. And that's really guesstimate. I wouldn't be worried about his 2009, it's the latter years of the deal, that would be in the $25-million-and-up range, that trouble me. There's going to be a very bad year or two in that contract, value-wise.

Craig (Seattle)

Do you think that the financial crisis will depress the amounts that are paid to free agents this off-season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:44 PM)

If you know anything about what has been going on with any of the new stadiums (baseball AND football) in the New York area, you might not think it'd have any impact. I don't see those teams' financial records but it seems like they're getting people willing to pay up regardless. So I bet it's business as usual.

Mike (Los Angeles)

The thing about contracts is that the player is going to be rewarded for what he has done the prior year. No player is worth 25 million for year.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:46 PM)

Of course. But then we can also point out how a lot of players put up monster years for so very little money early in their careers. So to a certain degree they deserve some sort of reward for past performance. Not $25 mil, granted.

Al (Bensalem)

What a waste having him in the AL where he can't display his bat. Is he the best hitting pitcher in the MLB?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:47 PM)

Micah Owings is better.

chris (san antonio)

case in point barry zito

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:47 PM)

Great example.

Matt (Cleveland)

Do you pay someone a big chunk of money though if it guarantees you a place in the postseason, but doesn't necessary mean you'll get to the World Series?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:49 PM)

Whatever your opinion on players' salaries -- and I think a lot of us probably believe they're too high -- fact remains I would pay the money I needed to to ensure my team would make it to the postseason. Crazy things can happen in short series, it's a small sample size after all. You can't win the World Series if you never made the playoffs, that is the bottom line. So make sure you get there, with the best team you can put on the field, then hope your guys can keep it up in October. I really don't put a ton of stock into "great regular-season" versus "great postseason" team.

rich (nj)

time to take myers out

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:50 PM)

He has thrown 103 pitches and already allowed five runs, so I have a feeling that's it for him.

Mags (Claremont)

No kidding, look at my poor Angels

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:51 PM)

Angels drew a rough, rough first-round draw. That was a good team, but I don't agree with John Lackey that the better team didn't win. Fact is, if you think you're the better team, at least lose in five games of a five-game series! Don't go down without a whimper.

John (Walnut Creek)

What do you think would happen to Barry Zito if he signed with the Yankees? Instead of being in a market (San Francisco) where the fans aren't as critical of their players.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:52 PM)

Knowing the Yankee fan base I have a feeling he'd be run out of town like Ed Whitson and Tim Leary were back in the day.

Ben (Amarillo, TX)

Is it just ironic that everytime the page reloads, it goes to your prediction that this game will be a pitcher's duel, or is that on purpose?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:53 PM)

Not on purpose, do you think I'd want my incorrect prediction coming up there over and over? Ha! Seriously though, points back to what I said about small sample sizes in the postseason. Anything can happen. It really felt like a pitchers' duel initially.

Matt (New York)

Jeff Weaver!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:54 PM)

To this day I still do not understand how Joe Torre had Jeff Weaver on the mound in that extra-inning game in Florida in 2003. I'm sorry, that made absolutely no sense.

Corey (NYC)

How old is Charlie manuel

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:55 PM)

He's 64.

Mark (Kansas City)

Who wins CY Young Award and is it deserved?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:56 PM)

I think it should and will be Cliff Lee in the American League, Tim Lincecum in the National League.

Mark (Kansas City)

How did Chase draw 4 walks? Came in late.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:57 PM)

Well, since Ryan Howard hasn't been doing much of anything thus far, the Dodgers are apparently being pretty careful with Mr. Utley.

Will (Delaware)

Do you think the Yanks trade Cano and sign Hudson? And although Lee deserves Cy Young, Halladay had a tremendous year and nobody seems to notice it.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:59 PM)

If the Yankees can't bring in a guy to motivate Cano, I could see him being trade bait. Let's say he's probably used only if a trade is the only way to get that ace-caliber arm. I think it'd be a mistake, frankly. As for Roy Halladay, I noticed it. He'd be way up there in what was a great year for pitchers. But Cliff Lee's year was phenomenal. Inexplicable. Halladay could have won many other years, but not this one.

Robert (Chicago)

John Danks in the American League!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (6:59 PM)

He had a phenomenal year and doesn't get nearly enough respect, but unfortunately didn't last deep enough into games to get the win total needed to make waves in the voting.

David (Boston)

CY Young should go to teams whose pitchers led teams to playoff Lee didnt and Linecum didnt

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:00 PM)

I don't agree one bit, David, sorry. That award goes to the best pitcher. I don't care what team he was on. In fact, that Cliff Lee won as many games as he did while that team performed as ordinary as it did makes his output all the more impressive.

Jim (Oregon)

Hmm, what about Webb?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:03 PM)

Wins, sure, but let's point out how Brandon Webb ranked 15th in the majors in ERA, and 20th in WHIP. Also 16th in K's.

BO ((FL))

I dislike the 5 game first round series, i think the cubs & angels could've made a turnaround possibly, Do you like the format?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:04 PM)

As noted in an earlier question, I do not. All postseason series really should be equal. It's only fair. Not that I'm sure either series would have resulted any differently if they were seven- instead of five-game.

David (DC)

walk manny!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:06 PM)

I still would not.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:06 PM)

And turns out it was the right call not to this time.

Jamie (ND)

Who wins NL MVP?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:08 PM)

I have a feeling Ryan Howard, with his hot finish, might haul that award in. Though the true definition of the award, I'd have to give it to Manny Ramirez. Truly so valuable to his team this year, even in a part-season.

Leo (North Bergen)

Your opinion on Joba, I say bullpen and future closer, what say you, Tristan?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:09 PM)

I agree with that assessment. He was better than I expected as a starter, I will grant you, but I have a feeling he'd hold up better as a short reliever over the long haul.

Frank (MD)

Only problem, a 7 game first round, will have you playing into November.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:10 PM)

Do you honestly think adding two games to a playoff series will make that much of a difference? I don't. Or we could shorten the regular season by a few games. Or maybe schedule more doubleheaders. I miss those.

Josh (VT)

Joba doesn't have much beyond his fastball and that isn't good for a starter

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:11 PM)

I don't know that I agree with that, as his slider is pretty good, too. But he sure could dial the fastball up more in shorter outings. It's tough to catch up with when you don't see it that often.

Shakie (Rancho Cordova)

We should definitely shorten the season and have seven game series for the first round of the play-offs.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:11 PM)

I'd do it in a heartbeat over having 162 regular-season games and a five-game Division Series.

TJ (PA)

Who pitches game 3 for the Dodgers?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:12 PM)

Hiroki Kuroda.

Jim (LA)

McDonald's looking good

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:13 PM)

Without a doubt. And a starter earlier in his minor-league career, so going long like this is huge for the Dodgers.

Brett (Hershey)

Do the phillies start Blanton in game 4 if somehow the Dodgers come back in this game and win game 3 to go up 2-1? or do they start Hamels?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:14 PM)

Their plans right now don't include that as a possibility, but that might make sense only in that it could keep Cole Hamels a candidate to pitch a possible Game 7. Remember, there's that extra day off now between Games 4 and 5, so he'd be on four days' rest for Game 7 if he went on three in Game 4.

rich (nj)

who would you rather have on a team howard or manny

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:17 PM)

This year? Manny Ramirez. But fact is Ryan Howard is younger, probably better to build around long-term.

george (georgia)

how old is mcdonald?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:18 PM)

He'll turn 24 in a little over a week.

