ESPN

Buzzmaster

  (5:38 PM)

Join the chat Saturday night when Rob Neyer stops by during Game 6 of the ALCS! It all starts at 8 p.m. ET!

Rob Neyer

  (8:01 PM)

You know, 46 hours ago I figured I'd have this weekend off. Maybe see a couple of movies, catch up on my reading ... But I'm glad I'm here. This is what it's all about, right?

dan, boston

What channel is the game on...its not on tbs or fox???

Rob Neyer

  (8:04 PM)

Dan, I'm as confused as you are. I just tuned to TBS, and I'm seeing silly (non-sports) bloopers ... Okay, there's a crawl on the bottom of the screen: TBS is "experiencing technical difficulties." Talk about your bloopers!

Ted Turner

I'm about to fire every single person that works for TBS if the game doesn't come on in ten seconds. And that includes Frank Caliendo.

Rob Neyer

  (8:05 PM)

Well, at the moment all we're missing is pregame show, which I can live without. And I suspect the game will, if necessary, be delayed until the feed is up.

jon fl

is the game still gonna start on time or is the tv delay gonna push back the start time

Rob Neyer

  (8:08 PM)

I just turned on ESPN Radio, Jon Miller's giving the lineups, and it doesn't *sound* like they're going to delay the start. This really is an amazing turn of events. Is "The Steve Harvey Show" really the best TBS can do right now? Anyway, game's starting in a few seconds ...

Pissed off in Boston

Why isn't the game on??

Rob Neyer

  (8:09 PM)

Read the above, P.O. ... On a happier note, Coco Crisp just led off the game with a bunt single.

Roger (NJ)

Seriously, there are a hundred Seinfeld episodes I could watch over Steve Harvey

Rob Neyer

  (8:10 PM)

No kidding. It's a strange network, featuring the best (Seinfeld, The Office) and the worst (Steve Harvey, House of Payne) of sitcoms.

FFF NH..

Standing by..can someone help out with play by play for us

Rob Neyer

  (8:11 PM)

That's what GameCast is for; if you can follow this chat, GameCast should probably work for you. But since you asked, Crisp just got picked off first base!

Ron Dracut, MA

Power outage in Atlanta!

Rob Neyer

  (8:13 PM)

Perhaps, but it's got nothing to do with the weather, which is perfectly fine in Atlanta. Maybe this means they get it fixed soon. In the meantime, I love listening to Jon Miller. This isn't the end of the world. And I haven't tried it, but I think you can listen to the ESPN Radio feed here:http://espnradio.espn.go.com/espnradio/index

Joe (Philly)

I am getting College Gamenight on that feed you gave us

Rob Neyer

  (8:17 PM)

Darn. I was afraid of that. There are different feeds, as different affiliates carry different programming. My suggestion is to find the website of a station you know is carrying the game; one of your local all-sports stations, or one of the Red Sox affiliates. I'd help, but I'm sort of busy at the moment ...

jon fl

1 2 3 inning ortiz struck out

Rob Neyer

  (8:17 PM)

Thanks, Jon.

Oz (MD)

you can watch the game if you go to tbs hot corner on mlb.com

Rob Neyer

  (8:18 PM)

Thanks, Oz.

Bii Ortloff Portland

Your chat is not on the gamecast....

Rob Neyer

  (8:20 PM)

Hmmm, that's weird. I've alerted the wizards in Bristol.

matt(ATL)

are you here all night, Rob?

Rob Neyer

  (8:21 PM)

I'm here for as long as the game's going, if that's what you mean. You know, I really don't mind not watching the game while I can listen, except I do want to see how Beckett looks. Because that's basically the story of the game, at least early on.

brian spfld mass

Power outtage in Atlanta, game will be on Tv hopefully in about 25 minutes. according to radio weei.

Rob Neyer

  (8:22 PM)

Thanks, Brian.

Stressed Fan (MA)

Rob, is this the most embarrassing thing in sports broadcasting since the Heidi game?

Rob Neyer

  (8:22 PM)

Gotta be right up there; if anyone has a better candidate, let us know (and if you don't know about the Heidi Game, use your Google).

Dan (Atlanta, GA)

I work here at the Turner campus, and something very technical, (way above my knowledge level) is down right now. Believe me, we're all as frustrated as you are. I couldn't tell you when we expect it back, but people are flying around everywhere trying to get it done.

Rob Neyer

  (8:23 PM)

I'll bet. Thanks, Dan. And good luck.

todd (new britain)

upton just cranked a homer to left

Rob Neyer

  (8:26 PM)

Wow. Jon Miller says the ball hit a catwalk in the "C Ring". I want to see it!

Seth (Vegas)

Your back on Gamecast....

Rob Neyer

  (8:28 PM)

Rock on. I'm told this was a much easier fix than the one they're trying to affect in Atlanta and Boston.

Ben (NY)

Hi Rob. Why does Joe Maddon continue to start Gabe Gross over Fernando Perez? Perez would have got to both those line drives last game.

