ESPN

Buzzmaster

  (5:22 PM)

Rob Neyer will be by to chat during Game 5 of the World Series tonight at 8:20 p.m. ET!

Rob Neyer

  (8:20 PM)

It's 8:20 and I'm going to get this out of the way right now . . . I'm pulling for the Rays tonight. I'm sorry if that offends anyone, really I am. But I'm just not ready for the baseball season to end, and as a fan I'll be disappointed if there's not at least one more game. With that in mind...

Cali Pete (Mountain View)

Rob, I thought they announced all the big award winners during the W.S? Do they do it afterwards to keep MLB in the media?

Rob Neyer

  (8:23 PM)

I could be wrong about this, Pete, but I believe the policy began way back in the 1920s after Roger Peckinpaugh -- who was named A.L. MVP before or during the 1925 World Series -- made eight errors during the Series.

Blaine (Nebraska)

I'd have to agree with you Rob, if the Phillies win I'll be forced to be spend more time with my wife... or more or less do more around the house.

Rob Neyer

  (8:24 PM)

You ought to see my list of chores, Blaine. Ugh.

Murphia, DC

Yeah - but who do you actually think will win?

Rob Neyer

  (8:25 PM)

Phillies obviously deserve to be favored in this game. I'm not smart enough to know who's actually going to win.

Brice (Cherry Hill, NJ)

Rob you pulling for the Rays surprises no one. Most of the national media have been clearly biased towards the Rays until it became clear they weren't the team everyone thought they were.

Rob Neyer

  (8:27 PM)

Sure, Brice. The last four games have told us something the previous 173 did not. Thanks.

Steve (Bethlehem, PA)

Could you give us some analysis of the expert predictions? Something like preseason predictions, preplayoff predictions and pre world series predictions. Anyone can break down what happened, the great analysts are good at seeing what will happen before it does. It would be nice to see espn.com do this for all major sports. Give some credit to the one's who got it right and point at the one's who got it wrong.

Rob Neyer

  (8:29 PM)

I think that's a fine idea, Steve. But I suspect some of the analysts who don't fare too well might have a problem with it. Anyway, there are people doing the analysis you seek; you just have to look around a little to find it.

Colin North Carolina

I think the Rays will come back and win it all what do you think?

Rob Neyer

  (8:31 PM)

I think if they win tonight they've got a fighting chance. But it's really pointless to think beyond tonight, yet. Because lately they haven't been playing well enough to beat the Pirates, let alone the Phillies.

Carrie (Philadelphia)

So what is going on? Have they started? Nothing is on the screen yet

Rob Neyer

  (8:33 PM)

Just started, and Iwamura flew to deep left, Crawford hit a liner to Rollins, who dropped the ball but still had time to throw out Crawford, who stopped on the way to first base before taking off again (too late).

Jeff (Delaware)

Another example of poor basefunning this series

Rob Neyer

  (8:33 PM)

Yeah, but most players do that. The ball was in Rollins' glove and popped out.

Cole Hamels (Philadelphia)

Man, that was quick work.

Rob Neyer

  (8:34 PM)

Super-quick. Two minutes. At least none of the outs were Pena or Longoria. So hope lives...

Jonah Hahn (Northampton, MA)

Do you think Maddon will do whatever it takes to win this game, even if it means putting the team in a tough position to win Game 6?

Rob Neyer

  (8:35 PM)

Sure, but I don't know what that might be, aside from using David Price for four innings or something. Because everyone would have a day off.

jtmckee starkville, ms

i hate cold weather gameshow stupid is it of the owners not to play the fall classic a week or two earlier?

Rob Neyer

  (8:36 PM)

Next year the World Series will probably run into November. And yes, it seems to me like a lousy idea. But frankly, this is how the players and the owners want it. And I don't see them changing anything.

Jolie (Philly)

is there a reason nothing is showing on the game cast screen other then this chat??

Rob Neyer

  (8:38 PM)

Sounds like a glitch to me. I'm sure someone's working on it.

Josh (Louisville, kY)

Is the Brewers reported offer of 4yrs/$100 mil more postering or do they really think he'll take the shorter years at higher base? He'd get to be a free agent again sooner. . .

