ESPN

Buzzmaster

  (4:59 PM)

We'll be chatting during ALCS Game 4 Tuesday night, starting at 8 p.m. ET! Join ESPN.com's fantasy expert Tristan H. Cockcroft in the chat!

The Suits (Bristol)

Buzz, it's 8. Why isn't the chat going?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:05 PM)

I had to pour myself a huge bucket of iced tea ... long games, these Red Sox/Rays ones, so needed to get settled in! We're underway, though, so shoot your questions over, whatever topic you like!

Bucky (Saratoga, NY)

With the Redsox pitching struggling, does this reaffirm the decision to go after Sabathia or Sheets in the offseason?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:06 PM)

I don't know if this really has a huge bearing on the Red Sox's winter plans, but I'm sure it increases the chances at least a little. But I think Boston already had some thoughts about both pitchers, should the price be right. People need to realize the Red Sox won't stand idly by.

Ogre (Adams College)

Fantasy sports are for NERDS!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:06 PM)

Nerds rule the world.

Doug (Pennsylvania)

After seein the convincing Ray wins the past few days, which Wild Card team d you think has a better chance of making it to the World Series: Sox or Dodgers?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:07 PM)

I'm still on the Red Sox bandwagon. Um, that came out wrong. Not a fan of theirs, just picking them still to win. Remember last year's ALCS; Boston rallied from behind.

Bucky (Saratoga, NY)

With Jake Peavy on the market, could Clay Buchholz and two mid level prospects get it done?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:08 PM)

Depends on who the prospects are, but I'd think one of the two would need to be pretty notable. At least a Michael Bowden type. Peavy's contract is pretty affordable.

Jordan (UTAH)

all that is on is madden nation, where and when is the game?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:09 PM)

TBS right now. Or I'll keep you company on the Gamecast!

Danny (NU)

Yea, but last year they had the home field advantage

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:10 PM)

That is absolutely a factor if you account for Tampa Bay's impressive record in the dome, so that's going to make this game pretty critical for Boston. I don't deny that, just saying, a 2-1 series deficit doesn't scare me.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:10 PM)

Wow, did B.J. just touch second base before the ball caught Varitek's glove? Pretty close.

Abel (Tampa)

Well last night we had someone pulling for the Rays leading the chat, I guess we can let these sox fans have someone....

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:11 PM)

For the record, I am not "pulling for" the Red Sox. They are merely my pick to win the series.

andy (Boston)

thats kevin cash not varitek

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:12 PM)

(Smacks his head) You're right, sheesh, and I knew that too. It's just so instinctual that you think Red Sox catcher and Jason Varitek in the same sentence.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:12 PM)

Wow is Wake's knuckler not knuckling tonight. Back-to-back bombs, though to be fair, those are two awfully good hitters.

Matt (DC)

This game is already over.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:13 PM)

It might be if the Red Sox don't get a guy up in the bullpen in the next couple of seconds. But I wonder who it's going to be, since Paul Byrd worked last night.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:14 PM)

Justin Masterson it is, in the bullpen. Big fan of that guy. But I love the ground ball inducing specialists.

Matt (SLC)

I don't know who you are Tristan, but I already like you better than McCarver and Buck

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:15 PM)

Ha! Thanks, Matt. As for who I am, I'm one of the guys from ESPN.com fantasy, but a life-long baseball die-hard.

deron (weston, ma)

Can the sox afford to go down 3-1

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:16 PM)

If there is any team at all I wouldn't rule out down 3-1, it is the Boston Red Sox. But I'll tell you this: This year more than any I would be awfully concerned. Won't be easy, not with two in Tampa where the Rays routinely win.

Corey (Cape Cod)

im so pissed, come on could this have begun any worse

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:16 PM)

Sure. Akinori Iwamura could have hit a leadoff homer.

Tony (Sayville)

If you ddidn't seeing this coming thenyou nhaven't checked out Wakefield's ERA in the npostseason....6.6.7 at least

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:17 PM)

I watched the 2003 ALCS. Before that final play, Wakefield was darned untouchable. I will give you that he has largely struggled every time outside of that, but it's something.

Daniel (Ann Arbor)

How deep and to where were the two home runs hit?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:18 PM)

Carlos Pena's didn't clear the Monster by much, but that's an opposite field drive for him. Evan Longoria's was pulled a little closer to the line, and gone without question.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:19 PM)

OK, Sox out of trouble, but down 3-0 through half a frame.

derek (lebanon,Tennessee)

what are your picks for our other game?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:20 PM)

Which one? I had the Phils in seven in the NLCS, Sox in six in the ALCS, and then Sox in six in the World Series.

G-Biv (Edinburg, TX)

how were the three runs scored?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:20 PM)

Carlos Pena two-run homer followed by an Evan Longoria solo blast.

Jake (New York)

It seems that you can tell in the first inning what type of game Wake will pitch. If he is on, he is usually on from the start.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:21 PM)

THAT I absolutely agree with. I don't think he's going to be in here for long. But that might be good for the Sox if Justin Masterson is the next man to take the hill.