Rob Neyer

  (8:29 PM)

You know, I don't have a problem with starting Gross. But I agree with Joe Sheehan (and you): There was no excuse for not pulling Gross after the Rays got the big lead the other night. I think Maddon just let the game get away from him. It happens.

Chris (NY)

its on!

Rob Neyer

  (8:30 PM)

It is; first thing I saw was a double play to get Beckett out of the inning. I suspect this momentary loss of transmission will be forgotten tomorrow. Well, maybe not tomorrow. But soon.

Dave, OC

I'm curious if Upton's homerun would have left the yard, did you get a good view of it?

Rob Neyer

  (8:33 PM)

Dave, I still haven't seen it; With luck, TBS will show a replay or two now that they're actually broadcasting ... Nice homer for Youk, by the way...

Josh (Las Vegas)

YOOOOOOOOUK!!!

Rob Neyer

  (8:34 PM)

First row of seats in left-center.

Lawrence (New Orleans)

and Shields is untouchable??????

Rob Neyer

  (8:35 PM)

Who said he was untouchable? Nobody I know. He's a real good pitcher, but not exactly a Cy Young candidate. Not yet, anyway.

Cody (SoCal)

Big Game James???? Gimme a break!!! What big game has this joker ever pitched in ???? Typical TBS announcer BS!

Rob Neyer

  (8:36 PM)

Hey, they're not the only ones who have used the nickname. I did blog about this yesterday...

KM (MA)

see, that was an excellent play by longoria, i still wonder why he made the error in the ninth inning of game 5 when he can make a play like that.

Rob Neyer

  (8:38 PM)

Excellent players sometimes make lousy plays.

T. J. Brumfield (Omaha)

Even though few players from 2004 remain, if the Sox have three huge ALCS comebacks if 5 years, could you argue about the club being one of the best historically?

Rob Neyer

  (8:39 PM)

Depends on how you define "club," I suppose. I once co-wrote a book about dynasties, and figured if you didn't have a core of players, it's not the same team. I guess you might say the franchise is a dynasty, but not the team itself.

Jon U (Utah)

Do you think Varitek's performance behind the plate outweighs his lack of performance above it?

Rob Neyer

  (8:40 PM)

I don't. Especially not at his salary. But a fair number of people in Boston would disagree, I'm sure.

Travis (ME)

What's your take on Shields so far? Is it nerves and control or are the Sox just hitting good pitches?

Rob Neyer

  (8:41 PM)

I wouldn't worry about him yet. He's facing good hitters, and anyway it's just one inning. Regardless of what happens here, he's perfectly capable of coming back with four or five strong innings.

dan (vermont)

Rob Whats your vote on pedroia's height?

Rob Neyer

  (8:43 PM)

66"

Joe (Orlando)

Can you disclose Bill James' opinion on whether or not Varitek should stay?

Rob Neyer

  (8:44 PM)

I cannot, because I don't know his opinion (and if I did, I still couldn't).

Adam, Los Angeles

Rob, I think a majority of Red Sox nation have come around to the fact that Jason Varitek is no longer an everyday, starting catcher. There will hardly be an uproar should the Sox fail to accede to Boras' ridiculous demands.

Rob Neyer

  (8:46 PM)

You're probably right. But if the Red Sox win the World Series there will still be some pressure -- from not only the fans, but also the players and the media -- to bring him back, regardless the cost.

Max (Cambridge)

pedoria is 5'9

Rob Neyer

  (8:47 PM)

No, he's not. He's listed at 5'9" but everybody who's stood next to him knows that's fictional.

Mr.Man (Granville)

Then why list him at 5'9?

Rob Neyer

  (8:48 PM)

Good question, Mr. But it's not just Pedroia. Most of the pitchers listed at 6' are actually 5'10" or 11".

Adam (FL)

Beckett is looking smooth tonight. Are you seeing him possibly going back to shutdown Beckett that we all know and love.

Rob Neyer

  (8:49 PM)

I wouldn't go that far, yet. Joe Morgan just made an interesting point: Beckett's not throwing his usual curveball with the big break; instead it looks more like a change-up. Not that he can't be effective doing that, but it makes you wonder ...

Todd (Orlando, Fl)

Texas is lighting up Mizzou.

Rob Neyer

  (8:50 PM)

Yep. I was born in Columbia, would be watching that game if not for the baseball. But Mizzou's going to get blasted. No D.

Bill Woodiel (Newburyport)

does anyone know if TV coverage was changed from TBS...I have Dish Network and TBS has the Steve Harvey Show on??

Rob Neyer

  (8:51 PM)

Still, Bill? Most of us finally got the game on our TV screens about 20 minutes ago, after missing the first inning.

twin (PR)

What's Beckett FB speed tonight?

Rob Neyer

  (8:52 PM)

Don't know, but I'll try to watch a few in the bottom of this inning.

brett (ca)

91-93

Rob Neyer

  (8:53 PM)

Thanks, Brett. A few others have suggested 92-93, but topping out at 93 is the consensus.

adam (Maryland)

Is the catwalk over the field or the stands? It's hard to tell on the tv angle.