Rob Neyer

  (8:39 PM)

You mean Sabathia . . . He can probably get just as much per season, with more years, from another team. That's a face-saving offer.

matt (dc)

close and re-open gamecast to make it work right

Matt (Davie, FL)

Rollins flies out to left, for those of you that can't see anything

Cliff (LA)

How can the Phils be predicted on the computer as 60% chance of winning at the beginning?

Rob Neyer

  (8:41 PM)

Cliff, they weren't 60% at the beginning; they were 60% after the top of the first, which makes sense because they're at home and have (potentially) three more outs at their disposal than the Rays'.

Alex (Chapel Hill)

Rob, How would you rate this series thus far? There has been poor play on both sides (baserunning gaffes, Phils lack of a hit with RISP, and Pena and Longoria not hitting) and the officiating has had its fair share of poor calls as well.

Rob Neyer

  (8:41 PM)

The first three games were dramatic enough, but there's been nothing pretty about this Series.

Matt (Ocala)

Werth takes a walk, for those who can't see.

Rob Neyer

  (8:42 PM)

Followed by Utley getting plunked. Howard's up. Uh-oh...

Eric (Muncie, IN)

Rob, after seeing numerous umpiring errors in this series, do you think that there's a chance instant replay will be expanded next year to be able to review more plays?

Rob Neyer

  (8:43 PM)

No way. The system won't change much until -- at the very earliest -- Selig is no longer Commissioner *and* a big game is decided by a blown call.

Greg (Canada)

You've said experience doesn't matter in the playoffs - 8 consec. games with errors for the Rays, and the heart of their order seems to be pressing and don't know how to deal with it. No fancy stats sorry, but seems like a more veteran team might not be having such problems.

Rob Neyer

  (8:45 PM)

Greg, all I know is that there's historically been no correlation between experience and postseason success. That doesn't necessarily mean this particular team hasn't suffered from inexperience. Anything's possible.

Ryan (PA)

I am only watching gamecast but I am assuming howard saw all breaking balls?

Rob Neyer

  (8:45 PM)

Nope. I'm just sort of watching with one eye, but the strikeout pitch was a 94-m.p.h. fastball on the inner half.

Avi (Bakersfield)

I'm calling it. Burrell will be walked!

Rob Neyer

  (8:47 PM)

He was. In Kazmir's defense, balls 3 and 4 were both just an inch or three inside. Great job by Burrell, great job by the umpire. Still, it seems like TB's pitchers start every game like this.

Chris (Massachusetts)

Do you think the rays have enough to win tonight? They have plenty of talent, the hits aren't coming at the times they need to .

Rob Neyer

  (8:48 PM)

At the moment Kazmir looks utterly outclassed by Hamels. But these things can change on a dime...

Aaron (Proctorville)

Im callin it Victorino Grand Slam

Rob Neyer

  (8:50 PM)

Nope, but the two-run single will do, as Kazmir forced to throw one down the middle. Fair or not, if the Rays don't win this game, the stories of the Series -- from their perspective -- will be Longoria and Pena's struggles, and the starters' inability to get ahead in counts. Which of course they've been doing all year.

Eli (TN)

Ruiz will hit a bases-clearing double right here....

Rob Neyer

  (8:52 PM)

Perhaps, but I can't figure out why Maddon doesn't already have somebody getting loose in the bullpen . . . Anyway, Ruiz is out. Kazmir's thrown 29 pitches already. But we've still got a game.

Bob (Boston)

Might we have overstated Pena and Longoria's abilities given their performance in the ALCS? Pena did only hit .247 in the regular season. And Longoria .274

Rob Neyer

  (8:56 PM)

Of course we would look at their regular-season numbers when trying to predict their World Series numbers. But they've both been far, far worse than we might reasonably have guessed. And now both of them have gone out on one pitch apiece. Frankly, the Rays seem to be in full panic mode.

Rob (Fort Lauderdale)

Wow there was some seriously uneven umpiring behind the plate in the first inning. Hamels got two strike calls on pitches just off the corners. Meanwhile Kazmir got 3 ball calls on pitches in the same locations (2-2 count on werth, and ball 3 and 4 on burell). Seems like all the breaks are going against the rays.