Noah (Boston)

why aren't my sentecnes getting in!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:22 PM)

Noah, I noted this the other night in the NLCS chat, and some of our other chatters have too, we pick and post the questions, and there are a lot of them. If I don't post yours it's nothing personal, there are tons to pick from and a limited window of time to tackle them. Just to give you a sense how it works, but I'll rip through as many as I can.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:23 PM)

Neat stat from ESPN Research's Mark Simon: Tim Wakefield had allowed 5 first-inning runs in 3 previous starts against the Rays this season.

andrew (stpete)

will longo win the rookie of the year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:24 PM)

Uh, yes. But for the record, vote is tabulated before the playoffs, as I am told, so this isn't going to weigh into that. Still, he's the obvious pick.

Kyle (Cincinnati)

Honestly, how will Tampa Bay making the World Series effect the ratings. I can see majority of people just not caring.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:25 PM)

I think it will Kyle, and that's unfortunate, because it's a great story. The only thing that doesn't wow me about the Rays is their ballpark. Ugh.

Matt (Tallahassee)

What do you think about Sonnanstine over getting 3 starts out of Shields?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:26 PM)

I had absolutely no problem with it because Andy Sonnanstine actually had a pretty good year against the Red Sox. I think it was 13 shutout innings in two starts; quoted the number the other night.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:27 PM)

OK, here it is: 13 innings, two unearned runs. No wins in them, but they were in back-to-back starts in mid-September. So it's fairly fresh results.

David (LA)

Hanging by a thread but still hoping for the Dodgers...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:27 PM)

I think they face a huge uphill climb, with two more games in Philly and Cole Hamels their opponent in Game 5.

James (Marlboro Ma)

Those catwalks could cause some serious problems in a world series

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:29 PM)

Like they don't any other time of year? That's one of my primary gripes with the park. Not to mention it's a bit drab, but in terms of game play, yes, the catwalks are a real issue.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:29 PM)

From Elias: Evan Longoria just became the youngest player ever with five homers in a single postseason, at 23 years, nine days.

DJ (New Hampshire)

Wake needs a quick 1-2-3 inning right here

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:30 PM)

And he got it. With one or two more of those he's going to alleviate a lot of pressure on the bullpen.

Jordan (UTAH)

how many commercials do ther have to be?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:30 PM)

As many as there are half-innings! By the way, the towels are kinda scratchy.

Patrick (Wrightsville PA)

tampa vs phillies in world series who would win?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:31 PM)

I think the Rays because of home-field advantage -- which would prove HUGE for them -- but that would be a captivating series, I think.

val (champaign)

do you have any idea why upton goes by B.J. when his name is Melvin Emmanuel?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:32 PM)

He's the "Bossman Junior"! His father's nickname was "Bossman," so naturally, the "Junior," and he shortened it to B.J.

Corey (Jacksonville, FL)

Tristan, have you seen the proposed plans for the new Rays stadium? After this season do you think the Rays will stay or bolt?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:33 PM)

With the sail on the top? Yes. It's really weird, and I have to admit, I find it strange that a team that had its current ballpark build in what, 1987, wants a new park 20-25 years later? Doesn't seem right to me. But I've been to the Trop, and they really do need a better venue. Can't see 'em leaving, regarding the second question.

andy (vermont)

Will a phillies rays world series be watched more or rays dodgers?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:34 PM)

Rays-Dodgers, I'd have to think.

Ryan (nj)

can the Rays continue their winning ways for years to come?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:36 PM)

This is no one-year thing, Ryan. I actually thought this team might have a year like this in 2009 or 2010, so it was clearly on the rise anyway. Just happened that it all came together THIS year. This won't be this squad's final time in the postseason, and I mean this current core.

Nathan Argenta (Boston, MA)

Boston is way better than the rays

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:36 PM)

If healthy maybe. But health is part of the game.

Tom (Quincy,MA)

What are the chances that the Rays end up as a dismantled team 3 to 5 years from now when the ownership won't give big salaries?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:37 PM)

Depends whether they get their proposed new ballpark. They'd need a better venue to keep the fans coming. And an open-air stadium is not gonna cut it in Florida.

eric (iowa)

wow what a killer double play

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:37 PM)

Yup. And on a pretty quick guy in Coco Crisp, no less.

Anthony (TAmpa)

how dominant has the top of the lineup been for the rays this postseason

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:41 PM)

Uh, pretty dominant. Iwamura, Upton, Pena and Longoria have totaled 39 hits, 13 homers, 27 RBIs and 25 runs thus far.

Jason (Boston)

The Rays have crushed Wakefield this season. Why didn't the Sox go with someone else?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:42 PM)

Like who, Paul Byrd? Maybe it makes sense but he can be pretty hittable at times too.