Rob Neyer

  (8:55 PM)

There are different catwalks, Adam. But Upton's homer looked absolutely legitimate to me.

Dan (boston)

Who does the tight strikezone hurt more, Beckett or Shields?

Rob Neyer

  (8:56 PM)

I don't know, but I'm not sure it's all that tight; looks to me like it's just right. That last pitch to Pedroia was two inches off the plate.

Mike (MA)

Papi is taking it yard here...

Rob Neyer

  (8:57 PM)

Nope, but a double down the line works. Shields needs to start getting ahead in the count or he's going to get hurt.

Steve (Reno)

YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUKKKKKKK

Rob Neyer

  (8:57 PM)

Never was a routine grounder more welcome ...

Jd (Tech)

Mizzou getting romped 21-0 ouch

Rob Neyer

  (8:59 PM)

That one's over. I'm afraid KU and Mizzou have been exposed today for the second-line teams they are. Oh well, maybe next year...

Micah (Chicago)

Bay has been HUGE since the trade...

Rob Neyer

  (9:00 PM)

He has. I couldn't help chuckling when people suggested, down the stretch, that the Red Sox missed Manny.

JPL (San Jose)

closing on 60 pitches in 3 innings... how big is this for boston?

Rob Neyer

  (9:02 PM)

It's big. Shields is behind to every hitter, and now it looks like he's got five innings in him, at best. Fortunately for the Rays, they really do have a good bullpen (Game 5 excepted).

Andy (San Diego)

You're not actually suggesting that Mannywood was fully replaced by Bay are you?

Rob Neyer

  (9:02 PM)

I don't think they'd have more games if they'd kept MannyB. How's that?

James (Harlem)

weeeeeeeeeee

Rob Neyer

  (9:03 PM)

You're a Sox fan, I assume? Because they've now loaded the bases on yet another walk. Big Game James ... You think he'll lose the nickname after this one?

Troy (Union,NJ)

tgey ned to get him outa there b4 too late

Rob Neyer

  (9:04 PM)

Tgey do. I wonder if anybody's warming up yet...

Rob Neyer

  (9:05 PM)

Nope. According to Joe Morgan, bullpen's still quiet ... Wow, he got out of it. Lucky duck.

Brett (Charlotte)

Are the Rays gonna be in trouble if the Sox keep turning the lineup over this uickly? Cause Crisp will be up for the 3rd time in the 4th.

Rob Neyer

  (9:08 PM)

They're in trouble because their starter's already fatigued. I suspect we'll see Edwin Jackson in the fifth. If not sooner.

Ben (Durham, NH)

IF the Red Sox win tonight, Lester will be hard to beat tomorrow.

Rob Neyer

  (9:09 PM)

Sure, but Matt Garza was 7-3 with a 2.89 ERA at home this season.

Khaled (Madagascar)

The last time I tried this chat, it was Game 2 of the ALCS last year. I was in India and the Sox got killed by the Indians in extras, as a Yankee fan, I hope this happens again.

Rob Neyer

  (9:10 PM)

You really get around, Khaled.

jAKE (tampa)

He hit him.

Rob Neyer

  (9:11 PM)

Actually, he let it hit him. Bartlett obviously could have avoided the ball.

Mike (Fargo)

Are you in favor of umpires calling balls on batters who dont get out of the way, or strikes if they lean into the zone?

Rob Neyer

  (9:12 PM)

I'm in favor of umpires applying the rules in the book. And that's one of them.

Will (Palo Alto)

Who woulda thunk it. Jacoby becomes the backup to Coco in the playoffs. Not I after last years incredible postseason.

Rob Neyer

  (9:14 PM)

And remember how everyone one was saying the Red Sox should trade Crisp, because Ellsbury was obviously so much better?

Matt (NY)

Who would have thought that a player who shined in a small sample of one postseason might not be a HOFer?

Rob Neyer

  (9:15 PM)

I know. It's unbelievable!

: ) (Maine)

Is Upton turinging into an Ortiz of past playoffs? Should the sox pitch around him?

Rob Neyer

  (9:16 PM)

No, he's turning into Carlos Beltran of 2004. And no.

Brian (Salt Lake City, UT)

What do you think of the strikezone being called tonight?

Rob Neyer

  (9:18 PM)

I've been watching my computer screen, mostly. But when I've been watching the calls, they've seemed fine to me. Nothing egregious yet.

ksully (chicago)

Wow I just heard Bartlett leaned into the pitch to get hit and the ump let it go

Rob Neyer

  (9:18 PM)

That's true, but the same call is made 99.5 percent of the time. Umpires hate to judge intent.

John (Boston Boston)

Was that a huge confidence builder for beckett to get out of that inning and finish off a batter that has given everyone trouble

Rob Neyer

  (9:20 PM)

You'll have to ask him.

joe (new york)

this isn't a real chat. you just put up remarks you like or can comment on. i wrote 2 innings ago that shields was done after you said "can't tell yet." you don't really know what you're doing. good luck.

