ESPN

Buzzmaster

  (4:34 PM)

We'll be chatting during Game 1 of the World Series Wednesday night at 8 p.m. ET! Rob Neyer will be by to chat during the entire game!

Rob Neyer

  (8:00 PM)

I should have come up with some witty opening for Game 1. Maybe next year...

Nathan (Billings)

As a sports fan, how can you not want the Rays to win?

Rob Neyer

  (8:01 PM)

I'm sure there are hundreds of sports fans in Philadelphia who don't want the Rays to win, and justifiably so. Otherwise I agree.

Damon (Auburn, IN)

Phillies or Rays?

Rob Neyer

  (8:02 PM)

Tonight? I'm calling it a tossup, Hamels vs. Rays' great record at home this season. Series? Rays in 5 or 6 games.

ryan elizabethtown, pa

is the turf really gonna make that much of a difference?

Rob Neyer

  (8:08 PM)

It's not just the turf, Ryan. It's the roof and the catwalks and all the rest of it. Historically, teams playing in bizarre ballparks have typically enjoyed larger-than-usual home-field advantages, and the Trop is pretty bizarre.

Chris (New Jersey)

Rob...if Howard and Utley get hot, you have to like the Phils.

Rob Neyer

  (8:10 PM)

Well, sure. But the Rays have guys who can get hot, too. Howard and Utley will get their hits. So will Longoria and Pena, etc.

Steiny (NYC)

Do you think when the Mets traded Scott Kazmir for Victor Zambrano it was the worst trade in the history of the major leagues?

Rob Neyer

  (8:13 PM)

No. Not close. It's one of the worst since free agency came into the game 30 years ago.

Andrew (Orlando)

Do you think the time off will hurt or help the Philies....

Rob Neyer

  (8:14 PM)

One can imagine it helping Jamie Moyer, or any other pitcher who might be tired. But the consensus is that, overall, it hurts more than helps.

Dylan (Philly)

Rob- who in your opinion in the REAL Pat Burrell? The Bat that emerges in contract years, or the occassionally .200 hitter that shows up in almost every other year?

Rob Neyer

  (8:15 PM)

Burrell's actually pretty consistent, hits about the same number of home runs, draws around the same number of walks. His batting average does fluctuate, but that's what batting averages do.

David (Philly)

Rob-Do you think that the winner of tonights game will take the series like so many previous world series?

Rob Neyer

  (8:16 PM)

It's a big edge, obviously. If the Rays win, you can book it. But if the Phillies win, they still have to overachieve a little bit to win three of the next six.

Gary (CT)

Rob, ultimately what do you think was the catalyst that got the Rays here....pitching or hitting?

Rob Neyer

  (8:16 PM)

It's everything, Gary. The pitching, their hitting, their defense. I suppose their pitching was better than their hitting . . . but their pitching wouldn't have been as impressive if not for their fielding.

Kyle (Indy)

How do you think the Ray's young lineup will fare in the World Series pressure?

Rob Neyer

  (8:17 PM)

I think there was plenty of pressure in the ALCS. Does that answer your question?

Brandon (Tampa)

If Upton performs like he did in the ALCS will it go down as one of the greatest postseason performances of all time?

Rob Neyer

  (8:18 PM)

Sure. Two more homers and he's got the postseason (1995-2008) record.

Mel (Pittsfield, MA)

Rob, Chris Coste as DH?

Rob Neyer

  (8:19 PM)

Yes, and I think it's absolutely the right move. Manuel's only alternative was to DH Burrell (a good thing) and put a crummy hitter in LF (a bad thing). Meanwhile, Coste is a real threat against left-handed pitching.

Phil (Norwalk, CT)

New Rule: Washed up boy band are never allowed to sing the national anthem ever again. ever. seriously.

Rob Neyer

  (8:22 PM)

Not my ears' finest moment.

Zu (Atlanta)

Rob, I think the Phillies come out cold, the Rays jump out on a couple rare mistakes by Hamels and Philly catches fire once Kaz turns the game over to the bullpen. Rays in a Game 1 thriller, 5-4. What's your prognosis?

Rob Neyer

  (8:23 PM)

I think you nailed it, Zu.

Marty (Houston)

Do you consider the DH a huge advantage to the American league teams, or are the number 9 guys in each league pretty even?

Rob Neyer

  (8:25 PM)

I think it depends on the teams. It's a huge advantage for the Red Sox. But the Rays aren't exactly throwing David Ortiz out there.

Dutch(Canada)

Whats the deal here....Eric Hinske gets homeruns and they decide to go with Gabe Gross.Any thoughts

Rob Neyer

  (8:28 PM)

Hinske hit 20 homers this season, so it's odd to see him left off the roster (again). But he and Gross are both lefty-hitting right fielders. Gross is the better fielder, and Hinske was terrible in the second half of the season. I'm not saying it makes sense. But it's certainly defensible.

Bob (Tampa)

How much of a factor do you believe the catwalks will be in the series, if they even will be?

Rob Neyer

  (8:30 PM)

It's unlikely, Bob. It's funny, hearing the national broadcasters rhapsodize about them, though.

