ESPN

Buzzmaster

  (11:57 AM)

Welcome to Game 3 of the NLCS! Rob Neyer will be here to chat throughout the game!

Rob Neyer

  (8:20 PM)

A thousand welcomes, fellow fans (and phans). I'm busy sifting through your questions, and we'll kick things off when Rollins takes his place in the box ...

Kevin (Philly)

so do you think the announcers will talk about the phillies tonight? or will they stick all Manny all the time?

Rob Neyer

  (8:25 PM)

The great thing about sports is that you can shut people up; all you have to do is win. If the Phillies win, you won't hear another word about Manny until after the World Series.

James (Indianapolis)

What has been Howard's problem this postseason? Is it stress, nerves, or just a slump?

Rob Neyer

  (8:26 PM)

I think his approach has been lacking, and I think the Dodgers have made good pitches against him. I also think he'll hit a home run tonight or tomorrow night.

Donald Evans Kirkland Wa

Rob, do you think Moyer has become a HOF or close to it in the eyes of the votes. I personally do not think he is, but how do you think he will fare with the voters? Thanks

Rob Neyer

  (8:28 PM)

He won't fare too well. Not enough great seasons. He does deserve some sort of special award, for being perhaps the only pitcher in MLB history to peak at 40.

Femi Hackensack,NJ

If the Dodgers win tonights game do you think there is any chance that they will be able to win the series?

Rob Neyer

  (8:30 PM)

Sure. It's happened a few times before, will happen again. I do think it's vital that they sweep these three games.

Dan Laurin (connecticut)

Rob do you think moyer will have a good game against the dodgers tonight?

Rob Neyer

  (8:31 PM)

I'm not wild about his chances. Seems like the Dodgers' strong righty hitters may tee off.

Albert, victorville, ca

this year has been a break out year for james loney. he's also been on a hot streak for dodgers through the playoffs. what are your thoughts on torre starting garciaparra cold off the bench?

Rob Neyer

  (8:32 PM)

I like it. Garciaparra's useful against lefties, and don't forget Loney's a big option off the bench.

Jon (Philly)

Don't know about that call there. He looked safe

Rob Neyer

  (8:34 PM)

For those not watching ... Utley out trying to steal, with Furcal making a great snag of a very short throw by Martin ... Anyway, yeah it might have been the wrong call. Looked like a tie, even in super-slow-mo, so you can hardly blame the umpire if he did get it wrong.

Casey (Whitewater, WI)

Ack! They need to warn us before showing Mary Hart from that close of a distance...

Rob Neyer

  (8:35 PM)

That was weird. And I wonder if she can *not* smile.

Rob Neyer

  (8:36 PM)

Tough spot for Moyer here, as he really doesn't have the option of pitching around MannyB. Have to go after him ... Well, that didn't work.

Justin (Ohio)

Poor decision by Burrell to throw to home.

Rob Neyer

  (8:40 PM)

Horrible, horrible decision. Not to pick on Burrell or anything; I'm shocked at how often you see outfielders make exactly that same stupid play.

Michael (Los Angeles, California)

Wow, that has GOTTA hurt... Dodgers are really tearing it up so far!

Rob Neyer

  (8:40 PM)

Yeah, Moyer plunked Martin right on the kneecap to load the bases. Nobody out. Feels like two more hits and this game's over.

Justin (Ohio)

What a great pitch.

Rob Neyer

  (8:43 PM)

Yeah. You hear about pitches on the corner, but most of them are on an *edge*. That pitch was literally on the corner, low and away, of the strike zone. If Moyer gets out of this inning and the Phillies win, that was the pitch of the game.

Derek (Collingswood, NJ)

I've got to disagree with Nomar being in there...he looked incredibly bad against Lidge at the end of Game 2 and didn't do himself any favors there...

Rob Neyer

  (8:45 PM)

Big difference between Lidge and Moyer, especially at this stage of Nomar's career. No, he didn't look great striking out, but really was a fantastic pitch.

san diego ca

manny to san diego

Rob Neyer

  (8:46 PM)

Not. Gonna. Happen. Too much territory in left field, too little money in the budge.