Matt (FL)

Can you post my chat just so I know it works?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:42 PM)

It works!

matt (Boston)

I know even Paul Byrd is better than Wake more realiable anyway.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:43 PM)

Maybe, but opposing hitters batted .287 with 31 homers and an .801 OPS against him this season. Those aren't stellar numbers. Wakefield: .228, 25 and .689.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:44 PM)

WOW did Willy Aybar clobber that one. Right down the line, well over the Monster seats. A total bomb, and now 5-0 Rays.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:45 PM)

Sheesh, Tim Wakefield has really gotta go if the Red Sox want to hang in this game.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:46 PM)

By the way, Red Sox fans, in case you want some encouragement, a great stat from Tom Haberstroh of ESPN's stats and analysis group ... Andy Sonnanstine has allowed a .362 opponents' batting average and .914 OPS. In all other innings his numbers are .258 and .700. So that's your frame, guys.

Kyle (St.Pete, FL)

Games already over! :)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:48 PM)

The Red Sox are never out of a game in the third inning, or at least not a 5-0 one. But I'm a pretty big Justin Masterson fan. If he can eat up, let's say, three or four innings, I think this can still be a contest.

Mike (Haddon Heights)

Whats makes you think that? Red Sox cant hit. Phillies / Rays? Are you serious!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:51 PM)

What team have you been watching, Mike? The Red Sox scored the third-most runs in baseball this season, ranked second in team OPS and were a top-10 offense in the month of September. And they scored eight runs three nights ago. It'd be foolish to rule them out of this.

Joe (Baltimore)

Tristan, what are the chances the Dodgers come back in the NL series and beat the Phils?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:53 PM)

I'm being honest, but also having a little fun with the whole predicting thing, but I'd say less than five percent.

wes (TX)

TRISTAN, im a huge rangers fan, and we showed great signs of life this year untill the last month or so of the season ( kinsler got hurt ) how will we fair next year and for years to come???

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:54 PM)

A lot of Rangers fans in these chats. I love that offense, and if they can hold it together while pulling in a quality arm or two, I bet they'll be a sleeper as early as next year. But that team's on the rise if it takes longer than that.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:55 PM)

That Kevin Cash just went deep sure backs up that previous stat about Andy Sonnanstine, wouldn't you say?

Mike(Utica,NY)

What were the odds that Kevin Cash hit the first redsox homer tonight.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:57 PM)

Let's say I'd have made a fortune on that one if there were odds available. The dude batted .225 with a .647 OPS for the regular season.

Timbo (Boston)

Ortiz is 0 for forever

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (8:59 PM)

0-for-his-past-13, actually. I do wonder whether something's not quite right with him.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:02 PM)

I'm telling you, I really like this kid. He's going to be something special, though I'd hope the Red Sox do convert him back into a starter in the future.

Burkle (Beavercreek)

Will Masterson be starting next yeah?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:03 PM)

I think he should. It wouldn't surprise me if the team goes into spring training with him battling Clay Buchholz for one spot, though.

Josh (NY)

Nah i dont think he will. They sent him back down thise year to become a reliever

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:05 PM)

For THIS year they did. Future years, I think it'd be silly. He has more of a starter's makeup, I think, and besides, everyone makes a big deal about how Joba Chamberlain should be a starter. Well, if he should, why does it make more sense for Masterson to relieve?

Ed (Philadelphia)

Wouldn't it make sense to have Buchholz and Masterson in the rotation along with Beckett, Dice-K and Lester?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:06 PM)

Yes, but I think the Red Sox might dip into the free-agent market for one starter, meaning Buchholz dukes it out with Masterson for the No. 5 slot, which really means Masterson relieves again if Buchholz is up to the task. And he starts if not.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:08 PM)

Another great stat from ESPN's Mark Simon: The Rays never blew a lead of greater than three runs during the 2008 regular season.

Trent (St. Pete)

What pitchers will be available in the free agency the red sox might be looking at?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:08 PM)

Well, we all know CC Sabathia will be out there, but I think A.J. Burnett will opt out of his deal with the Blue Jays, and Ben Sheets is available too. Plus Jake Peavy is on the trading block.

luis (tampa)

why do people thinks this season is a fluke for the rays. i hear people say in espn that the rays wont make it to the playoffs next year. they are going to be better next year with price and perez

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:09 PM)

You won't hear that from me. These boys aren't going away. It's a tough, tough division, but this is a possible dynasty in the making. Nice, balanced, young roster.

Lee (Santa Monica)

Don't you think they should grab Burnett and Pavano so they can have a Marlins reunion rotation?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:11 PM)

They'd have to trade for Brad Penny and Dontrelle Willis to complete the set.

Curtis (New Zealand)

Hows the atmosphere at Fenway? (From what you can gauge)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:12 PM)

Sorry to say, Curtis, I'm not at Fenway. Though having been there, it's a great baseball atmosphere in general. I have a feeling while some of the fans were a little deflated while Wakefield was in there, they're building their energy back up with Masterson tearing through these middle frames.