Rob Neyer

  (8:57 PM)

Rob, according to Fox's PitchTrax each of those pitches from Kazmir were called correctly.

chris (delaware)

why isnt the rays hitter working the count and getting cole to break a sweat? He will be fresh into the 7th or longer at this rate. Just not good at bats so far.

Rob Neyer

  (8:58 PM)

Nope. But now they don't trust themselves, so they're hacking at the first strike they see. Or in Pena's case, he bunted the first pitch he saw.

Paul (Seoul)

Seems like all the calls are going against the Rays, if you're a Rays fan.

Rob Neyer

  (8:58 PM)

Yes!

Hank (Dallas, TX)

What do you make of Rocco for next year?

Rob Neyer

  (9:00 PM)

I don't know enough about his medical condition, Hank. But it's hard to commit a great deal of money to a guy who can't play on consecutive days, and sometimes needs to come out after six or seven innings.

jason (Burbank, CA)

although the umpiring seems to have been less than stellar in this world series, don't you think the bad calls have been about even for the two teams?

Rob Neyer

  (9:00 PM)

Yes. If the Phillies win tonight, the faulty umpiring is going to be way down the list of stories.

Adam (Lancaster)

Who is your NL Cy Young

Rob Neyer

  (9:03 PM)

Lincecum, probably. Or Lidge or Santana. I haven't actually run through all the numbers yet, will do that next week.

Matt (Bay Area)

Kazmir is going to get on a roll...this is going to be close from here on out tonight.

Rob Neyer

  (9:05 PM)

I hope you're right, Matt. Because if this one gets out of hand we're going to have to talk about something else. And I have another chat tomorrow morning for that!

John (Newark, DE)

How did the Phillies score the 2 runs?

Rob Neyer

  (9:05 PM)

bad pitching

Brett (CT)

What time is the chat tomorrow, Rob?

Rob Neyer

  (9:05 PM)

Noon Eastern, just like every Tuesday all the year 'round.

Ike (Boston)

Kazmir already over 40 pitches in the second. Is Tampa in trouble if they have to go to the bullpen early after pulling their starter in the 5th inning last night?

Rob Neyer

  (9:07 PM)

I don't think so, Ike. David Price is well-rested. I suspect he's the first man out of the bullpen and is good for two innings, maybe three.

Collin (Boston)

When will the winners of the regular season be announced?

Rob Neyer

  (9:08 PM)

You mean the regular-season awards, Collin? That begins next week, finishes up the week after that.

Phil (CT)

Are those earflap hats gonna be available for sale? I don't see them at the mlb.com shop.

Rob Neyer

  (9:10 PM)

Those are sort of fun, aren't they? I know they might offend some tender sensibilities, but if they're going to make guys play in this sort of weather, they should be allowed to stay warm *and* look reasonably good.

Juan (Atlanta)

This Tampa Bay team reminds me of the Detroit Tigers a couple years ago. They both were extremely bad teams somehow having a magical season and make it to the World Series. Tampa will lose just like Detroit did and continue to have bad seasons.

Rob Neyer

  (9:12 PM)

Not sure how bad the Tigers were in 2006 . . . they did win 88 games the next year. I wonder if we might compare these Rays to last year's Rockies.

Dave ((Spokane, WA))

Rob, what are the chances that Pena and/or Longaria get subbed for a pinch hitter late in the game if they're still in a slump?

Rob Neyer

  (9:13 PM)

Very close to zero.

Miles (Malibu, CA)

The difference between this year's rays and last year's rockies is that the Rockies were a miserable team for the vast majority of the season and then just got hot. These Rays played good baseball all season. I think that indicates that they're probably the real deal.

Rob Neyer

  (9:14 PM)

Well, they weren't exactly *miserable* for much of last season. But they weren't good and they definitely overachieved, and I agree that these Rays are a better team and a better bet for continued success.

Drew (New Orleans)

Is this the worst the 3 and 4 hitters of any team have ever done in a world series?