Jon (Philly)

He drilled that spot there. Wow

Rob Neyer

  (8:47 PM)

Yeah, that one was even *more* on the corner -- this one down and in -- than the one against Nomar. Two incredible pitches this inning. How many of those can he make in one inning?

EDWARD (LOS ANGELES)

CLEARS THE BASES

Rob Neyer

  (8:50 PM)

Well, that wasn't a *ringing*, bases-clearing double down the line in right. But it was a bases-clearing double down the line nonetheless. Now Charlie Manuel just wants to avoid blowing out his bullpen.

ess (Inglewood, ca)

The boys in blue are back!

Rob Neyer

  (8:53 PM)

Sure looks like it. This was, it should be said, the one game the Dodgers were *really* supposed to win.

Matt (Tallahassee)

Jonah said you offered to relieve him the other night, what a team player!

Rob Neyer

  (8:55 PM)

I did make the offer, but I knew he wouldn't accept. Jonah's part machine. No, I mean seriously. He's a cyborg.

Joe (South Bend)

Will this ba the shortest game for an opening pitcher in the post season?

Rob Neyer

  (8:56 PM)

You mean ever? Nah. Pitchers have been knocked out in the first inning. Also, I think Moyer comes back out for the second.

Jared (Philly)

this game isnt close to over. last game fox showed how many big innings the phillies have had and there were a couple when they had 4 or 5 runs in an inning. you cant count this offense out

Rob Neyer

  (8:59 PM)

I hear you, Jared. But the problem isn't that the Phillies can't score six or seven runs. They can. The problem is holding the Dodgers to one or two runs for the next eight innings. The only positive note for the Phillies is that you'd rather be down 5-0 after one inning than after six or seven.

Justin (PA)

There you go Pedro just chip away at this thing

Rob Neyer

  (9:00 PM)

Yeah. That's one. And Kuroda did not look particularly sharp in that inning.

EDWARD (LOS ANGELES)

WOW FURCAL HITS A HOMER....YOU HAVE TO YANK MOYER NOW...

Rob Neyer

  (9:05 PM)

WOW is right, Edward. That pitch was awful, right down the middle. McCarver says Moyer won't be allowed to face Ramirez ... and he's right. Moyer's out, Condrey's in.

ykw (mesa)

At this point, don't you have to stick with Moyer until he's physically done? Can't burn a bullpen in game three.

Rob Neyer

  (9:06 PM)

Managers don't like to give up on a postseason game until they absolutely have to. And Condrey used to be a starter; maybe he can give them three or four innings...

Jon (Philly)

Condrey instead of Happ? Don't know why Happ's on the roster is he's not going to pitch in situations like this one.

Rob Neyer

  (9:07 PM)

Thanks, Jon; I was wondering if Happ's on the roster, because this would seem to be exactly the spot where you'd want him. Except he's a lefty and the Dodgers' lineup is set up for lefties. Apparently Manuel's still trying to win this one.

Josh (Wisconsin)

If the Phillies do win the NLCS, do you think Moyer has anything left in the tank? He's looked bad in both of his postseason starts this year.

Rob Neyer

  (9:10 PM)

I shudder at the thought of him pitching against the Red Sox, especially in Fenway, but I suppose Manuel simply would not allow that.

Brett (L.A.)

This next inning will be very interesting. They just went at Martin's head. Let's see if Kuroda is going to send a message to the Phils here.

Rob Neyer

  (9:13 PM)

My guess is the retaliation will come, if it comes, later in the game when it's no longer in (much) doubt. Then again, isn't Condrey due up soon? Kuroda could make it real personal like.

Matt (LA)

I personally think that Utley hits a grand slam and Howard follows up with a solo shot. Put this post up just for evidence please.

Rob Neyer

  (9:16 PM)

As you wish....

mike (NY)

manny to the mets? realistic?

Rob Neyer

  (9:17 PM)

I think they might dabble, but I think they'll focus on improving the bullpen and perhaps the rotation. Granted, someone has to play left field...

rob (sfo)

isn't this ballpark the ugliest?? it looks like a little league field crappy old scruffy and nothing distinct about it.

Rob Neyer

  (9:18 PM)

You ever been to Dodger Stadium? I love it.

Brett (L.A.)

Rob, if the Dodgers do lose this game, what do you see the Dodgers doing for their game 4 starter? Do you put Lowe in, or do you go with Maddux?

