ESPN

Buzzmaster

  (5:22 PM)

We'll be chatting during the entirety of tonight's NLCS Game 5, starting at 8 p.m. ET! Stop on by!

Rob Neyer

  (8:03 PM)

Am I the only one pulling for the Dodgers tonight for the sole reason that otherwise this may be a terribly non-dramatic postseason?

ERIC HOLLYWOOD,CA

I am concerned the Dodgers are losing hope...I have been reading teams that have come back...and Blake and Manny were on both sides of winning and losing teams....How show they approach this game?

Rob Neyer

  (8:04 PM)

Just like any other. Baseball's not really a game where it helps to be more intense.

Illadelph (Philly)

Frst off, why is the entire world against the Phillies?

Rob Neyer

  (8:06 PM)

Hey, two billion Chinese can't be wrong, right?

Jake (Wilmington, NC)

How is this a non-dramatic post-season? Who actually thought the Rays would make it this far? Who thought the Phillies would be playing as well as they are?

Rob Neyer

  (8:07 PM)

None of the Division Series went five games, did they? There's a decent chance that both LCS will last only five games. I think MLB owes us a good World Series!

Matt (Pittsburgh)

Who has a better chance of coming back: Boston or L.A.?

Rob Neyer

  (8:08 PM)

The Red Sox, but only if Beckett's as healthy as he says he is. Otherwise both clubs are dead.

Laurence (Sydney, NSW)

Do you think the Rays are right to go to Kazmir next? Seems that a struggling lefty in Fenway might be asking for trouble...

Rob Neyer

  (8:11 PM)

Sure, but you can flip that around, right? What if Shields pitched in Game 5 and lost? Then you're looking at a struggling Kazmir in Game 6 ... Kazmir has pitched exceptionally well in Fenway in his career.

chris (philly, pa)

Why is Fox (especially Buck and McCarver) and ESPN so biased towards to Dodgers? Go PHILS!!

Rob Neyer

  (8:12 PM)

First, I'm pretty sure that if there were some way to objectively measure their bias, you would find it's much less pronounced than you think. Second, those guys are rooting for the story, and the best story is Manny Ramirez and Joe Torre in the World Series.

Matt (Pittsburgh)

Manny and Jason Bay have gotten a lot of attention this offseason, but what about the other players involved in that trade? Do you still have high hopes for Andy LaRoche?

Rob Neyer

  (8:13 PM)

I do. But then, I can pretty stubborn with young players. Ridiculously so.

Phil (NY)

Jim Callis called the Mets the frontrunners for Sabathia today. They can offer money, NL, and a chance to form the best 1-2 punch in baseball. What do you put their odds at?

Rob Neyer

  (8:14 PM)

They may be frontrunners, but they'll be competing with at least a half-dozen other wealthy clubs. I'd say they're 4-to-1 at best.

Steve, Philly

The Fox in-studio guys just claimed that Russell Martin is struggling because he's swinging for the fences. What are the chances this is based off anything factual?

Rob Neyer

  (8:15 PM)

1-in-37

Matt (Philadelphia)

Does either NL team have a snowball's chance in hell of beating the Rays (or the Sox for that matter)?

Rob Neyer

  (8:15 PM)

Sure. In fact, that's exactly what they have.

Jeff (LA)

Rob, you were the only ESPN expert to nail the LCS's (thus far), what did you see in the Phils and Rays that others didn't?

Rob Neyer

  (8:17 PM)

I don't think I saw anything different. I just weighed what I saw a bit differently. To this point I've been lucky, but I don't enjoy forecasting postseason series because I don't enjoy guessing.

Jason (Chicago)

I understand (and mostly agree with) the argument that Manny winning MVP would be a laughably poor outcome. That said, would he land ANYWHERE on your 10-man ballot, or is a third of a season not enough, no matter how well he played?

Rob Neyer

  (8:18 PM)

Oh, I don't know. I haven't really thought through the issues, and I never go deeper than three or four candidates on my own (imaginary) ballot. The problem with getting Manny into my top 10, though, is that I'm pretty sure he wouldn't be among my top four Dodgers.

Matt (Pittsburgh)

Rob, there was some weird, intuitively ridiculous stat mentioned in your blog this morning (I think RBI+runs-HR or something?) Is this stat in wide use? Does it have any point whatsoever?Almost as ridiculous as OPS if you ask me.

Rob Neyer

  (8:19 PM)

That's called Runs Produced, and you'll see it every so often in a newspaper column. Sabermetricians dismiss it out of hand.

Collin (Cal Poly SLO)

Whoah whoah whoah who do you have above Manny on the Dodgers?

Rob Neyer

  (8:21 PM)

Ethier, Martin, Lowe, probably Billingsley ... the Dodgers wouldn't have won without those guys, too.