Pete (Virginia)

Tristan, where is bartolo colon? and dont tell me an all you can eat buffet.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:13 PM)

Roster-wise he's on the suspended list. Physically I'm told he's in the Dominican Republic. Probably at an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Nat (Beijing)

I wouldn't be so quick to assume that burnett will be gone....the Jays ar making a strong pitch for him to stay, and he feels they can win (in this same aforementioned tough division) he will stay

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:15 PM)

I would be stunned if he doesn't opt out barring the Blue Jays ponying up a bloated contract extension before the deadline (shortly after the World Series ends). It just makes more financial sense for him to test the market. Think of it like the A-Rod situation last winter.

joshua tanner (st augustine,fl)

Why are the Red Sox batters having so much trouble with hitting this pitcher?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:16 PM)

Well, for one thing, he's a good, underrated pitcher. For another, he's doing what he does, throwing strikes and keeping the Red Sox off their usual game, working the count. So far, 47 pitches, 31 strikes. Being very efficient. It's Sonnanstine's game.

Tom (boston)

I hate to say it but we need Manny in a bad way. Agree Tristan?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:18 PM)

You need his bat but you surely didn't need his attitude. I was not part of that clubhouse at the time the Manny problems popped up, but if he was the clubhouse cancer all the reports seemed to suggest, the case can be made he'd have sagged the team's spirits enough to negate anything he'd have offered with the bat. There's no denying that he's a game-changer, so if that's the answer you're looking for, there it is. He's also a real headache, I'm told.

Musa (Tampa)

Man is this guy in love with Masterson or what.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:21 PM)

Yes he is. But he also likes to hitch his wagon to players he sees something special in. Part of it is the fantasy angle, but I like the sinkerballer types like Webb, Carmona and Wang. Just a fan of the type.

Brian (Martin)

this doesn't matter...Phillies are gonna beat whoever comes outta this...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:22 PM)

Wow. Just the other night everyone was saying the winner of THIS series is a lock to win the World Series!

brian (TX)

Where is Varitek tonight?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:24 PM)

Kevin Cash is Tim Wakefield's personal catcher, and I can't imagine the Red Sox want to burn a player off the bench too early in this game. We'll probably see Varitek before long.

wes (TX)

i really thought going into this series that some type of altercation would arise, do you think one might still come up???

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:25 PM)

Wouldn't shock me with all the bad blood in the past. Interesting how it's the NLCS that has had its share of incidents, but not the ALCS .. yet.

Adam (Boston)

well considering Varitek hasn't been hitting that well and Cash has a homerun I wouldn't be surprised if they let him stay in a little longer

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:26 PM)

Sure, but I'd guarantee that late in this game the Sox won't be able to resist the temptation to toss in a pinch hitter for Cash. He's not the kind of guy you want up there in a clutch situation.

Kyle (Boston)

If the Yankees get Manny could u see an altercation with him and 1 of the Sox players?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:28 PM)

The Yankees won't get Manny, if only because they must know that Manny only wants to be there because it's home for him, and it helps serve to help him show the Red Sox what they're missing.

Mary (Los Angeles)

Do you think the World Series will be competitve? I'm sick of sweeps and easy World Series series.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:29 PM)

Yes. I don't think the divide between the leagues is as steep as it once was. Plus, all four of these teams can play.

Scott (North of Beantown)

Where does Lugo end up next year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:31 PM)

Well, he's signed through 2010 at $8 million a year, so that's a tough contract to move. If the Red Sox toss some cash in, maybe they can move him. St. Louis, perhaps? Interesting how Boston has shelled out bloated four-year deals to two shortstops that didn't pan out: Lugo and Edgar Renteria.

Danny (Lowell MA)

Which shortstop did you support ? Were you a Renteria Lugo Cabrera or Gonzales guy ?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:35 PM)

Hard to remember exactly my feeling the day any of those guys were brought on board, but I seem to remember being most pro-Edgar Renteria of the bunch. I'm not an Orlando Cabrera fan, and I didn't think Julio Lugo was an especially good fit for the team.

Joel (Wellesley, MA)

dont forget Pokey!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:35 PM)

To think, the Reds once almost let Pokey Reese hold up a trade for Ken Griffey Jr. Incredible.

wes (TX)

WOW... sonnanstine is dominating this game. and in line for 8 iinings mayb even a complete game!! what a saver for the rays bullpen who could now be well rested for the rest of the series!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:37 PM)

Well said. To note, though, there are days off after this game AND Game 5, so it's not like rest is a huge issue for either team right now. It's a factor, but not the defining factor.

Jake ((Montville,NJ))

Why was Masterson taken out of the game?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:39 PM)

Probably because at this stage, the Red Sox don't view Masterson as the kind of guy they can count on to throw 50-plus pitches in an outing. He threw 39 pitches, his most since his final start on July 5. For the record, I'd have kept him in there, which is easy to say of course following that triple.

shane (the hawkeye state)

whose your favorite team tristan?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:41 PM)

Yanks.

Bob (LA)

how do you like iwamura as a Japanese pickup for the Rays?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:42 PM)

The thing I admire about guys like Akinori Iwamura and Kosuke Fukodome is while they don't boast big-time power, they work the count well, and get on base. That creates headaches for opposing pitchers, running up pitch counts, helping put men on the basepaths to drive home.

