ESPN

Buzzmaster

  (9:58 AM)

Join our chat Saturday night starting at 8 p.m. ET when we'll be chatting during Game 2 of the ALCS! Page 2's Jonah Keri will be stopping by!

Jonah Keri

  (8:02 PM)

Beckett! Kazmir! Dumplings! Chocolate milk! It's Game 2 of the ALCS, live from the couch. Thanks for joing us, friends. Looking forward to three hours of riveting baseball, preceded by 25 minutes of canned platitudes by announcers. Let's go.

Mike (Boston)

How does Chase Utley compare to some of the greatest 2nd basemen in history? Thanks

Jonah Keri

  (8:06 PM)

If Utley continues at this rate for say, 8 more years, Brian, we can start to compare him to the all-time greats. Still too early at this point, though, I will say that it's rare to see any second baseman with power and patience even approaching Utley's levels. He's on the Jeff Kent career path right now, funnily enough. And Kent, to me, is a Hall of Famer.

Paul (Boston)

hey jonah, im wondering which becket will we see tonight, the injured or the amazing?

Jonah Keri

  (8:07 PM)

Paul, I expect Beckett to be better than the awful performance he showed last series, but not quite in vintage form. The Sox have tried to slough off the injury, but Beckett clearly wasn't the same guy last time out.

geoff (MA)

So, Mr. Keri, what's "The Big Picture" for tonight's game? Any predictions?

Jonah Keri

  (8:09 PM)

Geoff, no stock market references, people have suffered enough!First pitch coming...it's complete folly to try to predict a single game. So I'll do so anyway and say Rays win 5-3.

mike (utica,ny)

what's up with this rumor of Carlos Beltran to the Yankees for Cano, Kennedy, and a prospect?

Jonah Keri

  (8:09 PM)

The usual dumb Internet rumor. Won't happen.

Brian (Boston)

Jonah, do you have any idea what cowbells have to do with Rays?

Jonah Keri

  (8:10 PM)

I don't know, but still much less disturbing than bikini wax Ray-hawks.

Jonah Keri

  (8:11 PM)

Kazmir is a horrible match-up for Ellsbury. Dusty McHustlepants could do some damage tonight, though.

john (paris)

Is Beckett gonna get the loss or is the bullpen gonna blow it

Jonah Keri

  (8:12 PM)

I see something like 6 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 3 BB, 5 K for Beckett.

Shelley (Sox fan in Fla)

Kazmir has seemed a little off his last few games, why would you pick them to win this game?

Jonah Keri

  (8:12 PM)

Did Beckett impress you last time out? Not me. Also, there are other players on the field who'll have a say. I'm feeling a big night for Carlos Pena.

Tyler (Whitehouse)

Jonah what do u think the chances are of Tampa bein good next year as well?

Jonah Keri

  (8:16 PM)

Tyler, I actually think the Rays could improve next year. They'll likely get a full season of David Price in the rotation, which is just obscene. No key losses in free agency. My buddy Tommy Rancel of the excellent Rays blog Outs Per Swing argues that the Rays have so much pitching depth that they should shop Kazmir for a big bat in the off-season. I'd actually agree with that statement, except that it's so rare that we see two teams trade star-for-star.Then again, the Rays made an unlikely deal like Delmon Young (and company) for Matt Garza (and company) work, so you never know. Andrew Friedman and Matt Silverman do business differently than most other teams.

Calleigh (North Carolina)

Both teams do have what it takes to win. It just comes down to which team wants it the most.

Jonah Keri

  (8:17 PM)

Excellent platitude! You've clearly been to the School of McCarverisms. You forgot to mention that the Rays' backs are against the wall, though.

Ampson (Columbus, OH)

Is the Red Sox offense going to step up? know we're pretty banged up still, with Lowell out and Ortiz not 100 percent.

Jonah Keri

  (8:18 PM)

Lowell's absence, Ortiz being less than 100% and even Drew not necessarily t full strength is definitely a concern, Ampson. For the record, I picked the Rays to win the series in 6 for that reason.Of course if they get pitching like they did last night, won't matter.

Jonah Keri

  (8:18 PM)

Bay-Kazmir a pretty good matchup for the Sox right here.

Marcus (Boston)

So far Jason Bay has been a good replacement for Manny... do you think Bay will continue and make a legacy for himself in Boston

Jonah Keri

  (8:19 PM)

Absolutely! Very good hitter, pretty durable, workable glove, well-rounded skills. He's a solid addition, even though Many's loss obviously hurts.

Carl Crawford (Tropican Field)

why am i so amazing?

Jonah Keri

  (8:19 PM)

Carl, what are you doing on this Chat! Get back to left field, quick!

Jonah Keri

  (8:20 PM)

And Bay delivers a two-run dobule.Keri Scoreboard:Blind Squirrel 2, Nut 0

Jonah Keri

  (8:20 PM)

...or something

bo (seatown)

are you the moderator jonah?

Jonah Keri

  (8:21 PM)

Indeed I am, Bo. I'm getting questions very, very quickly, doing my best to answer as many of them as I can.

James (Bowling Green, OH)

Jonah, what do you think are the chances of evan longoria having a good year next year?

Jonah Keri

  (8:21 PM)

Evan Longoria will be good for the next 10 years. The Rays signing him to a six-year deal with three options six days into his big league career is the kind of smart,c reative move I referenced earlier.

Mike (Tampa, FL)

Looks like Kazmir is in for a long night..30 pitches in the first and still not out of it. I like him out by the 5th, you?

Jonah Keri

  (8:22 PM)

Unfortunately typical Kazmir. Even at his best, he tends to go deep into counts. When he's on (or facing a lineup not as good as Boston's), those deep counts result in Ks. Tonight? We'll see.

Jamieson (Switzerland)

jonah, with the 6 hourtime difference and baseball not shown in europe, tell me how the sox are gonna favor in todays game. win or lose?

Jonah Keri

  (8:23 PM)

Well they're up 2-0 and threatening for more, Jamieson. Stay with ESPN.com Gamecast, which includes this Chat embedded in it, and you can follow along.Switzerland by the way is one of the few European countries on my to-do list that I haven't yet visited. Gotta get there some time soon.

Jonah Keri

  (8:24 PM)

Walking Lowrie = not good...2 homers all year, the kind of batter you have to go after in this lineup.

Jonah Keri

  (8:24 PM)

Good change-up to start against Varitek. Kazmir needs a quick out here, get out of this 2-0 and hope for Pena and company to pick him up.

Kevin (FL)

Varitek, unfortunately, is a rally killer so let's move on to the bottom of the first. Do you think they'll attempt to resign Tek after this year? No one really seems ready to take over and I don't believe there are any upgrades via free agency.

Jonah Keri

  (8:26 PM)

I *think* David Ross is arb-eligible, Kevin. He'd be a relatively inexpensive signing who wouldn't be any worse than Varitek offensively. My bet is the Sox trade one of their top pitching prospects for one of the Rangers' many young catchers (Maz Ramirez, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Taylor Teagarden). It's too good a fit for it not to happen, and would be typical of both Theo Epstein and Jon Daniels.

Jonah Keri

  (8:26 PM)

Varitek was a rally killer, you called it!

John (Boston)

How was Dick Vitale's first pitch?

Jonah Keri

  (8:27 PM)

They didn't show it on TBS. But I'm going to assume it was simultaneously super, scintillating and sensational. He's a real PTPer.

LA for life (Los Angeles)

Boston needs to win, so they can lose in LA!! HA!

Jonah Keri

  (8:27 PM)

Definitely. Dodgers have the Phillies right where they want 'em.

Mike (Boston)

Is what Hank Steinbrenner said true - that ESPN is staffed full of Red Sox fans?

Jonah Keri

  (8:28 PM)

I wouldn't know. My favorite team folded, and I'm now a baseball orphan.

Joel (Dominican Republic)

Do you think Ortiz poorly numbers are mainly caused by his injured wrist or Manny's absence?

Jonah Keri

  (8:29 PM)

His wrist. I'm still waiting for the first conclusive evidence that one batter improves the performance of his temmates. Baseball isn't football or basketball. It's a sport of individual matchups, not a team sport.

Jonah (La)

Jonah, i hope you are not a stiff like the Jonah, i hope your not a stiff like the chat moderators last night

Jonah Keri

  (8:29 PM)

I AM the moderator for this Chat. So if you don't like the way things go, I get double blame.

Jonah Keri

  (8:30 PM)

Oof, splitter's really moving for Beckett.

Chuckster (Florida)

why aren't my chats showing up?

Jonah Keri

  (8:31 PM)

Only the questions that I post show up, Chuck.

Jonah Keri

  (8:31 PM)

Fastball really moved inside on Upton. Agree with Ron Darling, looking good so far.

Pman (nh nh)

hey who scored for boston

Jonah Keri

  (8:32 PM)

Bay two-run double, my fellow New Hampsirite!

Jonah Keri

  (8:32 PM)

Uh-oh. Vintage Beckett so far.

bo (seatown)

this chat keeps switchin from this to one with guy named tristan cokccroft?

Jonah Keri

  (8:33 PM)

Tristan's Chat was last night. Just sit tight, Bo.

Brandon (NC)

Is there a way to see the speed of Beckett's pitches?

Jonah Keri

  (8:34 PM)

They're showing it on the TBS telecast, Brandon. Beckett's in the low 90s, but with really good movement, so far.

Jonah Keri

  (8:35 PM)

Amazing. First I liked Bay vs. Kazmir, then figured Pena for a big night.(Of course I also said the Rays would win 5-3, we shall see. I wouldn't be betting the mortgage either way. Ummm...assuming you haven't defaulted on your mortgage).

Ian (RI)

Ha carlos pena just like you said

Jonah Keri

  (8:35 PM)

And...boom goes the Jonahmite.

Chad (TX)

Is Longoria a lock for AL rookie of the year?

Jonah Keri

  (8:35 PM)

Yuppers

Mr. OK Jazz (Tokyo,Japan)

Gabby Solis goes yard here!

Jonah Keri

  (8:36 PM)

Everyone needs to get to a Japanese League game some time. Most fun I've ever had at a non-Expos game.

rob (sfo)

lincecum for cy young?

Jonah Keri

  (8:36 PM)

He'd be my pick! Santana a close 2nd.

Dan (Ohio)

Just from what you've seen so far, do you think Beckett's oblique is still bothering him?

Jonah Keri

  (8:37 PM)

Oh man what a curve that was on 2-0. Beckett looks really good to me, full range of motion, wicked movement on pitches.

Dave Roberts (London)

how long will beckett go tonight?

Jonah Keri

  (8:37 PM)

I predicted 6 innings at the start of the game. I guess I'm stuck with that prediction.BTW, Dave Roberts in London, you should totally get down here to New England. You'll never buy a drink for yourself, ever.

Jonah Keri

  (8:38 PM)

Longoria goes yard! Well then. Not a bad pitch, just a great great hitter.This could be a gem of a game.

Evan (New York)

What is wrong with Drew exactly? Shouldn't he be toughing it out in right?

Jonah Keri

  (8:39 PM)

He's been hurt since August. If the Sox win this series, it'd be pretty impressive, consider how much healthier the Rays are.

Casey (Florida)

I hope it isn't a high scoring game for Boston because their bullpen is worser than Tampa's

Jonah Keri

  (8:40 PM)

The worsiest!Actually Delcarmen really emerged int he 2nd half this season. I love Balfour and Howell, but the Sox can compete in the pen too. And of course they have the big edge at closer.All right 2-2 going to top of the 2nd.

Kevin (Miami)

What does Eric Hinskie do now that he isn't on the postseason roster?

Jonah Keri

  (8:41 PM)

Hug his Rookie of the Year award and wonder how it all went wrong.

Tom Doherty (MA)

Why do you post the questions with bad grammar and/or spelling? Foe example: "...their bullpen is worser..."

Jonah Keri

  (8:42 PM)

1) The bullpens could loom large in this series.2) Grammar ouchies amuse me.

chris (at game)

hey, who wins the game and how?

Jonah Keri

  (8:43 PM)

I see one of two scenarios:Carlton Fisk pops out of the dugout and waves a game-winning homer onto Catwalk C.Jose Canseco wiggles out of his recent Mexican border steroids bust, rushes to the Trop, throws on his old D-Rays uni and hits a game-winning homer off his head.There are really no other plausible scenarios.