Rob Neyer

  (9:18 PM)

Is Kershaw now out of the question because of his Game 2 appearance?

steven (dc)

there we go

Rob Neyer

  (9:20 PM)

Yep. Kuroda fired one slightly above and slightly behind Victorino's head, and it seems that both teams have been warned.

Gregory (Los Angeles)

Kuroda and Billingsley have the same type of approach to pitching. Why do you think Kuroda is having better success so far than Billingsley.

Rob Neyer

  (9:20 PM)

Billingsley just didn't get his pitches where he wanted them. It happens ... And now the benches empty after the third out!

Rob Neyer

  (9:21 PM)

MannyB is hot!

Phil (CT)

This is stupid...

Rob Neyer

  (9:21 PM)

It's not yet clear what caused this, but no punches thrown and nobody ejected, near as I can tell ...

Doron (LA)

Haha...love it how the announcers just called Manny the Dodgers' "meal ticket"...

Rob Neyer

  (9:22 PM)

Right ... Manny Ramirez: the new Carl Hubbell.

Jeff (LA)

Dodger Stadium is a GREAT place to watch baseball. I hate going to staduims that force you to watch TONS of BIG SCREEN ADS during the game.

Rob Neyer

  (9:23 PM)

Good point, Jeff. When I'm at Dodger Stadium, I get the feeling it's basically the same as it was 45 years ago. Which in my book is a good thing.

Larry (Portland)

Victorino needs to shut up... how many times is he going to point at his ribs and his head. Once gets the point across.. two times annoying... three times he'll need to get plunked in the ribs later.

Rob Neyer

  (9:24 PM)

Yeah, that was weird. As if everyone in the world didn't get it the first time. Just make your point, then get back in there and take your cuts.

Matt (Dallas)

This is why I love baseball! I think adding that heat to the series is just fine, it certainly didn't get out of hand.

Rob Neyer

  (9:27 PM)

Sure. That was just good clean fun, boys being boys, etc. As long as nobody gets hurt it's okay w/me.

Jarett (NY)

Since Moyer only went 1 1/3 will the Phillies try to use their bullpen to set up matchups or are they going for innings?

Rob Neyer

  (9:28 PM)

Condrey pitched an inning because his spot was due up next in the order. I expect we'll see guys pitch until it's their turn to hit. Unless they get even further behind, or Manuel runs out of pinch-hitters.

jamie (philly)

not to be annoying, but can someone tell me what just happened with manny?

Rob Neyer

  (9:29 PM)

Not much. He just took particular offense during the little benches-emptying incident after the top of the third. He looked hot, but that was it.

Ben (NY)

by the way, who do you think is going to win the NL MVP?

Rob Neyer

  (9:29 PM)

I think Manny Ramirez is going to win.

Zachary (Colorado)

I thought Condrey used to be a starter, why wouldn't they try to get some innings out of him?

Rob Neyer

  (9:30 PM)

Well, he hasn't started since 2005, so that's not really a factor.

Jeff (Easthampton, MA)

You really think Manny should win when he was only in the NL for 2 months?

Rob Neyer

  (9:31 PM)

I don't think he should win; I think he probably will win. I would vote for Pujols or Beltran or Berkman. Or somebody else.

Conor (Tennessee)

Who do you think will win the World Series?

Rob Neyer

  (9:35 PM)

I still like the Rays.

Michael (Norfolk, NE)

Will CC Sabathia win the NL Cy Young?

Rob Neyer

  (9:35 PM)

No. He'll do well, probably finish second or third. But I think this one's going to Lincecum.

Brian (MT)

Why not Sabathia for MVP? The Brewers wouldn't have made it without him, whereas the Dodgers and DBacks fought to lose the divison til July.

Rob Neyer

  (9:36 PM)

The Brewers wouldn't have made it without Ryan Braun, either. And he was there all season.

Jill (Madison)

Does Moyer still start game 7?

Rob Neyer

  (9:39 PM)

Good question, Jill ... I don't think anyone can know, right now. But if Happ continues to pitch effectively tonight, he might get a shot in Game 7. At the very least, Moyer would be on a terribly short leash.