Rob Neyer

  (9:16 PM)

It almost has to be. But Pena and Longoria are 4 and 5 tonight, which is going to mess up the comparisons. Unless Crawford takes the collar tonight.

Mike (Durham)

A lot has been made of the Phillies scouting of the Rays hitters -- especially Pena and Longoria. Is this angle a little bit overblown? I have a hard time believing that the entire AL had no clue to pitch Pena up and Longoria down.

Rob Neyer

  (9:19 PM)

I share your skepticism, Mike. Are we to believe that the Red Sox didn't have exactly the same scouting reports? That's a pretty smart organization, last I checked. I'm sure everybody tries to do roughly the same things against those guys. But you have to execute, and when you don't execute you have to get a little lucky. That's what's happened so far.

Josh (Tennessee)

Don't worry in the offseason Pena and Longoria will work on low and high hitting.

Rob Neyer

  (9:19 PM)

LSTM

Pat (Gettysburg)

Do you think Howard will get MVP?

Rob Neyer

  (9:20 PM)

You mean in this Series? Not if he keeps striking out. You mean for the season? No, because the voters won't have liked his batting average and OBP.

Ramon (SF, CA)

Kazmir has settled, but it proves to be too late. This game ends 2-0.

Rob Neyer

  (9:23 PM)

A bit unlikely, don't you think? How many of Hamels' starts this season ended as team shutouts? By the way, it's raining in Philadelphia, but just lightly. There's some serious rain west of the city, but it looks like it might slide past.

Sean (NC)

If not Howard, who for the regular season MVP?

Rob Neyer

  (9:24 PM)

You got me, Sean. But with no obvious frontrunner, Manny Ramirez might actually win it.

Paul (LA)

Pedroia MVP AL?

Rob Neyer

  (9:25 PM)

I think he's probably the No. 1 candidate, based purely on the buzz in September. But K-Rod will get some support, and so will Youkilis. Morneau, too.

Paolo (PA)

If Moyer inches closer to 300 wins and gets this ring, do you got him in the Hall of Fame?

Rob Neyer

  (9:26 PM)

He would have to win 300, Paolo. And even that might not be enough. Right now he's in the Jim Kaat/Tommy John category, at best.

Nick (NY)

Wouldn't Utley and Pujols both be viable MVP candidates in the NL? ya know guys who spent the whole season in the league.

Rob Neyer

  (9:27 PM)

Right. I think Pujols is actually going to win.

Brad (Fl)

Finally Peña!

Rob Neyer

  (9:28 PM)

Hey, how'd you do that tilde? Anyway, long fly for Pena off the RF wall, not played particularly well by Werth...

mike (nyc)

longoria homerun!!!

Rob Neyer

  (9:29 PM)

Single, you mean. And there goes the shutout. I hope nobody's surprised that these guys have now picked up some hits.

Chris (Hawaii)

Rob, could you please answer one question: you said that there's no such thing as clutch hitting. What's the explanation for a guy like Hanley Ramirez, who hits .300, but only like .230 or something with runners on base?

Rob Neyer

  (9:32 PM)

I don't know, Chris . . . His career stats are lousy with runners in scoring position, but find in late-and-close situations. This is probably a sample-size thing. You take enough players and you'd expect to find some who don't look good in particular breakdowns, due purely to random chance.

Go Phills! (PA)

You are so biased... I can't stand to read your blog... really it would be nice if you tried to show some nonbiased writing....

Rob Neyer

  (9:35 PM)

I'll work on it . . . But if I'm so biased, how can I write non-biased. So confusing...

Yoshi (miami)

How has Pujols not been mentioned as the mvp? Average, homeruns, rbis are all amongst the best in the league

Rob Neyer

  (9:36 PM)

He's been mentioned quite often, Yosh. But you know that voters prefer candidates on playoff teams.

Mark (Ohio)

that could be a disaster

Rob Neyer

  (9:38 PM)

Gee, you'd think. But Hamels seems perfectly fine after taking that pitch off his index finger while trying to bunt. We'll see. Hard to figure how that doesn't swell up over the next few minutes...

ryan (philly philly)

would that be a hit batter?