Shane (New Zealand)

I am picking that you just got slammed by 95% of the public when you answered Yanks!!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:44 PM)

I'm sure, but it doesn't change that being the factual answer. I'm not going to lie about it. I usually follow it up by mentioning my fondness for Oscar Azocar and Wade Taylor, because it's funny at least.

steve (ma)

who do you like better, BJ or his brother?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:44 PM)

I like the Uptons a lot and always have, and really thought B.J. would become a better player than he has. He's still awfully good, with room to improve. But Justin's going to have the better career. That kid has future MVP potential.

Will (Vanderbilt)

If Tampa scores any more runs this inning, the game is over

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:46 PM)

I think that'd be fair to say. Tampa Bay's bullpen is phenomenal, and Sonnanstine is dealing. It might be over already, at 7-1.

michael (syracuse)

a little off topic of the game but do you think aceves will make a good starter for the yanks next year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:48 PM)

Great year he had but all the scouts' reports had him a back-of-the-rotation type. I won't say he can't make himself into a decent No. 3/4 starter, but Ian Kennedy finished 2007 strong and then stunk this year, so let's not get overzealous. All Aceves did was earn himself a long look for the fifth starter's role coming out of spring training. I'd say a sleeper, but I won't buy all in for 2009, not yet.

redrocket (yrussia)

longoria slam

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:48 PM)

Let's see!

Kurt (Cherry Hill NJ)

I bet the Rays wish they didn't have that day off tomorrow, they seem to be on cruise control right now

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:49 PM)

That's a very good point, Kurt. And who knows, with the same arrangement last year, maybe that played right in the Red Sox's favor then, too.

John (Toronto)

who do you think is the MVP of this series so far? Upton? Longoria? someone else?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:50 PM)

Right now it's Evan Longoria, but it's close, with a lot of strong choices.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:51 PM)

Evan is eating up TONS of Manny Delcarmen pitches. Just what he needs to do right here.

ODB (Chicago)

CC mike will be in NEW YORK as a YANKEE

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:53 PM)

I think that is highly likely to happen, provided CC Sabathia WANTS to come to New York. To me that's the only question about it, the Yanks will pony up the big bucks in the first year of their new ballpark. But for the record, I think that contract is going to be a mistake for whoever pays it. Not that I'm busting on CC for 2009 or 2010, I think he'll be great. But it'll be a six-year deal for something around $25 mil a year, and with his weight and workload the past two years, I have to think he's going to have some physical problems that affect a couple seasons in the deal. I'll probably take some heat for saying that, but just watch, in 2012 we might be looking at CC very differently.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:54 PM)

ESPN's Mark Simon notes that Evan Longoria walked only one time with the bases loaded the entire regular season!

Brian (Philly)

How come Philly isn't ever bunched in with the Boston of old and Cubs pity parties over not winning WS? We've had 1 in 126 yrs!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:54 PM)

But you had one 28 years ago. Hard to be sympathetic to a team not close to owning the longest drought.

Carter (Cleveland)

I can think of another New York team that might pony up the big bucks for CC in the first year of a new stadium...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:55 PM)

And normally I would agree with you had the Mets not spent that money on Johan Santana. To lock up two pitchers for around $50 million total annually seems like an awfully risky long-term strategy.

Andrew (nyc)

Think the Red Sox are regretting the trade of Manny while hes tearing up playoff pitching?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:56 PM)

Nope. I don't think they regret it one bit. Seriously.

tj (ny)

this game looks like its about to be over, is the seris?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (9:57 PM)

Well, here's the skinny: It'll be Dice-K in the next game, and then I have a feeling it's Jon Lester in Game 6. So we can't entirely rule the Red Sox out, not yet. But I would say this is going to be AT LEAST as much of a challenge to come back from as that 2004 ALCS.

Steve (Binghamton)

How long will Trevor Hoffman last?? Is Heath Bell the answer for the Padres??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:01 PM)

I thought this was the year we'd finally begin to see him crumble, and it didn't happen. Every year he gets closer to it, though. And I see Bell being a pretty decent replacement, though with nowhere near the longevity, and slightly less the performance level of Hoffman's prime.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:01 PM)

Now it's 11-1, and Delcarmen finishes with five runs with one out recorded. Yeah, Justin Masterson should've been kept out there.

Til (Baltimore)

Finally the Sox are showing there true colors. Why do you think everyone ruled the Rays out before the season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:03 PM)

Before the SEASON? That's very different than before the postseason. If we go back to March, remember, the Rays were a horrible team for a decade coming in, and not only that, their management had a distressing history of suppressing young talent. Cases in point: Keeping B.J. Upton and Delmon Young in the minors longer than necessary to limit their service time.

paul (nj)

is evan longoria going to be the next derek jeter?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:05 PM)

I assume you mean with regard to playing in 13 consecutive postseasons? That'll be a tough streak to match or exceed. Talent-wise, Evan Longoria is going to become a better hitter than Derek Jeter in his prime. Huge power source, MVP candidate annually.

Matt (NY)

If Tampa wins the WS, will they follow Floridian tradition and sell their team off?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:07 PM)

Uhhhh no. Totally different circumstances, for one.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:09 PM)

ESPN Research notes that the only time the Red Sox ever lost a postseason game at home by 10 or more runs, they won the ALCS. Oh, and the World Series. It was 2004, when they lost 19-8.