Ben (Amarillo)

I'm glad that the Dodgers are here, just to remind everyone that...though he might not be the flashiest...Vin Scully is the absolute best.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:19 PM)

No question about it. I miss the old World Series games with him making the calls.

andrew (los angeles)

you think theres any chance the dodgers will put nomar in to stir things up?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:20 PM)

Oh, he'll surely pinch hit at some point. But I doubt he's anything more than that. That's the role he and Kent are ticketed for this postseason.

Dan (Los Angeles)

Harry Kalas is no slouch himself...best voice in the game

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:21 PM)

Love his work on NFL Films, just classic to listen to his voice plus those highlights.

David (DC)

do you think Lidge will blow a save this postseason?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:23 PM)

No. Hard to bet against him, much as he has turned his career around.

Orbit (Cali)

Tristan, do you see the Angels signing Mark Teixeria?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:24 PM)

I think there's a better chance than people give credit. Though to me, it's K-Rod or Teix, but not both, re-signing. And I think K-Rod is the better bet to leave. (Mets?)

D (Houston)

What do you think? Bottom of the ninth in the World Series, pitcher spot up...Brett Myers as pinch hitter?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:25 PM)

Not a chance, he's a .116 career hitter with a .302 OPS. Greg Dobbs for me, all the way.

Steve (Saginaw)

Will the Tigers have a better season next year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:26 PM)

They need some pitching in a seriously bad way. Without adding two useful arms -- which is awfully tough to do these days at these prices -- I can't see them being a great playoff bet. They can sure hit, though.

mike (ca)

what is happening a pitcher change?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:27 PM)

Yes, more righty/lefty tinkering, and now the Dodgers are set up with the tying run at-bat ... and it's Casey Blake.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:28 PM)

Nice catch there, as Shane Victorino keeps coming up big for the Phillies ... still 8-5, and to the bottom of the seventh.

Eric (Philadelphia)

this game is hella long

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:31 PM)

Sure is. We're looking at a sure overlap here with ALCS Game 1, I'd think!

Michael florida

do you think cameron maybin will start for the marlins next year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:33 PM)

He'll have to earn a starting role in the spring, but I can't imagine him not being the favorite to start in center field. Got a feeling he needs a half-season's worth of seasoning in Triple-A before he's truly ready, though.

PRR ('cuse)

Tristan, is it nice in your moms basement or did she make you move out this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:34 PM)

Hey, can't beat the rent, especially in this economy!

Ben (Buffalo)

Kershaw...they should've saved him for game 4

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:35 PM)

Tough to say that he makes any more sense to start that game than Greg Maddux or Derek Lowe on short rest. I bet Lowe gets the ball.

Eric (Austin)

Kind of off subject, but what's your prediction on the Red River Shooutout between UT and OU tomorrow?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:37 PM)

Hey, I'm here to chat whatever topic you want -- even best food choice at Bull's BBQ if you so choose! I took OU in our College Pick' em, so that tells you where my opinion lies.

sly (los angeles)

am i seeing things or is myers 3/3?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:37 PM)

You are not seeing things.

John (MI)

What's the verdict on Andruw Jones next year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:38 PM)

The Dodgers might have a hard time shedding that contract, that's for sure! So if Manny leaves, I bet he gets another chance to play regularly in that outfield.

Spivey (Atl)

FFBL, I've got Big Ben sitting this weekend, am I crazy to pick up Pennington over Bulger, Russell, M. Ryan ?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:38 PM)

You are not crazy. Good matchup. I'd do it.

Harry (Chicago)

It's a simple question Tristan, would you eat the moon if it were made of spare ribs?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:39 PM)

You've got me laughing hysterically here. Well done.

Tyler (Jacksonville)

Kyle orton over david garrard

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:40 PM)

Yup! Nice sleeper Orton is these next couple weeks.

aaron (reno)

Is it safe to assume that David Price will be in the Rays starting rotation in 09.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:40 PM)

I would be shocked if they don't find room for him. Someone's going to be shopped during the winter. I'd say Edwin Jackson but he might not fetch a whole ton. It could make a heck of a lot of sense for the Rays to sell high on Andy Sonnanstine right now.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:41 PM)

Speaking of ribs, better go grab some, dinner calling over here! Back in a moment...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:44 PM)

OK, back to business!

Mike (NYC)

Wow, this kid Madson has been a monster of late. What are his stats in the last two series?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:46 PM)

He's 28, so he's been around, but surely has developed into a nice setup man the past two years. Stats: 6 1/3 IP, 5 H's, 1 ER, 5 K's.

nathan (georgia)

god my team looks good a lead in the last half a game is unbeatable with my phils

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:47 PM)

Mark it down, Phillies fans. If this game goes awry, Nathan was the one who put the kibosh on!

James (Philly)

Sometimes, good ol' Brad lidge scares the crap outta me. Nathan, we don't need ya jinxing him!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:49 PM)

I could totally understand anyone who watched the 2005 postseason feeling that way. Me, I believe in Lidge. This year, at least. No World Baseball Classic to burn him out in early March this year!

andy (ohio)

FFBL question for ya, Who would you start as a 2nd RB this week between, Addai, Edge or Stewart?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:52 PM)

I hate Joseph Addai's matchup but I'd have a tough time sitting him for those alternatives.

Will (Boston)

Doesn't matter what happens...the Sox will crush either team in the World Series. SWEEEEEEEEEP

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:53 PM)

Mark it down: World Series won't be a sweep. Not this year. Funny how everyone wants to jump on that bandwagon yet everyone LOVED the Rockies a year ago.

Matt (Cincinnati)

Mark it down: Tristan will use the phrase "Mark it down" at least 15 more times before the game is over.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:55 PM)

Mark it down: You're right!

andy (ahh)

nobody loved the rockies!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:55 PM)

A lot of people did. The whole momentum thing. Easy for me to say that I didn't now that the Series is over, but I have loads of respect for the Red Sox. Was hard to see them getting upset in that series. Or this ALCS.

chase (billings)

if the rangers get a pitcher or five, will they be a ligitimate darkhorse next season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:56 PM)

Sure, with that talented, young offense. But I have to wonder what big-ticket pitcher might want to sign in Texas, accounting for the ballpark and what it has done to pitchers over the years.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:57 PM)

And here we go, the ninth and Brad Lidge! This game might yet finish before ALCS Game 1. Speeding up.

ryan (new york)

seems to me like everyone is writing the rays off before the series even starts. they get big hit after big hit unlike the angles did. i cant see the rays going quietly

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (7:59 PM)

I can't either, but I've said that a few times tonight. Not that they were my predicted winner, but I won't dismiss them easily in a short series.

Tom (On the Train)

Lidge is giving the philly faithful a case of nerves

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:00 PM)

I don't get why. This is the easiest of the potential save chances, the three-run lead with no one on base. Even your league-average closer needs to convert on these. I'm not trying to belittle Lidge at all, but this shouldn't be any problem for him.