Rob Neyer

  (9:39 PM)

Isn't there some rule about the hand being a part of the bat? I've never seen exactly that happen.

JAZZ (PA)

he offered at it so it does not matter

Rob Neyer

  (9:40 PM)

Oh, of course. Thanks.

BCW (Brooklyn)

What are the chances of a delay?

Rob Neyer

  (9:41 PM)

Pretty good, I think. But no standing water on the field yet, and I think it would have to rain a bit harder for that to happen.

dan (PA)

Would they call the game after six? or not so in playoffs?

Rob Neyer

  (9:42 PM)

I don't know, Dan. I certainly can't recall a game that was outright ended before nine innings. I mean, other than ties.

Zak (Illadelphia)

it would be after 5, but you have to complete the entire 9 in the postseason

Rob Neyer

  (9:42 PM)

That makes sense, thanks.

Tom (MD)

I still think Kazmir looks lost out there.

Rob Neyer

  (9:44 PM)

Nah, I think he's just a good pitcher facing a good lineup in difficult conditions. Remember, he's always been a high-pitch guy. That's his Kryptonite.

aladdin (stamford, ct)

zak, your actually wrong...the same rules apply here as they do in the regular season...however, i cannot see mlb ending a teams season on a rain delay

Rob Neyer

  (9:44 PM)

Another country heard from . . . If someone can actually document the rule, I'll be grateful.

al (maine)

over 80 pitches. how many can he handle?

Rob Neyer

  (9:45 PM)

I'm sure he can go 110, but I'll be surprised if we see him in the sixth inning.

Stan (Philadelphia)

Great AB by Werth, making Kazmir throw pitches.

Rob Neyer

  (9:46 PM)

He's making up for Pena's double that maybe could have been caught.

ryan (philly)

wow 5 fouls

Rob Neyer

  (9:47 PM)

Followed by Ball 4. The pitching coach is out there now. It's getting muddy on the mound, nobody's warming up in the bullpen, and clearly Maddon is just hoping Kazmir can get one more out ...

Peyton Manning (Tennessee)

4.12 A-7,8,9 state that the rules are not eligible during postseason play, meaning the full game must be played.

Rob Neyer

  (9:49 PM)

That's funny . . . My 4.12(a) doesn't go past (5) ...

Nova (Chitown)

PLEASE, let Howard hit a Grand Slam!!!

Rob Neyer

  (9:50 PM)

Utley's up and . . . grounder to Iwamura, Kazmir escapes a big-time jam. And as hard as it's raining, I wonder how long this can continue...

Jon (Philly)

A rain delay would be a disaster for MLB.

Rob Neyer

  (9:52 PM)

How so? It might just ratchet up the drama a bit. And this Series could use some drama.

Cliff (C-ville, VA)

Rob, did you really check your 4.12(a)?

Rob Neyer

  (9:53 PM)

Yep. I have the book right next to me. Ask anything!

Josh (Lincoln, NE)

Wow...don't see that everyday.

Rob Neyer

  (9:55 PM)

No, you don't! For those not watching, Baldelli lifted a high pop-up that Rollins camped under, but he kept drifting and drifting before lunging and taking the ball off his left wrist. It's windy and it's really raining . . . but Utley turns a nifty double play, so it's moot.

Bill (Philly)

Does the rain help the pitchers or hitters?

Rob Neyer

  (9:58 PM)

Great question, Bill. It's harder for the pitcher to grip the ball, but it's harder for the hitter to drive the ball, harder for any runners to get a head of steam going. I wish they'd just stop the game, because it's becoming something other than real baseball.

Mike Vick (Cell Block 984532)

They just said on ESPN radio that this is an offical game now.

Rob Neyer

  (9:59 PM)

Thanks, Mike. Keep on keepin'.

That guy (Over there)

Did you see the Jose Canseco documentary? What did you think?

Rob Neyer

  (10:00 PM)

I didn't see it, and wouldn't watch unless it was Emmy-quality.

Will (rochester, ny)

I cannot believe Kazmir is still in this game!

Rob Neyer

  (10:01 PM)

He just walked Howard on four pitches, none of them particularly close. I think Maddon has to do whatever he can to slow this game down, because at the moment his pitcher can't even get his footing.

gritty (Phx)

This is insane.