JR (Vegas)

What's the official start time for this game Rob? Does MLB do itself a disservice by starting these games so late? Most kids (and possibly adults?) in EST and CST are fast asleep by the time the final out is recorded.

Rob Neyer

  (8:33 PM)

I think it's 8:37 Eastern, JR. And I can assure you that the network wants as many people as possible to watch this game.

Marty (Houston)

Mike Schmidt does not get enough love.

Rob Neyer

  (8:33 PM)

I think you're right. On the other hand, I find him sort of annoying. And Ryan Howard's going to win the MVP Award? Sheesh.

Danny(Philly)

Annoying? You're a Royals fan right Rob? Hmmm...interesting.

Rob Neyer

  (8:36 PM)

Yes. Hmmmm.

Daniel (WV)

Rob- Who do you think will take the cy young award in the NL this year. It is close between Tim lincecum and Webb, but i think the edge has to go to Lincecum

Rob Neyer

  (8:37 PM)

Daniel, I'm fairly sure that Lincecum won it in September. But don't count out Sabathia.

Shelby (Kansas City)

Does Rany Jazayerli take part in these chats, Rob?

Rob Neyer

  (8:37 PM)

Only in spirit. But he'd be good at it.

Rich (Broomall, PA)

Brad Lidge has to be considered for cy young

Rob Neyer

  (8:38 PM)

I agree with you, Rich. But most of the voters won't.

Donald Evans Kirkland WA

Rob, who has the edge at 1b in this game? Howards OBP wasn't so hot this year but hes been solid in other seasons. Pena is the much better defender. Who would you rather have in this series and the next 3 years ?

Rob Neyer

  (8:41 PM)

Over the last two seasons, Pena's been the better hitter in the tougher league. He's the better fielder. He's only a year-and-a-half older than Howard. I think the choice is more obvious than most would guess.

Isaac, KS

McCarver may have said it, which invariably means it is wrong, but did I just hear Werth led the league in Homers off lefties? He is a stud but...really?

Rob Neyer

  (8:43 PM)

Werth hit 16 homers against lefties this season. So as odd as it seems, it's possible.

Zu (Atlanta)

Rob what do you make of the Utley bunt attempt? National League "action" or a chance to throw off Kaz's rhythm?

Rob Neyer

  (8:44 PM)

There's nobody playing third base. If he gets it down it's a hit and the Phillies have two on with one out. Great percentage move, just didn't work out.

Norman (San Jose)

are you listening to John Miller call the game?

Rob Neyer

  (8:44 PM)

Not yet, but when I get a minute I'll grab a radio.

danny (philly)

WHOOOOO CHASE (EXPLETIVE DELETED) UTLEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rob Neyer

  (8:46 PM)

Well played, sir. Wouldn't want to damage any impressionable little minds. (In case you missed hit, Utley lined one into the right-field stands.)

josh (nashville)

why does kazmir throw a pitch like that when he has the count 2-2?

Rob Neyer

  (8:47 PM)

Josh, I suspect he wasn't trying to throw precisely that pitch. Guys make mistakes, and guys named Utley hit guys' mistakes hard.

Matt (Los Angeles)

Be honest Rob, and don't try to act politically correct... on a scale of one to 10, 10 being the worst, how brutal is listening to Tim McCarver?

Rob Neyer

  (8:51 PM)

Oh, I don't know ... 6 or 7, I guess. He's a lot better than he was 10 years ago. Either he's mellowed with age, or somebody gave him some good advice. Not to make excuses for him, but that's a really tough job.

danny (philly)

And that, my good sir, is why Ryan Howard should be the DH.

Rob Neyer

  (8:53 PM)

That was weird, huh? Looked like a routine play, either 3-1 or 3 unassisted. Yet somehow Howard and Hamels couldn't make either of those happen. I've seen it five times and I'm still not sure why. Anyway, the double play cures all...

andy (WA)

rob, do you think that if tampa doesnt win this game, they will lose the series

Rob Neyer

  (8:55 PM)

No. But if they don't win they'll be just very mild favorites to win.

Tim (SC)

Nice explanation next to the "predicted winner" after all the questions the other day.

Rob Neyer

  (8:56 PM)

I didn't have anything to do with it, but my friends in Bristol do aim to please.

Mark (Ohio)

really? you still would have Tampa favored if they drop game 1?

Rob Neyer

  (8:57 PM)

Yessir. By just a little bit, though.

Andy Howard (St. Louis)

kazmir is the number three starter on this team and he is still better than anybody the phils have besides hamels, so yea I would still pick tampa if they drop this game

Rob Neyer

  (8:59 PM)

Right. That's the basic problem for the Phillies. When Hamels isn't pitching they're overmatched. On paper anyway.

Lash (Montana)

from all your comments I believe that even if the Phils win the first three you would still have the Rays favored by just a little

Rob Neyer

  (9:00 PM)

Or even the first four. By just a teeny-tiny eensy-weensy bit.

PJ (Pennsylvania)

Stats on paper does not win games.