Jonah Keri

  (8:44 PM)

Nomar Garciaparra just confirmed as a friend on Facebook! I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's not the real Nomar.

Mike (Iowa City)

Who's the first inductee into the Rays team hall of fame? Greg Vaughn, Vinny Castilla or the aforementioned Canseco?

Jonah Keri

  (8:45 PM)

I'm going with Victor Zambrano.Sorry Mets fans.

23415 (ohio)

who gave you this job?

Jonah Keri

  (8:45 PM)

My dad. I owe all my success to nepotism.

DJ (IL)

Who will win ROY for the AL? Evan Longoria or Alexie Ramirez

Jonah Keri

  (8:46 PM)

Longoria. I wouldn't have Ramirez in my top 4.

Nomar (Los Angeles, CA)

No it really is me thanks for the add!

Jonah Keri

  (8:46 PM)

I got you dawg.

Jonah Keri

  (8:46 PM)

Kazmir's settling down nicely. This may have something to do with facing the suckier sucks in the Sox lineup.

Paul (New Haven)

What about NL MVP.. do you think Manny has a chance?

Jonah Keri

  (8:47 PM)

Only among voters who have recently been lobotomized.I'd vote for Pujols. As for who will actually win, my guess is it comes to Pujols or Ryan Howard, same as '06.

William (Dunedin, FL)

Now that Longoria has tied it up, who do you see winning the game?

Jonah Keri

  (8:47 PM)

Rays 5-3. Why be inconsistent.

Mike (Philadelphia)

Howard is gonna win.

Jonah Keri

  (8:48 PM)

Yup, he just might. He wouldn't make my top 5.

Romin (Charlotte)

Wow Jonah, taking the chat questions, being your own moderator, and embodying the reincarnation of Nostradamus all at one. Why do people send questions like "How will the game end?" or "When will I finally get lucky?" Honestly, I understand expert insight, but you gotta draw a line. While you're at it, please answer question b.

Jonah Keri

  (8:50 PM)

I can't answer "How will the game end" definitely, because unfortunately I'm not a true soothsayer.As to "When will I finally get lucky", if you live in New England, invest in an Alex Cora jersey. If you live in West Florida, go for a Jason Bartlett jersey. Chicks dig ironic jersey choices in honor of light-hitting infielders.

Kevin (Miami)

Why does it flash back and forth between Tristan's chat and your chat?

Jonah Keri

  (8:52 PM)

We're working on this, Kevin. I think it may be because Tristan's chat was so awesome yesterday that it's usurping mine.By the way, Tristan and I are officially the fantasy baseball champs of the world, having won the NL and AL LABR titles this season. Just thought I'd point out that you're in extremely geeky hands.

Jonah Keri

  (8:52 PM)

Man, Varitek frames those pitches a good 6 innings, doesn't he?

Ryan (Topeka KS)

Number 1 pick in fantasy next year?

Jonah Keri

  (8:53 PM)

A-Rod's always gotta be a contender.

corey (maryland)

do you believe that the Rays have a good enough farm system to stay consistent for the foreseeable future?

Jonah Keri

  (8:54 PM)

Most definitely, Corey, I mentioned David Price earlier. They also have Wade Davis and Jeremy Hellickson speeding through their system to add to their pitching prospect depth. And their big league roster is young and deep. This team is built to win for the long haul.

Henri (Boston)

Do the sox have a good farm system?

Jonah Keri

  (8:54 PM)

Yes they do, Henri. They've taken advantage of the draft by paying over slot for high-priced talent. Buchholz should be back, Bowden should be good too. Lars Anderson has power...there are more too.

Dave (Canby (Oregon) (Oregon))

How good would the Ray's be if they kept Josh Hamilton?

Jonah Keri

  (8:55 PM)

Eh, I don't liek to play hypotheticals that way, Dave. Hamilton was in no posiiton to help a major league club a few years ago. We can't say for sure that it was the change of scenery that helped him gert his life in order. But something did, and it wasn't happening in the Rays system.

Lou (Chicago)

Why can't the Cubs win a single game in the playoffs?

Jonah Keri

  (8:56 PM)

I blame the Lincoln Park Trixies.

T. J. Brumfield (Omaha)

Tristan, why do I keep seeing this silly chat with Jonah?

Jonah Keri

  (8:56 PM)

That's just cruel. Funny, though.

Berry (Talahasse,New Mexico)

hey whos the best pitcher in this game

Jonah Keri

  (8:57 PM)

Lincecum is terrific, and young. He's going to be a beast for years to come.

Jonah Keri

  (8:57 PM)

Navarro's going to steal here. Shock the world.

Carol (Montana)

How long do you see the red sox being at the level they are today?

Jonah Keri

  (8:58 PM)

Good farm system, Carol, as well as smart decision makers and of course a bigger revenue stream than any team outside the NYC metro area. They SHOULD be good almost indefinitely.

Shelley (Sox fan in Fla)

Navy dont really have the speed to steal, I will be surprsed if they send him

Jonah Keri

  (8:59 PM)

Yeah, it's a joke. I think I'm faster than Navarro. Which is a terrible insult to Navaro. Or anyone.

steven (dc)

becket has the best breaking ball in the majors

Jonah Keri

  (8:59 PM)

Prescient! That curve to Gross for the strikeout was illegal in 19 states.

Rob (Connecticut)

Who's your choice for AL MVP, Jonah?

Jonah Keri

  (9:00 PM)

A pick no one else in the universe has...Cliff Lee.

Tom Doherty (MA)

I agree, Jonah. You must be slow in more ways than one. No offense, you just aren't choosing my questions!

Jonah Keri

  (9:00 PM)

Keep sking 'em, Tom, I'll try and answer. There have been more than 2000 questions in the past 50 minutes.

Chris (Blackstone Ma)

Why cliff lee? is he in the post season?

Jonah Keri

  (9:01 PM)

Is it Cliff Lee's fault that Travis Hafner, Victor Martinez and Ryan Garko tanked?

Larry (Sidney, Austraiia)

Greetings from the land downunder...Jonah, we think baseball would be much more interesting if you had an Australian rules Baseball...whatya think?

Jonah Keri

  (9:02 PM)

As a fan of Aussie Rules Football from my days watching it on TSN back home in Montreal, I can say that Aussie Rules Baseball would be awesome.For the record, Craig Shipley and Grant Balfour are two of the my fave players ever. Balfour has the added advantage of being really, really good too.

jack (Sacramento, CA)

Lars Anderson will be a beast for years to come. Lowell will have to retire soon and Youkilis looks at home at third so it seems logical that lars will fill the gap at first.

Jonah Keri

  (9:02 PM)

Yeah I can see that. Don't think Lars will be ready next year though, they'll probably squeeze one more year out of Lowell.

Jonah Keri

  (9:03 PM)

Beckett strikes out the side. Longoria pitch hurt, but he's looked good otherwise.

Santa C. (North Pole)

Sorry everyone, but when I let Pedroia leave to go play this baseball thing, I didn't know we'd be cutting it so close to X-mas.

Jonah Keri

  (9:03 PM)

Now that's comedy. Arctic style.

Alex (Maine)

Who do you see moving on to the world series?

Jonah Keri

  (9:03 PM)

I picked Phils in 6, Rays in 6 before the series started. So obviously you should be loading up on Dodgers-Sox.

KNIGHT RIFER (SAN DIEGO)

JEFF KENTS SUCKS!!!! THIS COMING FROM A DODGER FAN! BENCH HIM THE REST OF THE SERIES!

Jonah Keri

  (9:04 PM)

I assume you only started following baseball 10 minutes ago. Kent was a monster for many years before finally petering out. Again, he'd be a sure HoFer for me.

Chris (MA)

Jeff Bailey also is a good power hitter to come for the Red Sox at first base wouldn't you say?

Jonah Keri

  (9:05 PM)

Chris, no joke, I've been writing about Bailey for six years now. He was an OBP fiend way back before the Iraq War, when he was in the Expos system. Time and again, his employers have refused to give him a chance. The problem now is he's getting older. You might get a couple good years out of him, but it's possible that Bailey spent his peak in the minors.

Sanjay (FL)

Why isn't this game being shown on broadcast? It's not fair

Jonah Keri

  (9:06 PM)

No TBS, Sanjay? If not, get thee to Buffalo Wild Wings, stat. (sorry, too many college football commercials today)

doublej (raleigh, nc)

the sox have been really good at just letting people go...nomar, pedro, manny, soon schilling.....do they do the same thing to ortiz in two years?

Jonah Keri

  (9:07 PM)

Hmmm, good question doublej. Obviously depends on what Ortiz does next two years. If he's this current weakened version, then yes, I'd say he's gone. Wrist surgery needs to be an option here.

Toney (TX)

Im a TB fan but Pedroia is a beast

Jonah Keri

  (9:08 PM)

As much as I'm on the Cliff Lee for MVP bandwagon, I would bet that Dusty McHustlepants wins it.ANOTHER big hit for him. 3-2 Sox.

Jonah Keri

  (9:08 PM)

Pedroia another guy I liked at start of the game match up vs. Kazmir. He has a pretty b platoon split.

Jonah Keri

  (9:08 PM)

big platoon split, rather

Peter (Ohio)

Why Doesn't anyone even consider Morneau For MVP?

Jonah Keri

  (9:09 PM)

I wouldn't because he's not even the most valuable player on his own team.

Tom Doherty (MA)

What is a platoon split?

Jonah Keri

  (9:09 PM)

Results vs. lefty hitters, compared to results vs righty hitters. Sorry for the shorthand.

Jonah Keri

  (9:10 PM)

Oy, Kazmir is wild.

Toney (TX)

who is?? Mauer

Jonah Keri

  (9:10 PM)

Yes. Mauer is my #3 this year for MVP.LeeHalladayMauerSizemorePedoria

Paul (Richmond, VA)

How about K-Rod? Anyone breaking a record that is super significant should get some sort of mention.

Jonah Keri

  (9:11 PM)

Oh, I mentioned K-Rod, all right.

Josh (Boston)

Kevin Youkilis should be in that list for MVP

Jonah Keri

  (9:12 PM)

#6

Jonah Keri

  (9:12 PM)

Wow, Bradford up in the pen with no outs in the 3rd! Seriously, if Kazmir gets yanked here and the Rays go on to lose this series, the drumbeat to trade Kazmir this off-season is going to get LOUD.

Gunther (Brazil)

Is Kazmir healthy???

Jonah Keri

  (9:13 PM)

Yes, he just goes deep into pitch counts, even at the best of times.He's like the anti-Maddux.

Jason (New Jersey)

who is jonah keri

Jonah Keri

  (9:13 PM)

Thanks for your contribution, Mr. McCain.

Micah Kring (Celebrity Station, Ca)

Here comes Mr. RBI, Jason Bay

Jonah Keri

  (9:14 PM)

Not so much, apparently.

rb (oh)

K-Rod is so completely overrated its not even funny...the dude had what? 70 save opportunities? a lot of saves are great but they shouldnt be counted as the best stat to dictate great closers...just ask Trevor Hoffman.

Jonah Keri

  (9:14 PM)

Yup.

Jonah Keri

  (9:15 PM)

Gabe Gross is busy.That was huge for Kazmir. Geez, the Rays are not going to let this one slip away if they've got the pen up in the 3rd. If they're going to carry 7 RP and bench Hinske, though, I don't blame them.

Jonah Keri

  (9:16 PM)

Sorry ladies and gents, gotta answer this email real fast. I mean, free money, right?This is to inform you that you have won a prizemoney of Eight Hundred And Fifty thousand United State Dollars, ($850,000.00)for this end of year 2008 Lottery promotion which is organized byECOWAS DONATIONS 2008.ECOWAS DONATIONS 2008, collects all theemail addresses of the people that are active online,among the millions that subscribed to the Internet.weonly select five people every Year as our winners throughelectronic balloting System without the winnerapplying,we congratulate you for being one of the people selected.You are to contact the events manager on orbefore your date of Claim, Winners Shall be paidin accordance with his/her Settlement Centre.EcowasDonations Prize must be claimed no later than 10 daysfrom date of Draw Notification after the Draw date inwhich Prize has won. Any prize not claimedwithin this period will be forfeited.