Rob Neyer

  (9:22 PM)

Thanks, Joe. And if you figure out what a "real chat" is, please let me know. So far I've received nearly 10,000 questions and comments.

Travis (Braham, MN)

I agree with Joe from NY. I've sent in like six Josh Beckett fat jokes, and not one of them have been posted! (Just in case you post this...Beckett's fat.)

Rob Neyer

  (9:24 PM)

Thanks for that, Travis. Now everyone can go to bed tonight, content. Meanwhile, in actual news, the plate umpire apparently is out of the game, having been hit in the mask by a foul ball in the second inning. So the game's delayed while another umpire gets his equipment and takes over behind the plate.

Todd (Philadelphia)

Rob, why must you be so condescending? The people that are asking you questions mean no harm.

Rob Neyer

  (9:25 PM)

That makes two of us!

Jeff (Chicago)

How often have you seen the plate ump get plunked and he's gone!

Rob Neyer

  (9:26 PM)

I've seen it a few times over the years. What's odd about this one is the delayed reaction. Cousins' must have really been hurting for the last inning or so.

Jay (Vegas)

Whos's taking over behind the plate and are we down an ump? If yes, where are we missing an umpire?

Rob Neyer

  (9:28 PM)

No word yet on who's taking over, but yes: We'll be short one outfield umpire, which is extremely unlikely to have any impact on the game whatsoever.

Tim (Bath,ME)

Is Jason Bay a free agent? If so, do you think the Sox will have a great chance to re-sign him? He is a better fielder and I think he has great power at the plate!

Rob Neyer

  (9:29 PM)

Bay is signed through 2009, which I'm sure is one of the reasons they were so thrilled to get him. If Lowell gets healthy this winter, the Red Sox are set at every position but catcher.

Dustin (Madison)

With MLB embracing replay, do we even need the outfield umps anymore?

Rob Neyer

  (9:30 PM)

Not really, but I'm sure the CBA between MLB and the umpires' union won't allow their elimination.

Matt (LA)

This is the stupidest delay ever

Rob Neyer

  (9:32 PM)

What's stupid is the length of the delay, Matt. It really takes 10 minutes for an umpire to strap on shin guards and an inside protector? This is preposterous, ridiculous, and perhaps nefarious.

Kris (Kentucky)

How do you think this delay will affect the pitchers?

Rob Neyer

  (9:34 PM)

Maybe good for Shields, who can rest and regroup. But the larger question is, why on earth is this taking so long? Tim McClelland, who's been around forever, is taking over behind the plate. There's no excuse for a delay this long. Or at least none that I can think of.

John (Bangkok)

Just curious as to why Jason Varitek continutes to get at-bats this post-season

Rob Neyer

  (9:35 PM)

Even the way he's playing this season (and this month), he's probably a better hitter than Kevin Cash. And of course everyone (except Tim Wakefield) raves about his work with the glove.

Dan (Casper, WY)

Speaking of Wakefield, If the Sox make the World Series, will they keep him on the active roster?

Rob Neyer

  (9:38 PM)

Somebody has to start Game 4, and if it's Byrd rather than Wakefield, they'll probably still want Wakefield for long/garbage relief.

Eric (Frankfort)

who will be the suprise team of next year?

Rob Neyer

  (9:38 PM)

Would the Indians winning 90 games surprise you?

Jeff (ATL)

Do you try and read every question.

Rob Neyer

  (9:41 PM)

I can't, Jeff. They come in too fast.

Larry (Portland)

So still think Shields will be lucky to go 5innings?

Rob Neyer

  (9:41 PM)

Yup.

Comeau (Arlington)

Who's better. Kinsler or Pedroia

Rob Neyer

  (9:43 PM)

Pedroia, because while Kinsler is the slightly better hitter, Pedroia's the far better fielder.

Paul (Hartsdale)

Who's NL and AL manager of the year? NL should be Torre...after all, what other manager would be able to get Manny to cut off a quarter of an inch of his hair!

Rob Neyer

  (9:46 PM)

In the AL, it'll be Maddon. In the NL, I'd vote for Dale Sveum. Hey, if Manny Ramirez can be MVP, why not?

papelbon (miss state)

pedroia was tied for the lead going into the post season for most hits...how can you give the edge to kinsler

Rob Neyer

  (9:48 PM)

Sorry to offend your tender sensibilities, Paps, but if Kinsler hadn't been hurt in September he'd have finished with better stats than Pedroia.

john (az)

Shields has to be near 80 85 pitches and looks gassed to me, what do you think?

Rob Neyer

  (9:49 PM)

86 pitches, actually. I would pull him now, because he just struggled through another inning and here comes the meat of the Red Sox order.

Josh (Fairbanks)

I think shields seem more nervous than gassed. I think he is aiming the ball rather than pitching it.

Rob Neyer

  (9:50 PM)

Either way, is he going to become less nervous in the fifth, with Ortiz and Youk coming up?

Ted (CT)

I am still burned over the TBS tech delay. By now they should have showed us Coco's bunt single and pickoff.