Rob Neyer

  (9:01 PM)

No. But that's definitely the way to bet. Do you ever bet, PJ?

jacob (baltimore)

kazmir not off to a good start, with Hamels on the mound are you almost ready to give this game to the phils?

Rob Neyer

  (9:03 PM)

Well, no. It's too early, and will be too early if the Phillies score two or three runs this inning. But Kazmir has not looked good, you're right about that.

Nick (Georgia)

Why put Zobrist in right when Rocco and Gross have been there throughout the ALCS?

Rob Neyer

  (9:06 PM)

Gross bats left-handed, isn't going to start against a tough lefty like Hamels (granted, in his career Hamels has been reverse-platoon). And Baldelli's not always able to play a full game.

Mike (Lincoln, NE)

I just got online. How did the Phillies get their first 2 runs?

Rob Neyer

  (9:08 PM)

Utley hit a screamer into the right-field seats in the first inning.

Austin (WI)

Kazmir comes out soon if he gives up a hit right now with bases loaded?

Rob Neyer

  (9:09 PM)

Not sure about that, but I'd get Edwin Jackson loose.

Adam (CT)

Wow, how did Kazmir get out of that jam??

Rob Neyer

  (9:10 PM)

Good pitch to Rollins, perfect throw by Upton. And big sigh from Kazmir.

Charlie (Greensboro, NC)

Where did these Tampa Fans come from? Were they there in July? Or even September? Tampa fans don't deserve this. Philly fans deserve this.

Rob Neyer

  (9:11 PM)

I don't really buy it, Charlie. Fans of lousy teams generally don't show up, and attendance did pick up in July and August. Let's see what happens next year.

Nick (Chico, CA)

Rob, if you had to pick one outfielder from either team to build a team around, which guy would you pick?

Rob Neyer

  (9:13 PM)

Upton. Easy.

James (Philly)

Why did Tampa drop the "Devil"? PC reasons, or just change of face for the franchise?

Rob Neyer

  (9:15 PM)

I think a little of both, James. I just wish they'd come up with better uniforms. Talk about your blah.

scott (ct)

Rob, I'm not sure if you realize this, but Upton only had nine home runs. True he is having a great postseason, ubt so did Beltran a few years back, and he's the biggest waste of money since Kevin Brown

Rob Neyer

  (9:16 PM)

Beltran is a great player, and has been since the Mets got him. Upton was hurt most of this season, and next year he'll hit 25 or 30 bombs.

Thomas (Ohio)

Au contraire, Barry Zito is the biggest waste of money. Close second is Carl Pavano.

Rob Neyer

  (9:18 PM)

Zito's the champ, and will be for a while. Other candidates include Andruw Jones, Jose Guillen, Carlos Silva (I think we went through the list in a chat last week) ...

James (Alabama)

I LOVE the Rays uni's. They're so lame they're cool. It's like finding a Sanka coffee t-shirt at a yard sale. AWESOME.

Rob Neyer

  (9:19 PM)

Yeah. But I'll bet you don't wear that t-shirt EVERY DAY.

Travis (Tampa)

You have to admit they are better than any of our old uni's... right?

Rob Neyer

  (9:21 PM)

Setting the bar pretty low there, Travis.

Josh (PA)

On ESPN's Gamecast, Philadelphia is predicted to win by 72%. Is the 3rd too early to say that high of a percent?

Rob Neyer

  (9:21 PM)

Nope. Especially not with a runner on second base and nobody out.

Michael (Philadelphia)

46 Pitches...2 innings pithced...how long is he going to be out there?

Rob Neyer

  (9:23 PM)

Maddon must now be hoping that Kazmir can give him five innings.

James (Philly)

Is the person managing Tampa's defense drunk?

Rob Neyer

  (9:25 PM)

Ever seen that one before? I don't know that I have. I wish all of you could see it...

Jim (Work)

HUGE K

Rob Neyer

  (9:25 PM)

So much for the crazy infield (and in case you're wondering, that definitely was a strike, Howard's bat crossed the plate).

Scott (South Bend, IN)

what up with the camera angle on the game?

Rob Neyer

  (9:27 PM)

That's called "high home", Scott. And I absolutely love it, wish we could watch every game like this.

Chip (Los Angeles)

Rob, who were your picks for the WS before the season started?

Rob Neyer

  (9:29 PM)

I'd have to go back and check, but I believe I had the Indians and the Dodgers in the Series. My worst prediction: Red Sox don't get into playoffs.

Brandon (Laramie, WY)

why don't they use this camera angle more often? I like it WAY more than the usual

Rob Neyer

  (9:31 PM)

I believe a lot of people don't like it, but I can't imagine why. Maybe just because it's DIFFERENT.

John (MA)

What's up with the no love for the defending champs before the season?

Rob Neyer

  (9:34 PM)

Hey, I thought they'd be good. I just didn't think they'd be quite good enough. I thought they would win 89 games. I had the right idea, but the wrong team (the Yankees won 89).

Matt (Chicago)

Rob, are the Rays going to be the new Marlins? Are they going to have to blow this team up in the next few years and start over again?