Bernie (NY)

That DirecTV "Poltergeist" commercial is really in bad taste. I mean, the kid's dead. It's creepy. Bad, bad idea.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:09 PM)

I don't like it either.

Ben (Misawa Japan)

who are you tristan cockcroft?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:10 PM)

I write for ESPN.com Fantasy Games.

Kyle (San Francisco)

Whos your all time favorite EXPO?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:13 PM)

Vlad, off the top of my head. I almost bought a Vlad jersey for nostalgia's sake, except that I felt like it didn't make a ton of sense not being an Expos fan.

Owen (Philly)

you gotta say your favorite expo was rondell white

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:14 PM)

Not a big White fan, but his horrible brief stint in New York probably has me biased against him.

corey (rochester, NY)

who is more disappointing right now, the Red Sox or the Patriots? both started well and now are failing terribly

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:15 PM)

I'll take a disappointment in the postseason a million times over not making the playoffs. Of course, that makes it sound like I'm ruling the Patriots out of the playoffs, and I'm not, but if they don't make it that's by far the bigger disappointment.

Pat (Charlotte)

If is does happen this way, Tampa vs Philly who do you like

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:16 PM)

Rays. In seven. Again, home-field advantage. Huge.

Kenny (BEANTOWN)

Comeback time.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:17 PM)

Kenny wins for kibosh comment of the night.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:18 PM)

Wow was that fun to watch, Big Papi racing around to third for a triple.

Jake (Wisconsin)

Can the Brewers go to the playoffs or even farther next year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:19 PM)

The biggest problem for the Brewers is going to be that if they lose BOTH CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets, they're going to be hurting on the pitching side. They lack bullpen depth and would need to bring in a big-time ace, too. I do like the lineup, it should be strong for several years. But they might have missed their chance this year.

Matty (LA)

Joe Torre should be fired for the way he handled that 'pen last night and don't veen get me started about how he juggles the lineup

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:20 PM)

I have a ton of respect for Joe Torre but the biggest problem he has had the past couple of seasons is that he's way too reliant on "his guys" with the bullpen. He makes some curious choices with the 'pen, and I think gets too creative there.

Dan (Wyoming)

ya, what a horrible manager, all he does is get his teams to the playoffs every year

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:24 PM)

And he deserves credit for that, which is why I said, again, that I have great respect for him. The flip side of this is that he has been handed All-Star caliber rosters to manage, so there's that. And my point is merely that he seems a little less up to the task today than he might have, say, five years ago.

Bob (Colorado)

Tristan...why do you hate Joe Torre?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:24 PM)

I do not hate Joe Torre.

Corey (Boston, MA)

Well no one considers Marty Schottenheimer to be an elite coach and he did what you mentioned several times, success is measured by rings today

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:26 PM)

To me, getting to the postseason is a tremendous feat. You can't win it all if you don't get there. So don't get me wrong, credit the guys who annually reach the playoffs. Thing is, question was regarding Torre's bad bullpen management. I'm just noting what I see as a weakness, not trashing the guy.

Doug (Stevenson Ranch)

Hey...its up to the players from the payoffs nad on, Joe atleast gets them there

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:26 PM)

Tell that to Grady Little.

Terry (Alabama)

Looks like Sonnanstine is done for tonight.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:28 PM)

Maybe the Rays would yank him in order to consider using him as necessary in Game 7 in relief, but he'd be on four days' rest then anyway. He's at 89 pitches, so I'm not entirely convinced he's done. I'd probably leave him out there, as well as he has pitched.

Will (Nevada)

When do you think this game was over

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:30 PM)

When Tampa extended it to 7-1 on B.J. Upton's single in the sixth.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:30 PM)

I can't believe anyone would ever leave a game early, especially a postseason one. Those guys were all headed to the bathroom, that's the ticket, right?

Tod (Provo)

This game is not over. The Red Sox get lucky all the time

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:31 PM)

I don't agree with you, but what a story that one would be.

Jacob (Amherst)

How about Pedro for favorite Expos?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:32 PM)

Hard to pick a guy who was just entering his prime at the time he got traded off.

Tristan (SANFRAN)

Hey, nice to see someone else with the name Tristan. So who do you think will land the big name free agents: Sabathia Burnett Teixera Manny

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:36 PM)

I have a feeling CC Sabathia is going to come down to where he wants to play more than it will money. It's Yankees if he's willing. But I could see the Dodgers or Indians as possible destinations. A.J. Burnett, I think he's Yankee-bound if CC isn't. Mark Teixeira, stays in L.A. Manny, I still say Mets.

Michael (Texas)

How long do you think Girardi will last for the yanks?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:38 PM)

If the team spends the big bucks in an attempt to make the postseason in 2009, then has a comparably disappointing regular season, I'd say he'll be on the hot seat to begin the 2010 season. I don't think it's close to imminent otherwise, though.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:39 PM)

Carl Crawford is now batting .500 for the ALCS, has nine hits and four RBIs and has to enter the MVP equation if his Rays win.