Rob Neyer

  (9:51 PM)

I don't know about the bunt, but shortly after getting on the air they did show first-inning highlights, including the pickoff.

Tommy (Brevard County)

You can't assume Kinsler would have better stats. The stats that he had is exactly that. How can you deny the Red Sox would be where they are without Pedroia. The Rangers would still be at home watching the playoffs with or without Kinsler.

Rob Neyer

  (9:52 PM)

You missed my point, Tommy, and also the part where I said Pedroia's actually the better player. (Sheesh...)

Curt (Mississippi)

Have they showed a replay of Upton's homer? I heard it was a shot.....

Rob Neyer

  (9:54 PM)

Just one replay; it was very, very high, hitting a catwalk well above the left-field fence and bouncing down to the field. A home run, according to Tropicana ground rules.

Lewis (Liverpool, England)

You think the Rays would make it to the postseason next year?

Rob Neyer

  (9:54 PM)

I give them a 50/50 chance, maybe 40/60. There's going to be a tough competition in the East, as usual.

michael (louisville)

Do you think that the yankees will pick up C C Sabathia.

Rob Neyer

  (9:57 PM)

I don't have any idea, Michael. They'll make an offer, but so will plenty of other teams.

Mark (TN)

Any ideas as to what made B.J. Upton play this well in the playoffs? A guy with absolutely no power all regular season has put on a hitting display this postseason.

Rob Neyer

  (9:58 PM)

Mark, Upton spent most of the season suffering from a shoulder injury that sapped his power. He's not going to hit 40 homers next year; well, he probably won't. But he's got legitimate 25-30 HR power.

Bill (SoCal)

where is that 'prediction winner, boston 60%' coming from on this window?

Rob Neyer

  (10:00 PM)

I'm not sure where the data comes from, Bill, but I suspect it means that overall, MLB teams that are ahead 2-1 after four innings wind up winning 60 percent of the time. Seems about right, anyway.

Glenn (Pleasanton, CA)

If the Sox didn't have Kotsay, who is their starting first baseman, and if it's Youk, who is the third baseman?

Rob Neyer

  (10:01 PM)

They could move Lowrie to third base and play Cora at shortstop, or leave Youk at third and play Sean Casey at first.

Neanderthal (NH)

I wonder what the percentage was Thursday heading into the bottem of the 7th...

Rob Neyer

  (10:02 PM)

It's a wonderful question, N-Dog. But considering that the Red Sox hadn't overcome a 7-0 deficit since 1964, the percentage might not have registered.

Doug (New York)

Hey Rob, do you think Tampa Bay decides to break the team up ala the Florida Marlins or do you think they keep em together for a few years, despite the fact that the payroll will surely rise?

Rob Neyer

  (10:03 PM)

It won't rise enough to force them to make any hard decisions, Doug. Not yet. In another year or two, they will have to worry about paying all their starting pitchers, but fortunately there are replacements in the minors.

Chris (CO)

Put Perez in!!

Rob Neyer

  (10:05 PM)

Yeah, you have to think Perez would have had that one (Gross just missed it). But Shields escaped with no damage. He's at 95 pitches now ... Think he comes out for the sixth?

Channing (Misplaced-Mississippian in Ohio)

Rob, what about bringing Price in for 2-3 innings? Save the pen and allow his unseen nastiness keep the Sox off-balance so the Rays can come back..

Rob Neyer

  (10:07 PM)

I would expect to see Jackson before Price in a game like this, Channing. But then, a month ago I didn't expect Price to be on the postseason rosters.

Bob (SD)

If the Rays lose this series, I am going to cry as I streak through the strreets of my hometown (due to a bet with a friend)

Rob Neyer

  (10:08 PM)

You're in South Dakota, Bob? Do your streaking after 10pm and stay away from the local tavern. Nobody will ever know.

Chris (Maine)

Pinch hitter in the 5th inning?

Rob Neyer

  (10:10 PM)

And one left-handed hitter for another. If Gross isn't hurt, this must rank as the strangest move of the series.

Jackson (Kentucky)

Think they'll keep Zobrist in instead of putting in Perez?

Rob Neyer

  (10:11 PM)

I wouldn't think, but then I haven't seen Zobrist play much outfield this season. Maybe he's a Gold Glover out there. Meanwhile, didn't Zobrist go from banjo-hitting shortstop to pinch-hitting for the slugging left fielder in a hurry?

matt (ma)

Why not just have Perez PH?

Rob Neyer

  (10:12 PM)

He's not much of a hitter.

mike (key largo)

I think they're gonna advance the runner.

Rob Neyer

  (10:13 PM)

Umm, they tried, sort of. Busted hit-and-run, Navarro out by 10 feet at second base. Some rally...

Scott (Newark)

Why did the Rays leave Eric Hinske off the ALCS roster?

Rob Neyer

  (10:14 PM)

I never saw their rationale, but I'm assuming it's because Gross's and Hinske's skills are similar, and they wanted Fernando Perez's defense and baserunning on the roster.