Rob Neyer

  (9:34 PM)

Nope. They've already locked up many of their best players through 2010 or beyond (and in the case of Longoria, far beyond).

Taylor (Tybee Island, GA)

Who will be the first Ray lost to a big-market team?

Rob Neyer

  (9:35 PM)

Carl Crawford, probably.

Jake (MA)

What's Longoria's contract terms?

Rob Neyer

  (9:37 PM)

He's signed through 2013 and the Rays have team-friendly options through 2016.

Alex (Radford, VA)

Does is annoy you to say "Rays" instead of "Devil Rays"? I catch myself often being mistaken

Rob Neyer

  (9:37 PM)

I do a lot of radio interviews, Alex. It took me about three months to make the adjustment. I think I've got it now.

Austin (WI)

how were the rays at one point predicted winners when they are down by 2?

Rob Neyer

  (9:39 PM)

I know that seems odd, Austin, but it's all about expected runs (in this inning) and the number of outs they have left in the game (two more than the Phillies). Well, before that double play.

Blake (Pleasanton, CA)

Feliz can't hit but he can play D.

Rob Neyer

  (9:40 PM)

He sure can. I still say Dobbs should be in the lineup tomorrow night against the right-hander. Feliz can't hit righties, at all.

taylor (tybee island, ga)

Is Pat Burrell the second coming of Pete Incaviglia???

Rob Neyer

  (9:41 PM)

Burrell's a better hitter than Incaviglia. You could look it up.

Joel, Albany

Rob, it doesn't matter if his bat crosses the plate. It's about intent. No such thing as a check swing in the rule book.

Rob Neyer

  (9:42 PM)

Right. But one standard seems to be that if your bat crosses the plate, you swung. Even if it's not in the book.

neal (west cheater, pa)

Because the phillies have an above average hitting second baseman can they get away with a below average hitting third baseman?

Rob Neyer

  (9:43 PM)

Not really. The game doesn't work that way. Anyway, if the Phillies are ahead late in the game they can always bring in Feliz.

Brendan (Boston)

After this post-season performance do you think the Rays will sign Upton to a long term deal?

Rob Neyer

  (9:45 PM)

I think they'll try, and probably have already. But I've been told that Upton wants to enjoy the fruits of free agency in a few years.

Jason (Grenada)

If the Yankees can get 20 wins from Wong and Chamberlin, 15 from Mussina and Pettite, and 10 from Hughes do you think we have a chance of being back in it?

Rob Neyer

  (9:47 PM)

That's only 45, Jason. You're going to need a lot more than that.

Greg (South Bend)

73 Pitches in four innings do you think he is going to be done in half an inning?

Rob Neyer

  (9:52 PM)

No, that was actually a good inning for him, pitch-wise. I think he'll finish the sixth.

Timb (Seattle)

Why isn't Greg Dobbs in the DH?

Rob Neyer

  (9:53 PM)

Dobbs bats left-handed, Timb. You don't want him in there against Kazmir.

Duane (Lakeland, FL)

I have not heard too many people talk about the what-if with Josh Hamilton on this Rays team... Can you imagine RF wtih Hamilton? Scary!

Rob Neyer

  (9:54 PM)

Sure, but who knows? When something happens as miraculous as the Rays winning 97 games, maybe you just figure everything happened for a reason.

Brandon (Laramie, WY)

GONE!

Rob Neyer

  (9:55 PM)

Carl Crawford into the first row of seats beyond left-center field.

DJ Cook (Portland, Oregon)

Rob. Are you at the Trop?

Rob Neyer

  (9:56 PM)

I'm about as far from the Trop as you can get in the Lower 48. Same as you!

Steve (DC)

Ive watched every Hamels start this season and it seems 75% of balls that are hammered off of him are from his curve that he throws 10% of the time, does he have to have it as a pitch?

Rob Neyer

  (9:58 PM)

He knows better than I do. I thought it was interesting, though, that McCarver said the worst pitch for a left-handed pitcher is the curveball to the left-handed hitter. Isn't that pitch the reason for the platoon effect? Yes, in this case, Hamels is reverse-platoon. But, generally?

Derek (Los Angeles, CA)

Rob, you're bad at math.20+20+15+15+10=80That said, it was a silly question.

Rob Neyer

  (10:01 PM)

Silly question, silly answer.

Nikko (Florida)

Back when Ryan Howard was awarded NL MVP for his monster season, Albert Pujols was caught saying that Howard shouldn't have got the award since he didn't take his team to the playoffs. Now, the roles are switched. Basically, he deserves the MVP more: Albert Pujols or Ryan Howard?

Rob Neyer

  (10:04 PM)

Well, it's not close: Pujols. But if the voters really must have a player on a postseason team, Utley or Ryan Braun would be better choices.

Nicholas (Philadelphia)

How could Manny not be a top choice? He took a .500 team to the playoffs!

Rob Neyer

  (10:05 PM)

He played for two months. I hate to say "case closed", but: Case Closed.

Christian (High Point, NC)

Then why did you list CC Sabathia as a possibility for the NL Cy Young earlier in the chat?