Jonah Keri

  (9:18 PM)

It's former Yakult Swallows star Aki Iwamura! By the way, if you think I didn't buy a home Yakult jersey that says "Swallows" across the front when I went to Japan last month, you don't know me very well.

Jonah Keri

  (9:20 PM)

Upton hit that to Naples. What a playoff beast he is.That makes 2 bad pitches on the night for Beckett. Unfortunately it was to two scary hitters.3-3!

Nate (Shanghai)

Jonah, after visiting Japan for the first time this year and having sushi there, I've found I can't eat it back in the States anymore......Is this just me?

Jonah Keri

  (9:21 PM)

No, I agree Nate. I just wish I'd made it to mainland China on my trip too. Hong Kong was phenomenal, though.

Shelley (Sox fan in Fla)

Man are the sox going to let them continue to get back in the game everytime we get a lead

Jonah Keri

  (9:22 PM)

To be fair, the Rays do have some say in the outcome too. It's not like the Sox are in the World Series by divine right.

Jonah Keri

  (9:22 PM)

I'm hitting instant replay on that Longoria double on m TiVo, want to see that pitch again.

Jonah Keri

  (9:23 PM)

Yeah his fastball has suddenly gotten real flat. Tight high middle of the plate at 91 with no movement is asking for trouble. Weird, he looked awesome at first.

Mike (Leominster, MA)

Jonah, do you think the Rays will win this series? I mean, they are certainly due for a title! Wellll, I take that back.... they aren't due for one as much as the cubbies.....! :)

Jonah Keri

  (9:24 PM)

Picked the Rays in 6, Mike, take that for what it's worth.I thought the Cubbies had a great shot this year. Dodgers really impressed me.

Jonah Keri

  (9:25 PM)

RBI single Crawford 4-3 Rays. Nice piece of hitting there, that wasn't a bad curve, Crawford was just waiting for it. Heck, replay shows it was 3 inches outside.

Tom P (Melbourne, FL)

Beckett is sitting 92/93 with his fastball, and hasn't broken 94. When he's healthy, he hovers around 95/96 and touches 97 frequently. This isn't the real Josh Beckett, and the results make that clear.

Jonah Keri

  (9:26 PM)

Sure seems that way, Tom, I agree. The lack of movement is an even bigger concern to me, especially when he appeared to have it early on.

Jono (NZ New Zealand)

kia ora from New Zealand! Does the NL rep have any chance in the Series?

Jonah Keri

  (9:27 PM)

kia ora to you too, Jono! Absolutely, the Phils and Dodgers both have strengths that would match up well with either of these teams. I've been saying that the Phils are the quiet assassins in these playoffs. Their SP isn't that deep, but good pen, deep lineup...they could absolutely win it all.

jon (boston)

he must have changed his mechanics because hes hurting.

Jonah Keri

  (9:28 PM)

If his side is bothering him,it'd be hard to generate the torque needed to generate his normal velocity, for sure.

Paul (Richmond, VA)

I'm disappointed that the Mizzouri OSU game is so low scoring. This ALCS game may end up having more points.

Jonah Keri

  (9:28 PM)

Texas-OU was pretty fun, though. I'm not a huge college football fan per se, but that was an entertaining game.

Sterling (WPB, FL)

Amazing that the sox still look like favorites even with Beckett not pitching like himself. The depth at SP for the sox is remarkable.

Jonah Keri

  (9:29 PM)

Lester has given up one run or less in 7 of his last 8 starts. That's nuts. If Dice-K's throwing the way he did yesterday, then you're right, Beckett could stink up the joint and it might not matter.

Mike (LA)

The office commercials. Oh, how I love that show.

Jonah Keri

  (9:30 PM)

I highly recommend the British Office if you've never seen it, Mike. Equally great.

Mike (Leominster, MA)

Can we email you?

Jonah Keri

  (9:30 PM)

Sure. jonahkeri@gmail.com

Jack (Mukilteo)

you guys like its only sunny in philadelphia ?

Jonah Keri

  (9:31 PM)

OK now you're trying to bait me into not talking about the game. Sunny has become my favorite show, by a sizable margin. It's like South Park, if it wasn't animated. Just ludicrous what goes on in that show.

Jonah Keri

  (9:32 PM)

Varitek has suddenly turned into Rey Ordonez.

Jonah Keri

  (9:34 PM)

This is where the Lowell injury really hurts. Kotsay's not a great hitter even at the best of times. But to have him face Kazmir is another bad matchup. The Sox have three guys who are near automatic outs in the lineup right now.

MPower (Springfield)

Hey, that's mean. To Ordonez

Jonah Keri

  (9:35 PM)

Indeed. Although to be fair, MPower is the name your love to touch. But you mustn't touch. That name sounds good in my ear....etc.

matt (galveston)

dam comcast just went out, have to whatch on computer go sox!

Jonah Keri

  (9:35 PM)

Ah cable monopolies.Thanks for all that deregulation, government!

morello (new york)

should pujols get consideration for mvp? he out up grteat numbers this year.

Jonah Keri

  (9:36 PM)

He'd be my pick. I think he's got a shot, the voters will probably go with him or Howard.

Richard (Richmond, Va)

Walking Ellsbury?

Jonah Keri

  (9:36 PM)

That would be REALLY bad for Kazmir, Richard. You do not want Dusty McHustlepants up with 2 on, 2 out.

Curtis (NZ)

Are you aware you share your name with the most feared rugby player to have lived?

Jonah Keri

  (9:37 PM)

Jonah Lomu! He is indeed a fierce Jonah.I'm pretty sute I'm the only Jonah Keri in the world, though.

Jonah Keri

  (9:37 PM)

Yup, got Ellsbury. That was huge.

matt (DC)

what's wrong with ellsbury?

Jonah Keri

  (9:37 PM)

Just overmatched against a power lefty like Kazmir.

db (europe)

who's 3rd automatic ouit beside tek and kotsay

Jonah Keri

  (9:38 PM)

Ellsbury

Jonah Keri

  (9:39 PM)

This NBA09 commercial cracks me up. It's supposed to be some homemade player. Except that player is wearing Rajon Rondo's number, and throwing in 28-footers. This is the equivalent of me custom-making a baseball player with Varitek's number, then stealing 180 bases.

Jonah Keri

  (9:40 PM)

Either there are fireworks going on in town, or we're under attack.

Mike (LA)

Hey have you seen the comericials for Frank TV?

Jonah Keri

  (9:40 PM)

I used to, but then my eyes fell out of their sockets from repeated abuse.

RJ (Sydney)

or custom-making a baseball player with Varitek's number, then making contact from the left side of the plate.

Jonah Keri

  (9:41 PM)

Damn, that's harsh.Also, true.

Jonah Keri

  (9:42 PM)

Holy cow, another HR! Cliff Floyd showing shades of his Harrisburg form in the early 90s.5-3 Rays. Well if the score stays that way, and I had a time machine and a bookie, I'd be in business.

Daniel (UNH)

They should stop hitting homeruns so I don't have to listen to that terrible music.

Jonah Keri

  (9:42 PM)

You're at UNH, Daniel? Come on over, I'm just down the street. You're bringing the beers, though.

Jake (oh)

Will beckett ever get back to his old dominance?

Jonah Keri

  (9:43 PM)

Not tonight. Maybe in the World Series, if they make it that far. He's not 100%.

Daniel (UNH)

Awesome! I will hunt aimlessly 'til I find you!

Jonah Keri

  (9:43 PM)

That's the Durham Way.

Ben (Buffalo)

If you had a time machine and a bookie, you wouldn't need the score to stay the same...now would you?

Jonah Keri

  (9:44 PM)

Excellent point, Ben.

Jonah Keri

  (9:44 PM)

Geez, that one was ripped too. Bullpens are going to decide this one.

Rob (Wildwood)

Just how old is Floyd?

Jonah Keri

  (9:45 PM)

Turns 36 next month. He and Rondell White were monster prospects coming up together, thought they'd lead the Expos to multiple playoff wins. Oops.

seth (your mom's house)

B.J. Upton continues to disappoint in the regualr season but maybe he just needed a postseason trip to wake up the bat...a la carlos beltran for the stros...do you think he carries the momentum over to next season or does the lack of hustle and managerial support stay with him?

Jonah Keri

  (9:46 PM)

Seth, Upton was very good last year. Young players don't necessarily follow a bell curve pattern to their career--there can be peaks and valleys along the way. Consider how young and talented the guy is, and be patient. He's a big part of their future success. And apparently, present success.

Paul (Richmond, VA)

How much more untli you tihnk Beckett will be pulled? A couple more hits? After this innings?

Jonah Keri

  (9:46 PM)

I'm sure Tito would love to see him sneak thru 5. He's not giving up a ton of baserunners, just a lot of loud hits.

Chris (Lawrence, KS)

Beltran was a great player when he was with the Royals...although maybe that was just comparative to those around him at the time outside of Jermaine Dye and the occasional Mike Sweeney burst.

Jonah Keri

  (9:47 PM)

He's a great player now too, Chris, just gets a bad rap from fans/media. He does everything well, to the point that he might be the most underrated $119 million man ever.

Matt (Tampa)

Will the Rays go after a closer next year or keep Wheeler/Balfour?

Jonah Keri

  (9:48 PM)

Balfour would be an excellent closer if they decided to go that way. Though I like the setup of Howell/Balfour getting the tough outs and Wheeler getting the bases empty, up 2-3 runs kind of outs.

Josh (Virginia)

Don't forget Johnny Damon! That was an epic outfield in Kansas City

Jonah Keri

  (9:49 PM)

Indeed it was. Poor Royals. It's going to take some time to make things right in KC.

Brendan (Australia)

Speaking of the bullpen. Do you see the Mets paying K-Rod like $20mil a season to bring him over?

Jonah Keri

  (9:50 PM)

Nah, not that much. Someone will overpay him, though, probably in years more than dollars.

Ken (Colorado)

since you guys have talked about other subjects, any NASCAR fans here?

Jonah Keri

  (9:51 PM)

That's a blind spot of mine, Ken. Baseball and college hoops I could blab all day, football, NBA, NHL, golf, all good. I dunno, maybe the Canadian in me just isn't predisposed to stock car racing.

Chino (Puerto Rico)

KC has a team payroll of about $50.00

Jonah Keri

  (9:51 PM)

So do the Rays. Ahem.

jk (itALY)

F1 here

Jonah Keri

  (9:52 PM)

Yeah, that's the big thing in Montreal too. The Montreal Grand Prix is an insane party of epic proportions. Actually you could say that about the city all summer.

ME (CO)

But the Rays are actually good

Jonah Keri

  (9:52 PM)

Yes they are. My point was that you don't need a huge payroll to succeed in baseball. The Twins are another good example of this principle.

Kevin (Texas)

Sox are about to blow up Kazmir and take back the lead. 5 batters until their next automatic out.

Jonah Keri

  (9:53 PM)

You might be right, Kevin. This could be the TSN Turning Point inning.

aaron (NH)

Thats the great thing about free agency- bad teams get a chance

Jonah Keri

  (9:54 PM)

Not so, Aaron. Free agency tends to be inefficient. Building a farm system is the way to go.Dusty Mchustlepants cannot be stopped by mortal men! I think I called that one.

Jim (Bates College)

ya but they still need money

Jonah Keri

  (9:55 PM)

Revenue sharing provides tons of money. The Rays are going to turn a nice profit this year.

Steve (IA)

Not quite the pitchers' duel it was last night eh? Is it me or is Ortiz missing some pitches that he would normally turn into a double or a HR?

Jonah Keri

  (9:56 PM)

It's not ust you Steve. There went one just now. Papi's wrist is bothering him.

Jonah Keri

  (9:57 PM)

What a world we live in, where a 5'2" pygmy is 10 times scarier than a behemoth like Papi.

Jonah Keri

  (9:57 PM)

And now Youk goes deep! What a crazy game this is. Youk is getting his Sukkot swerve on.

mikecorea (Seoul)

Farm System! Greek god of walks (homers) and Dusty Mchustlepants!