Mike (Phoenixville, PA)

I have a good feeling that Ryan Howard is going to make some noise with his bat tonight...

Rob Neyer

  (8:24 PM)

Hard to hold him down forever, one would think. All it takes is one hanging slider, one fastball in the wrong spot ...

Breezy (Phoenix)

Im thinking if the Rays make it, and the Phils make it, The Phillies in six.

Rob Neyer

  (8:26 PM)

I'm thinking more like Rays in five or six, won't say for sure until I see how the pitchers match up.

Chris (Phoenixville PA)

nice HR

Rob Neyer

  (8:27 PM)

Yup. Rollins hung in there until Billingsley threw a fastball middle up, just like the ones that got Lester toasted the other night.

Brent (Los Angeles)

That was a killer right there. Lets see if Billz can stay concentrated

Rob Neyer

  (8:28 PM)

So far, so bad; Billz went to a full count before walking Werth. Now the pitching coach is out there, and we might see Greg Maddux getting loose before long ...

Eric (Miami, Fl)

Do you think the Red Sox have a chance to beat the Rays? I mean we have seen them do this before in 2004 and 2007.

Rob Neyer

  (8:30 PM)

Of course they have a chance, but I don't think they have any particular ability to come back from way down, other than their natural talents. And right now they're without the natural talents of Mike Lowell and perhaps Josh Beckett and J.D. Drew.

Daniel (Tampa)

I agree...Boston is not to be taken lightly. I have seen how dangerous they can be in the playoffs. Do you think the Rays can beat either NLCS winner if they make it to the Series?

Rob Neyer

  (8:32 PM)

Can and will.

Justin Travis (Atlanta, GA)

Would a Phillies/Rays World Series be a ratings disaster?

Rob Neyer

  (8:33 PM)

Who cares? I mean, seriously: Should anyone who doesn't work at Fox care? I sure don't.

Steve (Blacksburg, VA)

Roommates are watching hockey.. the GameCast just said Injury Delay.. who was injured?

Rob Neyer

  (8:35 PM)

Furcal got his ankle bumped at second base but stayed in the game.

the fonz (happy days)

AYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!

Rob Neyer

  (8:36 PM)

You were my hero in 1977. Well, you and Fran Tarkenton and Rod Carew.

Ryan (Canada, eh)

I would love to see a Rays-Phils Series. It would be exciting. And I would just be glad to not have to watch the Red Sox anymore...

Rob Neyer

  (8:37 PM)

I don't think you're alone, Ryan. I have to say, "Rays-Phils" does not immediately send a happy shiver up my backbone, but if the games are good I'm sure we'll warm up to them.

Ben (Maine)

Pre-debate predictions, Rob? Or better yet, if the Dodgers (Blue) were Obama and the Phils (Red) were McCain, what would the final score be?

Rob Neyer

  (8:39 PM)

I don't want to give anything away. But I just saw a preview, and you might want to flip back and forth tonight ... http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2008/10/the_debate_watch_it_before_it.php

Jay (New York)

Am I the only one who calls Cole Hamels "Slaw"? Please tell me I'm not.

Rob Neyer

  (8:39 PM)

You're not! That's what his moms calls him.

Mike (Philly)

how about that quote from Matt Stairs about his team mates celebrating with him?

Rob Neyer

  (8:40 PM)

Didn't see it, and if I did I wouldn't admit it, and if I see it now I won't post here because this is a family website.

Ethan (PHX)

Rob is it just me or does Manny find a way to get on base every at bat?

Rob Neyer

  (8:41 PM)

I believe he's now 22-for-33 in the postseason, which is of course ridiculous. It helps that the pitchers are deathly afraid of him.

si (valley stream)

Rob, will you be hosting World Series chat?

Rob Neyer

  (8:44 PM)

Like clockwork, my friend.

Jeff (Denver)

Which do you think is the nicest park to watch a ballgame in ?

Rob Neyer

  (8:47 PM)

I'm going to draw a distinction here because you said "nicest" which eliminates Wrigley and Fenway -- my favorites -- from consideration. I'm going with Safeco Field in July and August.

Erik (Bloomfield, NJ)

Pardon my ignorance, but what's the deal with the trivia that pops up during the game cast?

Rob Neyer

  (8:48 PM)

I don't get to watch GameCast while I'm chatting, but I have to say -- and I wouldn't say this if I didn't mean it -- that GameCast is pretty sweet. If I didn't do this for a living, that's how I would follow the games.

Zack (Archbald)

Rob, too early too give us a World Series prediction for next year?

Rob Neyer

  (8:49 PM)

Unfortunately, I believe I'm already on record ... Indians vs. Mets. But I absolutely reserve the right to change my mind before Opening Day next spring.