Rob Neyer

  (10:07 PM)

Hey, I'm not saying I would vote for him. But some voters will, so we must consider the possibility that he'll win.

Clayton (MN)

What if they didn't erase his stats for the AL when he went to the NL? I think that is a dumb stat even though it does make sense.

Rob Neyer

  (10:09 PM)

Nobody's stats are "erased", Clayton. But it's a league award, so in that context it doesn't make sense to consider stats from the other league.

scott (ct)

Rob, what do you think of this ump's strike zone?

Rob Neyer

  (10:10 PM)

Looks pretty good to me. When I've watched the TV for the close ones, the ump's been right every time (I might have missed a few).

Haris (Nashville, TN)

Rob! Scott from CT goes twice, and you refese to tell me why the Phillies would not simply catch Coste and keep a backup C on the bench. My heart is broken.

Rob Neyer

  (10:12 PM)

They seem to love Ruiz's defense. And again, somebody has to DH, and the Phillies just don't have many good options from the right side.

Larry (Portland)

Rob why did you post PJ's question and then ignore it - it's a good question which shows you flawed logic!

Rob Neyer

  (10:15 PM)

I did answer it, but my answer got lost in the ether somehow. Sorry, PJ.

Sean (SD)

Do you think the AL has a huge advantage in the series? They actually pay for an extra hitter, while most NL teams have to throw a bench player out there. The difference between AL and NL pitchers hitting is almost nothing, so it would seem the large upgrade in DH is a big advantage for the AL

Rob Neyer

  (10:16 PM)

Yes, but the Rays have not paid much for their extra hitters.

Rich (Pittsburgh)

Rob, how many more years tiil the Pirates break .500

Rob Neyer

  (10:17 PM)

It's going to happen soon, Rich. If not in 2009, then '10.

Brian (Syracuse, NY)

Hey Rob, I always wondered why does the NL have 16 teams and the AL only 14? Why not 15 each?

Rob Neyer

  (10:19 PM)

Because MLB doesn't want interleague games almost every day of the week. This is actually what torpedoed interleague play way back in the early '60s.

Jared (South Bend, IN)

Who do you think the most important player in this series is?

Rob Neyer

  (10:22 PM)

Hamels. If he wins twice the Phillies have a good chance.

Brian (Boston)

Does the predicted winning % take into account the actual score, or just the run difference? In ohter words, if it were 2-0 and all else were equal, would we see Philly at 70%?

Rob Neyer

  (10:23 PM)

I don't know, Brian. But I can't imagine it would matter much (if at all). A three-run lead in the seventh is a three-run lead in the seventh.

danny (philly)

FREE TACO FOR EVERYBODY!!

Rob Neyer

  (10:23 PM)

Congratulations, America. I'm sure you'll be very happy together.

Sara, (Janesville WI)

Hey Rob, Why did the Brewers let Dale go and do you think we have a chance to keep C.C.?

Rob Neyer

  (10:24 PM)

I don't know, and no way in h-e-double-toothpicks.

Bob (Tampa)

IWAMURA!!!!!

Rob Neyer

  (10:25 PM)

Ripped a double into the left-field gap. Lovely swing at a pretty good pitch.

Nick (Ohio)

upton HR...im calling it

Rob Neyer

  (10:26 PM)

Okay, Nick. At least he can't hit into another double play...

Steve (VA)

Iwamura is hitting well this postseason. Was he a big star in Japan?

Rob Neyer

  (10:27 PM)

I believe he was a star. But not a big star like Ichiro or Godzilla.

DJ Cook (Portland, Oregon)

Tampa fans need to make a play!

Rob Neyer

  (10:29 PM)

Yeah, somebody should have knocked his glove out of the way. But you know a lot of those great seats aren't being used by great fans.

Tommy (Burbank, CA)

Why recently have major league players become extremely sloppy with the way they wear their uniforms? What ever happened to stirups, a classic part of a uniform. Now the way they wear their pants to their feet it looks like they're wearing footie pajamas

Rob Neyer

  (10:33 PM)

Recently, Tommy? Players have been looking sloppy for at least 10 years, and probably many more than that. I suspect that once free agency came into the game, the days of uniform uniforms ended.

Mike (St. Louis)

Somebody needs to tell BJ Upton to start hustling. He's so fast that he could've beaten both those double plays out had he actually run.

Rob Neyer

  (10:35 PM)

The first one, he stumbled out of the box (or so said Joe Buck). The second one, he'd have been out. But he certainly could have made it closer than it was. Like a lot of great young players, he doesn't want anyone to see him sweating.

Kyle (NJ)

Rob, do you ever get a bathroom break during these live chats?

Rob Neyer

  (10:37 PM)

Depends.

Haris (Chicago, IL)

Would you have pegged Kazmir for 6 IP tonight after about 6 batters?

Rob Neyer

  (10:38 PM)

No, but there's not a great deal of difference between five and six. Anyway, he's done his job. Now it's up to the hitters and the relievers. This is a huge game, you know...