Jonah Keri

  (9:58 PM)

Paps, Lester, Masterson, Delcarmen, Ellsbury, Lowrie...a lot of their best players are homegrown.

Matt (PA)

Pedroia gets a ton of torque on his swing, he gets all 150 pounds into that swing of his.

Jonah Keri

  (10:00 PM)

Oh no question, he's terrific. By the way, both Dusty Mchustlepants and the Jewish Mensch of Walks went to Athletes Performance this off-season and got a lot stronger. I interviewed the head honcho over there, Mark Verstegen, five years ago:http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=1781

SiLo (Miami)

wut channel is this game on?

Jonah Keri

  (10:01 PM)

TBS

Bill (Hong Kong)

Aussie pitching to a Canadian

Jonah Keri

  (10:02 PM)

O Canada!What the heck is going on at the Trop?! That was against Tampa's best RP, too.

aaron (NH)

Tonights home run derby brought to you by..............

Jonah Keri

  (10:02 PM)

Conte Enterprises!

Rich (St. Petersburg, FL)

Well this is a horrible sight to see if you're a Rays fan...bullpen is just...*sigh*

Jonah Keri

  (10:03 PM)

Actually the Rays pen is usually great, and Balfour is usually the best of the bunch. Bay's just locked in right now. Seems like everyone is.

Stan (CA)

Sometimes I think the American league has never heard if pitching....

Jonah Keri

  (10:04 PM)

Excellent point, Stan. Last night's 2-0 score completely agrees.

sfo sox fan (San Francisco)

Another reason why i HATE these domes!

Jonah Keri

  (10:04 PM)

Except that the Trop isn't actually a significant hitter's park. Nice try, though.

John (WV)

Do you think if they pull Beckett now he will further inflate that post-season record of his?

Jonah Keri

  (10:04 PM)

He'd need to pitch bottom 5th to get the W.

shaner (Madrid)

Any clue what channel Spain if any?

Jonah Keri

  (10:05 PM)

Wish I knew, Shane. I recommend ESPN.com's fine GameCast.

anthony (Philadelphia)

JP Howell is a legit setup man even though he had a bad game yesterday, and he will pitch scoreless innings no matter wat situation he is put in

Jonah Keri

  (10:06 PM)

Yeah, but you could have said the same thing about Balfour until just now. Good pitchers vs. good hitters, anyone's guess.

sfo sox fan (San Francisco)

Here comes one of the auto outs you speak of. It is sometimes painful to watch Tek. I love him as a catcher, but he's really fallen off the offense side of the house..

Jonah Keri

  (10:06 PM)

Throw a sinker here and you're out of it.

Jonah Keri

  (10:07 PM)

Chip Caray: "Good cut by Varitek". Translation: He's lucky he can even make contact on a straight 92-mph fastball at this stage.

Scott (Indianapolis)

Yea what is up with jasons hitting this year?

Jonah Keri

  (10:08 PM)

He's getting on in years. Happens to the best of 'em.

david (FT FT Riley KS)

Boston is just to expierenced compared to the young rays. Boston is used too Soxtober the rays just aren't

Jonah Keri

  (10:08 PM)

Yes. Just like the 2005 World Series champion White Sox crushed the inexperienced Rays.

Bill (NH)

We'll take a guy who hits .200 and catches like Tek any day of the week

Jonah Keri

  (10:09 PM)

Catcher defense = overrated. Google Keith Woolner and catcher defense and you'll see what I mean.

Brian (Bronx)

They have to bring back Tek next year though right? He's just too valuable to the pitching staff.

Jonah Keri

  (10:09 PM)

Nope. He isn't.

joe (nebraska)

jonah u said a sinker and your out of it but there is only one out

Jonah Keri

  (10:10 PM)

The implication was a double play, Joe.

Patrick (Boston)

Agree to disagree, Jonah

Jonah Keri

  (10:10 PM)

Facts are facts Patrick. Look up Woolner's study. I didn't believe until I saw the data either.

Saburo (Honolulu)

There's a walk created with clutch veteran leadership...

Jonah Keri

  (10:11 PM)

Also, Balfour being hella-wild. Rays are screwed if Balfour keeps pitching like this.Quick hook by Maddon.

Joseph (NY)

Tek's greatest quality. Leadership.

Jonah Keri

  (10:12 PM)

Don't forget clubhoue chemistry, and huggabiility. I love arguments that cannot possibly be proven by empirical means. Also love the IM I just got from a buddy:Sox fans and Tek = Yanks fans and Jeter's defense

Tom (LA)

Do you agree with Simmons Theory that Boras is Behing Manny not playing hard?

Jonah Keri

  (10:13 PM)

Yes I do. Few people have more insight into how the Sox operate than Bill does.

Ben (Boston)

If the Rays lose the series, do we still look at their season as a success, or a disappointment because they got so close, but fell a bit short?

Jonah Keri

  (10:16 PM)

Absolutely a success. Worst to first? In the AL East? With a payroll of 12 cents?! That's book material.

Mike (D.C.)

This isn't on the baseball subject. Who do you think will be president, McCain or Obama?

Jonah Keri

  (10:16 PM)

Obama has it sewn up at this point.

jay (bristol)

I just skimmed over the Woolner article on catcher defense, but doesn't this have to be updated with new metrics available? The article was written in 2002, but since then we can measure defense through Pitch F/X as well as a catcher's ability to call a game. Those certainly have to factor into a new study, right?

Jonah Keri

  (10:17 PM)

Excellent point about Pitch F/X Ja. Unfortunately Woolner now works in the Indians front office (or fortunately, if you're an Indians fan). Perhaps another aspiring stathead can take a crack at it.

Bob (Texas)

How does a non sports question get thru?

Jonah Keri

  (10:18 PM)

I'll answer questions about sports, politics, the stock market, The Simpsons, whatever ya got. As long as *most* of the Q's are about the game, s'all good.

Jonah Keri

  (10:18 PM)

Howell's looking like an improvement here.

Jonah Keri

  (10:19 PM)

Ooh that was a killer breaking ball. Let's see if Beckett can get through a clean inning.

ryan (mass)

you gonna but simpsons season 11 on dvd?

Jonah Keri

  (10:19 PM)

It's on my holiday list, yes. Season 11 is starting to get into an era I didn't love, though. Seasons 3 and 4 are still my faves.

Steve (Boston)

What is your favorite of Homer Simpson's Mmmmm's?

Jonah Keri

  (10:20 PM)

"I don't I shouldn't eat thee but...mmm...sacrilicious", in reference to the blessed waffle on the ceiling.

Walker (Syracuse)

Hey you gonna go see The Express sometime this weekend?

Jonah Keri

  (10:21 PM)

Tomorrow's two hours of pickup hoops, followed by lots of writing. Also, I'm extremely skeptical of all sports movies. The vast majority disappoint.

tex (nj)

What is up with Iwamura. He has been cold lately. Is he inexperienced in the postseason or does he choke?

Jonah Keri

  (10:21 PM)

He was a terror in the LDS. Just a few slow ABs in the first two games here.

Andrea (Tampa)

Is Longoria single?

Jonah Keri

  (10:22 PM)

I believe he is, Andrea. Given his ability, his contract...most eligible bachelor in West Florida? Although Hank Steinbrenner's a catch, natch.

Rik (NH)

What a girlie question...

Jonah Keri

  (10:22 PM)

Hey man, equal opportunity here at the WWL.

Josh (Chicago)

If Beckett goes 1,2,3 here with 15 pitches do you bring him back for the 6th, or bring someone in?

Jonah Keri

  (10:23 PM)

Pen's deep enough that you could go to the relievers.

Jonah Keri

  (10:23 PM)

Backdoor two-seamer, killer pitch. That's the type of stuff he was showing to start the game.

jrome (Wisconsin)

Back to a Q early. I think they bring Tek back because they will still have Wakefield. Tek is a veteran and knows how to catch the nuckler.

Jonah Keri

  (10:24 PM)

Except that for years they specifically had someone other than Tek (Hasselman, Cash) catch Wakefield. So I'm not too sure about that.

Brian (RI)

what is that guitar pick looking thibg around beckets neck

Jonah Keri

  (10:25 PM)

I...I don't know! Anyone?

Tim (MA)

Mirabelli too

Jonah Keri

  (10:25 PM)

Mirabelli, yes. I confused my crappy RH-hitting Red Sox backups.

Jonah Keri

  (10:26 PM)

Carlos Pena's up. My pick to click!

Chris (Ohio)

It is the pick of destiny

Jonah Keri

  (10:26 PM)

Winner winner, chicken dinner.Excellent D reference.

Jonah Keri

  (10:27 PM)

Wow, two slow curves in a row to Pena. I think Beckett knows his fastball's subpar tonight. Going on guile right now.

Jonah Keri

  (10:28 PM)

Last one just 89 mph. Oof. Pena and Longoria should be able to smoke him here. In theory anyway.

Hanoj Irek (HN)

The Rays inexperience is killing them in this game. They need to go out and get some gritty veterans, like Jason Kendall. Also, "The Simpsons" sucks.

Jonah Keri

  (10:28 PM)

Bizarro Jonah is my new Pick to Click.

Gwyneth (Niagara Falls)

What exactly do you do for ESPN, Jonah?

Jonah Keri

  (10:30 PM)

Sweep the halls. Fetch coffee for Simmons. Really whatever they ask.Also, I write for Page 2 and the MLB page, when my bosses are feeling generous.Behold the Jonah Keri archive! http://search.espn.go.com/jonah-keri/

Jonah Keri

  (10:30 PM)

Big steal by Upton. Good call by Buck Martinez on the shift being a factor.

Jonah Keri

  (10:31 PM)

Jonah Keri

  (10:31 PM)

Like I said...Carlos Pena, Pick to Click.

Danny (NU)

Buck has the most irritating voice in the world; its no wonder his players couldn't stand him in Toronto

Jonah Keri

  (10:31 PM)

One of the nicer guys I've met in the biz, though.

Larry (Portland)

Throw is on target? The TBS announcers are missing a real good game - not sure what they are watching!

Jonah Keri

  (10:32 PM)

The jai alai match down the street.Bullpen time! Hope no one else is playing two hours of hoops tomorrow at 9 am like I am. This game's going to last a while.

Jonah Keri

  (10:32 PM)

For the record: I would have pulled Beckett here. I don't like this matchup vs. Longoria.

pam(boston ma)

Did LA get a chance to see Manny being Manny when he admired his single that he thought was an hr that could have been a double if he ran. enjoy

Jonah Keri

  (10:33 PM)

He's hitting about 50 zillion since coming to LA. I think they're cool with him.

jay (medford)

terry francona has lucked out so far this postseason. he puts way too much trust in masterson like game 4 against anaheim and putting lopez in game 3 in extras. to all righties. byrd was available.

Jonah Keri

  (10:34 PM)

Amen about Game 4 re Masterson. I was screaming for Papelbon with 2 outs in the 8th, previous night's work be damned. They were lucky to get away with a win.

Jonah Keri

  (10:34 PM)

Hey what a surprise! Leaving Beckett in was a terrible idea.I mean if EVERYONE ON THIS CHAT CAN SEE IT, YOU THINK TITO MIGHT?!

Jonah Keri

  (10:35 PM)

If I was a Sox fan, I'd be really pissed right now.

Dirksen (MD)

Can you fetch me some coffee?

Jonah Keri

  (10:35 PM)

Cream, two sugars, right Dirksen?

Matthew (Springfield, MA)

I'm waiting for him to pull of his mask and reveal he's really Grady Little.

Jonah Keri

  (10:35 PM)

Noooooooooo!!! That's just cruel.

Dirksen (MD)

Wow, yes.

Jonah Keri

  (10:36 PM)

That's why they pay me the big bucks.

tex (nj)

Is it time to take out Beckett?

Jonah Keri

  (10:36 PM)

No. Leave him in!

Jonah Keri

  (10:36 PM)

That was everyone who bet the Rays channeling my keyboard, by the way.

Butch (Boston)

no it's time to take out jonah

Jonah Keri

  (10:37 PM)

I agree. DJ Gallo's warming up in the bullpen. Kid's got a mean slider.

Dave (N.H.)

Best postseason pitcher?! Yeah, it's a Red Sox pitcher. Papelbon. Not Beckett!