Bill (California)

How many pro baseball parks have you been to Rob? I've gone to 13

Rob Neyer

  (8:50 PM)

I always forget the exact count, but it's something like 30 MLB, including a few that have been knocked down since.

Sarah (Anchorage)

Who's hotter: Me or Tina Fey?

Rob Neyer

  (8:51 PM)

Well, since believing in the fossil record is an important component of hotness ...

Matt (Mount Kisco, NY)

Rob, what are the chances that the Yankees overpay for Manny? Not in terms of years, but shorten up the deal and spend a little more per year.

Rob Neyer

  (8:52 PM)

He's talked about signing with a low-pressure team ... But what happens if they throw $25 million per season at him? I don't know.

Tom (Philadelphia)

Do you think Hamels is going to be as good as Steve Carlton down the road?

Rob Neyer

  (8:54 PM)

I don't. If you predict that Young Talented Pitcher X will someday win 300 games, you're almost always going to be wrong.

John (PHX)

Who does James Loney remind you of? Mark Grace a little?

Rob Neyer

  (8:55 PM)

That doesn't feel quite right to me ... I've got someone a bit looser and lankier in mind ... not sure who.

Tara (Denver)

Disregarding television ratings (since that's all that seems to matter when it comes to sports) what do you think is best for baseball and fans - the RedSox in the World Series vs. a Phils/Rays series or an LA/Rays series? Be honest.

Rob Neyer

  (8:56 PM)

I have to be honest? Geez ... I would say Dodgers/Rays, a great mix of storylines and histories.

andy (berkeley)

do you know nate silver? is he as smart as they say?

Rob Neyer

  (8:57 PM)

I know Nate hardly at all, but he's obviously just about as smart as they come. The guy has achieved two brilliant things in different fields of study. How many can say the same?

Craig (East Lansing, MI)

Any thoughts on the Citgo sign burning down?

Rob Neyer

  (8:58 PM)

Well, it didn't exactly burn down and I'm assuming they'll repair it. But I was saddened. Having spent a year in Boston, living near Kenmore Square, I have a real emotional attachment to that big sign.

Sean (Philly)

This direct TV commercial with the dead girl is a bit disconcerting.

Rob Neyer

  (8:59 PM)

Yeah, it is. (And for those of you who don't know what we're talking about, TBS incessantly shows a commercial with an altered clip from Poltergeist, with the little girl watching TV and saying, "They're he-ere." Which would be cuter if the actress who played the little girl hadn't died a few years later.)

Charlie (California)

Rob, what is your favorite tv show?

Rob Neyer

  (9:01 PM)

The Office blows my mind every week, it's so good. And Mad Men is my favorite drama.

chris (minneapolis)

say arrested development

Rob Neyer

  (9:01 PM)

That was my favorite before it got canceled.

Josh (Vermont)

Do you watch family guy?

Rob Neyer

  (9:02 PM)

Not regularly, but yeah. And I thought the episode about "Surfin' Bird" was sort of brilliant, in its way.

Chris (New Jersey)

You gotta check out It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia...HILARIOUS

Rob Neyer

  (9:03 PM)

I was a big fan for the first couple of seasons and it's still good, but I think the novelty's warn off a bit. For me at least.

anthony (austin)

that surfin bird episode got kinda annoying

Rob Neyer

  (9:03 PM)

That was the point, Anthony! Think Andy Kaufman ...

benny (stockton,ca)

Rob, do you even watch baseball?

Rob Neyer

  (9:04 PM)

Only when I'm not chatting ... No, but seriously ... I listen for the rise and fall of the voices and I look up when something happens. But this game doesn't seem to be doing much yet. Rollins aside.

Rich (Saddle Brook)

Any thoughts on the Dodgers offseason plans?Like will they resign manny and make play for sabathia?

Rob Neyer

  (9:05 PM)

I think the decision on Manny is tied to Andruw Jones' physical status. As for Sabathia, he seems like a luxury (for them) not worth pursuing.

Matt (Tallahasse, FL)

What a slide!

Rob Neyer

  (9:06 PM)

Yeah. For those of you not watching, it looked like Jimmy Rollins was going to be out trying to steal, but he just launched himself at the bag perfectly. Dynamic player, wonderful pictures.

Bob (New York)

Hi Rob - would you say that Rollins has got the same kind of intensity as Boileryard Clarke when he was playing for the 1897 Orioles?

Rob Neyer

  (9:07 PM)

I don't remember Boileryard vividly, but on roughly the same level, yeah.

Neil (Philadelphia)

Do you pay attention to politics? As a fan of the Phils, I have to say that having the debate and the game at the same time creates a tough choice.

Rob Neyer

  (9:08 PM)

I've been a mess for the last two months. But about tonight, that's what DVR and TiVo were invented for.

Mike (Bloomsburg)

Rob Neyer sounds like a nerd's name

Rob Neyer

  (9:08 PM)

It is!