Clarence (Cleveland, OH)

Tropicana Field has got to be the ugliest stadium in the league

Rob Neyer

  (10:40 PM)

Do you remember Vince Naimoli? Used to own the franchise? He once wrote me a letter and claimed (among other things) that Tropica Field was the very best in the majors.

Jimmy (Fishtown)

I'll say it again, Howard is the worst 1B in baseball. He should be DHing.

Rob Neyer

  (10:41 PM)

Brutal. And people are telling me he's the MVP...

Thom (Philadelphia)

That was CLEARLY a balk

Rob Neyer

  (10:43 PM)

Not to me, but then I don't understand the rule. Joe Maddon certainly thought it was. So does Tim McCarver.

Dan (ny)

Who do you think should be MVP of the nl?

Rob Neyer

  (10:46 PM)

Pujols, Berkman, Beltran, Lidge . . . All of them are highly qualified. I'm sorry I haven't listed any hitters from playoff teams, but that's not really my fault.

Drew (Uconn, CT)

Where do you think Manny will end up Rob?

Rob Neyer

  (10:48 PM)

In New York. Or perhaps DH'ing for the Angels.

Nicholas (Los Angeles)

Could a closer really be the MVP? They seem so overrated and really hardly ever affect the outcome of a game.

Rob Neyer

  (10:49 PM)

Really? Lidge was five or six wins better than an average (good) major league closer. That seems significant, to me. But I could be wrong.

Hank (RI)

Lidge blew one save that was key in the season, the ALL star game which proved to be home field for the Rays not the Phils.

Rob Neyer

  (10:52 PM)

True, but I don't think the voters are allowed to consider the All-Star Game. Isn't it odd, that Gagne and Lidge both got beat up in the All-Star Game in their perfect seasons?

scott (orange, ca)

Lidge will redeem himself tonight. On a bigger stage.

Rob Neyer

  (10:53 PM)

Perhaps. For better or worse, I'll remind everyone that early in the Division Series, I predicted that Lidge would blow a save in the postseason, if the Phillies reached the World Series. Hasn't happened yet...

Joe (Boston)

So Rob a 5 or 6 win "differential" is MVP consideration? Interesting....

Rob Neyer

  (10:54 PM)

Absolutely. The best players, the guys who win MVP Awards, are generally just five or six games better than average.

Tim Welke

Pitch track is embarrassing me!

Rob Neyer

  (10:56 PM)

Well, that non-strike a moment ago wasn't real flattering. But it was close.

newell (las vegas)

I missed some of this, is Hamels coming back out for the 7th?

Rob Neyer

  (10:57 PM)

We don't know yet, Newell. But he's thrown only 91 pitches so I'll be shocked if he doesn't.

Phillip (Ohio)

Rob, who would you rather hang out with, Barry Bonds or O.J. Simpson?

Rob Neyer

  (10:58 PM)

I'm sure there's a really good joke in there somewhere...

Zagurski (Texas)

The predicted winner % keeps shrinking. why?

Rob Neyer

  (11:00 PM)

You mean during this half inning? Because with each out, the Rays' advantage in outs remaining grows larger. Right now the Rays have 9 outs left. The Phillies have 7. This is important, at least in the way such things are figured.

Mike (New Jersey)

Why are people so obsessed with the predicted winner percentage?

Rob Neyer

  (11:00 PM)

I don't know, Mike. Because it's a shiny new toy, maybe. Whatever, I'm just along for the ride.

Willie (KC)

So what you are telling me is if you are ahead, and the game is getting closer to being over, the other team has a better chance of winning. Ridiculous.

Rob Neyer

  (11:04 PM)

In a word? Yes. If the team with the lead is batting, and not threatening to score. I know, it's weird.

Noel (NM)

Rob, why do you take questions from people who don't know basic statistics but won't tell me why the Blue Jays didn't make the playoffs when they had the fourth best run differential in the majors?

Rob Neyer

  (11:06 PM)

I don't think there's a good answer for your question, Noel. Either of them.

Eric (orlando)

Why do teams no longer consider starting an ace pitcher in games 1, 4, and 7 anymore, the way things were done for decades? It's not even discussed; everyone just assumes teams will use 4 starters now.

Rob Neyer

  (11:09 PM)

I think it would have happened at some point recently if more World Series had actually lasted seven games. Particularly if a team's ace actually started Game 1. But everything has to come together, and lately it hasn't.

Nick (DC)

Here's a better way of thinking about the projected winner. When your team is batting, each time you make an out, your chance of winning drops. Each time you reach safely, your chance increases. Doesn't matter who's winning.

Rob Neyer

  (11:10 PM)

Well said, Nick. Thanks.

Joseph (Provo, Utah)

Do you think the K.C. Royals have a chance to pull what the Tampa Bay Rays have?

Rob Neyer

  (11:11 PM)

Not any time, soon, Joseph. Not enough talent in the farm system, not enough smarts in the front office.

MT (CA)

Ok, we really need to get over te obsession with the predicted winner thing...

Rob Neyer

  (11:11 PM)

I think we're getting it out of the way tonight, and tomorrow night we'll not speak of it. Everybody cool w/that?