Jonah Keri

  (10:37 PM)

Well to be fair, Dave, Beckett;s clearly hurt. Like I said earlier, he was going entirely on guile.

Jonah Keri

  (10:38 PM)

Wow, Crawford with another single on a ball out of the zone. Bet they're happy to have him back.8-6 Rays. We're in the 5th inning!

Dave (New York)

Rivera's still the best post-season pitcher.

Jonah Keri

  (10:38 PM)

Yup. I can't argue with that.

todd (new york)

the rays are an annoying team, team of over achievers

Jonah Keri

  (10:39 PM)

Are underachievers more appealing to you, Todd?

Dean (Minnesota)

Man...inexperience is killing the Rays right now

Jonah Keri

  (10:39 PM)

And...boom goes the Deanomite.

Jari (Finland)

i love biased writers

Jonah Keri

  (10:40 PM)

I am only biased for the Montreal Expos. If they ever rise from the dead, I promise to write columns slanted in their favor.Sorry, favour.

Frank ((Dallas))

i'm sorry, but i think the red sox seem less experienced than the rays at the moment

Jonah Keri

  (10:41 PM)

Beckett wasn;t himself, and the Rays have taken advantage. It's not about experience, or leadership, or any voodoo.I like to give credit to good performances and leave it at that.

Jonah Keri

  (10:42 PM)

Delcarmen is the Rays' Balfour at this point. Be interesting to see if he can keep the Rays in check. Sox have plenty of offense to come back if their pen does the job.

Ella (Southington,CT)

Will the NY Giants repeat their Superbowl win?

Jonah Keri

  (10:43 PM)

I'll take the field.

Alex (Boston)

Who do you like in sox pen other then the obvious?

Jonah Keri

  (10:44 PM)

Delcarmen has really come on. Oki's still pretty solid, though not what he was last yr.

Gunnerkat (Los angeles)

With the off day tomorrow i guess the bullpens can empty tonight and from the looks of this they probably will.

Jonah Keri

  (10:44 PM)

Agree. I expect both managers to be aggressive in their bullpen usage. Well except for Tito, who apparently lost his mind.

Tim (Rockland, MA)

the NFC east is probably the most stacked division in the NFL

Jonah Keri

  (10:45 PM)

Agree. I just play the odds...31 teams vs. 1.

Trevor (Florida)

Do the Bills have any realistic shot if they reach the postseason?

Jonah Keri

  (10:46 PM)

Sure, why not. In the postseason of any sport, you're dealing with small samples...single-elimintion in football, five- or seven-game series in baseball. The best team doesn't always win, and the field is often wide open.

Jonah Keri

  (10:47 PM)

An LL Cool J commercial! Might have to break out the Boomin System for the rest of the game.

Ryz (LA- Boston Transplant)

Losman has the better arm, but Edwards really seems to have a larger understanding of game management

Jonah Keri

  (10:47 PM)

Yeah, that sounds about right. The defense has improved over the years, that's helped a lot.

Devin (b-lo, ny)

the old spice one?

Jonah Keri

  (10:48 PM)

Yes. I enjoy flashbacks to my youth, I'm sentimental that way.

Stephen (WA)

NY Rangers, Stanley Cup?

Jonah Keri

  (10:48 PM)

Go Habs Go.

Nate ((WA))

from opening day did you think the Rays would make it to the playoffs?

Jonah Keri

  (10:49 PM)

I thought they would have a good season. But no, I did not pick them to make the playoffs.Nate Silver, the architect of PECOTA for Baseball Prospectus, and the mastermind behidn the excellent political site fivethirtyeight.com, projected the Rays to win 88 games. It's not a coincidence that Nate is now a media superstar.

JOSH (L.A.)

Who did you root for when you were younger?

Jonah Keri

  (10:50 PM)

Expos. I was born and raised in Montreal, die-hard Spos fan.Until they died, that is.

Chris (New Hampshire)

the hell with your HABS, go Bruins go. We're gonna take you dumb canadiens out

Jonah Keri

  (10:50 PM)

Just like last year, eh Chris? I had a blast wearing the bleu blanc rouge to the Garden last season. I'll buy the first round if I see you there this year when the Habs come down.

Conrad (Boston)

Let's get bck to baseball. Two very bad decisions by Francona might be the dfference tonight - Beckett going two-three batters too many and then bringing in Lopez, a very mediocre choice given folks like Delcarmen at the ready.

Jonah Keri

  (10:51 PM)

Crawford hit a pitch out of the strike zone, same as he did earlier in the game. I don't think the Lopez move was all that bad.Leaving Beckett in defied all logic, though. Doubly so with an off day tomorrow and everyone in the pen available. Huge gaffe by Tito.

Steve (UMaine)

You follow college hockey at all? Go Blackbears!

Jonah Keri

  (10:52 PM)

Go UNH Wildcats! I can walk to the games, and I'm in the Wittemore Center like 4 times a week already. I need to get to more games this year.

Jonah Keri

  (10:53 PM)

Dusty Mchustlepants will never make an out. Ever.

Chris (MA)

david ortiz really needs a big hit here to revive his postseason

Jonah Keri

  (10:53 PM)

Tough matchup vs. Howell, who's excellent vs. LH. If Papi works a walk, though, Youkilis sets up very well for the Sox.

Brian (Spokane, WA)

Has anyone ever commented on your name's resemblance to a certain Democrat? Ever consider running for President?

Jonah Keri

  (10:54 PM)

Canadian citizen. No can do.

Jonah Keri

  (10:55 PM)

Wow what a changeup that was! Howell is workin it.

Jonah Keri

  (10:55 PM)

I'd go fastball in here, change it up on him.

Doug (Idaho)

Better marry a rich widow first. It's all the rage for presidential candidates lately.

Jonah Keri

  (10:55 PM)

Yes. Unsuccessful presidential candidates especially.

Jonah Keri

  (10:56 PM)

Curve outside edge. What a huge strikeout that was.Howell was once a very good SP prospect, but he's just become nails out of the pen.And Maddon uses his pen much more aggressively than Tito. Let's see if bringing in the righty works here.

Russ Leech (RI)

I told you he would strike out. Are you getting my messages???

Jonah Keri

  (10:57 PM)

Well done, Russ.

Dennis (Iraq)

I stopped in Halifax when I was in the Navy Cool place. Enjoyed it.

Jonah Keri

  (10:58 PM)

Halifax has a series of interconnected bars/clubs called the Liquordome. It is...awesome.Thanks for your service, Dennis.

Tim (Rockland, MA)

bringing in a righty might not help, Youk is an equal opportunity offender of pitchers

Jonah Keri

  (10:59 PM)

Might be right, Tim. And Howell's the best RP they had left.

Jonah Keri

  (10:59 PM)

Though Bradford's tough on RH with that submarine delivery.

Jonas (St Pete)

Jonah what do you think of the Bills someday leaving Buffalo for Toronto?

Jonah Keri

  (11:00 PM)

Might happen, Jonas. Toronto/Rogers have a lot of bucks at their disposal compared to Buffalo.

Jonah Keri

  (11:00 PM)

wow Bradford grooved that fastball right over the plate on 0-2...terrible pitch location, nice job by Youk with the single

Mark (Colorado)

I went to school by Buffalo last year. Those fans are absolutely football crazy. It would be a great disservice if the Bills skipped town

Jonah Keri

  (11:01 PM)

Oh I agree. But Buffalo would need to find a well-funded ownership group once Mr. Wilson passes. Might be a challenge.

James (NY)

How many homeruns has bradford given up this year? Any? it looks like it might be impossible to do so....

Jonah Keri

  (11:01 PM)

He just elevated that pitch to Youk, James. If he misses, he's vulnerable like anyone else.

Elliot (West Roxbury, MA)

They are going to make the team publicly traded like the packers

Jonah Keri

  (11:02 PM)

Hmmm...that would be interesting. Although the Packers aren't publicly traded, they just sold shares to fans.

Jonah Keri

  (11:02 PM)

Bay comes through again. Man, Mchustlepants, the Mensch and the Canuck are just crushing it.

Jonah Keri

  (11:04 PM)

Got out of it. Wonder if Howell might've kept it at 8-6.Loooong wa to go.

Kevin (New York)

How about Florida beating up on LSU????

Jonah Keri

  (11:04 PM)

Tebow = teh awesome

Mike (Leominster, MA)

are you a fan of any team in the playoffs, Jonah?

Jonah Keri

  (11:05 PM)

I'm Switzerland, Mike.

Mark (Queenstown, NZ)

How about Texas beating up on Oklahoma!

Jonah Keri

  (11:06 PM)

I wouldn't call it beating up. I watched the whole game (very rare for me re college football) and OU was piling up the points for much of the game. Horns just kept coming. Natl championship race should be fascinating. Still think the Trojans could make the BCS game.

Ella (Southington,CT)

how about michigan getting their dignity handed to them against toledo... sad day for michigan fans.

Jonah Keri

  (11:07 PM)

Missed that one. Kinda sad...I feel like college football's better than the glamour programs are doing well. The USC-Michigan Rose Bowl a few yrs ago was one of the coolest sporting events I've ever seen live.

Paul (Richmond, VA)

How about the Canadiens murdering the Leafs?

Jonah Keri

  (11:07 PM)

I'm lovin it.

D (New York City)

Someone give Penn State some love...wrecking Wisconsin on the road

Jonah Keri

  (11:07 PM)

Peachy Paterno = unstoppable

Jonah Keri

  (11:08 PM)

Wow, nice play by Delcarmen. Gross checkswining on 2-0 isn't pretty.

Adam (Boulder, CO)

Happy Birthday Amitabh Bachchan! A Bollywood legend.

Jonah Keri

  (11:08 PM)

Indeed! Are the Bollywood crews still on strike?

Nabeel (Harrisburg)

Will the managers unload their pitching now or save some for potential extra innings?

Jonah Keri

  (11:10 PM)

Rays have 7 RP because they kept Hinske benched. Plenty of ammo left.

Norman (New York)

Hey Jonah, are you old enough to remember those early Expo teams? Who was their manager?

Jonah Keri

  (11:11 PM)

Started following them early 80s. They had guys like Karl Kuehl and Gene Mauch managing back in the day. I didn't get to see guys like Carter and Dawson as rookies, but did see them in their primes.

Jonah Keri

  (11:12 PM)

Well Iwamura moved Bartlett up, per Ron Darling's odd instructions.

James (Boston)

looks like these teams won't get a break on sunday. They're playing early morning

Jonah Keri

  (11:12 PM)

And maybe Monday too, the way this game has gone.

Mark (Boston)

can we see some Wake tonight??

Jonah Keri

  (11:13 PM)

He'd be one of the last choices, I'd guess. Good pick is game goes extra innings and they need a longer stint.

Shiv (Latrobe, PA)

Is it just me, or does B.J. swing for the fence every time he steps to the plate?

Jonah Keri

  (11:13 PM)

Definitely seems that way. He's got that natural uppercut, looks like.

Trevor (Florida)

Do the dodgers take the next 3 in your mind Jonah?

Jonah Keri

  (11:14 PM)

No

John (NH)

can we see some Byrd tonight??

Jonah Keri

  (11:14 PM)

What, you haven't heard?

Jonah Keri

  (11:15 PM)

Great job by Delcarmen. He's bested Balfour this game, that's for sure.I don't think 8 runs is going to win this game.

John (NH)

No, I havn't. Please inform me.

Jonah Keri

  (11:15 PM)

It's a Family Guy reference, sorry. I like humor by repetition sometimes.Although South Park and Simpsons both crush Family Guy.

louis (houston)

7,8,9 = 123 inning for TB

Jonah Keri

  (11:16 PM)

Yup. The big boys are really coming through for both teams, not so much the other guys.

Brian (Lubbock)

Indiana Jones deserved Better

Jonah Keri

  (11:17 PM)

Was that the most disturbing animated moment ever, or did I imagine it? Or course the forest critters in the ImaginationLand episodes were seriously distrubing too.Matt and Trey just really don't care what people think. Pretty sweet.

Hai Ya (Tokyo)

Daisuke should pitch every game, he's done it before

Jonah Keri

  (11:18 PM)

I've seen a game in Japan. The hitters are much tougher here. Much.