Paul (Maine)

If the Phillies close this out tonight, do they stand a chance against who ever comes out of the ALCS?

Rob Neyer

  (9:12 PM)

Hey, remember the Cardinals two years ago? Anything's possible. But you have to bet on what you know, and we know the American Leaguers will be the better team. Unless, I suppose, the Red Sox sneak into the Series and Beckett's still shaky.

Tim (Central New York)

Finally , Howard come up big!

Rob Neyer

  (9:14 PM)

Really, it almost had to happen eventually. Every year some big slugger goes through a rough patch and it's blown way out of proportion. It happens. Just look at Howard's regular-season game logs sometime. Or Pat Burrell's.

Jimmy (Philly)

Before tonight's game, Rollins and Howard really haven't done anything this series and they're up 3-1. If those two actually start hitting, how scary is this offense?

Rob Neyer

  (9:15 PM)

Well, it's obviously a good offense. But when those guys heat up, some of the lesser lights will probably cool off some.

Matt (Tallahasse, FL)

Man, if they give Hamels much more..

Rob Neyer

  (9:16 PM)

Yeah, it's one thing to beat Hamels. It's another thing to score five or six runs against him ...

Greg (Amherst, MA)

Who would have thought going into the postseason that the Phillies would be here? It seems like every other club was a trendy pick EXCEPT the Phillies.

Rob Neyer

  (9:18 PM)

Oh, I don't know about that. You could go back and actually check, but I think a fair number of us (thought not me) had the Phillies in the playoffs. What fooled me, frankly, was Jamie Moyer.

D.J. (Portland)

How do you explain billingsley's fall from grace?

Rob Neyer

  (9:21 PM)

I can't. I would have to go back and watch his starts again, and even then I probably wouldn't see anything different. You know, sometimes good pitchers make a few bad pitches. And when it happens in October ...

james (st. louis)

Do you think Hamels has enough run support?

Rob Neyer

  (9:24 PM)

Perhaps, but the Dodgers generally have fared well against lefties this season. Another run or two would be nice.

Tres (Foster City,ca)

What has happened to the Red Sox? Why doesn't Wakefield and Timlin retire and stop the misery all of Sox fans?

Rob Neyer

  (9:27 PM)

Wakefield was a highly useful player this season, particularly for only $4 million. Timlin, not so much. As for retiring, you can hardly blame a guy for playing for as long as someone will pay him.

Jimmy (Philly)

Of the 18 "experts" ESPN polled on October 1st for the playoffs, Nobody had the Phillies getting out of the NLCS

Rob Neyer

  (9:28 PM)

I'm surprised that none of us went out on that particular limb, but by almost every objective measure the Cubs were the best team in the National League this season.

Kenny (Maryland)

Going with the big guns....bringing in Maddux.

Rob Neyer

  (9:33 PM)

I would suggest that we should say our goodbyes, but I suspect he'll also keep pitching as long as someone will give him a uniform. Which is cool w/me.

Porter (Madison, MS)

Who is the best hitting pitcher in the NL?

Rob Neyer

  (9:34 PM)

Gotta be Carlos Zambrano or Micah Owings, right?

rene (los angeles)

I know everyone in Los Angeles has been ripping on Joe Torre since the game four loss, but a manager can only control so much. It was up to the players to perform and if Martin and DeWitt would have gotten even one timely hit each, no one would be ripping on Torre. In the end, it's up to the players to come through, even if the manager makes a bad decision.

Rob Neyer

  (9:36 PM)

Of course. Torre maybe could have handled his relievers a little better, but two really good pitchers gave up home runs. I've been critical of Torre in the past -- I wrote a whole chapter in one of my books about him -- but I can't blame Game 4 on him.

Justin (Houston)

Who would've thought a philly\TB world series was even possible at the beginning of the season

Rob Neyer

  (9:40 PM)

Both teams projected to win roughly 85 games this season, Justin. So it wasn't all that far-fetched, actually.

Rishi (Nassau, NY)

In this day and age of special luxury taxes and such, how did TB make it?

Rob Neyer

  (9:41 PM)

They drafted well, they made some canny trades, and they caught a few breaks. Great recipe, huh?

Art (California)

You get the idea Tim Mc Carver doesn't like Manny?

Rob Neyer

  (9:42 PM)

I was about to respond that most ex-players don't like Manny, but then it occurred to me that most current players don't care much for him, either.

Bo (Florida)

Someone had the Rays to win 85 games?

Rob Neyer

  (9:43 PM)

Sure. Nate "PECOTA" Silver did -- actually, I think Nate had them winning 87 -- and I believe I had them winning ... hold on a second, I'll check ...

Rob Neyer

  (9:44 PM)

I think I had them winning 83, which isn't 85 but isn't far off.