Doug (scottsdale)

Did someone die in the Stadium or something, I do not hear a thing? or is this just circa 1999 Thunderdome?

Rob Neyer

  (11:15 PM)

I don't have a good feel for the crowd noise, Doug, as I'm a continent away. But frankly, I'm sure the fans sort of need to be told when to cheer. Wait 'til they get a runner on base in the ninth...

Mike (NC)

Does Manuel really start Moyer in game 7?

Rob Neyer

  (11:17 PM)

I think we have to acknowledge the possibility that Hamels will start Game 4 and (if necessary) Game 7. They have to be at least *thinking* about it, right?

Ardavan (Voorhees)

Hey Rob. Why don't the Phillies make Matt Stairs their designated hitter? i mean he was their hero against LA.

Rob Neyer

  (11:20 PM)

Because Stairs doesn't hit lefties. I do think the Phillies should have pinch-hit for Coste just now. The failure to do so seems to me indefensible.

Jim (Tampa)

Rob who is the guy on the MLB logo?

Rob Neyer

  (11:21 PM)

If memory serves, that is Harmon Killebrew.

Chris (Virginia Beach)

Then what happens if Ruiz gets injured and can't continue?

Rob Neyer

  (11:22 PM)

What are the odds of that happening, Chris? I mean, seriously. Plus, Jayson Werth can catch in an emergency. It just doesn't strike me as something worth worrying about.

Brandon (Detroit)

Why is it that none of my reasonable questions make it on here (one's pertaining to the series itself), yet ones about the MLB logo and the Royals do?

Rob Neyer

  (11:24 PM)

Assuming your premise, Brandon -- that your questions are reasonable -- it's probably because I haven't seen your questions. There are far, far more than I can see, let alone answer. But I'm trying!

Rob Neyer

  (11:24 PM)

And there's always Game 2!

Rob (Las Vegas)

That brings up another good question: who gets to decide what is posted? You? Your boss? A computer?

Rob Neyer

  (11:24 PM)

The first one of those.

Cliff (VA)

Game 2, if necessary.

Rob Neyer

  (11:25 PM)

Right. We'll probably know within the hour.

Kellen (Golden, CO)

I wish people would stop whining about your selection of questions or about the type of questions... I think you're doing a great job Rob. And I don't really have a question right now

Rob Neyer

  (11:25 PM)

Kellen = My Hero.

josh (chicago)

Bartlett just hit in an important situation...hinske would have looked nice there huh?

Rob Neyer

  (11:26 PM)

Maddon never pinch-hits for Bartlett anyway. Might be his biggest tactical weakness.

Danny(Philly)

YOU NEED TO POST THIS THIS IS WHY THERE WAS NO PINCH HITTER FOR COSTE. If you take out your DH you then don't have a DH the rest of the game. Its the pitchers spot.

Rob Neyer

  (11:27 PM)

No Danny, it's not. You lose your DH only if you shift your DH to a defensive position. A PH for the DH simply becomes the new DH.

Jake (Moscow, ID)

According to MLB.com, "No one player has ever been identified as the model of the 1969 Major League Baseball batter logo."

Rob Neyer

  (11:27 PM)

Translation: "We don't want to write a check to Harmon Killebrew for 37 million dollars."

Zak (NY)

Rob, it's not Harmon Killebrew on the MLB logo. In fact, it's not a model of anyone; that's a myth. Jerry Dior, creator of the logo, sketched it out himself. (As reported by the Wall Street Journal)

Rob Neyer

  (11:29 PM)

Oh. I guess I could be wrong. Usually I look stuff up before trying to sound authoritative, but I don't have time while doing this. Thanks.

Matt (PA)

Rob, could you please inform me where I could buy some of the "rope" necklaces all of the pitchers are now wearing in this year's playoffs? Are they some kind of superpower accessory?

Rob Neyer

  (11:31 PM)

They are. They give you super-strength, super-hearing, super-vision, and super-smelling. But I can't tell you where to order them, because I like you and I don't want you blowing your hard-earned money on snake oil.

Jeremy (New York)

Anyone else see a Lidge meltdown in the 9th? (the Rays just have to realize not to swing at ANY slider with less than 2 strikes)

Rob Neyer

  (11:32 PM)

I don't *see* a meltdown. But you're right; it's amazing the pitches that some guys will swing at, with Lidge obviously not wanting to throw the ball near the strike zone.

Johnnie (Ocean Shores, WA)

Rob, would you consider yourself a student of the game?

Rob Neyer

  (11:34 PM)

I'm more like a college dropout of the game.

Andrew (Chicago)

Rob, it's important to know that Lidge has been his shakiest with 4+ days of rest. There was a whole article in the Inquirer about this. As a Phils fan, I'm concerned, maybe that's because we're 3 outs away from our first WS win in 15 years, I don't know. Do you put anything into rest hurting a pitcher like Lidge?

Rob Neyer

  (11:35 PM)

Hey, anything's possible. I would find the evidence more compelling if it considered not just Lidge, but pitchers like Lidge. I suspect we've got a sample-size problem here.