Jonah Keri

  (11:19 PM)

"Hello Jon Daniels? Yes, about those young catchers you've got. We'd like one now, please."

Charlie (Boston)

Jonah where in the u.s are you? here on the east coast its starting to get late and its only the 7th in a verryyy drawnn out game

Jonah Keri

  (11:19 PM)

NH, Charlie

Brian (Hudson, NH)

Do you think the Sox will sign Bay to a long term deal or do they wait and go after Matt Holliday?

Jonah Keri

  (11:20 PM)

Bay's got a year left on his deal, so no rush on that decision.Also, Holliday is a much different player outside Coors Field. That would concern me.

Jonah Keri

  (11:21 PM)

Man, it mjst be nice to face the Variteks and Bartletts instead of the Longorias and Pedroias if you're Bradford and Delcarmen.

Jonah Keri

  (11:22 PM)

Wow, Sox catch a break on that grounder to Bradford.Ellsbury actually has a shot vs. Bradford, much better matchup than vs. Kazmir. And if Ellsbury gets on, you KNOW Dusty Mchustlepants is giivng Boston the lead.

Scott (North of Beantown)

What about Jed being a longterm solution at shortstop for the Sox?

Jonah Keri

  (11:23 PM)

I don't see Lowrie becoming a star, but he;d be a nice, cheap option for a good 4 years, Scott.

Karibe (NJ)

Hey, I've just came in, did Big Papi HR?

Jonah Keri

  (11:23 PM)

Papi has done very little. Pedroia, Youk and Bay have been beasts.

Josh (Red Sox Nation)

where do you see manny ending up next year. everyone says the yankees, but i cant see LA not overpaying for hi to stay there.

Jonah Keri

  (11:24 PM)

I could see Omar making a big bid too.

kenny (Australia)

do you think the Rays will sign Grant Balfour longterm..or have they already?

Jonah Keri

  (11:25 PM)

I don't believe they have, Kenny. He's not close to free agency-eligible, though, so they can bide their time if they like.

Hugh (New Haven)

That would make for a pretty ridiculous lineup between Reyes, Wright, Beltran, Delgado, and Manny

Jonah Keri

  (11:26 PM)

Yes. Yes it would.

Rob (Chi-Town)

Do you guys think the Cubbies will win their fans back?

Jonah Keri

  (11:26 PM)

Ever been to Wrigley on an 80-degree summer day, in the bleachers with a cold one? I don't think they'll lose too many.

Jonah Keri

  (11:27 PM)

Bradford killed a whole bunch of errr...artificial worms that inning.Next time up for both teams wil feature the actual good hitters. Take your bathroom break now, folks, but make it quick.

Jonah Keri

  (11:30 PM)

My Pick to Click just tried to bunt. Oy.

chris (so cali)

ok who's the AL and NL MVPs?

Jonah Keri

  (11:30 PM)

My picks: Cliff Lee, Albert Pujols.Predicted winners: Pedroia, Howard

Matt (Maryland)

Manny would be a perfect fit in the New York spotlight, that way, his next epic meltdown will be national news, not just restricted to fans in the AL East.

Jonah Keri

  (11:31 PM)

Yeah, because the Red Sox really don't get much national attention.

Will (China)

I wish i could watch, it's not being televised here

Jonah Keri

  (11:31 PM)

That's what the ESPN GameCast is for, Will!

Dave (Canby (Oregon) Canby)

Funny, no instant replay so far in the playoffs

Jonah Keri

  (11:32 PM)

Closest play was probably Manny's long double to CF, and that was clearly not a HR. Just haven't had a real close one. And the Trop has all those catwalks too, which further complicates things.

John (OR)

Oklahoma State seals up the upset of Missouri. Does that bump USC into the top 5 already?

Jonah Keri

  (11:32 PM)

You'd have to think so, John. Carroll's D wiped out ASU today. I expect them to make a title run still, at least to be in the mix.

David (Beijing)

Will, I'm in Beijing and you need the MLB.tv package

Jonah Keri

  (11:33 PM)

There you go, Will. Thanks David!

matthew (queens)

omar should worry about getting a bull pen not just manny

Jonah Keri

  (11:33 PM)

This is true.

Dave (Boston)

My poor Sun Devils have lost 4 in a row. Very disappointing.

Jonah Keri

  (11:34 PM)

At least Sun Devils fans have their famed alum, Dusty Mchustlepants!

Tim (Rockland, MA)

okie dokies in the groove tonight

Jonah Keri

  (11:34 PM)

Mos def. Made quick work of the heart of the order. VERY impressive, that could be huge.

Clark (Brooklyn)

How about all these no longer undefeateds? PSU can jump into the top 3 now, Can he win out and ride off into the sunset?

Jonah Keri

  (11:35 PM)

That'd be pretty cool. I once made a pilgrimage to Beaver Stadium on a drive up north that wasn't at all in that direction. Enjoyed walking around State College, hitting up the creamery, etc. I've grown to appreciate the virtue of college towns.

Eli (TN)

Yo do u think the Blue Jays can seriously contend for the playoffs next year even with Marcum's season-ending injury and the possible departure of AJ Burnett?

Jonah Keri

  (11:36 PM)

I expect Burnett to walk, yes. McGowan needs to come up big for them to be in the mix. I do expect JP to open up the checkbook for a big bat. It'd be nice if Snider and Lind break out next year, but you can't count on that happening necessarily.

John Webster (Northville, MI)

Can Red Sox fans expect Big Papi to strat being Big Papi sometime in this postseason? Next year? Ever?

Jonah Keri

  (11:37 PM)

Next seson I think, John. He needs rest and/or surgery for his wrist.

Paul (Canada)

Burnett in Yankee pinstripes next year?

Jonah Keri

  (11:37 PM)

Him or CC, I would guess.

John (NH)

Do you think the Sox can score in the ninth?

Jonah Keri

  (11:38 PM)

What about right now? Look who's up.

James (Connecticut)

where can I listen to the game live on the radio?

Jonah Keri

  (11:38 PM)

Try your local ESPN Radio affiliate.

Spencer Crume (Rogue River, OR)

Jonah, do you think Dodgers win it all this year?

Jonah Keri

  (11:38 PM)

No I don't

grizzle (washington)

do you know if jason repko is still playing for the dodgers

Jonah Keri

  (11:39 PM)

He suffered a serious injury, I believe it was last year. Not sure where he is now, to be honest.

Jonah Keri

  (11:39 PM)

Dusty base hit. Shocker. This guy's unreal, all kidding aside.

Jonah Keri

  (11:40 PM)

David Price to pitch to Ortiz?

Scott (IN)

How about Pedroia,has this kid been on his game in the post season or what?Wow.

Jonah Keri

  (11:41 PM)

Full credit. By the way, shoutout to my buddy Dave, who ordered a Pedroia jersey as soon as the guy got called up. Now Dusty jerseys are everywhere. Hat tip to the early adopter(s).

Jonah Keri

  (11:42 PM)

Ah, Trever Miller. Makes sense.

Pete (Rochester)

Tough for Price to come in on consecutive days when he hasn't been an RP much.

Jonah Keri

  (11:43 PM)

Miller also has more than 10 seconds of MLB experience. It's a reasonable move. Presumably they tap a righty for Youk. Tjhis is a huge out here.

Jonah Keri

  (11:44 PM)

Can I just say that this game has been outrageously fun? That is all.

cisco (seattle)

righty or lefty for U, does it matter?

Jonah Keri

  (11:45 PM)

Might not. He's been crushing all year. Plus he's done all his repenting already.

Pete (Rochester)

Rob Neyer made the point that Price would play a significant role if there was a game where the starter got knocked out early and the game was close. That would have probably been tonight, had he not pitched last night.

Jonah Keri

  (11:46 PM)

Yeah, maybe. Rob's usually spot on with this stuff. I will say that by carrying 7 RP Maddon can do a lot of different things in this kind of game.Papi might not have the power swing going lately, but he's working it here. Good AB.HUGE pitch here.

Jonah Keri

  (11:47 PM)

That was just a killer walk. Youkilis and Bay coming up. Danger time.

Yelina (Havana)

Jonah, what do you do for ESPN?

Jonah Keri

  (11:49 PM)

I wrtie for Page 2 most of the time, with some contributions for the MLB page, and occasional forays onto the NHL page and other random places.http://sports.espn.go.com/keyword/search?searchString=Jonah_Keri

Jonah Keri

  (11:49 PM)

I like the move to bring Wheeler in here. It's now or never.

Greg (FL)

He gets the coffee and picks up our dry cleaning, Yelina.

Jonah Keri

  (11:50 PM)

That too.

Jonah Keri

  (11:50 PM)

Double play! I'm checking that pitch again...

Jonah Keri

  (11:51 PM)

90 mph fastball, middle of the plate. Youkilis just didn't hit it. Big break for the Rays.Bay with 2 outs now

Steve (boston in heart)

what ever happend to tie goes to the runner? at least the guys on third...

Jonah Keri

  (11:51 PM)

Youk was out, pretty clear

Michael (Pittsburgh, PA)

Jonah, think the Penguins have a shot at making another run to the Cup Finals this year? I know they lost some key guys and having Gonchar out a long time hurts, but is it possible to make it happen? I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Jonah Keri

  (11:52 PM)

The East is WIDE open. I could see 5-6 teams making it.

NW Red Sox fan (Tacoma)

Just don't go to Starbucks for the coffee. I'm boycotting them since they sold the Sonics to those carpetbaggers in Oklahoma.

Jonah Keri

  (11:53 PM)

They make me brew it myself. They're slavedrivers, I tells ya.

Jonah Keri

  (11:53 PM)

2-0, ruh-roh

Jonah Keri

  (11:53 PM)

Wild pitch! I think we;ve seen everything in this game. Amazing.8-8. Crack open the Red Bulls, ladies and gents.

Scott (IN)

WHOAAAA WILD PITCH!!! Is it safe to say this has been the most exciting game so far in this young october?!?

Jonah Keri

  (11:55 PM)

ALDS Red Sox-Angels Game 4 had an exciting finish. But this game has been insane from start to finish. Big thanks to Jeremy at SportsNation for assigning me this gem. (In your face, Neyer, Cockcroft and Callis!)

J (orlando)

Jonah, this series has teams from both the east coast, why not start it earlier then 8

Jonah Keri

  (11:55 PM)

Prime time = ratings, higher ad rates

Jon M (Chicago)

I'm not sure if it counts, but I thought the 1-0 Sox over Twins game was a great duel and pretty amazing, though completely opposite.

Jonah Keri

  (11:56 PM)

Definitely. And that was the last time I did a gamechat!Also did the tiebreaker game last year, Pads-Rox, the one that lasted eleventy million innings. Been lucky.

Justin (WA)

Because us people out here like to be able to watch it after work, too.

Jonah Keri

  (11:56 PM)

Indeed. As someone who lived on the West Coast for 7 years, I hear ya Justin.

Jonah Keri

  (11:57 PM)

Man it got quiet at the Trop. They've got the big guns coming up next inning......and they just limited the damage to 1 run. Anyone's game.

Jonah Keri

  (11:59 PM)

Wow, four hours of chatting. My eyes are bugging out a bit. Might be time for morse code chat.

Danny (Vancouver)

Jonah, Happy Thanksgiving! want some Pumpkin Pie? we've got lots!

Jonah Keri

  (12:00 AM)

Thanks Danny! I miss visiting the 'Couv, one of my top 3 cities in the world.

Jonah Keri

  (12:00 AM)

Oki mixing pitches nicely so far.

kyle (RI)

hey if the rays can put on up their in good shape cause the soxs have the 7-8-9 hitters coming up

Jonah Keri

  (12:01 AM)

Excellent point, Kyle.

Jonah Keri

  (12:01 AM)

OH! Just foul.

James (brooklyn)

jonah are you watching this on t.v. as well?

Jonah Keri

  (12:01 AM)

Yes I am, James. The magic of Chip Caray.

Doug (San Diego)

What a cool way to watch a baseball game, while chatting with people from around the world. Very cool!

Jonah Keri

  (12:02 AM)

Agreed! The global aspect of these chats is one of my favorite elements of the whole thing.