John (SAN JOSE)

UM...THERE'S SOMEONE ON BASE

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:02 PM)

To begin the inning it was a three-run lead and no one on. OK, that's the SECOND-easiest save chance by definition. The first: Pitching the final three innings of a 30-3 baseball game.

Chris (LA)

A 30-3 game wouldn't be a save chance

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:03 PM)

If you pitch the final three innings of that game, you've gotten a save. Wes Littleton once did it. Seriously.

Max (Philly)

OMG...game tying run's at the plate....

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:04 PM)

Brad has got to buckle down here, though the bottom part of the order is approaching...

Earl (Mississippi)

9 to 5 lead would not be a save attempt

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:04 PM)

Not unless you came into the game with the tying run either on base, at the plate or in the on-deck circle.

Trevor (BC)

What if the closer takes the mound with the bases loaded and a six run lead?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:05 PM)

Nope. No save chance.

erik (LA)

Kemp can do this. he is a great hitter

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:05 PM)

He's absolutely a great hitter, but much better against lefties than righties. Hitting righties more effectively is what will ultimately make him a megastud with time. And I think he'll get there.

Dave (Philly born, Maine Maine)

Dodgers are done if the phillies win this

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:06 PM)

All sorts of Phillies fans kiboshes being attempted tonight!

Chad (Portland, OR)

Why do I ever send questions to any place on espn.com They never get answered

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:07 PM)

Chad, I did bring up that point earlier, we get so very many questions in these chats. It's impossible to tackle them all, and it's nothing personal if I missed yours earlier.

Alex (CA)

I bet Kemp pulls a slider into a double play. He's been scuffling this post season

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:07 PM)

Alex's prediction -- which came before the at-bat -- was incorrect. But Kemp did look bad on that K.

Dave (NY)

Yup..I guess you were right..kemp is a great hitter..NOT

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:08 PM)

I said great against lefties, will be a stud once he learns how to hit the righties.

Steven (Cali)

nevermind nomar just choked

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:08 PM)

And to think, Steven posted this before Nomar whiffed.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:08 PM)

So it's 2-0 Phils in the series, headed to L.A. for Game 3 on Sunday.

Mike (NYC)

It was really hard holding my breath for 12 minutes........

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:09 PM)

Wow, Mike, 12 minutes? Even Jack Bauer couldn't hold his for that long when CTU got gassed in Season 5... Impressive.

Vince (Philly)

Tristan do you think the phils are world series type?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:11 PM)

All four teams this year, to me, are worthy of being in there. Again, wouldn't shock me to see any of them win this thing. I called for a Phils-Red Sox World Series won by Boston in six, but hey, anything can happen.

gustav (Claremont)

"Tristan H. Cockcroft" is a pseudonym, right? I mean really.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:11 PM)

That's actually legitimately my name. (I think.)

Greg (Canada)

Good call Tristan, those games *almost* overlapped! Only 30 minutes to spare, whew.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:12 PM)

Sure did! I'm full of the kibosh tonight, I guess. To think, three innings took what, two hours? And then we ripped through the rest uber-quick.

James (Orem, UT)

What does Boston have to do to set the tone against Tampa Bay and get a win?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:14 PM)

It'd be easy to say attack first and put on the pressure, but I really think if they play this cool, be themselves, that's all they really need. I don't see them doing it tonight, I've got Tampa winning, I admit.

Tom (On the Train)

Tristan, thanks for moderating. I'm really on a train to Orlando, and my connectivity is marginal at best. Nonetheless, the gamecast thing was better than nothing, and the chat keept things likely. Thanks again.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:14 PM)

No problem, Tom, and glad you've enjoyed it. I'll get a few more questions in here, and then turn things over to Rob Neyer for the night game.

andy (ohio)

They have to get to Shields early, that's the key, If he settles down and gets in a groove, its over

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:16 PM)

Certainly, but my point is that it's convenient to say "get him first." The way for the Red Sox to do that is to play their usual game, work counts, etc., and let the runs come as they may. No need to go wild just saying something like "you gotta score three off Shields in the first." Boston can do that by playing it straight. But naturally, scoring first helps. That's obvious.

Max (Philly)

Who do you have winning game 3?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:18 PM)

I'm going to pick the Dodgers winning Game 3, not that they blow the Phillies out. I'd probably pick Philly to win Game 4. And it's looking like my seven-game prediction isn't a great one now.

Vince (Philly)

What about the Red Sox do you think it gonna be tough without Manny?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:20 PM)

What's David Ortiz, chopped liver? He's clutch enough. And that's a deep lineup.

adam (the burgh)

you ignored for like an hour but i still think the pirates will suprise everone(but me) next year Thoughts?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:21 PM)

I did mention the Pirates earlier in the night, actually, and said it's a long-term project there. I just don't see it happening in 2009, Adam, sorry to say. Too much work to be done.

SAM (Santa Monica)

Will there be some kind of brawl/altercation in the Sox/Rays series? I'm not saying there will be suspensions, but somethings gotta give here.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:21 PM)

I have a sneaking suspicion we might see something to that effect during the series. Maybe not an all-out brawl, but an altercation of some sort.

Zach (Philly)

Do you think hamels can stay perfect in the playoffs?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:22 PM)

Much better chance he gets beat in the World Series than in Game 5 (or 4) of this NLCS.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:23 PM)

OK guys, ALCS Game 1 is right around the corner, so time to turn things over to my esteemed colleague, Rob Neyer! Rob will take you through the remainder of our doubleheader. Have fun everyone, and thanks for chatting with me, it's been a blast!

Rob Neyer

  (8:29 PM)

Thanks, Tristan. I'm psyched for a typical four-hour Red Sox game!

Nomar and Kemp (LA)

What in tarnation was that weird bendy pitch Lidge threw us? Is he allowed to not throw fastballs? How are we supposed to know that when he gets into trouble he throws 90% sliders?

Rob Neyer

  (8:31 PM)

I actually *just* wrote about that in my blog (should be posted soon). That's one of his three sliders, and is a terribly wicked pitch. He also throws 95, but his fastball's pretty straight and it's clear that he doesn't much trust it.

Dan (Boston)

Is Kotsay that much better with the glove than Sean Casey to make up for the bat?

Rob Neyer

  (8:34 PM)

It's hard to believe that he could be. I don't understand why Casey wouldn't start against every right-handed starter (tonight, for instance). But Theo Epstein does know a lot of things I don't.

Tim (Mount Laurel,NJ)

I guess Dan didnt see the great plays he made in that game against the angels?

Rob Neyer

  (8:35 PM)

He may have. I did. But it's not often that a game will turn on your first baseman catching a pop-up.

Jesus. LA

Does LA Dodgers still have a chance?

Rob Neyer

  (8:39 PM)

Yeah, I think they do. They should win Game 3 and Game 4's a toss-up. They're now big underdogs, obviously. But they ain't dead.

Dan (Philly)

Rays in 6 I call it!

Rob Neyer

  (8:39 PM)

That was my prediction, too.

Jonathan (Tampa, FL)

I think the Rays having home field will play a big part in this series

Rob Neyer

  (8:42 PM)

I agree with you, Jonathan. The Rays had the best home record in the majors this season. Of course, the Red Sox were second-best. But we're just looking for small edges here. Being the home team in (potentially) four games is one small edge, and the absence of Mike Lowell is another.