Rob Neyer

  (10:14 PM)

TIE GAME. (Jason Bartlett???)

Justin (Dallas)

wow

Rob Neyer

  (10:15 PM)

Indeed. Beckett's apparently thrown a bunch of hanging curves, and the Rays finally take advantage.

Martin (Illinois)

Why did Navarro run? The Rays could have had the lead had a mediocre running catcher not decided to run.

Rob Neyer

  (10:16 PM)

Joe Morgan said it was a hit-and-run, Martin, but the pitch was high and tight and Bartlett could only get out of the way.

Jeff (ATL)

Are you listening to the espn radi announcers or the TBS crew. I know your not getting to watch every play.

Rob Neyer

  (10:17 PM)

I'm listening to Jon and Joe, because I like them and also because they're about 10 seconds ahead of my TV.

Brett (PA)

Maybe it's in bad fashion to talk about the announcers of another network, but what do you really think of the TBS announcers? Honestly

Rob Neyer

  (10:19 PM)

Ron Darling adds a lot to the broadcasts, for me.

Bag Gibson (D.C.)

The best thing about TBS' coverage is they aren't FOX, meaning they lay off the flashing graphics and cuts to the cast of some teen drama in the stands.

Rob Neyer

  (10:22 PM)

Not to mention the SUPER-CLOSEUPS (though in fairness, Fox has reigned those in a bit in recent years). By the way, according to the AP, the first-inning outage was due to "router failure in Atlanta".

Josh (Marietta, Ohio)

Beckett is up to almost 80 pitches and you say he is struggling with the curve.Do you see a pitching change soon if so who?

Rob Neyer

  (10:23 PM)

Joe Morgan speculated that Beckett would not come out for the sixth, if only because Okajima has already been warming up for two innings. Also, Derryl Cousins' x-rays are negative (good); he just has a bruised collarbone, and is Probable for tomorrow night's game (I made that last part up).

Bob (FL)

Here is that 0-14 stat. Varitek is going to hit a dinger.

Rob Neyer

  (10:24 PM)

Be honest, Bob ... Did you type those words BEFORE he hit the homer?

bob (new jersey)

Why is Shields still in the game ?

Rob Neyer

  (10:26 PM)

I have to say that I don't have the slightest idea. Maddon is now pulling Shields, but he never should have thrown a pitch in this inning. You think Maddon had that silly nickname going through his head?

Ben (Rhode Island)

What silly nickname is that?

Rob Neyer

  (10:28 PM)

"Big Game" James

avigdor (rhode island)

pedroia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rob Neyer

  (10:31 PM)

I'm not sure if a routine grounder to shortstop deserves quite so many exclamation points, my friend. Bartlett did throw it away ... Rays on verge of collapsing?

Tim (Bath,ME)

Rob, how many comments/questions do you get every inning?

Rob Neyer

  (10:32 PM)

Around 5,000.

Chris (Maine)

Ortiz!

Rob Neyer

  (10:33 PM)

RBI single to right-center, and it would seem that Papi's officially out of his slump (if he was ever in one).

Pete (South Bend)

Youk!!!!!!!!! (just being optimistic here)

Rob Neyer

  (10:34 PM)

This is not a good match-up for the Rays ...

Adam (Maine)

I don't see a lot of activity from Rays fans here. Are they all at the game?

Rob Neyer

  (10:36 PM)

Honestly? There aren't many, at the game or anywhere else. Of course that may change, especially if they finish October on a high note...

Steve, MA

Becket done? I hope so.

Rob Neyer

  (10:38 PM)

We'll know in two minutes. Meanwhile, Howell escaped the jam with a low slider that fooled Youkilis.

ethan (massachusetts)

Why okajima!?!?!?!?!?!?

Rob Neyer

  (10:41 PM)

Why not? The Red Sox have to get through four more innings, at least. Somebody has to pitch the sixth.

Yadira (Los Angeles)

I think Josh did pretty good for tonight

Rob Neyer

  (10:43 PM)

He was okay, which just goes to show you don't have to be great to get by. And nobody's going to score seven runs per game.

Josh (CT)

What do you think of those Phiten necklaces?

Rob Neyer

  (10:43 PM)

They make more sense than astrology.

Zoe (OR)

Don't walk him!

Rob Neyer

  (10:46 PM)

Well, he didn't. He struck him out. But that pitch was almost certainly an inch or two inside. And McClelland's a bit famous for calling *his* strike zone (rather than the one in the rulebook).

KJ (Stillwater, OK)

Do they grade the umps in MLB? if McCelland calls "his" zone then why give him the honor of calling the ALCS? ... just curious

Rob Neyer

  (10:48 PM)

I believe the postseason assignments are supposed to be "merit based," but aren't really.

Trent (NH)

What ever happened to that umpire that was injured earlier in the game?

Rob Neyer

  (10:49 PM)

He's gone, out with a bruised collar bone.

Jeff (Smyrna, GA)

What happened to Okajima this season?