Cory (Tampa)

he's taking his talking points directly from the announcers

Jonah Keri

  (12:02 AM)

Indeed I am. I just heard Ron Darling talk about Indiana Jones getting violated on South Park.

Jonah Keri

  (12:03 AM)

Big leadoff out. And here I WILL take a talking point...Oki and Delcarmen vs. Howell and Bradford...the 4 of them stand out compared to some of the ugliness we've seen.

Alex (Colorado)

That was a good episode. I liked Cartman's attempt at being chinese.

Jonah Keri

  (12:04 AM)

Butters' outfit slayed me.

B (New Jersey)

getting tired yet?

Jonah Keri

  (12:06 AM)

A little, I'm not going to lie. The rest of the Chat should be fine. But dragging my carcass up and down the bball court tomorrow at 9 am, for two hours, won't be easy.

Jess (CT)

Best South Park episode is the one where Kenny is willing to do anything for money.

Jonah Keri

  (12:06 AM)

Nope. Radiohead and Scott Tenorman, or Cartman's hand as J-Lo. I'd accept either one.

Jonah Keri

  (12:07 AM)

Wow, another great pitch by Oki. This is vintage Doki. Couldn't come at a better time for the Sox.

bill (cleveland)

tenorman takes the cake

Jonah Keri

  (12:07 AM)

Your tears are so yummy!I mean that episode was epic.

Jonah Keri

  (12:08 AM)

Zobrist, interesting move here. He suddenly developed power this season, sneaky move here vs. a LH. He might do something here.

Jess (CT)

Okay, I agree on Cartman's hand as J-Lo.

Jonah Keri

  (12:08 AM)

Gonna make a run for the border, I got a hunger only tacos can stop. Will you please take my order? Three tacos, two tostadas and a soda pop!

Jonah Keri

  (12:09 AM)

0-2 here...one strike away from going to the 9th tied. It's a pitcher's duel all of a sudden.

Jonah Keri

  (12:10 AM)

Go to the 9th. Varitek! Kotsay! Crisp!I think my cat can get these guys 1-2-3.

Zack (Portland, Maine)

Jonah what would you do: Stay up for this one or start to go to bed, because you have a big date tomorrow?!

Jonah Keri

  (12:11 AM)

What, is your date at 8 am, Zack? Also, if the girl's really worth it, she'll understand if you push it back a few hours.

John (Chalfont, Pa)

I don't think you lke mw i have been posting all night and not a single 1 posted ...you hoser...yanno i once dated a canadian....lol

Jonah Keri

  (12:12 AM)

There you go, John.I am not denying that I'm a hoser, by the way.

LaurieKate (Tennessee)

No she will not!!!

Jonah Keri

  (12:13 AM)

Then she's not worth it. My wife of 11 years, aka the most supportive person ever, can attest.

Jordan (Wyoming)

I think I am finally starting to understand. In order to get posted, I have to say something to flatter you or stroke your ego. Isn't that a bit narcissistic?

Jonah Keri

  (12:13 AM)

I prefer insults, Jordan.

Jonah Keri

  (12:13 AM)

A JD Drew sighting!

Cory (Tampa)

do you choose the posted comments, jonah? that's a lot to ask... how many posts per minute would you say? do you have a screener?

Jonah Keri

  (12:14 AM)

I choose them all, Cory. They come up in groups of 10, so I just pick one quickly and move on.

Jonah Keri

  (12:15 AM)

Pretty well struck but right at Upton. At least Kotsay gets to face a righty.

Jonah Keri

  (12:16 AM)

Chip Caray: "12:15 local time in St. Petersburg, and not many fans have left"Who the heck leaves a game like this?!!?

Rawk (Blacksburg)

Over/Under on what inning the next run is scored...10.5. Your prediction?

Jonah Keri

  (12:16 AM)

I say this game ends in the 11th.

Jonah Keri

  (12:17 AM)

Struck him out. Bottom of the order = brutal.

Jonah Keri

  (12:17 AM)

We're at 17,256 questions so far by the way. So if I haven't answered you yet, please don't take it personally.Feel free to email me at jonahkeri@gmail.com if I don't get to you.

Jamila (Boston)

What's the time on the game? 4 hours+?

Jonah Keri

  (12:18 AM)

Yup, just went over 4 hours, Jamila.

Jonah Keri

  (12:18 AM)

0-2...breaking ball in the dirt here, peut etre

Jonah Keri

  (12:19 AM)

That was a TERRIBLE play by Upton. Holy crap! He loped after it. Brutal.

Jonah Keri

  (12:19 AM)

Big hit for Coco, single gives the Sox the lead, and with Paps in the pen, basically the win.Wow that awful. Horrible.

sicamore (me)

steal?

Jonah Keri

  (12:20 AM)

Not with 2 outs

Jonah Keri

  (12:20 AM)

2 strikes again. Rays fans just better hope he doesn't hit it to Lopeton.

Brett (San Diego)

What's your favorite stadium Jonah?

Jonah Keri

  (12:21 AM)

Tie: Tiger Stadium (deceased) and ATandT Park

Jonah Keri

  (12:22 AM)

Fastball right down Broadway got him. Ellsbury just doesn't have it.

Jonah Keri

  (12:22 AM)

Damn this game is amazing.

Jonah Keri

  (12:25 AM)

I am stating this for the record:TOTALLY DISAGREE WITH NOT USING PAPELBON HERE, TERRIBLE.

Tim (MA)

i don't like this. Bring in Papelbon for 2 innings if needed.

Jonah Keri

  (12:26 AM)

Thank you, Tim. Saving your closer for when you have the lead, tie game, 9th inning, Longoria leading off the inning...holy moly.

Jack (Florida)

Don't need Paps. We already have won 1 in Tampa. No need to bring him in a tie game

Jonah Keri

  (12:26 AM)

Tomorrow's an off day, Jack! Why not, y'know, try and win 2 in Tampa?!

Jon (Colorado)

well, they r facing 9-1-2 hitters for tampa bay, bring in papelpon next inning

Jonah Keri

  (12:27 AM)

That is a fair point, Jon. I'd have liked to see Papelbon go 2 innings, though.

john (new york)

seriously, who wins mvp this year pedroia or youk?

Jonah Keri

  (12:29 AM)

I expected Pedroia to win it

Jonah Keri

  (12:30 AM)

And literally half a second later he boots a grounder (albeit a very tough one).

Mark (Ohio)

Francona has a lot of guts going with a rook in this spot...think he realizes this is gonna be a 6 or 7 game series.

Jonah Keri

  (12:30 AM)

There is an off day tomorrow. A day off. No baseball. Zero pitchee.

Scab (Maine)

Foolishness, a closer on the road in tie game, there is a reason that you are a chat room moderator and not a MLB manager.

Jonah Keri

  (12:31 AM)

Ask the Yanks what happened in 2003 when Torre "saved him" for a save situation. Jerome Holtzman contributed a lot to the game, but he'd roll over in his grave if he saw how people have abused the save statistic.

Andy (Gorham, ME)

redemption for lopeton here?

Jonah Keri

  (12:32 AM)

Masterson's tougher on RH hitters, but maybe. I think I like the Lopeton name, though.

Jonah Keri

  (12:33 AM)

Lopeton with a shaky batting eye there. That was 3-0 if he lays off, with Pena and Longoria coming up.

Ryan (Anchorage)

The Rays have beaten Papelbon before. Could that figure into Francona's decision?

Jonah Keri

  (12:33 AM)

No. He's just managing to the save rule.And here comes the hook! Bravo Tito!

Jonah Keri

  (12:34 AM)

I like how Buck Martinez reacts to this move as if it's a shocker. When did people stop using their brains in this game exactly?

Mike Martins (Big Sky, Montana)

I wonder how Teri Francona's 401k is doing now....

Jonah Keri

  (12:36 AM)

Tito should read "The Big Picture" in Investor's Business Daily every day. Written by a certain moonlighting Canuck baseball columnist.

Justin (Vermont)

got to get pena do not want longoria up with men on.

Jonah Keri

  (12:37 AM)

They're both tough. Pena was the Pick to Click, for the record.

TJ (CA)

Why does everyone call him Tito?

Jonah Keri

  (12:37 AM)

His dad, also a former player, was named Tito. Became Terry's nickname too.

Jakob (Burnsville, MN)

"This is a move you only see in the postseason" You are bad at your job Jonah

Jonah Keri

  (12:38 AM)

Why, because Buck Martinez disagrees with me? Horrors.

Jack (Florida)

Hope Paps pulls out the splitter here instead of staying with the fastball

Jonah Keri

  (12:39 AM)

Nobody's been able to touch the heater, though.It's a tough dilemma. Pena's a good hitter against all kinds of pitches too.

Liam (Portland, OR)

The widget at the left side of the screen says 3 out am i lagging hard?

Jonah Keri

  (12:39 AM)

No, 2 outs. Unless GameCast can see the future.

Matt (New York)

And most of his power is against righties. if he can get around on a heater its gone

Jonah Keri

  (12:40 AM)

That is very true (power vs RH)

Jonah Keri

  (12:40 AM)

Wow, that was a very hittable pitch. Shows that Paps still has great hop on the fastball.

Brian (Evansville)

Considering the off day tomorrow, papelbon could easily finish this inning, work through the heart of the order next inning, and that means that tito used his best pitcher to face their best hitters. i dont really see how this play is viewed as 'bad'

Jonah Keri

  (12:41 AM)

Thank you, Brian.

Jonah Keri

  (12:41 AM)

Yup. That's why you use Papelbon.

Jonah Keri

  (12:42 AM)

We're heading toward Hour #5, folks! Glad you stayed up!

john (new york)

who's D. Ross? and why is he on the postseason lineup

Jonah Keri

  (12:42 AM)

David Ross, backup catcher.

James (Alabama)

Just tuned in for a second to see if the ESPN Boston bias was still as strong as ever, even with as great a story as the Rays to cover. Yup. Strong as ever.

Jonah Keri

  (12:43 AM)

Bias from who? I've been writing about the Rays this season since May, did a QandA with David Price, etc. Great team, THE story of this season, no matter what happens in this series.

Donald (UVM)

That was a good move to include 3 catchers on the post-season roster. If this one goes deep, it will definitely come in handy.

Jonah Keri

  (12:44 AM)

Also, Varitek is terrible.Dusty's up, vs. Wheeler in 3rd inning of wok. Hoo boy.

Adam (Chicago)

I just tuned in and I do not see Variitek behind the plate. Did he get injured?

Jonah Keri

  (12:44 AM)

Pinch-hitter earlier in the game. The Captain's bat has gone cold.

Jonah Keri

  (12:45 AM)

We're up to 22,000 questions. Thanks gang!

Kevan (Huron, OH)

Jonah, do the Rays have it in them to compete like this for the next 5 years?

Jonah Keri

  (12:45 AM)

They definitely do, Kevan. Even with all the great talent they've promoted, still more to come from the farm, and a very shrewd front office.

D (WY)

Question 22,001; What channel is this on?!

Jonah Keri

  (12:46 AM)

TBS

Mike (SC, PA)

Gotta think Wheeler's done soon. He's at 30 pitches already.

Jonah Keri

  (12:46 AM)

We could have a David Price sighting! That would be fun.

Ziggy (MA)

Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts?

Jonah Keri

  (12:46 AM)

Neither. I don't drink coffee.

Jonah Keri

  (12:47 AM)

Wow, got Dusty looking! What kind of weird pitch was that, 87 mph. Fastball, I guess. Great location, though.

spuds (sb)

david price a starter next year?

Jonah Keri

  (12:47 AM)

Yup! He'll be a good one.

Jonah Keri

  (12:48 AM)

And gets Papi on the first pitch. Youk's a tough one, though, not done yet.

Jonah Keri

  (12:50 AM)

What a job by Wheeler. If the Rays don't score we probably see Price.

Neil (Jasper, IN)

lopeton got fooled on that one too! Geez, he's not looking very good out there.

Jonah Keri

  (12:50 AM)

To be fair, I'm told the lights are really tough there. Still, it is his home park.

Chace Daniels (Oshkosh,Wisconsin)

crawford is going to drive in longoria for the win.

Jonah Keri

  (12:51 AM)

Posting your prediction for the record, Chace Daniels of Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Jonah Keri

  (12:52 AM)

My eyes are bugging out. These crazy games just keep following me whenever I'm on Chat. Amazing.Not that I'm complaining. This is one of the best games I've seen in a long time.