Chintan (Mount Laurel, NJ)

With the recent news of Charlie Manuel's mother passing away and now Shane Victorino's grandmother passing away (thoughts and condolences go out to their families in this tough time), how do you see this affecting the team?

Rob Neyer

  (8:43 PM)

If anything, it'll bring them together. But most professionally athletes are able to block out distractions and hyper-focus on their jobs. That's one of the things that makes them so great.

Jan (Michigan/Boston)

Remember, Kotsay is a much better base runner than Casey

Rob Neyer

  (8:44 PM)

Yeah, well, I still start Casey and insert Kotsay the first time I need a run or a defensive boost.

Pablo (Washington)

Can we be serious? I have no doubt this will be an easy series for the experienced Red Sox

Rob Neyer

  (8:44 PM)

Pablo, there's no objective evidence suggesting that experience matters in the postseason.

Hexpane (Daly City/Boston)

Casey had a nice BA but he lost his power, the hits were mostly dinkers

Rob Neyer

  (8:46 PM)

Right ... Since returning to the Big Boy League, Kotsay has 0 homers in 84 at-bats. Dinkers, indeed.

Matt (Clarksville, Tn)

Rob, do you just completely hate the Red Sox or what ...

Rob Neyer

  (8:47 PM)

I do. Ask anybody.

john (san francisco)

i would start kotsay anyday. he has always been clutch anywhere he has played

Rob Neyer

  (8:47 PM)

All due respect, I suspect that's the first time that "clutch" and "Kotsay" have ever appeared so close together.

Ray (Winston-Salem)

Rob, what's wrong with the Sox?

Rob Neyer

  (8:49 PM)

I thought they were the best team in the majors all season. But without Lowell and (maybe) without a healthy Beckett, I think the Rays are just a tad better in this best-of-seven series.

Chico & The Man (Mechanicsville,NY)

HUGE K for Shields!

Rob Neyer

  (8:52 PM)

Yes, along with some bad luck for the Red Sox on that rulebook double. It's funny, though ... Someone (who I'm not posting) blames that on the Rays' ballpark ... but that would have been a rule-book double in Fenway, too.

Josh (VT)

If Dice-K can make it through the seventh the sox will win.

Rob Neyer

  (8:54 PM)

You're probably right. But given that he averages *fewer* than six innings per start, I think seven innings tonight is unlikely. Too many balls.

Dan (Boston)

At Fenway, that double is probably wrapped around the pole for a homer.

Rob Neyer

  (8:55 PM)

Oh, good point. I forgot about the dimensions. Have to figure that one out later, when I have time to find my protractor and slide rule.

Wayne (VA)

Well, looks like Dice-walk all over again. I think i'm gonna be sick.

Rob Neyer

  (8:56 PM)

Hey, that's good! Never seen that one before! Dice-walk. Heh. Heh heh.

Dewey (Attleboro/MA)

Neyer, Seriously I do not think that the sox are a lock but there is a sense that you may be rooting for the Rays....Just come clean my friend....

Rob Neyer

  (8:58 PM)

If you insist ... I'm torn. I have a number of friends who love the Red Sox, so I can't help but like them a little (though this rule does not extend to my friends who are Yankees fans). On the other hand, I've been singing the Rays' praises since March, plus they're a fantastic story. This is one of those series -- and there are a lot of them, for me -- where I wish both teams could win.

Tony (Dallas)

i dont know why this game isnt on ESPN radio....im mad!

Rob Neyer

  (8:59 PM)

Tony, every postseason game is on ESPN Radio, somewhere. I'll bet your local affiliate simply isn't carrying it, because they'd rather talk about football. You should call and complain; maybe next year they'll pick up the feed.

JT (Atlanta)

What ever happened to impartiality in journalism? I guess they didn't teach that at Kansas.

Rob Neyer

  (9:00 PM)

I didn't study journalism at Kansas. Anyway, there's a difference between impartiality and objectivity. That's something that a lot of nuts will never understand.

Johnnie (Seattle)

The game isn't on my ESPN Radio either. Its ESPN Radio and the ESPN analysts are on, just not the game.

Rob Neyer

  (9:02 PM)

Same thing here in Portland. I don't know why.

Gavin (Chicago)

if the rays win the ws do they even make the playoffs next year?

Rob Neyer

  (9:03 PM)

I'm not sure what one has to do with the other, but they will have an uphill climb next season, as they did overachieve a bit this year. I do think they'll be somewhat aggressive this winter, trying to get better. Because they know the math better than I do.

Pete (Honolulu)

Wow. At this rate does Dice-K even make it out of the 5th? He can't seem to find the plate!

Rob Neyer

  (9:06 PM)

He's been pitching like this all season. Don't think he can't get out of this one, and then cruise through a couple or three innings.

Josh (Boston)

im shocked ESPN could hire you Rob. you should be working for fox, they seem to fit your personality better. This chat session would be infinitely better with Gammons. You should talk to him about how to be a real journalist.

Rob Neyer

  (9:07 PM)

If they ever invite me to the real journalist meetings, I will. Promise.

AlPark (Cambridge)

Rob, forget the contracts for a second - who's a better pitcher right now, Shields or Dice-K? P.S. Reed grad missing Portland badly....please make me feel better and tell me it's raining there.

Rob Neyer

  (9:08 PM)

Sorry, weather's nice today, cool with a bracing snap in the air. As for Shields, I'd take him any day of the week (and especially this day).

Jonathan (Gainesville)

Anyone want the binomial probability for each team winning this series?

Rob Neyer

  (9:08 PM)

Please!

Ron (Spokane)

There goes a wasted opportunity for TB with 3 walks

Rob Neyer

  (9:09 PM)

Amazing. But they've got Dice-K's pitch count up; another three or four walks in the next few innings and he'll be driven to cover, exposing the soft underbelly of the Red Sox bullpen...

Jacob (Nashua, NH)

Neyer, how is Byrd, Delcarman, Okajima, Masterson, Lopez, and Papelbon a "soft underbelly"?

Rob Neyer

  (9:12 PM)

Not *a* soft underbelly, Jacob; *the* soft underbelly. I was thinking about Mike Timlin, mostly.

Rob Doherty - North Carolina

I've been a baseball fan for 45 years, lived and died with the Dodgers, and have loved Nomar for his late inning heroics in the past. However, I have NEVER seen a worse at-bat than Nomar's tonight with 2 out in the 9th and 2 on. I have never even seen a PITCHER look that bad at the plate, Sandy Koufax included.

Rob Neyer

  (9:13 PM)

It was ugly. No question about that. Obviously, Lidge is really tough on righty hitters. But you have to at least *look* for the slider, right/

Brian (Philly)

Just got back from the game. Great atmosphere; probably better then there will be in L.A. Let's see if the national media will now give us a little bit of respect. The front page of espn.com asks if the Phils can hold on. The bigger questions should be: Can the Dodgers starting pitchers stop the Phillies? Hasn't happened yet.

Rob Neyer

  (9:15 PM)

I'm always a little leery about "respect" ... but I don't think the last six months merited the Dodgers being such popular choices in the NLCS.

Tony (MA)

Bottom of the 9th game seven of the world series Papelbon or Lidge?

Rob Neyer

  (9:16 PM)

Papelbon by a nose, but I'm probably biased because Lidge has been shaky in three of his last four outings (that I've seen).