SnowDaddyO (Wynnewood)

What makes you say Manny will go to the mets?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:40 PM)

The Mets have to do SOMETHING significant to win back their fan base in the first year of a new park coming off these dreadful back-to-back campaigns, and I see their corner outfield spots as huge problem areas. Just seems to make sense, and it's a fun call besides. I could see the Phillies as a destination.

Will (Nevada)

Crawford over longoria?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:40 PM)

I'm saying he's a candidate, not the favorite. And lots of series still to be played. I see the Red Sox winning Game 5.

Michael (New york)

Who spends more this offseason- Mets/Yankees/Sox

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:41 PM)

Yankees, because all that money is coming off the books.

Abel (Tampa)

To be fair Tristan you saw the Sox winning tonight too...

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:43 PM)

Yes I did but the matchup is absolutely more favorable for them tomorrow than it was tonight. James Shields: 0-3 with a 10.12 ERA in three career starts at Fenway. He's an ordinary, league-average pitcher on the road. Dice-K was 9-3 with a 3.34 ERA at home this year.

Steiny (NYC)

Do you think the Mets are going to/should break up the core? (Reyes, Wright, Delgado, and Beltran)

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:44 PM)

Going to? No. Should? Yes. They need to do something, if only because it's going to be tough to stroll an almost identical roster to the one that failed in 2007 and 2008. Fans won't let them forget, the memories would be too strong.

Jason Tampa, FL

Tristan, everyone pegged these last 2 games as favorable for the Sox and look at the results.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:47 PM)

Needs to be said, so I won't deny the possibility we see a repeat on Thursday. I still pick the Sox.

Rich (Medford, MA)

Joba, pen or rotation?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:48 PM)

I still say 'pen, and I take a lot of heat for it. But I have a feeling he's not going to hold up over the long haul as a starter. He just seems to have the makeup of a dominant future closer. Maybe it's the gut talking, I'm just making a call the way I see it.

Jonno (Queens)

Anyone been kissed by Morgana recently??

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:49 PM)

Her husband, probably. But she retired in 1999, so I doubt any sports figures in awhile.

Anthony (South Carolina)

Longo and (the real) CC have really picked up where they left off...Would you credit the Rays training staff?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:51 PM)

With Carl Crawford, sure. I also credit the player there, though, since he was so committed to getting himself back into playing shape for the postseason. As for Evan Longoria, sure, I guess you could credit the training staff, but fact is I doubt there was a lot they could do to help a fractured wrist heal faster.

Mike (Wisconsin)

Do you think the Rays will pull a Rockies and choke in the World Series, or do they have what it takes to win it?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:52 PM)

Hindsight, sure, but I'm sorry, this Rays team is far more balanced than last year's Rockies.

robert (miami)

who would belive this..and in boston

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:53 PM)

Game 3 of the 2004 ALCS was a 19-8 Yankee rout at Fenway Park ... and the Red Sox came back to win the series down 3-0. So I can believe it.

Jono (Atlanta)

When's the last time somebody took the first two games at Fenway in the playoffs? Aren't the Sox supposed to have the best homefield advantage in baseball?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:55 PM)

In 1998 when the Indians did it in the Division Series. So it's pretty rare.

Kush (Phoenix)

WOW - Jackson was throwin GAS

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:56 PM)

Sure was. Suddenly it's looking awfully smart of the Rays to slide him back onto the roster as a reliever for this ALCS.

Fake Tristan H. Cockcroft (Here)

13-4 Sox fans, but don't lose hope. We'll score 10 in the 9th to pull this one out, then come back on Thursday and win again. James Shields is starting for Tamp on Thursday and he is 0-46 with a 79.85 era in Boston, so the matchup definitely favors the Sox. Go Red Sox!!!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:57 PM)

You're definitely the fake "me," because I'd never call for a Red Sox comeback tonight!

Kyle S (Colorado)

How many times did the rays beat the sox this year?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:58 PM)

In the regular season, 10 times in 18 meetings. In the postseason, three times in four meetings, or at least that'll be true in about 15 minutes.

Cris (Dayona Beach)

Game 5 is not in Boston

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (10:59 PM)

Actually it is, baseball still does the 2-3-2 format.

Greg (St. Petersburg, FL)

It's nice to see a team who couldn't fill a stadium for years on end be in the spotlight. The energy here is amazing. Something we're not used to.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:00 PM)

It's quite a story, Greg, and certainly has my attention. Fun team to watch. As for the comment about not filling a stadium, I remember being a little ticked when I was a Fort Lauderdale resident driving up to Tampa to see a Devil Rays-Yankees game, and being asked $100 for a good seat. That kind of irked me, and we're talking about at least five years ago.

Nick (NJ)

Come to a Phillies game :) The fans are nuts!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:01 PM)

And they have great food.

steven, m (ktown,md)

nationals world series 09

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:01 PM)

Now THAT would be a miracle.

sam (lakeland, fl)

no wonder it was 100 you were in the wrong city

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:02 PM)

OK, St. Pete, to be technical. If your team uses "Tampa" as its city name, then so can I.

bd (Boston)

ok, so baseball is obviously over--Name Game, Tristan: RMoss or EGraham

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:03 PM)

Randy Moss.