Lance (San Diego)

Why hasn't anyone mentioned David Wright for MVP? I don't think he should be penalized just because his team choked down the stretch -- his stat line is better than anybody in the NL.

Rob Neyer

  (9:41 PM)

I like Wright a lot, but there's no reason to think he was any better than Beltran or Reyes. I thought he had a better case last year.

brad (Philly)

Do you think there will be a game 7?

Rob Neyer

  (9:42 PM)

I don't. I think the Phillies will win Games 5 and 6.

Jim (Minn)

You can't put Braun in the league with Sabathia when the game is on the line. That's when he showed up and he performed

Rob Neyer

  (9:42 PM)

Jim, I don't even know what that means.

Brett (L.A.)

Who was the last pitcher to win the MVP? Either league.

Rob Neyer

  (9:46 PM)

Dennis Eckersley in 1992; the last starting pitcher to win it was Vida Blue in 1971. So I think it would be a bit odd to give it to a guy who threw 131 innings.

David (Curacao)

You forgot Roger Clemens in 86

Rob Neyer

  (9:48 PM)

I did, thanks. Clemens was the last starter to be MVP.

LUKE (Kansas City)

Was White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen correct when he said the Royals are going to be the next Tampa Bay Rays?

Rob Neyer

  (9:52 PM)

Not to repeat what I wrote in my blog the other day, but . . . No, I don't think so. The Rays' roster is studded with young players, and the Royals' is not. What's more, the Royals don't have many hot prospects in the minors.

Nestor (Connecticut)

How about my Pirates? They finally seem to have a clue and are stockpiling young talent.

Rob Neyer

  (9:58 PM)

I think they're heading in the right direction, but it usually takes two or three years for a new regime's moves to show up on the field. I can see them finally getting to .500 in 2010.

Walter (Austin)

The MVP discussion had me using the internet for good and not evil. Any insight as to why Babe Ruth did not get a single vote for AL MVP in 1927?

Rob Neyer

  (9:58 PM)

For a few years, you were ineligible for the award if you'd won it previously.

steve (Texas)

Who is going to be in the world series next year?

Rob Neyer

  (9:59 PM)

Mets and Indians.

Max (Los Angeles)

Any chance that Longoria gets traded to a big team if the Rays win it?

Rob Neyer

  (10:01 PM)

Longoria has been locked up through 2016, Max. He's not going anywhere for a while.

pete (taji, iraq)

Rob, What's Kemp's ceiling? Is he a middle of the road all potential athlete that never develops? or does he become that MVP everyone sees in him?

Rob Neyer

  (10:02 PM)

I think he's going to be a fine player for a number of years, maybe get into the MVP discussion a few times. I'm not sure he's cut out for CF, long term.

Michael (Portland)

As far as pitchers winning the MVP are concerned, I wouldn't be surprised to see Cliff Lee finish high in the AL voting.

Rob Neyer

  (10:03 PM)

Maybe if the Indians had won anything, but being a pitcher for a third-place team is a double-whammy in MVP voting.

OSCAR (ARGENTINA)

Les eccribo desde argentina, soy fana de los dogers, pero lamentablemente en mi pais no se puede ver mas ni beisbol, ni hockey sobre hielo (esto hace ya unos años) que se puede hacer para que vuelvan a dar estos deportes? Y aguanten los dogers

Rob Neyer

  (10:06 PM)

I just hope there aren't any curses in there ...

Curtis (New Zealand)

Your thoughts on instant replay? I can see it deciding a big play/big game in the not-too-distant future.

Rob Neyer

  (10:07 PM)

I'd rather see that, than a lousy call deciding something. But the odds are against replay being used in this postseason. I think it was used four times in, what, four of five weeks?

Max (Los Angeles)

Rob, your thoughts on who will win the AL MVP and why?

Rob Neyer

  (10:09 PM)

I have this feeling that K-Rod's going to win because Mauer and Morneau will split the Twins vote, Youkilis and Pedroia the Red Sox vote. It's a really weird year for the MVP balloting in both leagues.

Dan (Philly)

(I am writing from Argentina, I am a fan of the Dodgers, but it is sad that in my country you can't watch more baseball or ice hockey. And go Dodgers.