Mike Wallace (New York)

dice-k can walk 10 guys for all i care. he still wins games when he does this.

Rob Neyer

  (9:18 PM)

Yes ... But I'm not sure that it's a winning formula, Mike. Has there ever been a pitcher who's won consistently, season to season, doing what he's done? I think he's a good pitcher who lucked into a great record. And there will be a comeuppance.

Mike Lowell ((ST. PETE))

Hey Rob Naysayer, 2.90 era .211 ba against, 9-0 on the road. Yeah he's just lucky.

Rob Neyer

  (9:20 PM)

He's not *just* lucky. But don't you think he's been sort of lucky? I mean, seriously.

Nwohhh (Cape Cod, Ma.)

Do you think Joe Maddon is manager of the year>

Rob Neyer

  (9:21 PM)

Sure. Unanimously, unless one of the Chicago voters is trying to curry favor with Ozzie.

Mike (Boston)

When Matsuzaka regresses to the mean it will not in any way be a "comeuppance". Luck has no memory, so bad luck now isn't a payback for good luck earlier. That's the kind of phrasing that animates all the nitwits who think baseball is some kind of morality play.

Rob Neyer

  (9:24 PM)

Technically speaking? Yes. But I trust your ability to know when I'm speaking colloquially rather than literally.

Raj (Tampa)

What fraction of submissions do you actually post?

Rob Neyer

  (9:25 PM)

I don't know, Raj. But we're up to nearly 14,000 submissions (including the Phillies-Dodgers game), so you can figure it out if you want.

si (valley stream)

I'm 78 going on 79 and I saw baseball when the players played for the love of the game and not thee money.

Rob Neyer

  (9:30 PM)

I'm jealous, Si. But I suspect the players today love playing every bit as much as the players you saw back then.

Donald Coburn (Burlington, VT)

What do the Red Sox have for catching options after Varitek can no longer play?

Rob Neyer

  (9:32 PM)

They don't have anybody who's ready for the majors, and so I think they'll deal for a catcher this winter.

Butch (Boston)

I don't know if you noticed but Shields' pitch count is up there also.

Rob Neyer

  (9:33 PM)

Butch, I'm shocked -- shocked! -- that you're writing from Boston ... Dice-K has thrown 39 pitches in two innings. Shields has thrown 42 in three. Please tell me what I'm missing.

Tadzio (Jamestown, NC)

How do we analyze Dice-K as a pitcher with all these high pitch counts, but the skill and luck to get out of jams? A guy with great stuff, but a poor "pitcher," in that he can't economize and record more outs sooner to get deeper into games? Or would opponents' batting average climb precipitously if he put more pitches in the strike zone?

Rob Neyer

  (9:36 PM)

Tadzio, here's where the analysis starts ... Dice-K has thrived this season because he's held batters to a .260 batting average on balls in play. No pitcher can maintain that average for long. Ergo, if he keeps walking so many hitters, his ERA is going to go up. Way up, maybe.

Bud (Boston)

K #4

Rob Neyer

  (9:39 PM)

Well, that was odd. Upton just took two called strikes, the second for a strikeout. Both of them looked like they might be a little outside. TBS showed the strikeout pitch with their strike-zone graphic gizmo, and according to that the pitch *was* outside by two or three inches. But nobody in the booth said a word.

Joe (Raleigh)

Bull Durham: The Sequel, is in the works

Rob Neyer

  (9:40 PM)

Prediction: It never gets made. And if it's made, it stinks. Ron Shelton has lost his Muse.

Kiran (San Diego)

The balls put into play are typically swings at bad pitches. If he threw pitches into the strike zone, he'd give up better pitches. Look how low his HR against and SLG against are.

Rob Neyer

  (9:41 PM)

Sorry, Kiran. Baseball doesn't work that way. Not to the degree that you suspect.

Tony (MA)

dice-kkkkk

Rob Neyer

  (9:43 PM)

Well put, Tony. Yet another odd but brilliantly successful game for him. Maybe I'm wrong about the guy ...

Joey (Greenwich)

Is it just me, or does Shields still have a no-hitter going?

Rob Neyer

  (9:47 PM)

It's just you, Joey. Youkilis doubled in the first. And now he's singled in the fourth.

Musa (Tampa)

DP beautiful pitch by Shields

Rob Neyer

  (9:49 PM)

Yes, and he's now averaging precisely 12 pitches per inning; Dice-K is averaging 20 per inning. At some point those numbers may seem important.

Joe (Orlando)

What is your favorite Radiohead album?

Rob Neyer

  (9:50 PM)

I'm afraid I'm still stuck on OK Computer, maybe because it was my first.

Chris (Milton, VT)

Rob, Love the chats... Do you think we'll see Big Papi use the bunt? Longoria seems to be shifted even more toward 2nd. Seems like it might help get him going.

Rob Neyer

  (9:52 PM)

I can't figure out why guys like Ortiz and Thome and Howard don't bunt down the line half the time, when the shift is on. I know the other team will say, "We *want* him to bunt," but if they give you a base, you should take the &%$@# thing.

Andy (Manchester, MA)

7 K's!

Rob Neyer

  (9:54 PM)

This is turning into some sort of freaky game for the ages, Bill Bevens with strikeouts.

Donny (Boston)

Rob, what was your favorite team growing up?

Rob Neyer

  (9:58 PM)

I fell in love with the Royals in 1976. If not for them, I wouldn't be here (so blame them, not my mom).

James (VT)

With Dice-K and James Shields probably not going too deep into the game, this game will become a battle of bullpens. Whose do you think is better?

Rob Neyer

  (9:59 PM)

Just off the cuff, I slightly favor the Rays' bullpen until the ninth. But please tell me if I'm wrong.

john wilkening (indiana)

2nd and third no one out

Rob Neyer

  (10:02 PM)

Indeed. Nothing like a walk and a checked-swing double to get a rally started. Shields just has to limit the damage here, one run would be a win.

Eric (Worcester, MA)

what just happened? Gamecast said Kotsay doubled to shallow left?

Rob Neyer

  (10:03 PM)

Yeah, soft liner down the line, off a checked swing. And now Lowrie drives in a run with a fliner to right field.

Parker (Provo, UT)

If ever Varitek could use a hit, now would be the time.

Rob Neyer

  (10:04 PM)

I have no idea why, but Diamond Mind's simulation had Varitek coming up with a bunch of big hits in this series.

James Shields (Tampa Bay)

Yes!!! Varitek is batting...easy out guys!!!

Rob Neyer

  (10:04 PM)

Hardly. He hit it hard, but right at drawn-in Iwamura.

Dave (Iowa)

Fliner - I never heard that one before. Is that a cross between a fly and a liner?

Rob Neyer

  (10:04 PM)

Yes. Our friends at Baseball Info Solutions track them.

brian (CT)

what is the rays payroll

Rob Neyer

  (10:07 PM)

Roughly $45 million, which I believe was the lowest in the American League this year (the Marlins' was significantly lower).

david (MA)

nice job by shields to limit the damage

Rob Neyer

  (10:07 PM)

Yeah, and Bartlett just made a fantastic play on that fly to short center. About as good a play as you'll see a shortstop make.

chase (montana)

Talking about DK's walks ... Nolan Ryan did it. Ryan's 2,795 bases on balls leads second-place Steve Carlton by 962! And he still won 300.