Alex (Philly)

Yeah but 83 wins to a playoff team is a bit of a stretch, no?

Rob Neyer

  (9:46 PM)

Yeah, a bit. I believe one SD for team wins is 5, which means we shouldn't be surprised if a *true* 83-win team actually wins 88 games. But winning 97, as the Rays did, is something else altogether.

Nick (West Chester)

I hate to toot my own horn, but I called the Yankees missing the playoffs, the Rays being far better team then people expect, and I said during the first game of the year that Jose Molina would start more games at catcher than Jorge Posada.

Rob Neyer

  (9:47 PM)

Toot away, Nick. You were smarter than I.

RC (6max NL)

Really, the difference between your 83 wins/PECOTA's 87 wins and the playoffs is just a few wins - where did the extra wins come from? Bullpen improvements better than expected, Longoria getting more than a cup of coffee . . . ?

Rob Neyer

  (9:48 PM)

Yeah, the bullpen was better than we could have guessed, and also the Rays' top five starters were almost completely healthy all season. (I think we figured Longoria would play most of the time.)

Dennis (Chicago)

True or False: Cole Hamels should finish 3rd in NL Cy Young voting.

Rob Neyer

  (9:50 PM)

You're thinking behind Lincecum and Santana? Brandon Webb's in there somewhere, and Brad Lidge should be, too. Hamels will get some fourth- and fifth-place love, I suspect. But not much else.

Steve (NJ)

True or False: Pat Burrell has made himself a 20 million dollar a year player with his great postseason.

Rob Neyer

  (9:51 PM)

False. Numbers aside, there's no great affection around MLB for Burrell's talents. And he is a pretty awful outfielder.

RC (6max NL)

Now that I get de-lazy and look it up, PECOTA did indeed project >500ABs for Longoria - so the bullpen and rotation prevented 100 or so more runs than expected? Is that sustainable, or a lot of career years out of Grant Balfour types?

Rob Neyer

  (9:52 PM)

The bullpen probably won't be as good next year. That might be the biggest thing the GM has to worry about this winter.

Jason (Philly)

I think the Dodgers are starting to unravel a bit here

Rob Neyer

  (9:53 PM)

First a bad boot by Furcal, then a lousy throw home that gave the Phillies a couple more bases ... Man, this is getting ugly.

Phil (phil)

I wish the SOX win tomorrow

Rob Neyer

  (9:54 PM)

Me too. I get paid by the chat! [jk]

Marc (CA)

Just goes to show you that finishing hot doesnt guarantee you post-season success

Rob Neyer

  (9:57 PM)

And remember the rationale for the Dodgers beating the Phillies? Because the Dodgers were so good against the Cubs?

Joe (Philly)

Rob, predict the series winner.

Rob Neyer

  (9:58 PM)

Phillies. Especially after Furcal's third error of the inning.

Bret (PA)

Who do you have winning between the potential rays/phillies WS?

Rob Neyer

  (10:00 PM)

Rays in five or six ... and I'm not going to say it again (tonight).

Robb (Virginia Beach,VA)

Classy Move by Victorino hopefully that would have happened regardless of the mic.

Rob Neyer

  (10:05 PM)

McCarver says it's "odd" ... I have to agree with him. Isn't the time to console your opponent after you've stepped on his throat and he's surrendered?

KJ (Stillwater, OK)

I missed the comment Victorino made but heard them talking about it, was he talking to Furcal?

Rob Neyer

  (10:07 PM)

Yeah, supposedly he said to Furcal, "Keep your head up, buddy, c'mon!"

Jeff (Orlando)

What is wrong with feeling compassion for a fellow ballplayer? It's not as if Vic is going to take it easy because he feels bad for Furcal.

Rob Neyer

  (10:09 PM)

Think about what you're saying, Jeff ... Feeling compassion is one thing, but the only reason to express compassion is to make someone feel better about something. Do you want your opponent feeling better in the fifth inning? I know it's a five-run game, but still ...

Jay (New Orleans)

big DP!!!

Rob Neyer

  (10:09 PM)

Yeah. Who called it?!

Matt (New Jersey)

Black DeWitt for MVP!

Rob Neyer

  (10:11 PM)

Right ... In all seriousness, DeWitt is one of the few real weaknesses on this team. I know he had a nice season, for him. But he's just not good enough to play every day. For a good team, anyway.

Larry (NY)

Do you think the Yankees will be regretting the Alex Rodriguez contract at any point down the road?

Rob Neyer

  (10:13 PM)

Of course. It's almost a matter of course that every contract running more than four or five years winds up being regretted by the team.

Ricky (NY)

Except Derek Jeter

Rob Neyer

  (10:16 PM)

You're kidding, right? Actually, I should amend my last post ... It's not that teams always regret the deal. It's that they wish they could get out of them. And if Brian Cashman doesn't want to get out of Jeter's contract right now, he's a little nuts.