Garrett (SLC)

Translation: I write you from Agrentina, I am a fan of the Dodgers, but unfortunately they do not show baseball or hockey any more (that has been for several years). What can be done to get them to show those sport here again?

Geoff (Philadelphia PA / Georgetown KY)

Oscar wrote that he is writing from Argentina, and is a fan of the Dodgers. He laments not being able to watch baseball, only hockey (for one year). He asked what should he do to watch other sports, especially the Dodgers.

Rob Neyer

  (10:10 PM)

Okay, thanks. I think we get the gist.

Blank (Lexington, KY)

So there was a swear word in there, hockey.

Rob Neyer

  (10:10 PM)

[LSTM]

Joe (pitt)

Chargers dominating Patriots tonight!

Rob Neyer

  (10:12 PM)

Gosh, yes. And I see they're wearing their pretty uniforms, too.

Tim (Arlington, va)

Hey Rob, Does Beckett get the ball in game 6 in your opinion considering he is clearly not healthy?

Rob Neyer

  (10:13 PM)

Well, everyone continues to claim that he's perfectly healthy, which of course seems laughable on its face. My guess is that if he does start Game 6, he really is healthy. But that he won't because he's not.

Ryan (Nashville)

If Drew's back isn't bothering him, you think he makes a better throw home last night? He wasn't that deep and it seemed to bounce 2 or 3 times.

Rob Neyer

  (10:16 PM)

It bounced twice, wasn't particularly on target, and yes I think he does better if he's healthy. Where's Trot Nixon when you need him?

Chris (Boston)

Was there any explanation as to why Papelbon was taken out with such few pitches? All the talk seems to be about why Timlin was used instead of Byrd, but why not trot Paps back out there for some more. Did Dan Wheeler not throw 43 pitches over 3+ inning?

Rob Neyer

  (10:19 PM)

Haven't heard. And I thought Francona was too slow to go to his bullpen in Game 1 and too quick to run through it in Game 2.

Josh (Los Angeles)

Do the Red Sox reward Varitek for his services, like what happened with Posada? Is Varitek's game-calling ability overrated to the extent that Rice's "most feared" status nets him votes?

Rob Neyer

  (10:20 PM)

The Yankees really believed that Posada would be a good player in 2008. I don't know that the Sox think 'tek will be good in 2009.

Brian (santa barbara, ca)

Rob, what are your thoughts on fivethirtyeight.com? At what point do pundits start talking about politicians' saber-polling numbers?

Rob Neyer

  (10:22 PM)

It's already happening, Brian. 538's proprietor (Nate Silver) has already been on The Colbert Report and Olbermann's Countdown. Political wonks have been MUCH quicker to accept objective analysis than baseball people were.

Jack (Baltimore)

Is Torre a Hall of Famer?

Rob Neyer

  (10:23 PM)

Sure. Maybe as soon as this winter. I think he falls short as a player, but his record as a manager is compelling.

Jack (Baltimore)

Is Manny a Hall of Famer?

Rob Neyer

  (10:25 PM)

Of course. The only thing that could keep him out is PED allegations with some teeth ... Getting back to the game, Kuroda's coming out, Wade's coming in. Dodgers still in a good shape, but Phillies just one big swing away from making this a game again.

Andrew (Philadelphia Philadelphia)

Do you know who is pitching for both teams tomorrow?

Rob Neyer

  (10:28 PM)

Garza vs. Lester, Blanton vs. Lowe

Scott (Virginia)

Why isn't Maddux pitching?

Rob Neyer

  (10:30 PM)

Not sure, Scott. Before the series, all the talk was about Maddux or Kershaw starting Game 4, and I missed the announcement that it would be Lowe on three days rest.

Blank (Lexington, KY)

I have had to look up your reply of LSTM and now PED allegations. I realize I am a simple bumpkin from Kentucky, but IDK WTH those meant.

Rob Neyer

  (10:32 PM)

Sorry. You know, I think I might have been the first to use LSTM (not really, but it's a nice thought for me). Also, if Tito Francona doesn't quit doing weird things with his bullpen, WTF will become Why, Tito Francona?

Larry (Portland)

I'll try again- Torre said that by bringing Lowe back and 3 days rest, it allows him to pitch game 2and3 starters on normal rest in games 5and6. So you bypass your 4th starter and it only impacts one other starter.