Rob Neyer

  (10:02 PM)

Unfortunately, the umpires are simply following instructions. I'm sure they'd rather not be out there.

Peter (NY)

No way they end the World Series after 5 innings, right?

Rob Neyer

  (10:03 PM)

Well, first we'd have a long delay, Peter. After that, I just don't know.

Brian (LA)

Is it raining hard there?

Rob Neyer

  (10:04 PM)

Yeah, and Jon Miller's wondering why the grounds crew hasn't applied any of that absorbent stuff to the wet parts of the infield.

Rob Neyer

  (10:04 PM)

Here comes 3-2 pitch to Burrell . . . foul.

carl (sacramento CA)

rob...are you at the game..? or watching on tv??

Rob Neyer

  (10:06 PM)

I'm 3,000 miles away, watching TV and listening to Jon and Joe on the radio.

simon (tx)

WHERE DID THAT PITCH MISS ROB?

Rob Neyer

  (10:08 PM)

Oops. Looks the ump might have missed that one, as Fox Trax shows it on the bottom edge of the zone. That's a tough one for the umpire, but you'd think in these conditions he might be a little lenient on the corners. Anyway, Kazmir's out, Balfour's in, and the Rays are in real danger.

capelax (Delaware)

How has Balfour been this year?

Rob Neyer

  (10:11 PM)

He was fantastic this season, but a little shaky this month. At least the grounds crew is finally doing some work on the mound. Way too late for Kazmir.

tim (philly)

it is going to be crazy downdown tonight if we win. the streets are already starting to flood!

Rob Neyer

  (10:12 PM)

Well, I've seen a lot of questions tonight about the potential for rioting . . . I suppose the cops are happy right now.

Scott (Huntsville, AL)

Let's not forget that Hamels is pitching from the same mound.

Rob Neyer

  (10:13 PM)

Does anyone else care to point out the logical fallacy of Scott's comment?

Nick (Raleigh)

What is that fallacy, Rob?

Rob Neyer

  (10:15 PM)

Well, since nobody else noticed . . . Kazmir was the *last* pitcher to work off that pre-dried mound, and the conditions were worse for him than they were for Hamels.

e (boulder)

Rob, I'm sorry, but the balls and strikes have been called terribly the entire playoffs. Explain to me again why we don't just use a computer to restore the integrity of this game.

Rob Neyer

  (10:16 PM)

I'm not sure you're right, but the basic answer to your question is that the men who run the game are older than you are. Which isn't a good explanation, but probably the best.

Marshall (NZ)

Surely they have to delay the game if conditions are as bad as you say they are rob?

Rob Neyer

  (10:18 PM)

I've seen games played in worse conditions than this, Marshall. There was a Yankees game this summer, Ken Singleton was beside himself when the umps wouldn't stop it. They've clearly been instructed to play until the players are in serious danger of getting hurt.

Art (Orlando)

I'd call it a steady rain... not a downpour. Am I wrong here?

Rob Neyer

  (10:19 PM)

No, but you get enough steady rain and the field can still become unplayable. Great job by Balfour getting out of the inning. And we've still got a game, albeit a soggy one.

Marcus (Denver)

Who has the ultimate decision to stop a game? Please don't tell me it's Bud!

Rob Neyer

  (10:23 PM)

Marcus, my understanding is that during the regular season it's completely the umpires' decision. But in the postseason it's up to MLB officials. So if Selig's in the park, ultimately it would be his responsibility. Anyway, we're in the sixth and the game goes on...

Dug (Philly)

anyone else experiencing a big delay in between innings/batters?

Rob Neyer

  (10:23 PM)

Dug, right now the game's delayed while the grounds crew works on the infield.

JB (Gainesville)

Rob-- we can all see you lousy the weather is, but what is the strategy offensively?

Rob Neyer

  (10:25 PM)

I think some of the less powerful players have to think about bunting, because you can imagine how hard it might be for the pitcher or the third baseman to field the ball cleanly and get off a good throw.

Zach (MI)

if the Phillies win, whos the mvp of the playoffs?