Kennedy (Florida)

you think the Rays will regret their deal with Longoria? Can't see that happening

Rob Neyer

  (10:17 PM)

Well, no. I should have distinguished between FA deals and those like Longoria's. I love locking up great young players for many years.

Mike (TX)

You think Torre should have started Kent?

Rob Neyer

  (10:19 PM)

I don't know why he didn't. I don't mean that as a knock. I mean that Torre presumably had some decent reason or reasons. I just haven't heard what they are. Anyway, Kent's in now. Hoping for a blast, now.

Eric (San Antonio)

What are the numbers of Longoria's contract for those of us too lazy to add a tab and look at google?

Rob Neyer

  (10:19 PM)

You're too lazy, I'm too busy. And so the fighting continues ...

Kevin (NY)

Is Jimmy Rollins the best leadoff man in the game?

Rob Neyer

  (10:19 PM)

Oh gosh no.

Matt (MSU library)

What is wrong with the Jeter contract - he hasn't produced the great stats as a couple of yrs ago, but he certainly still has all of those intangibles that makes him great.

Rob Neyer

  (10:21 PM)

Yes, those intangibles that guarantee a good postseason every year. Err, I mean, a postseason berth every year. Err, I mean . . .

Dave (Chicago)

Soriano is the best leadoff, right? geez. There is a contract we already regret.

Rob Neyer

  (10:21 PM)

A fine example, Dave. Let's try to come up with four more!

scott (fresno)

1. Zito 2. Zito 3. Zito 4. Zito

Rob Neyer

  (10:22 PM)

No fair, Scott. That's only two.

kevin (CA)

How about Andruw Jones? BUST!!

Rob Neyer

  (10:24 PM)

Just a two-year deal, doesn't qualify.

Matt (Tallahasse, FL)

JUAN PIERRE

Rob Neyer

  (10:25 PM)

Yes. That's three!

Donald Evans Kirkland WA

PEDRO !!!!!!

Rob Neyer

  (10:25 PM)

And four. But if you sent in Dontrelle Willis or Carlos Silva you get points, too.

Doug (Indiana)

Amazing!

Rob Neyer

  (10:27 PM)

When's the last time we saw anybody like this? Bonds at his best? And how does a guy reach this level when he's 36? Seriously, I want to know ...

Allen (Lubbock, TX)

What are the chances of Manny taking a 2 year 50 million dollar deal? Is it about the money or is it about the length to him. I just don't see anybody giving him 4 years.

Rob Neyer

  (10:28 PM)

Are you forgetting who his agent is? With the exception of Kyle Lohse, I have a tough time thinking of a single Boras client who didn't wind up getting more than we expected?

Nick (CA)

It'd be great to have Boras along when you go to the car dealership

Rob Neyer

  (10:30 PM)

Yeah, except it would cost a lot more to rent Boras than you would save on the deal.

JB (SF)

What kind of cut does Boras get from the contracts?

Rob Neyer

  (10:33 PM)

I believe the standard cut is 5 percent, but feel free to correct me.

Joe (Illinois)

Hey, Rob. I'm sure you heard, but if you haven't, the BIRD IS THE WORD!

Rob Neyer

  (10:34 PM)

I did hear. But thanks for the reminder.

Rob (North Conway, NH)

Do you think Russell Martin hurt his team arguing that third strike?

Rob Neyer

  (10:36 PM)

I think most umpires are principled enough to forget about that sort of stuff quickly.

Deuce (Seattle)

Rob, do you honestly think what the Rays have done will change the ways teams do business?

Rob Neyer

  (10:36 PM)

No, not really. A lot of teams are trying to do the same things. The Rays just did them better this year.

Andrew (NYC)

As Bill Simmons says...it's easy to win when you have a top5 pick every year of your team's existence.

Rob Neyer

  (10:39 PM)

Well, yes ... But didn't they lose 97 games last year? It's not that easy.

Greg (Los Angeles)

Do you think everything just came together for them at the right time?

Rob Neyer

  (10:43 PM)

Well, almost everything. With the exception of the injuries to Longoria and especially Crawford, almost everything went right for the Rays this season. As I've said before, they'll be good next year but they can't just sit on their hands this winter.

Gary (NC)

Do you think the rays will spend some money to beef up the bullpen?

Rob Neyer

  (10:44 PM)

Maybe one complementary guy. But most of their money must be devoted to keeping their young players.

Mike (philly)

its so weird i thought we were watching a phillies game i must've tuned into a rays game by accident

Rob Neyer

  (10:45 PM)

Funny how that happened, huh? My apologies, but now that this game seems like a foregone conclusion -- I know, it's not really -- everybody wants to talk about the other teams.

Brent (Delaware)

Then let's talk about this game... do you think Victorino would be NLCS MVP if the series ended tonight?