Rob Neyer

  (10:09 PM)

Yes, but he also struck out way more than anyone else *and* pitched forever.

Tom (Laurel, Md)

With Ryan wasn't he also a 500 pitcher for most of his career because of the walks

Rob Neyer

  (10:11 PM)

Well, yeah. There's also that.

Nate (Shanghai)

That's three bad 'breaks' for the Sox. The ground rule 2B, the hard hit shot right at Iwamura by Tek and a phenomenal play by Bartlett. These two teams are so close those could be the difference.

Rob Neyer

  (10:14 PM)

It's probably true that most series between evenly matched teams are determined by luck as much as fundamental performance.

Rosey (Miami)

Dice K has a NO NO going

Rob Neyer

  (10:15 PM)

Through five, with 79 pitches. There's no way he goes nine, but we have to begin considering the possibility of a combined no-hitter. I mean, not seriously. But it's definitely out there.

Adam (New Hampshire)

I hate that Dice K cannot pitch a game without throwing over 100 pitches through 6 innings. What is he doing wrong?

Rob Neyer

  (10:18 PM)

He apparently has concluded that he can't win if he doesn't constantly aim for the edges of the strike zone. Seems to be working out pretty well for him, so far.

Matt (Wallingford, CT)

Why is Shields being called "Big Game James"? I mean, how many "big games" has he been in??

Rob Neyer

  (10:19 PM)

One or two, I guess. But perhaps his coaches and teammates have seen the eye of the tiger in him ...

John Smith (Williamsburg)

What is wrong with Pedroia these playoffs?

Rob Neyer

  (10:21 PM)

Nothing except few of his well-hit balls have found holes. He's exactly the same player today that he was two weeks ago.

Rick (HB CA)

Pitchers duel, huh?

Rob Neyer

  (10:24 PM)

Yeah, though sort of a slow one, thanks to the six walks and 13 strikeouts.

Eryn (Georgia)

Did you know that Dice-K is the first 18-3 pitcher in MLB history? I've been saying all along that he's the worst 18-3 pitcher ever, so I guess I'm partially right

Rob Neyer

  (10:27 PM)

I did know that. Oddly, just a few years ago, Bill James wrote a fun article about "unique records" and predicted, "18-3 ... that's the kind of record somebody could hit in the modern game, probably will within a few years." (By the way, Luis Aloma went 18-3 in his *career*.)

Jeremy (Meriden, CT)

How can you say Dice-K isn't a good pitcher?

Rob Neyer

  (10:28 PM)

Nope. Didn't say it. Said the opposite, actually.

Steve (CA)

Rob--will Bert Blyleven and Gil Hodges ever make the HOF?

Rob Neyer

  (10:28 PM)

Yes to both: Hodges this year, Blyleven in 2011.

Jay (Gainesville)

Big shift worked perfectly there.

Rob Neyer

  (10:30 PM)

For those of you not watching, Pena just hit a line shot toward right field, but Pedroia -- shifted toward RF and playing very deep -- made a wonderful grab and then the long throw. This is starting to feel real interesting ...

Eric (Soutington)

If Hodges and Blyleven make it so should Keith Hernandez.

Rob Neyer

  (10:30 PM)

Agreed re: Blyleven, but not Hodges.

Brian (NH)

the problem with swinging 3-0...

Rob Neyer

  (10:31 PM)

Yeah well, it looks good if you hit it out. I ran a study of this a long time ago, and concluded that it's basically a wash. Though I didn't consider the benefit of driving up the pitch count.

Gary (New York)

Will Mike Mussina make the Hall of Fame?

Rob Neyer

  (10:33 PM)

Yes. And fairly quickly, once he's eligible.

MJ (Boston)

The chances of a pro pitcher to not be able to throw a strike over the plate wit ha 3-0 count is highly probable. So why not swing at the gimmie right over the plate. Still, I was always taught in baseball not to swing at that 3-0 pitch.

Rob Neyer

  (10:34 PM)

Yeah, but Dice-K's different, in that he often won't throw the gimme. He'd just as soon walk you and work on the next guy.

MJ (Boston)

Rob, how about Jason Varitek? Tek has has some good years, enough to make it in the Hall?

Rob Neyer

  (10:35 PM)

No way. Not unless they restrict the voting to Boston writers, fans, and Red Sox executives.

Dan (New Jersey)

Has anyone tried to come up with a weighted pitch count, where a curve is weighted heavier than a change, pitching from behind vs ahead, and other things?

Rob Neyer

  (10:36 PM)

Not that I know about. But it would be an interesting exercise, and today the information is all available to anyone who want to try.

Don V (Jacksonville)

I don't think any of the pitchers nowadays compare to pitchers of old. no one will ever win 30 games like denny mclain did for the tigers. That's when baseball was baseball

Rob Neyer

  (10:38 PM)

I don't know ... My favorite has always been Old Hoss Radbourn. If you're not winning 60 you're not a real man.

Matthew (Springfield, MA)

Nice play by Iwamura. That's the one thing that really worries me about facing the Rays, they aren't going to make the defensive mistakes the Angel's did.

Rob Neyer

  (10:39 PM)

Good point, Matthew. It really was stunning, how many plays the Angels didn't make. Of course if the Rays don't actually, you know, get a few hits their defense won't help much.

Rusty (Boston)

Rob, I know Manny has been great, but Bay's been pretty good as well, considering Manny makes 12 million more, whose offering the most bang per dollar?

Rob Neyer

  (10:40 PM)

I think when you consider defense, Manny is more valuable but just slightly. And next year I think Bay's the more valuable player, straight up.

Andy (Manchester, MA)

Pitch count for Dice-K?

Rob Neyer

  (10:40 PM)

89. I think he'll be pulled after the seventh, regardless.

Tyler (CT)

If the Red Sox win the World Series will you consider them better than the recent yankee teams (96,98,99,00)

Rob Neyer

  (10:42 PM)

I'd love to, but there's still that pesky 2006 season, in which they were actually outscored. That's not cool.

keir (maine)

Boston's bullpen has been 'an adventure' at times. You think they pull Dice-k even if he has a 1-2-3 7th?

Rob Neyer

  (10:43 PM)

I think it depends on how many pitches he needs. But I can't see him coming out for the eighth if he's thrown 105 already. Remember Grady Little?

Dave (Virginia)

is there ANY circumstance you let Dice-K finish the game? Like a no-no through 8? Or do we think Pedro Martinez?

Rob Neyer

  (10:46 PM)

Dave, I believe that at this very moment, Francona is chanting to himself, "Don't think about the no-no, Don't think about the no-no, Don't think about ..." If it's not the last thing on his mind, it's the last thing he cares about.

Joe (Orlando)

But isn't DiceK better equipped to throw more pitches than Pedro who statistically was far worse after 100 pitches in 2003?

Rob Neyer

  (10:47 PM)

Dice-K's actually done well in his career after throwing his 100th pitch ... but he's struggled in the 76-100 grouping. Odd.

Marcel (Spencer, MA)

And now it's a moot point...

Rob Neyer

  (10:48 PM)

Yup. Crawford lined an outside pitch into right field. And now Dice-K's on a really short leash.