Rob Neyer

  (10:28 PM)

Looks like Cole Hamels if the Phillies don't lose their lead in this one.

Ryan (Janesville, WI)

Another terrible call!

Rob Neyer

  (10:30 PM)

Hey, at least it was close, maybe two inches outside. Meanwhile, it's now raining harder and Crawford goes down quickly . . . Okay, according to Jon Miller there's no special rule for World Series games. So if this one's stopped tonight for good, the Phillies are World Champs. Which I'm sure they wouldn't mind, but this might go down as the worst World Series ever.

Josh (Fairbanks, AK)

Does the time between innings help or hurt the pitchers?

Rob Neyer

  (10:31 PM)

Hurts. Between the time and the cold, they're not loving life tonight.

Steven (Syracuse)

can upton run here?

Rob Neyer

  (10:31 PM)

No way. Slow track. Unless Upton's a mudder.

Hope this ends in Iron Ranger (Go Twins)

Hey Rob are they fixing or maintaining the field at all between half innings?

Rob Neyer

  (10:33 PM)

Yeah. They've applied Diamond Dust to the mound, and around the infield dirt.

Nick (Vancouver, Canada)

Upton should steal.

Rob Neyer

  (10:34 PM)

Wow, was I ever wrong. Upton stole second and the throw wasn't close. There's a modern infield for you, I guess. Even with puddles, you can still run.

Ali (Boston)

Why does the commentator keep reminding us that this is an offical game? what does he even mean?

Rob Neyer

  (10:35 PM)

He means that if it ended now, for whatever reason -- in this case rain, obviously -- the Phillies would win.

Brian (st louis)

still might take a double or a long single to score

Rob Neyer

  (10:36 PM)

I doubt it, Brian. Not as fast as Upton looked going to second, plus the fielder would be dealing with a soaking wet baseball.

Mike (Miami)

What happens in an official game if the score is tied?

Rob Neyer

  (10:37 PM)

They changed a rule a few years ago, but I believe they would resume from the point of suspension.

Pat (Williamsburg)

How anticlimactic would it be for the World Series to end on a rain-out?

Rob Neyer

  (10:38 PM)

Incredibly. But now Pena's come through, the game is tied, and some important people should now give serious thought to stopping this thing as soon as possible. Except of course the Phillies have to bat or the Rays' run doesn't count.

Joe (Tampa)

The Philies have to bat or the Rays run doesn't count? What kind of crap is that?

Rob Neyer

  (10:40 PM)

No worries, Joe; I'm wrong. According to Jon Miller, the new rule allows the run to stand even if the Phillies don't bat, with the game resumed from exactly this point. Drama!

Klayton (San Jose)

If they stopped the game after the Phillies have batted, wouldn't that mean Cole Hamels would get to continue pitching when they resume play?

Rob Neyer

  (10:41 PM)

Sure, he could. But he's not coming back again tomorrow night.

Nick (Bradenton, FL)

if it were to rain when would the makeup be madeup?

Rob Neyer

  (10:42 PM)

I'm not sure I understand the question . . . But if the game is stopped tonight, they'll resume tomorrow in Philadelphia . . . and finally they're covering the field with the tarp. Did I say finally? Anyway, big break for the Rays.

Brad (GA)

Hey Rob do you stay here all night if necessary?

Rob Neyer

  (10:43 PM)

At some point I have to walk the dog, Brad. So we'll play it by ear...

Tyler (NC)

Why are they delaying it and not stopping it?

Rob Neyer

  (10:45 PM)

Because the absolutely last thing they want to do is play again in Philadelphia tomorrow. But everyone's saying it's going to keep raining all evening. MLB's got access to the same radar we do, and you don't want to be playing baseball at 1 or 2 in the morning. I'll bet this one gets called within the next half-hour.

Ryan (Sydney, AU)

If they were to stop the game tonight and resume it tomorrow, would that affect Wednesday's game (if it got to that)?

Rob Neyer

  (10:47 PM)

I don't think it should, Ryan. The only serious I can imagine is travel: Can the writers and all the MLB personnel get flights to the Tampa Bay area on such short notice? As full as the airplanes are these days? I don't know. But it would help if the game were resumed tomorrow afternoon rather than evening.