Matt (SE PA)

They're leaving Balfour in? I would've expected to see Price this inning

Rob Neyer

  (11:37 PM)

I expected to see someone else. But I admire Maddon's -- and his relievers' -- apparent flexibility. And it's nice to see Balfour pitching well. I hate to see relievers struggling. Of any stripe.

Rich (Raleigh, NC)

Has anyone had more of a down year following an MVP season than Rollins?

Rob Neyer

  (11:37 PM)

Oh sure. I'll bet Rollins isn't in the top 20 in that category. Probably not close.

George (CA)

Rob, do you think that Joba Chamberlain should be in the bullpen or the starting rotation in NY?

Rob Neyer

  (11:38 PM)

The rotation if he can handle it, physically. The Yankees need to find out.

Ricky (Drexel)

How can anyone doubt Lidge? Time and time again it looks like he's about to blow it, but he ALWAYS comes through. I don't care if he struggles to get a save, as long as he gets the save.

Rob Neyer

  (11:40 PM)

Do you think he's never going to blow another save for as long as he lives? Do you think that when the calendar turns from 2008 to 2009, he'll magically become a lesser pitcher? Lidge is an excellent pitcher who will blow some saves between this moment and eternity. You just have to hope it doesn't happy in the next nine days.

john (kentucky)

don't like this move at all

Rob Neyer

  (11:41 PM)

I'm not wild about the intentional walk, either. But those four pitchers did give Trever Miller a bit long to warm up. Not sure if that was a consideration. Probably not. Probably just about Utley being better than Howard.

Jared (Grand Rapids, MI)

Its a great move. Madden knows that he needs to get out of the inning without allowing a run, and is willing to risk a 3-run shot by Howard to do that.

Rob Neyer

  (11:42 PM)

I don't think it's great, but it makes a bit more sense with one out; I thought there were two.

John (Korea)

Why is it Bruntlett up next and not Greg Dobbs?

Rob Neyer

  (11:45 PM)

Because Dobbs bats left-handed and you're not going to send him against a lefty. Bruntlett's appearance points to how bereft of right-handed hitters the Phillies' bench is.

Kevin (Dallas)

What do you think is the problem with Howard right now?

Rob Neyer

  (11:46 PM)

He's prone to streakiness and he's facing a lot of good pitchers. Ergo.

K (US US)

I'm new to baseball, but why is it bad for a right handed batter to go against a right handed pitcher?

Rob Neyer

  (11:48 PM)

Because when a right-handed pitcher throws a curveball or a slider to a right-handed batter, the batter's first reaction is to flinch, however slightly. Which leaves him at a disadvantage.

Mike (Madison)

Now it's a legitimate question as to why Dobbs isn't hitting

Rob Neyer

  (11:49 PM)

Yes, it is. Why not pinch-hit here with Dobbs or Stairs, then send Taguchi to left field? I'm sure Manuel has his reasons. I just can't imagine what they are.

Brian (Oakhurst, Ca.)

One run ties it. They've done it two out of eight innings...that is a 25 percent likelihood, except that the ace isn't there anymore.

Rob Neyer

  (11:52 PM)

Brian, a question: Who do you think is more likely to pitch a scoreless inning? Cole Hamels? Or Brad Lidge?

russell (Austin)

This is a scary set of hitters. Lidge will have to earn it.

Rob Neyer

  (11:53 PM)

If nothing else, it should be exciting from beginning to end.

Dave O'Neil (Wilmington, MA)

Is MLB really considering adding teams to the playoffs?

Rob Neyer

  (11:53 PM)

Not that I've head, Dave.

david (kentucky)

Do you see eaither of these 2 teams in the playoffs next year?

Rob Neyer

  (11:54 PM)

I think the Rays will come close, but miss. And I think the Phillies will suffer a serious dropoff.

Mike (Boston)

where do you see the red sox next year?

Rob Neyer

  (11:55 PM)

Same as usual, 92-98 wins.

Chris (California)

Any specific reasons for a Phillies drop off?

Rob Neyer

  (11:56 PM)

Moyer and Lidge will both return to being mere mortals, and there's nobody around to pick up the slack. Of course, things could change this winter.

Madeline (TN)

Who do you think will end up with K-Rod?

Rob Neyer

  (11:57 PM)

I suspect the Mets will "win" that auction.

Zaid (Austin)

Crawford going yardskie... mark my words Robbie

Rob Neyer

  (11:58 PM)

Well, he'd better. I wonder if right-handed hitters should just be prohibited from batting against Lidge.

paul (GB green bay green bay)

96%

Stephen (PA)

one more strike!

Pete (Ohio)

Is it RBI's or R's BI?

Ross (arkansas)

RBI

Austin (PA)

What is RISP? and WHIP?

Rob Neyer

  (12:01 AM)

Runners in Scoring Position. Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched.

michael (IL)

Phillies in 5 for sure

Rob Neyer

  (12:02 AM)

For sure, my Rays-in-5 prediction isn't looking too hot. Thanks for all the questions, but I have to go rest up for Game 2. Until then don't forget: "If you read too many books your head will fall off."