Mike ( San Jose)

When was the last time a no hitter was thrown in a playoff game?

Rob Neyer

  (10:48 PM)

It's happened only once, Mike. Look up Don Larsen when you get a minute...

Aaron (Phoenix)

Does Crawford run?

Rob Neyer

  (10:49 PM)

That's the Question of the Moment, Aaron . . . I say they take their chances and see what happens.

GUNZ GULLO (NJ)

The flood gates are open!!!

Rob Neyer

  (10:50 PM)

Floyd lines one into the LCF gap, Crawford going to third. Red Sox are now playing for the DP, conceding the run on a grounder. As they should.

Bernie (Dayton, OH)

Do you think whoever wins this series will end up winning the World Series all together? Or does the NL have a better chance?

Rob Neyer

  (10:51 PM)

I think the AL will crush the NL, as usual. Especially if Beckett's healthy (assuming the Sox win).

Andrew (Seattle)

If it winds up first and third with two outs, Maddon HAS to pinch hit for Bartlett right?

Rob Neyer

  (10:54 PM)

Yeah, I think so. I actually mentioned that in my blog today. They simply can't allow Bartlett to hit in a key late-game situation. One problem: They don't have any good hitters on the bench.

Aaron (Phoenix)

Would Crawford have tagged and run with Manny in LF?

Rob Neyer

  (10:54 PM)

No, I don't think so. It was awfully shallow, even for a rubber-arm.

Sam (St. Louis)

Rob, you say assuming that the Sox win, does that mean you like them in this series, or will the rays prevail?

Rob Neyer

  (10:55 PM)

Ask me again in three minutes.

tate (iowa)

if dice-k gets out of the inning, does he pitch the 8th?

Rob Neyer

  (10:56 PM)

Absolutely not. This is it.

bob (rockland)

who do the rays have on the bench

Rob Neyer

  (10:57 PM)

Switch-hitting Fernando Perez, righty-hitting Rocco Baldelli, and some utility infielder I can't remember.

Brian (NCarolina)

My I ask yall how good is Kotsay at first for Boston?

Rob Neyer

  (10:57 PM)

He made a couple of fantastic plays in the Division Series, but hasn't been tested tonight.

db (oakland)

what happened to hinske?

Rob Neyer

  (10:58 PM)

Left off the roster, a move that I questioned.

Zach (Jersey)

Hinske's got a big bat, they could have used him.

Rob Neyer

  (10:59 PM)

Well, at least medium. I love Joe Maddon, but his unwillingness to pinch-hit for the worst hitter on the team is simply inexcusable. Nobody's perfect, I guess.

Jason (Vancouver, BC)

You can't PH for Bartlett, he's "their most indispensible player." Yikes!

Rob Neyer

  (11:00 PM)

Right. Their MVP this season, according to the local writers. Feel free to run with this one yourselves ...

parag (St.Petersburg)

Rob, you do know that Hinske is not on the ALCS roster for the Rays right?

Rob Neyer

  (11:01 PM)

Yeah. Just said that. Aren't you hanging on my every word?

Josh (Tucson)

who pitches the 8th for boston?

Rob Neyer

  (11:01 PM)

Match-ups with Okajima and Delcarmen, as usual.

Dan (Iraq)

That sigh of relief you just heard crossed the arabian peninsula, the mediterranean sea and the atlantic...

Rob Neyer

  (11:03 PM)

I can sort of imagine. A long time ago, I listened to my favorite team on the radio ... Granted, I was in Colorado rather than Iraq, and it was the Royals in June rather than the Red Sox in October. Still.

Matt Baytown Tx

Rob, not always matchups in the 8th, Masterson has been pitching the 8th alot lately

Rob Neyer

  (11:04 PM)

I'm sorry, forgot about Masterson. This is where Francona earns his money.

Josh (Va beach)

Are you suprised Shields is still in the game?

Rob Neyer

  (11:05 PM)

I am, particularly considering that everybody has Sunday off. But Shields is coming out now ...

Adam (East Lansing)

Does playoff performance factor into MVP awards? I know Pedroia is in the running for the MVP, but he's having a bad postseason.

Rob Neyer

  (11:05 PM)

No, Adam. Ballots must be mailed before first postseason game.

Nathan (Houston)

Anyone who is considering Pedroia for MVP is insane. Youkilis has been much better. Just look at the OPS+.

Rob Neyer

  (11:09 PM)

Yeah, but Pedroia's a good second baseman, an outstanding baserunner ... They're both good candidates, but neither has outstanding credentials. It's just not a good year in the AL for MVP candidates.

Ethan (Bennington Vermont)

If you'd watched the intangibles with Pedroia all season you'd understand.

Rob Neyer

  (11:10 PM)

Ethan, did you happen to watch Joe Mauer all season?

Steve (Kaysville)

How about Justin Morneau for MVP?

Rob Neyer

  (11:11 PM)

He's fine, but I still prefer Mauer.

Joe (Florida)

I think the AL race for MVP is very close, there is no clear cut winner.

Rob Neyer

  (11:12 PM)

Actually, I suspect a lot of guys are going to get first-place votes and Francisco Rodriguez sneaks up and wins, with a bunch of second- and third- and fourth-place votes. It'll be the strangest balloting ever.

Scott (Boston)

Don't you think Mauer lost the MVP race when the Twins lost to the White Sox in the one game playoff?

Rob Neyer

  (11:13 PM)

No. I think Morneau lost it. The voters obviously don't like Mauer.

Buck (NV)

Has any team other than the Red Sox been undefeated in 2 WS appearances

Rob Neyer

  (11:14 PM)

Not sure I understand the question ... Yankees swept WS in 1938 and '39, I think.

adam (San diego)

Game over!

Rob Neyer

  (11:16 PM)

Could be. Sinking liner off Crawford's glove, tough play but one that he's usually going to make. Not sure why Howell was allowed to face Youkilis. Second or third questionable move by Maddon tonight ...

Bryan (Tucson)

Carlos Quentin should get some MVP votes.

Rob Neyer

  (11:18 PM)

He would have won if he hadn't knocked himself out of the lineup with a month to play. Oddly, the same people who won't vote for Quentin because he played only five months will vote for Ramirez and Sabathia . . .

Jeff (Smyrna)

Do you buy Bill Simmons' theory that Manny was being guided in his quitting on the Sox by Scott Boras?

Rob Neyer

  (11:19 PM)

I don't think we'll ever know for sure, but Boras is both clever enough and devious enough for something like that.

Tristan (St. Louis)

Waits for a brawl to ensue...

Rob Neyer

  (11:20 PM)

Drew got nailed with a fastball on the back of his right shoulder. Could have been a lot worse, as he's now on first base with nothing but a big bruise.

Parker (Provo, UT)

Balfour uses his first pitch to load the bases. Brilliant!

Rob Neyer

  (11:21 PM)

Right, just like Don Drysdale.

Kyle (Manchester, CT)

Do you think that was intentional?

Rob Neyer

  (11:21 PM)

No.

Jafar AlaHad (Iran)

BIG K

Rob Neyer

  (11:24 PM)

Balfour blew one past Bay. One more out and we've still got a game.

Blair (Storrs)

Big Break for the Rays

Rob Neyer

  (11:26 PM)

What's the break? Balfour pitched well. The break in that inning went to the Sox, with Crawford flubbing the liner. I'm just sayin'.