Phil (CT)

I don't know about other Phillies fans, but I'm in complete shock right now.

Rob Neyer

  (10:48 PM)

I don't blame you, Phil. And as far as I know, it's been a long, long time since anything like this has happened.

Dan (Mass)

What is the effect on the pitching line up of a restart tomorrow?

Rob Neyer

  (10:50 PM)

My guess: Price would "start" for the Rays and the Phillies would go to their usual bullpen tactics. Because everybody still has to be in place for potential Games 6 and 7.

Chris (Tallahassee, Fl)

Didn't they say tomorrow's weather is supposed to be even worse in philly? That could give 2 rest days for Hamels to be ready in a possible game 7 right?

Rob Neyer

  (10:53 PM)

It'd be three days rest, but only if Game 6 is delayed by a day for travel. Look, this is uncharted territory, and if anybody has all the possibilities figured out, there either in the ballpark right now or watching on big screens in New York.

Timothy (Tatooine)

Wait, wait, wait. IF this game does not continue tomorrow BY SOME DEVINE WILL OR HAPPENING. This game that is suspended comes back to Tampa in the middle of the sixth inning?!

Rob Neyer

  (10:55 PM)

No no no no. Game 5, one way or another, will be finished in Philadelphia. If the Rays win everybody moves to St. Petersburg for Game 6. It's just a question of when all this happens.

Tim (WI)

i'm not watching...any signs of movement?; or is getting worse?

Rob Neyer

  (10:58 PM)

Tim, my local ESPN Radio has switched to something else and my local Fox just finished showing a terrible episode of M*A*S*H*. So I don't know anything you don't. I will get an update from the ballpark the moment anything's announced. In the meantime, check the radar at your favorite weather site (I like www.wunderground.com).

Art (Los Angeles)

I couldve swore I heard the broadcaster say that if this game is postponed they would restart a new game from the beginning. Please clarify????

Rob Neyer

  (11:00 PM)

Art, that would have been the case only if the game wasn't "official"; that is, if they hadn't played more than four innings (roughly speaking).

Eric (Allentown, PA)

Hey, MASH is amazing!

Rob Neyer

  (11:02 PM)

Not the last few seasons. The scripts are sanctimonious and the actors can't even be bothered to look anything like soldiers.

Josh (Toledo, OH)

Carlos Pena saved the Rays big time by driving in the tying run. Had he not done that and the game got called, then the Phillies would be world champs right now.

Rob Neyer

  (11:06 PM)

I wonder if we'll ever know, Josh. It sure felt like the game wasn't going to be stopped before the Rays scored or it went nine innings. But maybe the field really would have been completely unplayable before either of those things happened.

Kyle (TX)

No It's always sunny in phillidelphia comments?

Rob Neyer

  (11:07 PM)

There were a few. I was waiting for the perfect comment.

Mark (Tucson)

if MLB would have called the game before completion, we'd have had another firestorm like the All-Star game in Milw

Rob Neyer

  (11:08 PM)

True. It would have been an absolute disaster, PR-wise. I know it doesn't seem fair to Phillies fans, but I'm not sure MLB could have handled this any better.

Denny (Philadelphia)

Can someone please update me with what is going on in this game? Going to be called? I am in the library but can't see a live game!

Rob Neyer

  (11:13 PM)

Denny, nothing's going on. We've been in a rain delay for 20-25 minutes now, with no end in sight. I suspect they're going to call this thing eventually, but apparently right now everyone's hoping for a meteorological miracle.

Ben Franklin (A grave)

it's officially suspended

Rob Neyer

  (11:16 PM)

Yep, just got the word from our people in Philadelphia: Game 5 is officially suspended, but no word yet on when tomorrow they'll try to resume play. When they do, it'll be the bottom of the 6th inning, score 2-2. When it does happen, I'll be here with you. Until then don't forget: "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken."

Carol (St.Pete)

The good news is for you Philly fans, you still have a 61% chance of winning!

Rob Neyer

  (11:17 PM)

Nice sign-off, Carol!