John (Minnesota)

Longoria 5th pitch HR

Jonah Keri

  (12:52 AM)

Duly noted John!

Jonah Keri

  (12:52 AM)

Just passed 23K questions

Frank (Erie)

Fernando Perez pinch-running GW run scored on a wild pitch

Jonah Keri

  (12:53 AM)

Wowsers. I like that one.

lil weezy (new orleans)

clif floyd...inside the park homerun

Jonah Keri

  (12:53 AM)

Willy Aybar pinch hit for him long ago. So this could be the most unlikely outcome of all.

Jonah Keri

  (12:53 AM)

Oof, Youk almost botched that one. One away.

Adam (SF, CA)

What do you think the chances are Longoria makes a serious run at AL MVP next season?

Jonah Keri

  (12:54 AM)

Due to voters' dumb voting tendencies, a lot will depend on how well the Rays do. I think the Rays will contend again, and that Longoria will have a big year. So actually I think it could very well happen.

Mike (Hot Springs)

Macho Man Randy Savage comes out of nowhere slamming Ross on the head with a folding chair allowing Aybar to easily score from 3rd

Jonah Keri

  (12:54 AM)

Oooooooooh yeah! The Mania meets the Madness.....yeeeeeeeah!!!

Mike (SC, PA)

Buck thinks its savvy for the 1B to keep his toe on the base when he catches the ball. My 4 year old could do that job.

Jonah Keri

  (12:55 AM)

hehe

AJ (SF)

Is Aybar Willie Aybar's brother?

Jonah Keri

  (12:56 AM)

Erick and Willy are brothers, yes. I actually have credentials and plan to hit up the games at Fenway this week. Contacted the Angels to see if Erick would be there to watch his brother, would've made a neat article. Alas, unavailable.

magezorekin (Beaverton, Oregon)

Isn't there or wasn't there a Manny Aybar that use to pitch for the Cardinals?

Jonah Keri

  (12:57 AM)

No relation that I'm aware of.

jimrod (hawaii)

Hey jonah, what's the time delay between pitches on the internet (I don't have cable)

Jonah Keri

  (12:57 AM)

I'm not keeping tabs on the GameCast, I confess. Other posters have noted a lag of at least a few seconds, maybe more.

Phil (Portland - M#)

Longoria is a one in a lifetime rookie, has there been a guy a team signed to a MLB deal with as little experience as Longoria had when the Rays signed him?

Jonah Keri

  (12:58 AM)

No, that contract was unique.He's not once in a lifetime, though. The Hebrew Hammer Ryan Braun went meshuganeh last year.

Cody (WI)

crawford hanging tough making papelbon use up a lot of pitches...could come into play not allowing him to pitch the next inning

Jonah Keri

  (12:59 AM)

Might be right, Cody. Mike Timlin vs. David Price, anyone?

Jonah Keri

  (1:00 AM)

Papelbon is nuts. Ball drills him, and he's like yeah, whatever, when can I do the jig? Unless you're a Yanks fan, tough not to like that goof.

Eric (Australia)

What happens to the unanswered questions? Do they all of them go to question heaven?

Jonah Keri

  (1:01 AM)

Presumably. All are invited to email jonahkeri@gmail.com if they don't get their Q's answered, too.

trevor h (utica,new york)

whose the manager of the year joe maddon or tito

Jonah Keri

  (1:01 AM)

Maddon by a landslide. Preseason expectations are what decides that award.

Jonah Keri

  (1:02 AM)

1-2-3. Papelbon is tough. Wonder if Tito trots him out for one more.

Jack (Minneapolis)

What happened...is the chat lagging or did you fall asleep?

Jonah Keri

  (1:04 AM)

The latter. Well not quite. I did take a 45-second break, though. I'm pacing myself, who knows when this'll end. This could approach the famous 1-0 Dodgers-Expos game I attended when I was 15...22 innings. Youppi! got ejected after Lasorda botched to the ump that he was dancing too loudly on the dugout. It was epic.

Cody (WI)

wow wheeler for another inning! AMAZING

Jonah Keri

  (1:05 AM)

Rubber arm. I'm not sure I like this move, though. Last fastball to Dusty was 87. You need Madduxian location to get away with that.

John McCain (Atl)

Wheeler is a Maverick like I am

Jonah Keri

  (1:06 AM)

hehe

Jonah Keri

  (1:07 AM)

Wow, gets Bay. He's really fooling these guys. The announcers called it for once, pure deception at this point.

Jonah Keri

  (1:08 AM)

For the record, Rob Neyer just IM'd me and offered to take the ball in relief. This is the kind of camaraderie you only get at ESPN.com, folks.Natch, I waved him off. I'm staying even if this game goes 11 hours.

Kellen (Vancouver B.C)

Bay is a Stud, Jonah Where do you think Canada stands in the World of baseball?

Jonah Keri

  (1:09 AM)

A few really good players, Kellen (Bay certainly being one of them), but lacking the depth that the US, Japan and other countries possess.

Jonah Keri

  (1:10 AM)

David Price! Here you go, folks, a QandA I did with David Price just before he became the #1 pick in last year's draft. Enjoy:http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/draft2007/news/story?id=2895795

Jared (Green Bay)

Where are you from?

Jonah Keri

  (1:10 AM)

La belle province

Jonah Keri

  (1:12 AM)

Beastly fastball for Mr. Price!

slackmasterd (omaha)

Just commenting on GameCase. I'd really like to see them add the position in the batting order to the main display so I don't have to click on the team's box score.

Jonah Keri

  (1:13 AM)

There's probably some kind of "contact Us" link on the site to contact the Webmasters. Good suggestion, might want to mail it in.

rob (new york)

This game just had an eic feeling from early on. I called extra innings walk off win for the rays in the 5th inning. Just wondering if you also had that feeling from early on?

Jonah Keri

  (1:14 AM)

Nope. I did say 11 innings about 3 innings ago, but whatever, who knows.Just enjoying the proceedings!

Connor (Yalesville)

Jonah, I read that you are involved with stocks. Have an intrade account?

Jonah Keri

  (1:14 AM)

I do not have an InTrade account. And although I am an active investor in general, I've been in cash for several months. No way I'd try to battle this market.

Jonah Keri

  (1:15 AM)

Well done by Drew to work a walk. I don't blame 'em for trying to settle Price down here.

Jonah Keri

  (1:16 AM)

Kotsay has to try for walk here. Not likey to make great contact vs Price's fastball or slider.

Edward (Minnesota)

Just want to thank you for providing this service makes the game much more enjoyable and interesting.

Jonah Keri

  (1:16 AM)

Thanks Edward! Appreciate all o' y'all sticking around.

Jamila (Boston)

Price looks really shaky at the moment. Nerves?

Jonah Keri

  (1:17 AM)

He's 1-2 now vs. Kotsay. Drew's just a tough hitter, no shame in walking him. Kotsay's a guy he has to get though.

Alan (Honolulu, HI)

Jonah, i am a producer for an affiliate can you contact me when you get a chance?

Jonah Keri

  (1:17 AM)

Email me at jonahkeri@gmail.com, Alan. thanks.

Jonah Keri

  (1:18 AM)

Wow, great pitch! 95, outside edge. Flashes of greatness for the young one. Oooh Darling's right, though, a good 4 inches outside. Lucky call.

Martin (Albany, NY)

How does the chat select who to post? and how many nerds are on here?!

Jonah Keri

  (1:19 AM)

One nerd. 26,797 astute readers/posters.

David (Boston)

Predict the future Jonah, Better pitcher 10 years from now: Price or Lester?

Jonah Keri

  (1:19 AM)

Price

Jonah Keri

  (1:19 AM)

The rook! Most impressive.Here we go to the bottom of the 11th. I'm not sure if Im hungry, thirsty, sleepy or delirious. All of the above.

Jonah Keri

  (1:20 AM)

Five hours and twenty minutes for the record. Why did I agree to a flat rate? :-p

Jonah Keri

  (1:23 AM)

Mike Timlin has not pitched since Sept. 28. Pas bon.

Joe (Boston)

Do you like Timlin over Byrd here?

Jonah Keri

  (1:24 AM)

They're both equally shaky options. Hitters have to be getting tired here too, though. You'd think, anyway.

Jason (Taiwan Melbourne. Australia)

Your earlier prediction looks pretty good...

Jonah Keri

  (1:25 AM)

Blind squirrel, acorn, etc

Jonah Keri

  (1:25 AM)

Leadoff walk! Rays are going to end it in this inning, methinks.

kevin (albany)

why does joe maddon wear funny glasses?

Jonah Keri

  (1:26 AM)

My funny glasses are nearly identical. It's the Eurotrash look. Good times.

Jonah Keri

  (1:26 AM)

Fernando Perez the pinch runner is a great story by the way. Parents come over for Cuba with nothing. Work their butts off, raise young Fernando, put him through Columbia. A few years later, he's in the big leagues. One of the smartest players in the game, and one of the fastest.

Jonah Keri

  (1:27 AM)

That was a bad call, should have been strike one.

Brian (Boston)

Wow. Hes getting squeezed so bad. This is bagged.

Jonah Keri

  (1:27 AM)

Agree on the last pitch, at least.

trevor (utica,new york)

steal?

Jonah Keri

  (1:28 AM)

Timlin's a bit slow to home. I might try it. Dunno if Joe will.

Jonah Keri

  (1:30 AM)

Two walks. Ugly.I'd just like to say if they started the 9th with Papelbon and just let him go 2, Masterson would be pitching now.

Rob (Stamford)

He's getting squeezed, but this is a terrible job by Timlin. If the guy wants to make an out, let him.

Jonah Keri

  (1:30 AM)

Agree, and agree.

Jonah Keri

  (1:30 AM)

Automatic bunt here, unless he gets walked

Jonah Keri

  (1:32 AM)

Over 29,000 questions so far. Again, apologies if I haven't gotten to your Q's, packed house.

Jonah Keri

  (1:32 AM)

Swinging bunt there essentially. Reasonable move. Aki just needs to make contact now.

Bob (Los Angeles)

Jonah, loved the BP book! Question: Where would Eric Gagne roughly rank amongst all-time closers if you crunched the numbers on his 2002-2004 seasons?

Jonah Keri

  (1:33 AM)

Thanks Bob! Check out "Baseball Between the Numbers: at Amazon.com, folks. Great reading.Gang's three-year stretch would easily be top 5 all-time, up there with Eck's peak, the best Mo years, etc.

Cheng (Boulder, CO)

No way, you're going to DP Upton, right? I think the Sox are better off getting the force at home.

Jonah Keri

  (1:34 AM)

Yeah a lot of the reason you do the walk is to set up the force.

Steve-O (Irvine, CA)

Lopeton's redemption: grand-slam walk-off?

Jonah Keri

  (1:34 AM)

A medium-length flyout would do too.

Jonah Keri

  (1:35 AM)

Wow, 92 from old man Timlin! That was something.

Joel H. (Chicago)

Did you get to see your boy Nate Silver on Colbert the other day? He is the man..

Jonah Keri

  (1:35 AM)

Indeed I did. And indeed he is.

Eric (Phoenix)

Wow how awesome a game would it be if Timlin got out of this!??!

Jonah Keri

  (1:35 AM)

Can I be honest? I'm kind of rooting for that, even though I have no allegiances.

Jonah Keri

  (1:36 AM)

Game over!

Jonah Keri

  (1:36 AM)

Man, Perez can run.

Jonah Keri

  (1:36 AM)

Price over Timlin in the 11th, as predicted.

Jonah Keri

  (1:37 AM)

Wow was that a brutal throw by Drew too.

Billy (Crossett, Ark)

I guess if you're from the lowly south.. nobody on here pays attention to you.. oh well

Jonah Keri

  (1:37 AM)

I got your back, Billy. Thanks for hanging in there for 5 1/2 hours!

Jonah Keri

  (1:38 AM)

OK gang, need to get some sleep. Thanks so much for sticking around all night, truly appreciate it.Again, feel free to email me if I missed your question, or even if you have another. jonahkeri@gmail.comIt's been an honor and a privilege. Good night!