Rob Neyer

  (10:50 PM)

As much as anything, his luck just wasn't as good. Fundamentally he's the same pitcher he was last year.

J.A. (Tucson, AZ)

Do you know why there appears to be a Dallas Cowboys star in the middle of center field?

Rob Neyer

  (10:51 PM)

The Rays have a sort or sunshine-y ray of light on their jersey; I'm guessing it's a reference to that.

Steve (Tampa)

Do you know the reason why Maddon did not bring in a left hander to face Big Papi in the last game?

Rob Neyer

  (10:55 PM)

Steve, I think the game just got away from him. Also, because Papi hadn't hit a homer in so long, the possibility just didn't seem all that real to Maddon. Just another object lesson in paying more attention to history rather than small sample sizes.

Eddie (Queens)

These last two games have shown Maddon to be human. I think he's made a ton of mistakes with his pitchers, hit and run calls, and lack of substitutions.

Rob Neyer

  (11:00 PM)

I think you're right, Eddie. Taken individually, most of his moves (and non-moves) are probably at least somewhat defensible. But taken together, it's not pretty.

Scott (Ohio)

Am I the only one that giggles a little whenever BALFOUR walks a guy?

Rob Neyer

  (11:00 PM)

No. I actually LSTM.

Gary (North Carolin)

I never heard why the Rays dropped the word Devil. Plus the Ray is more for sunlight than a Stingray. That makes me believe it was a move to something more generic so they can move to any city. Is this why?

Rob Neyer

  (11:01 PM)

No. It was actually a sop to Fundamentalist Christians.

Kevin (NH)

Fundamentalist Christians go to baseball game?

Rob Neyer

  (11:03 PM)

On the Opening Day . . .

Dave (Azerbaijan)

Yeah, I heard Drake's Cakes is following a similar line of logic and changing Devil Dogs to just plain "dogs".

Rob Neyer

  (11:04 PM)

Demon Dachshunds. Beelzebub Beagles. Archangel Afghans. Lucifer Labradors.

Todd (Mesa, Az)

If the Sox don't re-sign Varitek do they sign a free agent or go with Kevin Cash every day?

Rob Neyer

  (11:05 PM)

Can't go with Cash every day because he can't hit. If they don't re-sign Varitek they'll trade for a new catcher.

Remy (San Diego)

The captain will be back!

Rob Neyer

  (11:08 PM)

Probably. But the Red Sox should still trade for a young, good-hitting catcher if they can.

Gino (Boston)

Young, good-hitting catcher, Rob? See George Kottaras and Dusty Brown lately?

Rob Neyer

  (11:12 PM)

They're not exactly young, but a platoon of those guys could be pretty good. Hitting-wise, I mean.

Josh (Virginia)

I bet Hinske hits for Zobrist, with Perez taking over in the field

Rob Neyer

  (11:14 PM)

A fine idea, Josh, if Hinske was on the roster. But he's not, a decision I questioned before the Division Series.

robert orr (Boston,MA)

Do you think the Red Sox are going to resign Jason Bay?

Rob Neyer

  (11:14 PM)

They don't need to, Bob; he's already signed through 2009.

Paul (FL)

Is Kazmir going on short rest tomorrow?

Rob Neyer

  (11:15 PM)

Uh, no. Tomorrow night -- if necessary! -- it'll be Matt Garza for the Rays.

Aaron (AZ)

Does Papelbom come in the 8th?

Rob Neyer

  (11:16 PM)

I'm assuming Masterson in the eighth, Paps in the ninth. But I've been wrong all night, so...

robert orr (Boston,MA)

But after 2009?

Rob Neyer

  (11:20 PM)

Well, maybe. But Bay's now 30, and there's not much point in building a "player-development machine" if you're just going to sign veterans to huge free-agent deals.

Ted (Maine)

How long do you stay with Balfour at this point?

Rob Neyer

  (11:22 PM)

He's gone. I was shocked to see just how brilliantly Balfour pitched in the regular season, fourth-lowest ERA in the majors among pitchers with at least 50 innings.

Tim (Sydney)

Since you cannot possibly read all the questions, how do you decide which question to answer? Is it just luck of the draw?

Rob Neyer

  (11:23 PM)

I see 10 at a time and I pick the one I can answer quickly and (ideally) somewhat entertainingly. Not that I always succeed...

Andrew (Walla Walla)

Going to switch over and watch Palin on SNL?

Rob Neyer

  (11:25 PM)

Well, I would record it, except I'm in the same TZ as you, so she's not on for another three hours yet.

jason (greensboro,nc greensboro,nc)

any predictions on who manny's '09 club is?

Rob Neyer

  (11:26 PM)

Two guesses: Angels or Yankees. Three years, $72 million.

Mike (Chicago)

Angels? Don't they have enough OF'ers....

Rob Neyer

  (11:28 PM)

Oh, right. But if they're determined to keep Guerrero in right field, Manny would give them some serious punch at DH. I have to think the front office is, at this very moment, trying to figure out a way to get more power in that lineup. Because the batting average thing, while cute as a paleful of kittens, really isn't getting it done.