Rob Neyer

  (10:34 PM)

Thanks, Larry. He's right; it's just a question of whether that "one other starter" is adversely impacted.

Joe (Philly)

Why wasn't there an appeal on the Werth strikeout? Looked like he wasn't even close to going around

Rob Neyer

  (10:34 PM)

Agreed. Thought it was a bad call.

Dane (Princeton, NJ)

Hey Rob, just reminding you that you called Nomar playing well and Moyer getting shelled. So I hope your Mets/Indians World Series pick pans out too. If the Mets get bullpen help and Hafner and Co. start hitting it could happen.

Rob Neyer

  (10:35 PM)

Thanks for the reminder, Dane. I forget what I said two hours ago!

Daniel (LA)

I am looking at the photos of todays game and I guess there was a fight. Can you give us a recap of what happened?

Rob Neyer

  (10:36 PM)

No fight. Benches cleared, Manny and a couple of the coaches were hot, but no pushing or punching, no ejections.

Jill (Madison)

David Wright for Joe Nathon and a combination of Span/Cuddyer/Perkins/Blackburn/Revere?

Rob Neyer

  (10:40 PM)

So who plays third base for the Mets? Anyway, Wright's not going anywhere. I suspect that he and Reyes both are untouchable.

Andrew (Philadelphia)

do you like the 2-3-2 or the 2-2-1-1-1 more?

Rob Neyer

  (10:42 PM)

I think 2-3-2 is fine. Particularly considering the cost of Jet A-1 these days (and probably forever).

Ryan (Ubly, MI)

In all actuality where do you think K-Rod pitches next year? Any chance for the Tigers?

Rob Neyer

  (10:43 PM)

I think they'll be one of the dozen or so teams that calls his agent.

richie (philly)

then why the day between 4 and 5. they sometimes go 20 days without off days.

Rob Neyer

  (10:44 PM)

Having a game off between 4 and 5 is a hideous monstrosity, a sop to the TV people. Commissioner Bud should be ashamed of himself.

Danny (NU)

Doesn't it kinda take some of the strategy out of it with all these off days? I don't think there should be a scenario like in the ALDS where you pitch someone Game 1 and then bring him back Game 4 on full rest

Rob Neyer

  (10:46 PM)

What's offensive to me is that you're changing a basic aspect of the game, which is that you need four starting pitchers. Now you need three? And everyone's fine with that?

Dawson (Virginia)

How many pitches did Jamie Moyer pitch? I missed the first 2 innings.

Rob Neyer

  (10:46 PM)

I think it was 32. The leadoff homer by Furcal knocked him out.

Bryan(Winston-Salem

That is a great job by the umpire not ejecting Durbin there. It is clear that he didn't want to hit him, as he threw a curveball.

Rob Neyer

  (10:48 PM)

Well, you can hit guys on purpose with curveballs. But I agree with your larger point.

John (Colorado)

Hey Rob, which player on the field would you least want to face in a fight to the death (between you and named player)?

Rob Neyer

  (10:48 PM)

Furcal, because I'd have no chance of running away from him.

brian (long beach, ca)

Hey Rob. If Boras is going for 5 years, do you think that will limit Manny to the AL? I sure wouldn't want him in my outfield five years from now.

Rob Neyer

  (10:50 PM)

Probably, but you can always trade him to an AL team after two or three years. Assuming that he's still hitting. And will agree to a trade. Frankly, I wouldn't sign him for more than a year or two, because the later years of a long-term deal will be ugly.

Dan (Alexandria)

So do you pick the questions that get posted as well as answering them?

Rob Neyer

  (10:53 PM)

Yes, that is exactly how it works.

Blank (Lexington, KY)

Rob what is your favorite stadium in the game today? I have been to most and I have to admit that I love Pittsburgh's new digs.

Rob Neyer

  (10:54 PM)

Pittsburgh's nice. I prefer the old ballparks, and among the new ones I like the ones in San Francisco and Denver quite a lot.

Jay (Denver)

How do you see the Andruw Jones situation shaping up next year?