Rob Neyer

  (10:47 PM)

I don't have any idea ... But the Phillies letting Rowand get away is looking pretty good right now, huh?

Thor G (Prague CZ)

Will the Rally Monkey show for the Dodgers?

Rob Neyer

  (10:47 PM)

That'd be great, wouldn't it?

brad (dc)

is gillick a hall of famer?

Rob Neyer

  (10:50 PM)

Funny, I was just talking about that with my friend Mike Kopf (who's sitting here with me) ... I think the Hall has been terribly slow to honor GM's, but Gillick would be one of the top candidates if they ever get around to doing the right thing.

dick hertz (holden, mass)

hey rob what do you think about manny winning NL. MVP?

Rob Neyer

  (10:50 PM)

I think it's a terrible idea and I'll fight to the death against it.

Barry Allen (Cali)

Cut your ties to being a non-bias moderator and give us your straight up opinion. Game 5 was all Phillies from the 3rd inning on. No?

Rob Neyer

  (10:51 PM)

Umm, yes?

jack (Maryland)

Doesn't Hamels look like John Cleese?

Rob Neyer

  (10:51 PM)

He does! Well done sir! Now, don't they have to take John Cleese out of the game right here?

Sergio (Los Angeles)

Time for Madson?

Rob Neyer

  (10:53 PM)

Yes, apparently. Waiting for the signal . . . He's sticking with Cleese! Probably works out, but Kent's a guy who can change this game in a flash ...

Matt A (Philly)

The pitchers spot leads off next inning

Rob Neyer

  (10:53 PM)

So what? That's what double-switches were invented for.

todd (louisville, ky)

Why would you fight Manny being MVP Rob? Hasn't he provided the statistics to be strongly considered?

Rob Neyer

  (10:54 PM)

Hey, consider him until your eyes pop out of your head. Just don't vote for the guy. Two months!

Will (Santa Monica, CA)

and he has been the Most Valuable Player to his team this year

Rob Neyer

  (10:55 PM)

Horse hockey. They should invent a new award, Most Valuable Midseason Acquisition.

JT (Wilmington)

Huge pitch.

Rob Neyer

  (10:55 PM)

Looked a tad low to me. Where is PitchTrax when you need it?

Funny john (Clowntown)

Jeff Kent SUCKS!!!

Rob Neyer

  (10:57 PM)

Perhaps. Either way, even if that pitch was low, it's a pitch that you'll see good hitters drive from time to time.

Robert (Falls Church, VA)

It seems to me like they've been using pitchtrax a lot less the last two games. Do you think they got a complaint from the league/umpires? It's not always the most flattering tool.

Rob Neyer

  (10:58 PM)

Good question, Robert. Wouldn't surprise me. If they don't use it when we're back from commercial this time, we'll know something's fishy.

John (Pottsville Pa.)

Well, I disagree with any kind of tool that second guesses the call of the Umpires and any other officiating crew. These guys are trusted with the duty of calling the shots and as long as their decisions can't be overturned, it does only harm to second guess their calls. It is even worse to have them contradicted on live television.

Rob Neyer

  (11:00 PM)

That's an interesting take, John. I'm not completely sure you're wrong.

joel (laaofa or berkeley)

I love that your website has this nostalgic feel when your known as a 'stat-head'.

Rob Neyer

  (11:02 PM)

Thanks. I do what I can.

Kris Kringle (N Pole)

Neyer- what do you want for Christmas?

Rob Neyer

  (11:03 PM)

Peace, love and understanding. (Woah, woah-oh-oh ...)

Steve (allentown, pa)

No comments on the classless reaction of the fans cheering when Victorino appeared hurt? If it was in Philly everyone would have been up in arms!

Rob Neyer

  (11:04 PM)

Sorry, Steve. I missed it. Just like Mike Winters on that third "strike" to Kent. Fox finally showed it, and it was probably the worst call of the night.

Josh (Los Angeles)

When you're a clutch pitcher, you get the call Rob. Who needs accountability for umpires? We have the nostalgic feel of human error which interrupts rallies and can have tremendous sway on outcomes.

Rob Neyer

  (11:06 PM)

Aren't they great? I love umpires changing games! Hurray for the arbiters!

Me (PA)

The strike zone has been floating all series.

Rob Neyer

  (11:08 PM)

The umpires are human and that ball's moving real, real fast. I think MLB's umpires are the best in the world. I don't mind them missing a few, as long as they're not making up their own strike zones, and are willing to improve.

TG (L.A.)

Greg Maddux has gotten that type of pitch called a strike for his entire career. How about Kent swinging, rather than just staring at a pitch that he should know is a borderline call?The ump isn't winning this game for the Phils -- the team is...