Brian (NYC NY)

Do you think Joe Giradi will get fired if the Yankees fail to make it to the playoffs again? I think Tony Pena would be a good fit to manage the team. Don't you? If you remember when he manged the Royals in 2003 he led them to their first winning record since God knows when the last time that happened.

Rob Neyer

  (11:32 PM)

Yeah, I think he gets just one mulligan. But I don't know that Pena would be next in line. He's probably a bit ... erratic for that job.

Matt (Augusta,GA)

In your opinion, is Kotsay a better outfielder or first baseman?

Rob Neyer

  (11:33 PM)

He used to be a fine center fielder, and looks great on pop-ups at first base. Haven't seen him have to get any hot grounders...

Sam (philly)

It's a funny SNL skit.

Rob Neyer

  (11:33 PM)

No spoilers!

Daniel (North Carolina)

Rob, what's your take on masterson? I love my BoSox and I really dont like masterson b/c he seems to give up leads in big games

Rob Neyer

  (11:34 PM)

I think he's a good pitcher and will only get better. Looking pretty shaky right now, though, as if he's afraid of throwing the ball within a foot of the strike zone. And Papelbon continues to loosen...

Tim (RI)

Rob, all professionalism and journalistic integrity aside, who's your favorite team in sports?

Rob Neyer

  (11:36 PM)

My passions have cooled somewhat, but I've been a Minnesota Vikings fan since I was a wee lad, and a Royals fan since 1976.

justin (new york)

Think they will walk B.J. Upton if iwamura strikes out?

Rob Neyer

  (11:37 PM)

Iwamura did strike out, but you don't walk Upton with a runner on first base. You don't walk him with a runner on second base. Not with Masterson pitching and Pena due up soon.

Victor (Massachusetts)

With Coco batting incredibly well this postseason, do you think he will start over Ellsbury next season?

Rob Neyer

  (11:38 PM)

I think next season will just be a repeat of this season, with both of them getting plenty of action, but Ellsbury taking the lead because he is, on balance, the better player.

Kush (Phx)

you just CANNOT sneak a fastball inside past upton period - don't try

Rob Neyer

  (11:39 PM)

I think he'll strike out on a slider away.

Rob Neyer

  (11:39 PM)

Or pop out to second base.

Victor (Massachusetts)

Lowrie or Lugo to start next season?

Rob Neyer

  (11:41 PM)

Lowrie. The Sox might wind up eating the $18 million left on Lugo's contract (or most of it; they could trade him for pennies on the dollar).

austin (wi wisconsin)

do the rays have a chance with all the momentum in bostons favor at this point?

Rob Neyer

  (11:43 PM)

Sure. Just watch; I'll bet you the oddsmakers slightly favor the Rays in Game 7.

Aron (Taiwan)

Which team is better in 2009? Yankees or Boston?

Rob Neyer

  (11:44 PM)

You have to like the Red Sox, based on each team's current roster. But things might look a lot different three months from now.

CJ (La Jolla Cove)

Do you stick with Masterson until someone gets on or do you bring in Papellbon knowing that if you dont use him, you can use him tomorrow for 2 innings?

Rob Neyer

  (11:46 PM)

I bring in the big guy, hoping to ensure that there IS a tomorrow.

Larry (Indianapolis)

How do you like this pitching move?

Rob Neyer

  (11:48 PM)

I like it because it worked: One Pitch, One Out. So here we go to the last of the ninth ...

Jana (Germany)

Rob. Who is your AL MVP?

Rob Neyer

  (11:50 PM)

Joe Mauer.

Ryan (Tallahassee)

why him over Pedroia?

Rob Neyer

  (11:51 PM)

Because he had the better season?

rags (boston)

is papelbon going to finish them off?

Rob Neyer

  (11:52 PM)

Well, he's pitched 24 postseason innings and never allowed a run. So I'd say the odds are pretty good.

Leigh (Iron Range MN)

Espn gives boston a 90% chance to win the game right now!!!

Rob Neyer

  (11:53 PM)

It's a lot higher than that. And say hello to the Taconites for me!

Ray (INDY)

95% chance to win now

Rob Neyer

  (11:54 PM)

Seems about right, though I'd probably go to 96.

justin (korea)

98 after this out

Rob Neyer

  (11:55 PM)

I'll guess 97...

Tyler (Elmont, NY)

98%!

Rob Neyer

  (11:55 PM)

D'oh!

andrew (schertz, TX)

what do you do neyer? besides this?

Rob Neyer

  (11:56 PM)

Nothing. All-chatting, all the time. You ought to see me during the Daytona 500.

Mike (Milwaukee)

100% now

Ken (Boston MA)

Yes! We did it! We're going to GAME 7! What a series!

Rob Neyer

  (11:59 PM)

Indeed. Thanks for all the posts, nearly 40K tonight, sorry I couldn't get to all of them. I hope you'll be back for Game 7, same Bat Time, same Bat Channel. Until then don't forget, "I'm either dead right or I'm crazy."