Rob Neyer

  (10:56 PM)

If the Dodgers don't sign Manny, CF is Jones' job to lose. If they do, I don't know how it all shakes out, but it's hard to imagine them eating Jones' salary.

joey (minnesota)

Is it true jamie moyer wants to pitch until he's 50? Do you think he has a chance at it?

Rob Neyer

  (10:58 PM)

He won't pitch after 2009.

Michael (Cincinnati)

How do you see the Red Sox, Rays, and Yankees situation shaping up next year? Will there be another AL East wild card, and who will be in third if that happens?

Rob Neyer

  (11:01 PM)

I'm afraid the Yankees and the Rays are close enough -- in my mind, right now -- that I can't say anything more until we see what both teams do this winter. I just know the Red Sox will come into the season as the favorites.

Tyler (Chicago)

Wait, so why did the benches clear?

Rob Neyer

  (11:02 PM)

Not clear, but apparently coaches Mariano Duncan and Davey Lopes were jawing at one another.

Larry (Seattle)

I saw Vitorino kept saying hit me in the ribs not the head. Would you rather get hit in the ribs or a batting helmet?

Rob Neyer

  (11:04 PM)

Batting helmet. But I bruise easily. I think we've been missing the point, though (especially Victorino) ... Kuroda wasn't trying to hit him. If he wanted to hit him, he might well have aimed for his ribs. Rather, he was trying to send a message without giving the Dodgers a free baserunner. Mission accomplished.

Shane (North Carolina)

is the MLB looking to add a expansion team to either league any time soon?

Rob Neyer

  (11:05 PM)

Unless there are some super-secret talks being held, absolutely not. You won't see new teams as long as Commissioner Bud's still drawing a breath.

Benjamin (Coral Gables, FL)

Why isn't Jeff Kent starting for the Dodgers?

Rob Neyer

  (11:09 PM)

Reportedly he's not real healthy these days.

Jordan (San Francisco)

Which stadium do you think will be better, the Mets' new stadium or the Yankees' new stadium?

Rob Neyer

  (11:10 PM)

I think they'll be almost exactly the same, practically. I do like the exterior of the Mets' better.

Nick (MN)

How did Romero get good again? Is it the switch to the NL?

Rob Neyer

  (11:12 PM)

I'm sure that helped some, but I suspect it's mostly just about the small sample sizes you get as a reliever, and particularly as a situational lefty.

Bill (CT)

Looks like Romero just went down.

Rob Neyer

  (11:13 PM)

He may have turned his ankle, but he didn't go "down".

Matt (Menlo Park)

Rob, you were the only of the five ESPN experts on the web site to choose the Phils to win this series; may I ask what tilted your decision towards them?

Rob Neyer

  (11:15 PM)

They were the better team over the previous six months. But the Dodgers, with their solid top three and their strong righty hitters, were an eminently reasonable choice.

Shane (New Zealand)

Were or are you a fan of the full beard in baseball? Far too many players now days sport the 3-4 day growth. More whiskers I say!!!!!

Rob Neyer

  (11:17 PM)

I've seen two beards that I haven't liked: Bagwell's King Tut and Youkilis's Muskrat Love.

Roger (Atlanta)

There are a lot of empty seats at dodger stadium.

Rob Neyer

  (11:18 PM)

Well, at least in the super-expensive seats. That would be true in a lot of places, given the five-run lead. Granted, it's only 8:18 in LA ...

tim (las vegas)

who is the most famous person at the game?

Rob Neyer

  (11:20 PM)

Henry Winkler! Oh wait, that was 30 years ago ...

Ben (Philadelphia)

Do you think this umpire has been inconsistent?

Rob Neyer

  (11:21 PM)

I've seen most of the close pitches, and he's been pretty darn good. Amazingly good, actually.

Casey (Whitewater, WI)

Tiger Woods is/was there, tough to top him.

Rob Neyer

  (11:21 PM)

Correct answer. Well played.

Daniel (Evanston, IL)

How come you get all the boring games and Keri gets all the good ones?

Rob Neyer

  (11:24 PM)

Between tomorrow afternoon and the last game of the World Series, I suspect I'll get some good ones, too.Thanks for all the questions tonight. I will be back tomorrow at 4:30 Eastern for the ALCS. Until then don't forget: "There is nothing so uncertain as a dead sure thing."