Ron (Franklin)

Does David Price win a rotation spot next season?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:03 PM)

I'd be stunned if he did not. That kid's going to be a great pitcher with time. Now is the perfect time to buy into the David Price hype.

chris (clearwater)

actually they use tampa bay which is all cities clearwater,stpete,and tampa plus all surrounding cities combined

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:04 PM)

OK, we're being really, really technical now.

Colin (Asheville, NC)

Who closes for the Rays next year? Still Percival? Maybe Wheeler? Maybe...Jackson?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:05 PM)

Grant Balfour.

Rob (Philly)

Price or Kershaw?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:05 PM)

David Price. I think he's a little more prepared to handle the workload at this point. But Clayton Kershaw is going to become an extremely good pitcher with time. A possible Cy Young candidate within three years.

Rich (Medford, MA)

is Phil Hughes ever going to be good?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:07 PM)

I have faith. Might be easy for me to say that, but in the brief, brief glimpses we've had of the kid, we've seen some rather promising signs. If he can only stay healthy I think he's a future ace in the making.

Scot (Los Angeles)

Coke or Pepsi?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:07 PM)

Coke. It's not a contest for me.

Jack (Tampa)

do you think David Price is going to become a Cy Young canidate?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:07 PM)

Ohhhhhh yes. Not next year, but good chance he'll make a run by 2010.

ben (wisconsin)

how much is the rays salary cap

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:09 PM)

The Rays spent about $44 million on payroll in the 2008 season, and that was the second-least of any team in baseball.

Jake (WI)

Who do you see having a better career, Braun or Longoria?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:10 PM)

Ryan Braun is going to be the better pure power hitter, but I think Evan Longoria will go down as the better career player, because he's a much more complete package.

Dirksen (MD)

What do you think of the hill in Houston's centerfield?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:11 PM)

I always thought it was an injury waiting to happen but I'm all for creative design in a ball field. The flag pole just worries me.

ksully (Chicago)

What percentage do you give the Sox to come back and win the series?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:12 PM)

Hmmm. Maybe 33? Which is a lot for a team two outs from being down 3-1.

Matt (FL)

If the Rays win the World Series thy won't have far to go to Disney World.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:13 PM)

Ha! Great point, Matt. And to think, they even played a few games there this season.

jakson (denver)

should i start andre johnson or hines ward

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:13 PM)

Andre Johnson has an incredible matchup this week.

Sean A. (Georgetown, DC)

You really think that Boston comes back from this deficit one out of every three times?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:14 PM)

If Josh Beckett is completely healthy one out of those three times, then yes. That is the key to me.

Dan (NY)

Carl Crawford put on a clinic today

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 PM)

That he did. Third guy to go 5-for-5 in postseason history.

Jordan (Boston)

The Sox WILL come back

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 PM)

We shall see!

Brendan P. (B'ville)

You didn't use a single message I sent to you:( lol. Go Red Sox!

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:15 PM)

Sorry Brendan, and again, nothing personal, just a ton of questions tonight!

gabriel (orlando)

no way in hell the rays are not the 2004 yankees

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:16 PM)

Wouldn't that mean that they ARE the 2004 Yankees?

nevens (new brunswick)

who do you think has a better shot of coming back from a 3-1 defecit

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:18 PM)

Again, Red Sox. I gave the Dodgers less than a five-percent chance.

jason (indy)

should i take a trade in which i am giving up steve smith and thomas jones...and receiving marshawn lynch...i already have brandon marshall and terrell owens

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:19 PM)

I'd probably hope to deal Smith for Lynch straight up, but it's not a crazy deal for you, seeing your depth.

Brian (Tampa)

Do you think it would be smart to start Kazmir in game 5, then Shields in game 6?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:20 PM)

No. Scott Kazmir has significant home/road splits, and I think he's better off in the home game. I can see the case but I'd stick with the status quo.

chaz (va)

is ken griffey jr gonna pass willie mays?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:21 PM)

He's probably going to need to play three more years to do it, so I'd say the chances are beneath 50/50.

alex (nyc)

so with the matchups as they currently are, which of the remaining games is the rays' best chance of closing?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:22 PM)

Game 5. Dice-K, in spite of the numbers I listed earlier, can have his off days. And Jon Lester and Josh Beckett, expecting them to post back-to-back stinkers is quite a stretch. Well, at least for Lester it is. With Beckett it's all an issue of health.

nasser (billerica)

hey you think derek jeter is making the 3000-Hit club

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:23 PM)

Without question. Barring catastrophic injury.

Lee (NJ)

What do you think of Roy Williams fantasy value now that he got traded to Dallas?

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:24 PM)

Getting out of Detroit presents his best chance at reviving his season, that's how I see it. But he'll need time to get acclimated to the offense. I bet he's a borderline No. 2/3 receiver there.

Tristan H. Cockcroft

  (11:24 PM)

Well, folks, time to call it a night. It's been fun, and thank you for chatting with me! We'll be back again tomorrow for the NLCS, so please do check in...