Rob Neyer

  (11:10 PM)

But it might not have been borderline, TG. Is he supposed to swing at a pitch that's three inches outside the strike zone? Add three inches all the way around and the zone becomes HUGE.

Steve Mayers (St. Martin)

Can you believe I am watching this game in the middle of a hurricane?

Rob Neyer

  (11:11 PM)

I can. I'm glad you're getting a signal, and good luck riding it out.

john (new jersey)

do you see manny staying in LA?

Rob Neyer

  (11:13 PM)

I'm not sure where they find $25 million per season, or what they do with all their outfielders next season. If the Dodgers finish the season on a high note, there'll be a great deal of pressure to bring him back. But that now seems unlikely. I suspect he winds up with an AL team, and becomes a full-time DH.

Larry (Portland)

Do you think some of the very questionable tactical moves by both Torre and Francona has taken some shine off of them? (especially Francona)

Rob Neyer

  (11:15 PM)

No, not really. All those World Series rings buy a lot of goodwill. Also, when a series winds up being lopsided it's easy to forget the managers' mistakes.

Neyer Is (a hack)

Do you bring in lidge with a 4 run lead?

Rob Neyer

  (11:20 PM)

Abso-%@#$-lutely. You don't leave the top closer in the league in the bullpen in the clincher. By the way, early polls suggest that Obama smashed McCain tonight. If that makes you happy, congratulations. If not, condolences. Life goes on ...

Arty (Ft. Lauderdale)

If Dice-K pitches well again tomorrow night, do you think that will rejuvenate the sox with both Beckett and Lester taking the mound for the next 2 games...maybe with something to prove with everything bein on the line? Or do you think the Rays are just hitting the hell out of the ball too much to do anything about it?

Rob Neyer

  (11:22 PM)

All eyes will be on Joshua Ezekiel Beckett.

Josh (Chicago, IL)

What polls are you looking at Rob?

Rob Neyer

  (11:24 PM)

CNN's snap polls. If you have better ones, pass them along...

Jim (Mays Landing, NJ)

Rob, McCain or Obama?

Rob Neyer

  (11:24 PM)

I'll never tell!

Nick (Oklahoma)

Rob. A million dollars for your thoughts on how the league is dealing with steriods over the past few seasons since Congress actually got into the act. Or lack thereof...

Rob Neyer

  (11:25 PM)

All MLB wants is for steroids to be out of the news (and out of Congress). By that measure, they're succeeding wildly.

Rob (Allentown, PA)

Is there anything scarier than Lidge pitching in Game 5 of an LCS?

Rob Neyer

  (11:27 PM)

If you're not a Dodger fan, you have to pull for him here, right? I know he makes a lot of money and everything, but he's still one of us ...

Tito (Philly)

Howard finally did something, think it will carry to the WS?

Rob Neyer

  (11:29 PM)

Howard will hit two home runs in the World Series. You heard it here first.

Mark (Potsdam, NY)

Your MVP of the NLCS is....?

Rob Neyer

  (11:30 PM)

Wild guess here . . . Hamels.

brian (philly)

I'm not even kidding, my cable just went out and i cant even see the end live!!!!!

Rob Neyer

  (11:31 PM)

It'll come back, Brian. In the meantime, enjoy GameCast!

Chris (DC)

You've gotta be kidding... Flying-Hawaiian

Rob Neyer

  (11:31 PM)

Perhaps . . . I don't have stats at hand. Please enlighten me, and specify game-changing blows.

Jake (PA)

he is hitting like 280 with 11 rbis and 3 hrs i think

Rob Neyer

  (11:33 PM)

11? Really? If so, he's probably the MVP. Voters love RBI. I mean that literally.

Jimmy (Philly)

In the first 4 games, Victorino was hitting .188 with 6 RBI in the series. 11 is for the total playoffs

Rob Neyer

  (11:35 PM)

Oh. Then let's stop this silly talk about Victorino. Hamels is your MVP. One out away . . .

Darren (Brooklyn)

McCarver was perplexed by Kent not taking 2-0.

Rob Neyer

  (11:35 PM)

You mean Kemp. And Kemp hit the ball 400 feet. Hard to argue with 400 feet.

Ali (Boston)

Out of 100, what are Boston's chances of coming back? I'd give them 25%

Rob Neyer

  (11:37 PM)

Mathetmatically, Ali? It's closer to 15 percent, and that's with a healthy Beckett.

Steve (SoCal)

GAME OVER

Rob Neyer

  (11:40 PM)

Indeed. When I was a teenager I hated the Phillies because of what happened in 1980. But that was a long time ago, and now they've got better uniforms and a prettier ballpark. Congrats to them, and to those of you who love them. I'll be back this weekend if there are games; if not, I'll be back during the World Series. Until next time, don't forget, "I am not better than the audience. I am not worse than the audience. I am the audience."