Charlie: (Boston, Mass):

o wow matsuzakas still in... didnt expect this at all

Rob Neyer

  (11:29 PM)

Me neither. That must be the dumbest thing I've written this week.

Nova (Chitown)

He won't see upton.

Rob Neyer

  (11:30 PM)

Wanna bet? He's seeing him right now!

Teddy Ballgame (San Francisco)

This is like leaving Pedro in to pitch the 8th against the Yankees in game 7 of the 2003 ALCS. Disaster ensued.

Rob Neyer

  (11:32 PM)

If Upton homers here, or if he gets on base and eventually scores, that'll be the story tomorrow...

Bill (NH)

Does Dice-K look tired?

Rob Neyer

  (11:34 PM)

I'm too busy typing to watch closely enough to even guess. But he struggled through the seventh, then sat for a long time in the top of the eighth, having thrown 107 pitches. Not sure how Francona justifies bringing him out again. Both managers seem to be trying to out-dumb each other.

Nova (Chitown)

Tampa Bay's last legit chance to score?

Rob Neyer

  (11:36 PM)

Yep. Middle of the order against the set-up guys >>> bottom of the order against Papelbon.

Abigail (Tel Aviv)

Do you bunt here with Pena batting .190 against lefties?

Rob Neyer

  (11:37 PM)

Apparently not, but Okajima's making things easy for Pena, .190 or not.

Bud (Bangkok)

zero in on a fastball

Rob Neyer

  (11:38 PM)

And so he did, but hit it off the end of the bat, routine fly to RCF.

mjv (Austin)

Are you serious? Did he just swing at 3-0?

Rob Neyer

  (11:39 PM)

He did. Second time tonight a Ray has flied out on 3-0 with runners on.

jason (ct)

doesnt tito realize longoria hits better aginst rightys?

Rob Neyer

  (11:42 PM)

Sample size, Jason. There's probably no such thing as a reverse-platoon hitter, fundamentally.

Eric (MA)

I think he's just hoping the sinker turns into a DP

Rob Neyer

  (11:43 PM)

Which is exactly what happened. (Nice job, Eric. And Tito; nobody will remember you left Dice-K in too long.)

Joshua (Colorado)

Huge, wasted opportunity. Now they have to get lucky off Papelbon.

Rob Neyer

  (11:44 PM)

Yeah. And maybe we'll get to see Bartlett again!

Travis (Iowa)

Why you hate Bartlett so much? It seems like you feel he's the worst player in the league or something...

Rob Neyer

  (11:48 PM)

I don't, Travis. I just appreciate seeing difficult things done well, and so it offends me to see Bartlett batting in a key spot, late in a big game. Because he's a terrible hitter. Well, not terrible. Just not good enough for those spots if you've got any sort of decent option.

philly

Why all the experts predict that la is going to win bfore the series started?

Rob Neyer

  (11:49 PM)

Mostly because of Manny Ramirez, I think. And also because they looked so good against the Cubs.

pete (boston)

But Bartlett is the only indispensible player on the Rays! Or haven't you been listening to the garbage that Joe Maddon is spouting?

Rob Neyer

  (11:50 PM)

I have been. Sometimes managers say the darnedest things.

Jeff (Minneapolis)

How can the inexprienced Rays beat the World Champions? What needs to be done?

Rob Neyer

  (11:51 PM)

They need to beat the Red Sox tomorrow night. It's really that simple. And no, there's no magical formula. It's just playing better and maybe catching a few more breaks than the other team.

Aaron (AZ)

I agree with you on Barlett, but... 2nd half stats 331/374/464 in 181 AB's is something.

Rob Neyer

  (11:54 PM)

Right ... Did he suddenly learn to hit at 28 and a half? He is who he is: a decent-hitting shortstop who should get bumped for a PH after the sixth if his team is losing. Period.

Danny (Tampa)

Hey, you know who would be a great candidate to pinch hit for Bartlett if he comes up against Papelbon in the ninth? ERIC HINSKE . . . except "Maddon the Moron" left him off the roster

Rob Neyer

  (11:55 PM)

Right. But Hinske got bumped from the roster for an 11th pitcher. The obsession with large bullpens claims another casualty ...

eric (phoenix)

I don't see how any fan in Tampa can call Maddon a moron after the season they've had

Rob Neyer

  (11:56 PM)

No, that's not fair. But he's not having his best night.

Teddy (California)

On Barlett Rob, it happens. Guys like Walt Wiess and others who where strickly defensive specialists, down the road could get on base.

Rob Neyer

  (12:00 AM)

Walt Weiss did become a slightly better hitter later in his career. But most of them don't. Not after turning 28.

Buff ((FT. MYERS)N)

Hey Rob say one good thing about Dice-K before you go off the air, you owe it to him, simply good journalism.

Rob Neyer

  (12:00 AM)

Chatting isn't journalism. Not close. But Dice-K was fantastic tonight. Obviously.

Jacob (Spokane ,WA)

Do you think David Price could play a bigger factor during these playoffs?

Rob Neyer

  (12:02 AM)

Sure, if a starter gets knocked out early and the game's still close.

JAKE (VT)

Would you start Byrd over Wake?

Rob Neyer

  (12:04 AM)

No, I wouldn't. Not unless it's really cold that evening.

Derek -Portland Maine

This is why the Sox are World Champions. Good Pitching, good defense and timely hitting.

Rob Neyer

  (12:06 AM)

Are the Red Sox unbeatable? Obviously not. They lost 67 games this season, including 10 against the Rays. But man, most Octobers they *look* unbeatable. Great game, great team, great organization.

Derek (Vermont)

Game 2 is obviously very big for the Rays, they can't go back to Beantown 0-2

Rob Neyer

  (12:07 AM)

Truest thing anyone's said tonight. If the Sox win tomorrow night it's over, and we're looking at a probable sweep.

Robert Stewart (Bakersfiel, Ca)

Rob do you think Boston is a better team without Manny ?

Rob Neyer

  (12:08 AM)

I don't think they're better this year, but they're just as good. And they're better next year.

Jason (Aston, PA)

Would you say that the Dodgers are done at this point as well?

Rob Neyer

  (12:10 AM)

Not as done as the Rays if they lose tomorrow night. At least the Dodgers are heading home, and they have pretty good shots against Moyer and Blanton.

Bill C (Springfield, NJ)

Do you think it's a mistake to start Beckett in game 2 and not Lester?

Rob Neyer

  (12:11 AM)

No. I thought Francona's reasoning was impeccable. You start them this way and they go in 1-2-3 and 5-6-7 on normal rest.

Jim (Boston)

Subprime mortgage mess . . . Ill-advised loans to non-credit-worthy buyers? Or greedy, corrupt mortgage brokers?

Rob Neyer

  (12:13 AM)

Both have been vastly overstated by people looking to score cheap political points. The fundamental problem is that Americans, for many years, have been convinced -- by both political parties, not to mention financial institutions -- that debt doesn't matter, nor does intrinsic value. Except eventually, both do. And now we're all going to pay for it, even those of us who don't have any debt. I don't know who's got the game tomorrow, but I'll be back Sunday. Until then, don't forget: "If you sleep on the floor, you never have to worry about falling out of bed."